100 Years of Disney: Itinerary For A Day at Disneyland

 
 

Wow, to think that one man with a dream created a huge legacy that marks its 100th anniversary this year! I’ve always been a big guru of all things Disney- yes, I’m a Disney adult 😂 Both my sister and I grew up with the movies, going to the parks, and were blessed enough to experience Disney Channel at its prime! Any High School Musical or Hannah Montana fans reading this?

To this day, I still love all things that have to do with Disney- I’m literally drinking coffee out of a Mickey Mouse mug as I write this post! There’s just so much joy and nostalgia that it brings me. And as a Christian, it honestly is a unique way for me to experience Jesus. It brings out my childlike faith in which He invites us to embrace (see Matthew 18:2-3). I also love the fact that Walt Disney himself stated how he wanted to create something that both children and adults could enjoy. Of course, this idea led to the creation of Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, which is what I’m gonna be talking about today!

Earlier this year, a friend of mine asked me for Disneyland recommendations as her, her husband, and their daughter would be going for a day in the summer. I’ve been to Disneyland three times, so I without hesitation wrote down an itinerary for them. For this blog post, I’m going to be sharing that exact same itinerary if anyone is planning an upcoming trip to the park in honor of the 100th anniversary!

What to pack: 

  • Fanny pack- it’s so easy to carry around, especially on rides! 

  • Portable charger for phones

  • Sunglasses

  • LOTS of sunscreen!! 

  • Deodorant, cuz it gets sweaty in Southern California lol

  • Comfy walking sneakers 

  • Snacks if you want to stay energized and save some money. Of course though, you’ll have to treat yo selves to some Mickey Mouse shaped goodies!

  • Water bottles- the parks allow you to bring your own! 


Other suggestions:

  • Download the Disneyland app, it will show you all the showtimes/parade times, as well as how long wait times are for rides! 

  • Make restaurant reservations far in advance 

  • Use Genie+ for rides, it’s $15 but totally worth it and saves time when waiting in line! 

restuarant recommendations: 

  • Refreshment Cafe

  • Red Rose Taverne 

  • Cafe Orleans

  • Tiki Juice Bar

  • Plaza Inn 

  • Gibson Girl Ice Cream Parlor 

  • Boardwalk Pizza & Pasta

Best attractions (in my opinion):

  • Space Mountain

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

  • Pirate’s of the Caribbean

  • Indiana Jones Adventure

  • Haunted Mansion

  • Jungle Cruise

  • Splash Mountain 

  • Matterhorn Bobsleds

  • Star Tours

  • Guardians of the Galaxy Mission: BREAKOUT! 

  • Grizzly Peak Recreational Area

  • Rise of the Resistance 

  • Storybook Land Canal Boats (it’s especially cool and beautiful at nighttime!) 

  • Snow White’s Enchanted Wish 

  • Peter Pan’s Flight

  • Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters 

  • Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railroad

  • Toy Story Midway Mania! 

  • Soarin’ Over California

  • Radiator Springs Racers

  • Incredicoaster 

  • Turtle Talk with Crush 

  • Sleeping Beauty Castle Walkthrough 

  • Fantasmic! 

Best locations for photo ops: 

  • In front of Sleeping Beauty castle (duh) 

  • Snow White’s Wishing Well (where I am pictured at the top of the post!)

  • Storybook Land Canal Boats 

  • Main Street, USA 

  • Paradise Pier in front of the Mickey Mouse ferris wheel 

  • Entrance to Disneyland 

If you’re planning a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida and want recommendations, I wrote a travel guide blog post last year when I visited. I hope that helps as well!

Favorite Spots in Florence, Italy

 
 

Planning a trip to Florence, Italy and looking for local recommendations? Four years ago (ugh, how has it been that long?!) exactly I just came back home from living in the European city for a whole month while studying abroad in college and got to know a lot about the area, so I got you covered!

I was originally planning on posting this blog a year after my trip to Italy as a well to celebrate, but it felt like an awkward time due to the global pandemic 😂 But hey, but later late than never! So without further ado, here’s a list of my favorite places and things to do in Florence:

Food:

  • Pino’s Sandwiches

    One of my favorite places to go for lunch. The owner actually held a food tasting for me and some other students in my classes, and their paninis are insanely delicious!

  • The Small

    This was the first restaurant I went to when I first got to Italy. My friend Jill and I went for some white wine and pasta, and it was a perfect way to celebrate the start of a month-long trip!

  • Regine Pizzeria

    I absolutely loved the environment and setting of this place. Their pizzas and red wine is absolutely divine!

  • Fionrino D’Oro

    Their calzones are ginormous. That’s not even an exaggeration, just check it out for yourself!

  • I Ghibellini

    My friends and I came here after class for a pizza party and it was divine. It also has a great patio for outdoor seating!

  • 1950 American Diner

    If you’re feeling homesick, definitely check this place out for some traditional American meals. It literally looks like a diner out of the 50s, and they play songs from Grease in the background which I think is so fun!

  • Ristorante Tijuana

    Some of the BEST frozen strawberry margaritas I’ve ever had!

  • Trattoria Zà Zà Firenze

    I went here with some friends for dinner during our last week in Florence, which was honestly kind of bittersweet. But their pizza is so good and it’s cute inside!

Cafes (Coffee & Pastries):

  • Shake Cafe

    I went here for lunch quite a few times after classes. One of the BEST açaí bowls I’ve ever had, as well as iced Americano and pastries!

  • The Habitat

    While I was abroad, I probably came to this particular spot at least two or three times a week, and I would always go in the morning to catch breakfast before class. It was a very short walk to my apartment which made it so convenient (and dangerous lol). They seriously have THE best Nutella croissants I’ve ever had!

  • Corona Cafe

    I came here a few times for breakfast before class as well. It’s one of the most popular places for coffee and pastries in Florence, and their doughnuts and croissants are phenomenal!

  • La Milkeria

    Their Nutella crepes are AMAZING! It’s also for sure one of the cutest cafes in all of Florence!

Gelato:

  • Piazza Della Signoria

    This definitely was my absolute favorite shop to go for some gelato. You can two flavors to choose from and they’re very big scoops, and they top it off with some waffle wafers! 1,000/10 recommend 😋

  • Amorino Gelato Al Naturale

    To be honest, I mostly tried this place out because of the aesthetics and how they made the gelato look like rose petals, basically just so I could get a cute pic for my Instagram 😂 They do have amazing flavors and cones!

  • Gelato Artigianale

    Another favorite for gelato, and it was the closest to my apartment. Their chocolate is my favorite go-to flavor here!

Bars:

  • The Lion’s Fountain

    The oldest Irish pub in town, with some of the best bar food and drinks. They’re also a very big college bar, even having souvenirs on the walls and ceiling from the biggest universities across America! It’s so fun and worth checking out!

  • Reserve

    There’s a WIDE variety of drinks and cocktails to choose from. The inside decor and style is so cool, too!

  • Daunbailo Irish Pub

    Another Irish pub that my friends and I visited occasionally. The bartenders are super friendly, as well as make amazing drinks and food!

  • Move On

    My friends and I came here after our classes were over one day and had some wine. It’s a nice and chill environment, especially after being stuck inside for class all day and still feeling jet-lagged! 🤣

Museums:

  • Palazzo Vecchio

    This by far has to be one of the best museums for tourists to check out! The architecture and art galleries is absolutely surreal. It’s truly breathtaking!

  • Pitti Palace and Boboli Gardens

    Another iconic location for tourists! The gardens and galleries are absolutely stunning, and we actually had a scavenger hunt here for a class! Just be make sure to bring comfy shoes and water because there’s a great amount of walking lol 😅

Churches:

  • The Duomo

    Probably the most iconic architectural building in the whole city, as one as the whole country of Italy for that matter! One of my biggest regrets during my trip was not climbing up to the top, but it was still surreal to walk past it every day. I definitely recommend checking it out inside, even if you prefer not to go up to the top!

Shopping:

  • Motivi

    I got a sheer maxi skirt from here and a yellow off-the-shoulder dress that I wore for my sister’s rehearsal dinner and a cousin’s wedding a few months after! I’m wearing it in this blog post 💛


Have any of y’all traveled to Florence and have any recommendations I didn’t list? Comment below and share them!

Birthday Vacay: Disney Bound

 
 

As eager as I am now that June has arrived, I’m still experiencing some post-Disney trip depression and want to rewind back to a few weeks ago to relive it!

If you know me well, you know how much of a Disney fanatic I am and that Walt Disney World is one of my favorite places in the whole world. So much so that I have the map of Magic Kingdom memorized in my head! All of the trips I’ve been on in the past have been amazing, but I honestly might have to admit that this recent one marks as the top favorite. Not only did I get to celebrate my 26th year of life at the happiest place on earth, but I got to spend it with my best friends Katie and Zoe! It’s really surreal because I’ve always prayed and dreamed about a girls’ trip to Disney someday. I figured it wouldn’t happen till later, but it kind of happened spontaneously and it worked out even better than I could have planned! I’m so thankful for my girls, Florida, and all the magic and joy Disney and the employees bring to people of all ages!

I won’t go into a crazy amount of detail about this trip, I’ll share a mini travel diary of where we stayed, what we did, where/what we ate, etc. Enjoy! ❤️

Where We Stayed

Fairfield Inn & Suites Orlando Lake Buena Vista in the Marriott Village - It’s very close to Walt Disney World, and the Disney Shuttles come at certain times every day to pick up guests. This is a great way to save money for transportation if you’re staying outside the resort, and it’s a very nice hotel with great staff!

Day 1: Magic Kingdom

 
 

What Rides We Rode:

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad

  • Space Mountain

  • Haunted Mansion

  • Pirates of the Caribbean

  • Jungle Cruise

  • Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin

  • Tomorrowland Speedway

  • Under the Sea: Journey of the Little Mermaid

What/Where We Ate:

  • The Plaza Restaurant

    We ate here for a late lunch. We had reservations during the 3:00 pm Festival of Fantasy Parade, so it wasn’t too busy! Plus, the staff was so amazing and sweet! My friends and I split the plaza loaded fries as an appetizer, then I had the turkey club sandwich for lunch and a glass of the Kunde Sauvignon Blanc!

  • Main Street Bakery

    There’s a Starbucks located in here!

  • Frontierland Churro Cart

    We came here for pretzels, but also a great place to get a yummy churro!

  • Ice Cream & Frozen Treats Cart

    Also located all around the park and where to go to get the iconic Mickey Mouse ice cream sandwiches and bars, as well as frozen bananas!

What Shows/Parades We Watched:

  • Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor

    We weren’t originally planning on coming it, but I’m super glad we did. It’s hilarious and super interactive with the audience. It makes me watch to watch Monsters, Inc. again!

  • Festival of Fantasy Parade

    They have a 12:00 pm and a 3:00 pm show. Try to find a curbside spot ten minutes before it starts to get a good seat!

  • Disney Enchantment

    This is their newest fireworks show, it’s pure magic!

Day 2: Off Day & Disney Springs

 
 

We made a rest day in between our two days at the parks because we were POOPED after Magic Kingdom, lol! It was the perfect day to spend at our hotel’s outdoor pool (as well as going to the nearby Chick-Fil-A for brunch), then head to Disney Springs for a fun girls’ night out!

What/Where We Ate:

  • House of Blues Restaurant & Bar

    The perfect restaurant to sit outside and listen to live music!

  • Coca Cola Store Rooftop Beverage Bar

    I recommend getting the Cuba Libre if you like both Coca Cola and rum!

  • Dockside Margaritas

    A bit pricy for margs, but their frozen ones are delicious and they have a 1960s Florida-inspired waterfront lounge that’s great for chillin’ and watching the sunset!

  • Goofy’s Candy Company

    I’ve come here every time I’ve gone on a Disney trip. They have so many amazing sweet treats in their bakery! I got a tasty marshmallow and red velvet Mickey Mouse-shaped cake pop. They also have fantastic cookies, cupcakes and so much more!

Where We Shopped:

 
 

What Rides We Rode:

  • Expedition Everest

  • Kilomijaro Safaris

  • Kali River Rapids

  • DINOSAUR

  • Avatar Flight of Passage

What/Where We Ate:

  • Tiffins Restaurant

    This place is a bit more on the pricy side but it was such a wonderful experience. Katie and I split the cheese and meats board, and I got plant-based tacos and the green shimmering margarita for my main meal. Our waiter also surprised me with a cookies & creme mousse/brownie dessert with “Happy Birthday” written in chocolate on the plate! It was so sweet, as well as delicious of course!

  • Dino-Diner

    This is the place in Animal Kingdom to get churros!

  • Creature Comforts

    There’s a Starbucks located in here, and the staff is so sweet. They wrote “Happy Birthday” on my coffee with a mini Mickey Mouse head next to it!

Planning Your Next Trip to Walt Disney World

 
 

Looking to plan a trip to the happiest place on earth? You’ve come to the right Disney guru!

I previously posted another blog post of a recap to my birthday trip to Walt Disney World, but I thought I would make a separate post with more specific details on how to actually plan a trip, so enjoy! ☺️

  • Go during the less busy seasons
    It’s always helpful to know what time of year you plan your trip in order to determine how busy it’s going to be. According to a TripSavvy article, the busiest times of year to visit Walt Disney World is summer and holidays, particularly Christmas and New Years. Since we visited mid-May, the crowds were pretty moderate. Regardless, don’t let the chart dictate your whole plan for your trip, it’s all about what works best for you and the people you’re going with! Orlando is a very popular destination, so just be prepared for big crowds no matter when you go!

  • Use Genie+ for rides

    This used to be the way to get fast passes, but now you pay $15 for a whole day and book certain rides for a certain period of time (ex. being able to ride Pirates of the Caribbean from 12:30 till 1:30) and wait in the Lighting Lane, which usually takes about ten minutes or less. If it weren’t for Genie+, I don’t think we would have rode as many rides as we did. $15 makes it totally worth it!

  • Make restaurant reservations far in advance

    My friends and I tried to book a reservation at Be Our Guest for one of my birthday lunches, but it ended up being fully booked for the day of our visit 😢 If there’s a certain restaurant that you’re eager to dine at, make sure you book a reservation as soon as you figure out what park and day you’re doing!

  • Invest in a fanny pack

    I certainly can’t turn down a cute Disney-themed purse or backpack, but having a fanny pack for any of the parks is a game-changer! It’s perfect especially for going on rides and not having to worry about storing it in the front basket and forgetting about it after (which is exactly what happened to my Minnie Mouse ears after riding Space Mountain 😂 ). It’s great for keeping my phone, wallet, and sunglasses safe! I also like to store a sunscreen stick, travel size deodorant, floss, and a portable charger in it.

  • Take at least one rest day in between park days

    Whether you’re traveling with kids or not, it’s definitely a good idea to take at least one or two rest days during your trip. Spending a whole entire day at any of the theme parks is EXHAUSTING. 100% worth it, but exhausting 😂 Whether you’re staying at one of the resort’s hotels or somewhere close by, this would be the perfect day for a pool day! Another fun idea is to go to Disney Springs, which is free for everybody to get in. It still has a lot of walking, but you can shop, sit at a restaurant, get a drink somewhere (I highly recommend Dockside Margaritas if you love a good margarita!) and have a chill day or evening!

  • Download the My Disney Experience app

    I found this app almost ten years ago during a trip with my high school best friend to the resort. It gives you a mobile map of the parks, which then you can check wait times for rides, showtimes for parades and other shows, where to find characters, restaurant menus, and much more. Being able to find out wait times without having to go all across the park to the attraction is most definitely a lifesaver!

  • Watch “Behind The Attraction” on Disney Plus!

    I’m such a history buff when it comes to Disney movies and parks, and this show is perfect for any other fanatic like me! It has many different episodes based on famous attractions such as Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and much more where they go in detail on how they were developed, the inspiration, and many other historical facts shared with many Imagineers. I watched it last September as a fun show to watch at night before bedtime, and I still sometimes have it on in the background when I’m working from home. It was especially a great show to get into prior to my trip to Disney. I was able to share some fun facts about different attractions with my friends!

Anybody else have any other Walt Disney World traveling tips? Feel free to share them in the comment section!

Travel Guide: Hilton Head Island, SC

 
 

Hey, loves! I hope y’all are having a super blessed week so far! 

I just came back home from a much needed family vacation down South at one of my favorite places in the whole world … Hilton Head Island! I’ve been going there almost every summer since I was born. I haven’t been there since I graduated high school, which was literally six years. It definitely felt so good to go back and experience it all over again, that’s for sure! 

I’m not gonna lie to y’all, this summer has been ROUGH. I’ve been insanely busy with my two part-time jobs, along with moving out of my apartment in Kent and getting situated at home with my parents to save money tor a few months. As great as this summer has been, it’s also been somewhat exhausting and stressful if I’m being super honest. I felt like it hasn’t been as restful as I hoped it would’ve been. But after finally a having a whole week with a change of scenery (the beach and palm trees as a bonus) and relaxation, I feel so rejuvenated. No better way to close out summer with a Southbound beach getaway if you ask me!  

Hilton Head Island is the perfect place to go if you need to recharge and simply have nothing on your agenda for once. It’s also very family-friendly, as it has clean areas and a lot of fun things to do for everyone of all ages. I actually avoided posting anything on my Instagram so that I could focus on being in the present and enjoy every moment of the trip, and it’s been super refreshing (don’t worry, I did post a highlight reel with a recap of the trip, as well as some Instagram posts!). HHI is most certainly a place where I can truly relax, so much so it feels like a second home. If you’re planning on visiting there and wanting some recommendations, I’m your girl! Here’s what I have for ya: 

WHERE WE STAYED

Practically every vacation to the island took place in Sea Pines Resort, probably it’s most popular resort. There was only one or two years where we didn’t stay in Sea Pines. And even then, we still made trips over there to stop by the Salty Dog and Harbour Town. It’s such a beautiful area, especially with all the moss oak trees, ponds, and the famous South Beach Marina! This year we rented a condo in Lands End for the week, which we’ve also stayed at many times during past trips and we absolutely love it! It’s also the perfect place if you and your family want to rent bikes as it’s super fun and easy to explore. That’s why we did this past week, and we have no regrets at all and biked pretty much everyday!

WHERE TO DINE

BREAKFAST & COFFEE: 

  • Harbour Town Bakery & Cafe

    For all the many times I’ve visited Harbour Town during our family vacations, I never knew this existed until this year! My mom and I biked here one morning and got some coffee and breakfast, and we absolutely loved it. It’s so adorable with its cozy, old-world charm. It was actually originally located in Charleston many a very long time ago before moving over to Hilton Head!

  • Harold’s Diner

    Very good basic breakfast diner food, along with backyard seating. I’ve heard their lunch food is even better!

  • Carolina Coffee & Crumbs

    We actually never got to try this place because the line was so long and would’ve taken us 30 minutes to just get coffee to-go, but it looks super adorable and I’ve only heard good things. If any of y’all end up making your way over here, let me know how it is!

  • Plantation Cafe & Deli:

    My family and I would come here quite a bit during many of our trips for breakfast and brunches. I haven’t been here in so many years, but I’m definite it’s still just as good!

LUNCH/DINNER/DRINKS:

  • The Salty Dog Cafe:

    My absolute favorite thing to do on the island besides going to the beach. I love the Salty Dog! I have so many great memories there as a kid and enjoy it even more as an adult. They have so many cool stores to shop at, but their outdoor restaurant might have to be my favorite thing about it. This past week we would go every night to grab drinks and listen to live music. I just love the atmosphere. Also be sure to get hushpuppies when or if you go, they taste SO good! I’m craving them right now just thinking about them lol 🤤

  • Links, An American Grill

    My dad made a reservation for us here one night and we absolutely loved it! Our waiter was incredibly kind, and the food and drinks tasted incredible as well. My sister and I both got the sweet peach sangria and split a filet and gnocchi. It’s also right across the street from Harbour Town, so it’s perfect to walk right over after dinner!

  • Skull Creek Boathouse:

    This is a great place to sit outside during the summertime. Lots of seafood, but they have other good options if you’re not a seafood person like I am!

  • Mellow Mushroom:

    Some of the best pizza and calzones you’ll ever have, I promise!

  • Harbourside Burgers & Brews:

    We biked here twice and stopped by for lunch and drinks, which after biking in 80 degree weather worth it 😂 It also has a great view of the iconic lighthouse!

  • Fishcamp on Broad Creek

    Great outdoor seating and service. I highly recommend getting the fried calamari and fried pickles as an appetizer!

  • Hudson’s Seafood House on the Docks:

    I haven’t been here since I was fourteen I think. Not really one of my favorite restaurants on the island as far as food goes, but the atmosphere is super fun and I have many good memories there!

  • The Sandbar Beach Eats

    We didn’t make it here during our trip, but my cousin and her boyfriend went a few months ago and mentioned that their drinks are really good!

  • Coast Oceanfront Dining

    Great place to go for cocktails and to dive into some yummy appetizers after spending a long time on the nearby beach!

  • The Smokehouse

    We went here on our last night as a last minute decision because the other restaurant we were planning on going to had a super long wait, and thankfully this place was a short walk away! This place has a great variety of BBQ and traditional Southern meals, as well as regular bar food. I especially loved the atmosphere, and their strawberry margaritas are top-notch!

DESSERT: 

  • Salty Dog Ice Cream Shop:

    One of my favorite memories from family vacations in HHI is coming here nighttime and eating ice cream! They’re right by the main restaurant, which is great for adults who want to drink and kids who want something for their sweet teeth.

  • Cinnamon Bear Country Store:

    As much as I love the Salty Dog’s ice cream, this cute little store located in Harbour Town is where I’m going if I’m craving it badly. They also have more flavors to choose from, as well as a gift shop full of lots of souvenirs!

WHAT TO DO

SHOPPING: 

  • Harbour Town

    My second favorite thing in HHI after the Salty Dog! It’s where the famous red and white lighthouse is located and has a bunch of cute shops and places to eat, as well as a super fun playground for kids. During the summer and certain holidays, this locally famous singer named Gregg Russell performs every weeknight for kids and families under the big oak tree. My family and I having gone to many of his shows and has played a big part in our childhood. His songs are so fun and he always makes us laugh, and watching the kids who go up to sing songs are freaking adorable!

  • Coligny Plaza

    This is probably the cutest shopping plaza located on the island. Carolina Coffee & Crumbs and The Sandbar Beach Eats are both also located here!

  • Shelter Cove

    If you’re looking for big name stores and restaurants like Lululemon, Francesca’s, Starbucks, Kroger, and so on, this is the place to go!

ACTIVITIES: 

  • Dolphin Watching

    There are so many dolphins that swim along the coast of the island, so doing this is a must for fun activities!

  • Parasailing

    I remember being so nervous to do this for the first time as a teenager, and now it’s one of my favorite activities to do on vacation!

  • Golf & Putt Putt

    Hilton Head is very well-known for the variety of golf courses they have, so much so that many PGA Tours take place there! Harbour Town Golf Links is where they take place at and is very popular. If you wanna keep it more simple and go putt putting, Pirate’s Island is super fun!

  • Zip-Lining

    I freaking love zip-lining. I always tell people who wanna try it out to do it somewhere cool, and South Carolina is definitely one of those cool places! We went to this place called Adventure Hilton Head during past visits and had an absolute blast. Great family activities for older kids and adults who don’t have a problem with heights!

  • Horseback Riding

    Lawton Stables is a great place for horse lovers and anyone who wants to go for a trail ride!

Has anyone visited Hilton Head Island before? Comment below and share your favorite things about it and what you love to do there! 

Ultimate Guide for Summer in Ohio

 
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Hey, loves! Today is summer solstice, which means it’s the first official day of summer! If you’re looking for fun things to do in the Buckeye State now that COVID-19 cases are decreasing, I’ve got some good recommendations for you!

If you’re not a local or familiar with the state, Ohio most likely is the last place you think of when you think of summertime 😂 It may not be as glamorous or as exciting as Florida or California, but it certainly has its own treasures that creates so much seasonal joy. And as a local myself, I definitely have a few fun ideas to share with y’all!

Things To Do in Ohio This Summer:

  • Have a beach day at Lake Erie

    Whether you’re a Midwesterner or not, lake days are still just as fun as pool days! Anytime I get the opportunity to go out on a local lake with friends in a boat or just by the shore brings back good nostalgia and happiness. Lake Erie is definitely the place to be during the summer in Ohio. My aunt, uncle, and cousins have a lakehouse in Lakeside Marblehead that we’ll occasionally visit. It’s so cute!

  • Take a hike in Cuyahoga Valley National Park or Hocking Hills

    I absolutely love hiking in nature, and these two locations are the best two in the state. If you want proof of how beautiful God’s creation of this earth is, you better check these places out ASAP! Just make sure you bring plenty of water because it’s gonna get hot fast! 😅

  • Cedar Point & Kings Island

    If you’re a big time roller coaster junkie, these two places HAVE to be on your bucket list! I used to go to Kings Island a lot as a kid when visiting my cousins in Cincinnati, but Cedar Point is closer and has a lot more fun rides in my opinion. My favorite rides are the Maverick, Valravn, and Millennium Force!

  • Shop for a fresh produce and goodies at a local farmer’s market

    Personally, I believe no summer is complete without a few trips to the farmer’s market. The atmosphere and fresh varieties bring me so much joy! My mom, sister, and I take a lot of visits at the Countryside Farmer’s Market (located at Howe Meadow) and Szalay’s Farm & Market on Saturdays. The Hudson Farmer’s Market is also a great one to check out as well!

  • Visit a local winery or brewery

    For adults 21 and up, this is definitely a must! I definitely prefer wine over beer, but either of the two are great summertime experiences. Ohio has some of the best wineries and breweries as well! Check out this blog post I wrote, in which I listed a few of my favorite local wineries! 🍷

  • Explore Ohio City for a day

    This neighborhood is definitely one of my favorite areas in all of Cleveland. To start the day off, go to West Side Market to shop all the goodies and fresh produce (basically like a ginormous grocery store or indoor farmer’s market). Then later on, grab some lunch or dinner at Townhall and dessert at Mitchell’s Ice Cream!

  • Go to an Indians game

    Whether you’re a sports fan or not, going to a baseball game during summertime is an absolute blast! One of my favorite memories growing up was going to Indians games with my family, even if I only cared about the food and playing on my Nintendo DS 😂 Now I enjoy it even more, and I love how the games brings people together in a fun and unique way!

  • Visit a zoo

    The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, Cincinnati Zoo, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo are definitely the top three zoos to visit in Ohio if you are an animal lover like me. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo has a special place in my heart because I spent a lot of my childhood going there, but Columbus and Cincinnati are a lot bigger and have a variety of unique wildlife to check out! Columbus also owns Zoombezi Bay, a water park which is also so much fun in the summer!

  • Attend a concert at Blossom Music Center

    This definitely is something I most look forward to every summer, ever since high school. This summer’s events actually don’t start until July 31st due to COVID-19, but there’s A LOT of great bands and artists coming to perform, including Zac Brown Band, Thomas Rhett, Jonas Brothers, Chris Stapleton, Maroon 5, Jason Aldean, and so many more!

  • Watch 4th of July fireworks in Downtown Columbus

    I did this with some friends four years ago and it was absolutely amazing! There’s so much fun activities and food trucks to check out, and the fireworks show is absolutely incredible. Just make sure you find somewhere good to sit fast because I’m sure this summer will be twice as packed now that Ohio has ended the mask mandate!

  • Head out to go strawberry picking

    It’s been forever since I’ve gone strawberry picking, but it was one of my favorite things that I would do with family and friends every summer. I definitely wanna go back out and do it again soon, especially while strawberry season is still going strong!

  • Go to a drive-in movie

    There’s honestly no better time to go to a drive-in movie than during the summertime! Even if it’s a new movie playing, I always feel like I’m being transported back into the 1950s with the vintage vibe and scenery 💖 The Midway Drive-In Theatre in Ravenna and Mayfield Road Drive-In are two of my favorites in the Northeast Ohio area!

If you want more fun ideas of what to do in Ohio during the summer, check out this source as well!

Any other recommendations for things to do in Ohio during the summer? Comment below and share!

Travel Diary: Spring Break in Fort Myers

 
 

Happy Tuesday, y’all!

I’m not gonna lie, I’m feeling a bit down because a few of my roommates and I just got back from our spring break trip to Fort Myers and I wish we were back there for another week or two 😭 On a more positive note, I’m beyond grateful for having some out-of-state vacay (especially after being in a pandemic for over a year!), and we had an absolute blast together! We got to hang out at the beach every day, eat some yummy food (and frozen margs of course!), sit in the sun (and got a little too sunburnt lol), and so much more. I haven’t been to Florida in so long, and boy it sure felt amazing to be back! I love going to the South for vacation. Something about the atmosphere, weather, and people makes me so happy. I honestly could see myself living there if I didn’t live in Ohio!

Our one roommate Abby has been going to Fort Myers with her family since her childhood, and she actually was there with them the week before, so she got to go twice! I was very jealous, especially because she’s now extremely tan and looks like a gorgeous beach goddess! Anyway, since she’s been going there for so long, she had a lot of recommendations and fun things for us to do, so we didn’t have to worry about figuring it all out by ourselves!

So without further ado, here’s how we spent our spring break and some recommendations of what to see and do in Fort Myers!

Where We Stayed

  • Residence Inn Fort Myers Sanibel: We stayed at this Marriott hotel for the whole trip. We have my dad to thank as he helped us get reservations with some points! It was a very good and relaxing experience. They have a gym open for 24 hours which I was able to use in the mornings to get some workouts in. They also have free breakfast, a basketball court, a pool, an outdoor fireplace, and it’s right across from the Sanibel Outlets. It’s also only a 20 minute drive from Fort Myers Beach! I definitely recommend checking it out if you’re looking to book a trip to Fort Myers in the near future!


Where We Dined

BREAKFAST

  • Heavenly Biscuit: This is another one of Abby’s top recommendations as she said they have the world’s best cinnamon rolls, and she was not wrong at all! Y’all, they will literally melt in your mouth, they’re so good! Plus, it’s so fun to watch them drizzle the icing on! It’s not called “heavenly” for no reason! We took them and got some coffee to sit on the beach in the morning and it was absolutely amazing. I will say to get there as early as possible as it’s always busy because so many people want a cinnamon roll or something else. Plus, parking here is also tricky, just warning you ahead of time!

LUNCH/DINNER

  • Dixie Fish Co.: This is by far my favorite restaurant that we ate at during our trip! Abby has dined here with her family on previous vacations and recommended it to the three of us, so we went and it was awesome! The atmosphere is so nice, they have great food (their fried calamari is absolutely divine!), there’s live music (Sam DeArmond played the night we were there and he had the voice of an angel!) and the quality service is top-notch. We had S’iva as our server and she was so sweet and a fantastic waitress!

  • Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grill: This is actually the sister restaurant to Dixie Fish Co. as they’re literally right next to each other. Though I liked the food and experience at Dixie more, Doc Ford’s still made the list of top favorites with where we ate! It’s right on the dock with a great view and it’s very relaxing with good food, drinks, and music. We also didn’t have to wait as long which was nice, but I still recommend getting there early or making a reservation as it is very popular!

  • Junkaroo Beach: This was one of the places we ate at for dinner right on the beach and the view we had was so nice, just in time for the sunset. They have lots of good options on their menu and are really well known for their fried foods! I will say parking sucks because it’s such a small lot 😂 So try to get there as soon as possible so you can find a good spot!

  • GatorBites: No joke, we had no idea eating actual alligators was a thing in Florida! We were tempted to try it just for the heck of it to say we ate some gators, but we couldn’t get the courage to do so, or at least I didn’t 😂 They do have a lot of other really good options for food and drinks, and the employees there are super friendly!

DRINKS

  • Outrigger Tiki Bar : This was one of our favorite places to get drinks and watch the sunset on the beach. It’s part of the Outrigger Resort and has outdoor seating where you can relax after ordering from the bar. I absolutely recommend trying their strawberry daiquiris. It was my first time ever trying one and they tasted so good! It’s basically like a frozen margarita but a little sweeter, perfect for all y’all with a sweet tooth out there!

  • Pinchers: We came here for lunch twice during our trips to the beach. They have really tasty strawberry margaritas and taste especially good while drinking by the oceanside! 😉

DESSERT

  • Kilwins Ice Cream : Is any beach vacation complete without a few ice cream stops? Of course not! We stopped here a few times in Downtown Fort Myers (it actually has various locations across the country!) to get some dessert after dinner. Y’all, it literally smells like heaven as soon as you walk in. It’s AMAZING! The ice cream is very creamy and rich, too. I got chocolate chip cookie dough both times we went!

  • Sticky Licky Ice Cream : This is another ice cream place we went to once during our first day. It’s not as good as Kilwins in my opinion, but they still have some tasty flavors and the service is fantastic. I got chocolate almond in a waffle cone which I really enjoyed! Plus, there’s a pink elephant statue on the outside which I think is so cute!

COFFEE

  • MoJoe’s Coffee Cafe: I love trying new local coffee shops every time I go to a new city! This place is a sit-down, but you can get stuff to-go which is super nice and convenient. I got their french vanilla and hazelnut latte which I highly recommend. Service is great, too!

  • Island Java Cafe: Not as good as MoJoe’s, but it still has good quality beverages. I got a hazenlut almond milk latte which was very tasty! It’s located right in Sanibel Outlets, so you can take it to-go while you shop!


  • What We Did

  • Fort Myers Beach: We literally spent EVERYDAY at the beach during our trip! It was so nice to just relax in the sun while drinking frozen margaritas, listening to rock and country tunes, walking along the shore, and taking the occasional dip in the ocean to cool off 😊 We did end up getting pretty sunburnt lol, but it was worth it because it left us with some glowing tan skin later in the week! 🙌🏼

  • Sunset Dolphin & Wildlife Cruise Tour: We did this for our last day in the evening as a way to finish off spring break with a big bang. It was super peaceful, the tour guides were very engaging and hilarious, and all the other tourists on board were super fun to hang out with, including this adorable little girl named Esther! The best part was not just watching the sun set in the horizon of the ocean but seeing dolphins surfing in the waves of the pontoon! By far one of the coolest things I’ve ever experienced and will never forget! This tour is definitely worth every dollar!
    Jungle Golf: My roommates and I randomly decided to go putt-putting for one night during our trip. I hadn’t played in so long, and I definitely forgot how much I sucked at it 😂 We had such a blast with each other and made so many fun memories. It’s a perfect activity to do with family or friends while in town!

  • Downtown Fort Myers River District: We spent a few good nights in the downtown area. It’s small but a perfect place to walk around and explore, and it’s right along the beach! There’s so many cool shops and restaurants to check out, and even just walking around and getting the vibe of it makes the experience enjoyable! You can learn more about the things do while in downtown right here.

  • Ron Jon Surf Shop: Located in Gulf Coast Town Center, it’s probably the biggest Ron Jon Surf Shop to exist (I could be wrong, but it’s still pretty damn big lol!) Though it’s already a well-know brand, we still had to make our way over to check it out in-person and get some souvenirs! I got this pink Simply Southern long sleeve t-shirt with an adorable golden retriever on the back of it. It’s so darn cute and comfy. Definitely gonna wear it a lot with shorts, leggings, and jeans! 

Have any of y’all been to Fort Myers before? What are you favorite things and recommendations? Comment below and share!

 
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I linked my beach outfit right here on the LIKEtoKNOW.it app, as well as another outfit I wore during the trip! Posting another Florida blog post specifically with the outfits I wore very soon, so stay tuned 😘