Turks and Caicos Trip

Embark on an unforgettable journey with me as I recount my incredible adventure in the stunning paradise of Turks and Caicos! From unforgettable activities to luxurious accommodations and delectable dining experiences, I'll share every detail with you!

Before delving into the highlights of my trip, let me offer some valuable insights prior to your arrival. As a developing island, Turks and Caicos boasts raw beauty alongside some unique quirks. Be prepared for rugged roads, stray dogs meandering about, and a different approach to waste management compared to what you might be accustomed to. However, let these nuances serve as a gentle reminder of the vibrant local culture and the warmth of the island's inhabitants. We felt safe the entire time, but of course, stay vigilant just like you would at home. In addition, being on an island where everything needs to be imported, expect higher prices across the board, from dining and groceries to gas and more. For phone service, we added the international plan to our phones while we were. Although helpful when using GPS, my AT&T service was so-so on the island.

As far as where to stay, for those seeking a bustling hub with easy access to resorts and tourist attractions by foot, Grace Bay is the ideal choice. I would compare it to a similar vibe of 30A in Florida if you’ve ever been there. It’s a more updated part of the island with shopping, food, and tons of places to stay. However, if you share my love for immersive exploration, and want to see more of the local culture, my heart lies with Chalk Sound Bay. We rented an exquisite villa, about 30 minutes from Grace Bay, and used two rental cars to explore the island for five days. It was incredible!

Let these tips be a helpful guide rather than a deterrent because Turks and Caicos is truly an incredible destination. The locals are incredibly friendly, and the beaches boast some of the most stunning and clearest waters you'll ever see.

TRAVEL

We prefer to fly Delta Airlines, but at our time of travel (June) they only offered one inbound and outbound flight per day. You deplane outside and venture to an inside customs line that flowed seamlessly, especially during our Friday arrival. Don’t forget a pen for the paperwork!

Like I said, if you’re staying somewhere other than Grace Bay, it’s advisable to rent a car for convenient exploration. A heads up about the cars, as a small island that has to have everything imported, the vehicles available (that we rented through Grace Bay Rentals) may not be the newest models and gas is $7/gallon. Additionally, be prepared to adapt to driving on the opposite side of the road, but I promise you catch on quick! It's worth noting that the island relies heavily on roundabouts instead of stoplights. Additionally, be prepared for frequent passing on the roads, numerous potholes to navigate, and the occasional sight of people parking on sidewalks.

When we departed on a Wednesday (one of their slower days), we found the TSA line so quick, but the airport has limited seating and no air conditioning (but big fans!). A helpful tip: venture upstairs for additional seating options and more store options. You can also get a massage while you wait!

Currently in the news, you may have seen that Turks and Caicos is imposing jail time for anyone found with ammunition. Firearms, ammunition (including stray bullets), and other weapons are strictly prohibited in the Turks and Caicos Islands, so make sure to triple-check your bags. I was even randomly selected for additional screening as I was boarding the plane, along with several others. Despite having just passed through TSA, they had me remove my shoes and laptop and proceeded to swab my clothes, the palms of my hands, my shoes, hand luggage, and computer to test for explosives. It was an experience I had never encountered before.

ACCOMODATIONS

Our stay at this amazing villa was next-level! Tucked away in stunning surroundings, this five-bedroom gem had everything our crew of seven adults and two kids (including a 2 year old) could dream of.

Picture this: a sparkling private pool overlooking the water, our own dock access, a game room, a gym, plus kayaks and snorkeling gear for some aquatic adventures. And inside? Well, let me introduce you to Fritz, the absolute MVP of housekeeping. This guy made sure we had it all covered - from laundry duty, to dishes, to keeping the place spotless. Not to mention one of my favorite things - nearly every room has both an indoor shower and a private outdoor shower.

Oh, and did I mention the thoughtful extras? I used their two pack and plays, a high chair, Keurig coffee machine, and even a clothes steamer. Plus, each bedroom had its own A/C control, just like a hotel room would.

But wait, there’s more! Need groceries? No problem, they’d stock your fridge with whatever you wanted. Feeling fancy? We even hired a private chef one night!

Seriously, this villa was the stuff of dreams. From luxury to laid-back vibes, it had it all - making our stay absolutely unforgettable.

FOOD:

For breakfast and snacks by the pool, we made use of the groceries we had stocked at the villa.

For lunch, we visited Omar's on the Beach, a laid-back beachside spot featuring an incredible DJ, delicious food, and tasty Bloody Marys. We also dined at Baci Pizza, located at the marina, where we enjoyed excellent pizza and salads right after snorkeling at Smith's Reef. Another great spot was Crest & Berry, where we savored amazing smoothies and acai bowls, and I enjoyed a lox bagel.

Dinner was my favorite part of the day because we ate at some incredible places. Las Brisas, situated near our villa, served amazing food and offered lovely views of both an on-site pool and overlooked the water. Caicos Café, though not waterfront, impressed us with its fantastic food and excellent service. Another favorite of mine was Indigo, located at the Wymara Resort. Overlooking the pool, it was by far the most expensive, but the outstanding food and impeccable service made it well worth it. The only place I wasn't a fan of was Somewhere Cafe for Mexican. Despite its incredible ocean view, the food was so-so, and the service was lacking.

For drinks one night I joined my sister-in-law and brother-in-law at Da Conch Shack. This casual beachside restaurant features a live DJ and offers seating right in the sand.

Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also enjoyed a meal at Conchy Conchy, a beach-side tent serving dishes like jerk chicken on Sapodilla Bay Beach.

ACTIVITES:

For activities, we enjoyed hanging out by the villa pool and using the private dock to access the provided kayak and stand-up paddleboards. We also snorkeled at Smith's Reef (bring your own gear), where we saw turtles, coral and fish. Plus there is an incredible spot right by where you park that has incredibly clear water that my toddler LOVED!

However, my favorite experience was renting a private catamaran with Island Vibes Tours. We opted for a half-day trip, but I highly recommend a full day. Request Dre and Lamont as your captains; they are amazing. They took us to see dolphins, snorkel at the Turks & Caicos Barrier Reef, and visit a secluded sandbar with the clearest water I've ever seen, perfect for collecting seashells. We also explored Iguana Island, took a detour through a canal to see luxurious private homes, and had a blast using the slide on the boat. They provided lunch, which included assorted wraps, soda, water, local beer, and rum punch.

Note: My brother-in-law and sister-in-law also visited Sapodilla Bay Beach, a cozy spot with tent bars and food options like Conchy Conchy, where they tried the jerk chicken. They described the beach as serene, with available rentals for chairs, umbrellas, jet skis, and even glass-bottom kayaks.

I hope my experiences have inspired you to embark on your own unforgettable journey. From the raw beauty and unique culture of the island to the luxurious accommodations, delectable dining, and beachy activities, there's no shortage of amazing experiences in TCI. Whether you choose to explore the bustling Grace Bay or immerse yourself in the local culture of Chalk Sound Bay, rest assured that Turks and Caicos offers something truly special for everyone. As you plan your trip, remember the valuable tips shared here and get ready to create lifelong memories in this stunning paradise. Cheers to your extraordinary adventure ahead!

Maui Hawaii Recap

Banana Forest at Garden of Eden during Road to Hana

Last September Zach and I took a trip to Maui, Hawaii for 8 days and had the BEST time. Plus, we got engaged! I figure it’s about time that I do a round up of what we did, where we stayed, where we went, what we ate, etc!

Transportation:

We opted for a convertible Camero and LOVED it! Everyone said you need a jeep for The Road to Hana, but that’s not the case whatsoever. Maybe the roads used to be bad, but in 2018 they were great!

Lodging:

We went the Air BnB route and stayed in a groud level condo at Kehei Akah. Our room had a washer/dryer, one bedroom, full kitchen, one full bathroom, large living room, patio, and access to a pool. We would 100% stay there again.

Scuba with Barry!

Ho’okipa Beach to see the resting sea turtles at sunset.

Activities:

• Surfing (very mild) at Kalama Beach. Zach went across the street to Maui Wave Riders Shop and rented a surfboard and shirt. There was a dog out there surfing named Church and it was the cutest! You can purchase lessons and actually learn with the dog - maybe I’ll do that next time.

• Scenic drive to Ahihi-Kinau natural reserve lava fields and saw little wild black goats along the side of the road. Head up, you will not have any service out there.

• Yoga with goats. This was one of the coolest things we did and we found it on the Air BnB “Experience” section. It’s literally in the STUNNING backyard of someones house. They were incredibly nice, you get to feed the goats, the goats LOVE to be all over you, you get time at the end for photos, and can rent a mat through them.

• Drove to top of Haleakala Crater which was recommended from everyone to do at sunrise. However, you are required to book tickets in advance and they had been sold out for months so we just went in the middle of the day on a whim after Goat Yoga. It was cool, but if you’re short on time I think there are cooler things to do. It’s a little chillier up there so bring a sweatshirt. I definitely got sick on the way back down the mountain because of the twists and turns and perhaps the altitude so heads up.

• Road to Hana. This was for sure the best part for us, but we like to explore. It’s an ALL day thing so be prepared. We planned it out the night before and used the GyPSy app (download it before you leave because you won’t have a lot of service) and it was AWESOME! Seriously use it the entire trip, not just Road to Hana. Bring extra shoes with you - I wore flip flops but you’d be more comfortable in sneakers but be ready for them to be wrecked if you like to explore and climb rocks, walk, etc like I do, a bathing suit if you want to swim, towel, sunglasses, camera, snacks, and a car charger for your phone. Here is a detailed itinerary of what we did and where we stopped:

  • Stopped at Ho’okipa Beach to watch surfing,

  • Hiked at Waikamoi Nature Trail (muddy and rooty),

  • Garden of Eden where Zach proposed at the Keopuka Rock Overlook which is a scene from Jurassic Park. We bought presents at their little gift shop and took lots of photos here.

  • Ke’anae Arboretum where you will see rainbow eucalyptus trees and taro fields.

  • Ke’anae Peninsula where you’ll see lava rocks, big crashing waves, little fishies in tide pools, old church, and lots of locals camping.

  • Had passion fruit coconut ice cream (vegan) at Coconut Glen’s (delicious)

  • Mae ate ahi tacos at “Up in Smoke BBQ” (side of road)

  • Wai’anapanapa Beach is a must! Black sand beach with a crazy lava rock blowhole and sea arch. Zach saw a weasel (they’re invasive in Hawaii.

  • Got a Gold Coast pineapple at Ono fruit stand on side of road

  • Stopped on side of road at Wailua Falls. It’s a very tall waterfall that you can see from the road if you don’t want to stop.

  • Seven Sacred Pools (has an entry fee, but got in free bc of it being the same park as Haleakala State Park). View is incredible and it looks like you’re in another country! You can’t swim in pools anymore because it’s dangerous and they have lepto bacteria from weasels

  • Skipped bamboo forest hike bc we were tired.

  • Turned back towards home and stopped at general store right after Hana. The store was full of random stuff, food, light sockets, etc. no AC.

  • Drove back with gypsy app and learned about history of Hawaii.

  • It took us 13 hours from Airbnb to Hana and back, but we spent more than normal at Garden of Eden since we got engaged there!

• Scuba Diving with Barry. I HIGHLY recommend this as well, and no experience is needed! It was another thing we found on the Air BnB “Experience” section. You will meet Barry and do a mini learning lesson and quiz on shore. Then you get your gear and he takes you out into the ocean. I freaked out during the small lesson in the ocean and almost quit because it was scary to me at first. He was very encouraging, but firm and explained that you CANNOT just shoot up to the top of the water (like I did) because it’s super dangerous. Once I calmed down, I passed my mini test and was able to go out. If you’ve never done it before it’s kind of insane honestly. Nature is freaking crazy! You’ll get to go down by the reefs (you can’t touch them obviously) and see fish. THANK GOD we didn’t see any sharks or anything. The whole time I was like, “Mae if you see a shark you cannot shoot up to the top!” Scary, but worth it. Truly a badass experience. Barry takes photos of you and you can purchase packages. We bought everything because hello, when will I ever do that again?

• Ho’okipa Beach to see the resting sea turtles at sunset. This is a MUST! This happened accidentally - basically Zach and I love to talk to the locals when we travel and ask them what we should do. We don’t overly plan our trips in advance and this was recommended to us by a local. Go right before the sun goes down. Park in the parking lot and walk down to the very narrow beach. You will see people surfing and to the right is a small rock wall. You probably won’t notice them at first, but there are giant turtle coming ashore slowly. Do NOT cross that rock wall and do NOT ever, ever touch a sea turtle! Admire with your eyes and enjoy them from a far. You also have to be quiet while you’re there not to disturb the turtles so if you have a screaming child with you, this might not be for you. This is not a “tourist attraction” so only go if you’re going to be respectful.

• Kehei Market Place. Just a small shop area run by locals where you can buy souvenirs.

• Old Lahaina Luau. This is a MUST! It’s seriously so well organized, you’re greeted with a drink and lei, you walk around listening to amazing live music while stopping at various stations set up to learn about history like learning to throw a net like they did back in the day, learning a dance, get your photo taken at sunset, and more. You will need to book this in advance. I booked it about a month in advance and got sets on the ground closest to the stage which was awesome! The food is buffet style but so incredible and Zach (who is vegan) could actually eat there which was surprising. Everyone is so nice, the drinks are included, and the show is AMAZING. 10/10 you have to go.

• Go out one night and admire the stars. We pulled over on the way back from the Luau because it was crazy how many stars you can see!

• Molokini snorkel and sea turtle trip. We booked this on a whim through Boss Frogs shop. You will have to wake up early and be on a boat with other people and hope the wind isn’t too bad. We ended up ok because of how early we went out, but did have to leave Molokini because of the wind, but we had already had plenty of time there so we lucked out. You will snorkel there which is awesome and you’ll see a lot of fish, eel, corals, etc! Then they drove us to “Turtle Town” and we got to snorkel again, but this time with sea turtle! Again, don’t touch them and stay out of their way. They are such beautiful creatures! If you get boat sick, I wouldn’t recommend this.

Maui Goat Yoga.

Old Lahaina Luau.

Food:

So look, Zach is vegan so this might not be the best place to read food recommendations as we were limited to only going places that also had something for him.

• Maui Tacos

• Starbucks

• Papaya Sorbet

• Joys Place

• Nalu’s South Shore Grill

• Grandma’s Coffee

• Jersey Mikes (look, basic I know but when you’re starving and vegan you do it)

• Coconut Glen’s (on Road to Hana)

• Up in Smoke BBQ (not vegan on Road to Hana)

• Ono Fruit Stand for Gold Coast Pineapple (on Road to Hana)

• Veg-out Food truck

• Da Nani Pirates Food Truck

• Threes Bar and Grill

• Beach Street for breakfast (once we found this place we stopped going to Starbucks)

• Hawaiian Moons Natural Food (kind of like a tiny Whole Foods)

• Old Lahaina Luau (dinner and a show - A MUST)

• Mendo Food Truck

Wai’anapanapa Beach. Black sand beach during Road to Hana.

Ke’anae Arboretum on Road to Hana.

Keopuka Rock Overlook in the Garden of Eden during the Road to Hana. Way out there is where a scene from Jurassic Park was filmed. Also where we got engaged!

Wai’anapanapa Beach. One of our stop on Road to Hana.

Waikamoi Nature Trail. One of the first stop on Road to Hana.

Haleakala Crater. Recommended to do a sunrise but it was full so we went mid-day instead!

What's in my dogs travel bag

Hey guys and welcome back to another blog! Today is all about packing for your doggos! As you might have seen in a previous blog post (here), we took Sweetpea and Loki to a super dog friendly place in Georgia called Jekyll Island. We are big fans of traveling with them whenever we can so I’ve become pretty organized when it comes to their packing situation.

Quick note: The flat lay photo above isn’t everything we bring, but the list below is! :)

PACKING LIST:

• Dog Food with measuring cup - I always measure out how much we need so I’m not over doing it or under doing it. I do typically add an extra days worth of food to the large ziplock bag (if it’s just for a weekend) or small food container (if we are traveling for a long time) for each dog incase we were to get stuck or something random happened that extended our trip.

• Dog bowls | 1 water to share and 1 food bowl for each

• Collars with tags that have their names and our phone numbers on them - I am the QUEEN of finding other peoples dogs and it’s so frustrating when owners don’t have any tags on their dogs. Please have your contact info on your dogs tags so if something were to happen they can be returned quickly.

• Harness - each dog has their own harness that doubles as their seat belt. When in the car we clip the leash to their backs so their necks aren’t being pulled but they will stay safe if we get in an accident. It also has a place to clip from the front if they start pulling on a walk.

• Leash - again, each dog has a leash that doubles as a seat belt. Each one is looped around my back seat head rest and clipped to each back part of their harness while driving. And, of course, also used as a walking leash.

• Hands free hiking leash and leash coupler - This is great for taking both dogs on a walk together. The hiking leash was given to us from a friend and it’s become one of our most used items. It goes around our waist, has a bungee leash which is AMAZING because Sweetpea is 70lbs and Loki is 50lbs so it’s absorbs a massive pull if they were to see something and pull hard at the same time, and a handy zipper pocket for keys, poop bags, etc.

• Poop bags and poop bag dispenser with hook to attach to belt loop or leash.

• Travel collapsable bowls and water bottle - If out and about I always bring the collapsable bowl with a bottle of water to keep them hydrated.

• Medication and pill pockets- your dog may or may not take medication but if they do, you can’t forget it and we always use pill pockets to disguise the medicine.

• Treats - I typically bring a few kinds incase they lose interest in one.

• Toys! - A variety that usually includes something to play with together (like the big rope pictured above) and an individual chew bone for each of them. Those are always great if they have to be left at the hotel alone and I don’t want them getting bored and up to no good. Better to be safe than sorry.

• Dog crate with blankets and dog bed- so crates might not be needed if your dogs are super well behaved like Sweetpea is, but Loki is an escape artist. He can get out of doors that have door “handles” instead of door “knobs” and he has even busted through single pane glass after seeing a cat in our front yard. He’s crate trained so it’s his happy place and we always fill it with blankets and a toy.

• Backseat cover - I didn’t have one of these for awhile and boy can you tell. My car has nail intents on the center console and dog hair was to the MAX before I got myself a nice backseat cover.

• Towel(s) - we always bring 2+ dog towels aka towels we don’t mind getting muddy or stained. They also come in handy to cover furniture and decrease the amount of dog hair you leave behind.

• Long cable tie out like this one - so again, this is usually for Loki only since he’s a runner and we don’t always use it. We originally bought the cable one so he wouldn’t chew through it as a puppy and only have it on him if he’s being supervised. It’s great for taking him outside and clipping it to itself around a tree or something sturdy so he can still run around but not run away.

• Life Jackets - each dog has their own life jacket. We always put it on them if they are on a boat or plan to do any lengthy swimming.

• Clean up - you never know if your baby might get sick or have an accident so a bottle of carpet cleaner and paper towels is brilliant if needed.
  
  

TIPS:

• if you’re staying in a dog friendly hotel, but are nervous your dogs might bark hearing every person walk by, door shut, new sound, etc - I HIGHLY recommend turning the tv on at a decent volume.

• We always put the do not disturb hanger on the door so the cleaners don’t come in while we aren’t there. I don’t want to worry about Sweetpea wandering out of the door or the dogs scaring the heck out of them. Although are dogs are super sweet, a lot of people are scared of dogs so I just avoid making the cleaning staff uncomfortable and we will just ask for anything extra like towels and toiletries if needed.

• Look for dog friendly restaurants ahead of time so you get optimal time with your furry babies.

Do you have anything else to add to the packing list or any extra tips? Please leave a comment below if so!

Also, if you’re looking to go somewhere dog friendly, I highly recommend Jekyll Island. We had such a great time!

Snowboarding at Beech Mountain

In early February, I drove from Atlanta to visit Beech Mountain, North Carolina and the Beech Mountain Ski Resort with Zach and six of our friends. Based on my experience, I’m going to give you a few tips for food, lodging, your first time on the slopes, and how to dress accordingly. Spoiler alert, we had an incredible trip.

Lodging
There are plenty of places to stay and several options to choose from : Bed and Breakfasts, hotels, property rentals, and so on. We used Beech Mountain Realty and Rentals and stayed in a dog-friendly house a little over a mile away from the resort. Regardless of how you book, if your main itinerary is to ski/snowboard, I would recommend you stay in a place that has walkable slope access. Our friends did this and we ended up using their house as home base because it was ridiculously easy to get to and from the slopes. In total, it was about a 45 second walk from the slopes to their house. This allowed for everyone in our group the ability to stop for a break, eat, etc on their own time without having to gather the whole crew to get in a car and coordinate leaving and coming back. If you take one piece of advice let it be this: stay slope side, especially if you’re with a group.

Food
The mountain offers a decent amount of food options including pizza, Mexican food, BBQ, and so on. We did a mixture of eating out and cooking at the house, but I'll be honest I never found a breakfast place that I loved. I opted for eating at the house in the morning and grabbing straight espresso at the coffee shop located in the resort village - I think it was called Beech Mountain Cafe. If you need that caffeine kick, this is the only place that opens early and serves espresso drinks that I could find. Heads up though, they only make hot drinks (they literally don't have an ice machine) so if you're a year-round iced coffee lover you'll need to plan accordingly. However, if you are a late riser, I saw that Brick Oven Pizzeria has a coffee shop inside, but I asked and they don't open until 11am. Can you tell that finding strong coffee was very important to me?

Alright, on to lunch. So, if you're like me and want as much time on the slopes as possible, there is a cafeteria style place called The Lodge located at the resort that offers food and alcoholic beverages. It's your basic chicken tenders, fries, chips, burgers and such - but the convenience of just walking in with your big ole boots, covered in snow, and safely leaving your board/skis outside made it worth it. Also worth noting was Valle De Bravo which is a short drive from the resort and is where we stopped and ate as we left to go home. It was by far the most reasonably priced place so if you're on a budget (or not) and want some good Mexican food definitely hit this place up.

We only tried two places for dinner and I recommend them both. Brick Oven Pizzeria is a cool and casual little place that also has the previously mentioned coffee bar inside and a small arcade geared towards kids. The serving sizes are generous, the food is good, and they have PLENTY of desserts to pick from (I got a cookie the size of my face). Lastly, my favorite place of all was Beech Mountain Grille. It's considered casual upscale dining and the food is amazing. It's perfect for large groups, the service was spot on, and the menu was the most extensive that I found. These two places are only about a half mile from the resort and as I didn't do any night riding, it was nice to shower and go out to eat after a long day of snowboarding.

When it comes to alcohol there is no short supply at Beech Mountain Resort. They have a brewery in the resort village called Beech Mountain Brewing Company who put on cool events like "Girl Scout Cookie and Beer Pairing" nights and have live music. During the day you can take the ski lift to the very top and grab a drink from the 5506' Skybar, but you have to be able to ski down from the top so choose wisely.

Food from Beech Mountain Grille

Food from Brick Oven Pizzeria

Rentals
You can rent everything from snowboards, ski gear, boots, helmets (highly recommend), bibs (which are your waterproof pants and you will want these), waterproof jackets (also highly recommended), and lockers to store your stuff.

First time on the slopes?
Besides lift tickets and gear, I HIGHLY recommend lessons at Beech Mountain Resort. They offer lessons several times a day and keep the groups small. We each got personal attention and the guy who taught us was a really good instructor. I’ve been snowboarding once before and didn’t take a lesson which resulted in a full day of falling. Believe me when I say that a GOOD lesson makes a MASSIVE difference. I went from being terrible and having no coordination to snowboarding from the very top - all in one day! Total game-changer. I still suck at getting off the lift, but hey, can't have it all.

Clothing
Proper clothing is arguably one of the most important things that you need to have on the slopes. In my opinion, it can make or break your experience because if you're cold and wet you're probably not going to have the most enjoyable time.

At the very least, you need:
- waterproof bibs or pants
- a waterproof jacket
- waterproof gloves
- tall warm socks
- ski goggles
- a moisture wicking base layer

Depending on how cold it is, you'll want to add layers such as:
- a beanie or warm headband that covers your ears
- scarf, neck gaiter or balaclava
- glove liners to make your fingers even warmer
- another jacket or sweater
- leggings under your bibs

The first day I snowboarded it was 14 degrees and snowing. I wore a beanie under my helmet, goggles, an Under Armor long sleeve base layer, a lightweight insulated jacket, a waterproof snow jacket, a Lululemon Vinyasa Scarf (I forgot my Buff so opted for this and it worked great), Lululemon Fast and Free tights, waterproof snow bibs, thick knee high socks, snow boots, and waterproof gloves.

The temperature shot up by the third day and at the hottest point I was only in a casual sweater, bibs, socks, boots, helmet, and gloves. It made for quite the look. Oh, speaking of look. If you're wondering what people wear - literally anything goes. I saw people in t-shirts, crazy outfits, and even someone shirtless at one point. So dress in whatever makes you feel comfortable, but you know, keep it waterproof so you aren't soaking wet from falling in the snow.

Lastly, see the yellow ski suit in the top photo? Yeah, don't wear that. I found that places like ASOS will list items as "ski" but it's definitely all for the looks and isn't actually meant to be skied in. I would recommend sticking to trusted snow sports shops and always look for the word "waterproof." I've said it a bunch already, but trust me you don't want to be wet and cold - not worth it. Real ski jackets and pants/bibs are expensive, so if you can't afford to get your own just rent them from the resort, borrow from a friend, or buy second hand.

Tip: There is ski shop in the resort village. You can literally ski up to it, it's so close. They sell helmets, boards, goggles, skis, clothings, layers - you name it. I ended up grabbing my own helmet and an ear warmer headband.

Miscellaneous things worth noting
Although I didn't do these things so I can't elaborate on them, the resort does have ice skating and tubing at an extra cost; a terrain park if you're, you know, talented like that; and a children's nursery.

We had such a fun time that two of my friends, who were brand new to snowboarding, ended up buying their own boards! We will be back next year that’s for sure!

This trip was kindly gifted to me, but my experience and opinions are always my own. I take a lot of pride in only recommending places and products that I TRULY love.

TRAVEL: A WEEKEND GUIDE TO AUGUSTA, GA

Zach and I had the pleasure of being invited to Augusta, GAby the Augusta Convention & Visitors Bureau team for a weekend trip a few weeks ago and I Insta-storied the whole thing. Incase you missed it, or are planning a trip there yourself, I figured a blog would be a good choice to reference so you can see what we got in to. If you don’t know, Augusta is a small city about 2.5hrs away from where we live in the suburbs of Atlanta so it was an easy drive to get there, and we brought the dogs along to make it a nice family getaway. I’m going to break up what we did in sections: lodging, activities, and food, but feel free to visit the official Augusta, GA website to see a lot more options!

LODGING:

We stayed at the Augusta Marriott at the Convention Center. This hotel is right in the middle of Downtown on the Savannah River. The staff was nice, the room was very modern and clean - plus, we had a killer view. In addition, the hotel lobby is really nice, it features a coffee shop and restaurant, they have a pool, and they are pet-friendly!

ACTIVITIES:

We did various activities, and changed up our itinerary, because it was raining the day we got there. I’ll categorize everything by indoor and outdoor in case this happens to you as well.

OUTDOOR:

• Stroll along the Riverwalk : we did this at sunrise and took the dogs for a walk since it was literally right outside of our hotel. Plus, it was a gorgeous view.

• Kayaking and Stand Up Paddle Boarding at Betty’s Branch with Outdoor Augusta : this was on our list of things to do but because of the weather we didn’t make it.

• Phinizy Swamp Nature Park : this was about a 15min drive from the hotel and we took the dogs there for a nice walk. You get to see the swamp waters, they have a kids playground, and really easy walking trails.

• The Carolina Georgia Fair : this one is a bit more seasonal since I believe it is only there in October, but we went on a whim and had a good time. Plus, who doesn’t love a good ole funnel cake?

INDOOR:

• Augusta Candle Co - This place was awesome. You smell A TON of scents, write down your favorites, pick out a candle container, and go to the bar area where someone helps you create your own custom scented candle. It takes about 2 hours for the candle to harden so we ate lunch and killed time before we picked them up.

• Fitness classes - again, we didn’t get to go, but it was recommended that I check out Oxygen Fitness Studio. They offer: yoga, pilates, spin, barre, cross-training, and HIIT classes.

• Shopping (sort-of) - to be honest we didn’t really shop, but I got several messages on Instagram saying that I should check out Final Cut. It’s an “Anthropology/Free People Outlet” from what I understand. The place is huge and smells kind of funny, but if you’re into funky furniture and sifting through boxes of clothes - it might be your jam.

FOOD:

• Humanitree House: we got really, really delicious cold-pressed juice and smoothie bowls. It’s all vegan, organic, and local. The place is super eclectic with art everywhere, and they even have a few vendors set up selling items and more food.

• The Southern Salad: another really tasty spot with plenty of healthy options. Zach ordered the Grain Burrito Bowl and I had Toast + Lox. The also have salads, smoothies, more grain bowls, more toast options, snacks, and desserts.

• Sole: This was our dinner spot and I highly recommend sitting outside. They have strings lights, heaters, and you can hear the extremely varied, yet awesome, music choices. This place isn’t very vegan friendly so Zach managed with a veggie roll and edamame, but if you’re into sushi and tapas they have you covered! I ordered a few of the speciality rolls and one of their signature cocktails. The service was also really great!

• New Moon Cafe: This place was an awesome breakfast spot, but they serve lunch as well. They offer vegan, gluten free, and Keto options! They were quite busy when we got there, but the food came out quick. Zach got the avocado toast and espresso, and I got cheese grits, a lox bagel (again, I know), and a vanilla latte.

We only went for a weekend, so if you’ve been to Augusta before and have even more recommendations please leave them in the comments below!