As someone who has lived on the island for my entire life, I’m always giving people recommendations of places to visit on Oahu. After all, there’s so much more to the island than just the tourist hub of Waikiki!

While on Oahu, you can learn about Hawaiian history at ‘Iolani Palace, watch pro surfers tackle massive waves at Banzai Pipeline, and even see a recreation of a famous Japanese temple!

So whether you’re looking for adorable towns, hidden gems, historic landmarks, or beautiful beaches, here are 12 amazing places to visit on Oahu, Hawaii.

12 Amazing Places to Visit on Oahu, Hawaii

1. ‘Iolani Palace

Many visitors to Oahu forget to take some time to learn about Hawaiian history. A trip to ‘Iolani Palace, the only official palace in the United States, can easily remedy that problem.

‘Iolani Palace was once home to King Kalakaua and Queen Lili‘uokalani, the last of Hawaii’s reigning monarchs. And when a group of American businessmen decided to overthrow the Kingdom of Hawaii, Queen Lili‘uokalani was then held prisoner in this palace for eight months.

While at ‘Iolani Palace, you can learn more about Hawaiian history, discover how Hawaiian royalty lived, and even see the room in which Queen Lili‘uokalani was imprisoned. If you decide to visit at the end of July, you might even get to watch the amazing Prince Lot Hula Festival.

2. Waimea Bay

Waimea Bay is one of the most famous beaches on Oahu. In the summer, the conditions are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. In the winter, they are great for surfing. But Waimea Bay is most famous for cliff diving. On the western end of the beach, there is a fifteen-foot-tall rock where locals and visitors alike brave their fears of heights for little thrills.

3. Ka‘a‘awa Valley

While many visitors to Oahu spend the entirety of their vacations on the beach, very few remember that Oahu also has stunning mountain ranges. And that’s a shame, because these mountains are one of my favorite parts of the island! One of the best places to visit on Oahu to see these greenery-laden mountain ranges is Ka‘a‘awa Valley.

The easiest way to access Ka‘a‘awa Valley is by visiting Kualoa Ranch. There are many different tours you can take at Kualoa Ranch, but my favorite is the ATV tour. While on any

of the provided tours, you’ll be able to admire the views of the thriving Ka‘a‘awa Valley and Ko‘olau Mountain Range, learn about Hawaiian mythology, and even eat fresh tropical fruits right off the tree!

Kualoa Ranch also happens to be a popular filming location. Jurassic Park, 50 First Dates, Jumanji, and many more movies and TV shows have been filmed there. Even Netflix’s latest hit, Finding ‘Ohana, was filmed at Kualoa Ranch.

4. Kailua

Kailua is a small town on the east side of Oahu that is most well-known for its beautiful beaches. It is, after all, home to both Kailua Beach and Lanikai Beach, both of which have been recognized as a couple of the best beaches in the world.

But Kailua also has a different feel from the rest of the island. It combines the island’s relaxed, yet adventurous atmosphere with a free-spirited vibe. You can kayak to the Mokulua Islands, try vegan lau lau (a traditional Hawaiian dish wrapped in ti leaves) from Ai Love Nalo, and even hike to the Lanikai Pillbox for sunrise.

5. Lanikai Pillbox Hike

While the Lanikai Pillbox Hike is technically located in Kailua, it deserves a feature of its own.

The first question many people have is, “what is a pillbox?” A pillbox is essentially a cement military bunker that was built during World War II and used as a lookout point. There are quite a few pillboxes dotted around the island, but the Lanikai Pillbox is the most famous one.

This 25-minute hike to the first pillbox gives you amazing views of the two bright green Mokulua Islands in the distance. When combined with the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean and the golden rays of a sunrise, the scene is absolutely magical!

6. Byodo-In Temple

The Byodo-In Temple is definitely one of the best places to visit on Oahu – but not many people know about it! This bright red Japanese temple is actually a miniature version of the Byodo-In Temple in Uji, Japan, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

7. Pearl Harbor National Memorial

On December 7, 1941, the U.S. navy base at Pearl Harbor was bombed by the Japanese Navy Air Service, killing over 1,000 people. This event incited the United States’ involvement in World War II.

Today, you can visit the Pearl Harbor National Memorial to learn about the events leading up to and following the attack, pay your respects, and even meet a veteran of the Pearl Harbor bombing.

8. Koko Crater Botanical Garden

Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is the Oahu garden that has been getting tons of Instagram fame over these past few years. And while Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden is certainly beautiful, Koko Crater Botanical Garden is my personal favorite for one main reason: the plumeria grove.

Located right at the entrance of the garden, the plumeria grove includes dozens of plumeria varieties in all sizes, shapes, and colors! With blooming flowers ranging from pristine white to striking pink, it’s a gorgeous sight to see.

9. Kaka‘ako

Kaka‘ako is the trendiest neighborhood on Oahu. Situated in Honolulu, Kaka‘ako boasts fun fusion restaurants, amazing street art, and exciting events. You could easily spend your entire day admiring the murals from the Pow Wow! Hawaii festival, dining at one of the restaurants at SALT at Our Kaka‘ako, perusing the adorable shops of the South Shore Market, and enjoying the atmosphere of the Honolulu Night Market.

10. Banzai Pipeline

Banzai Pipeline – or just Pipeline – is known as one of the premiere surfing spots in the world – and it’s located on Oahu’s North Shore! Simply put, it’s one of the coolest places to visit on Oahu.

In the winter, waves regularly reach 20 to 30 feet (or 40 to 60 feet for anyone who isn’t from Hawaii, because we measure wave size differently). You can often see pro surfers like Kelly Slater and Billy Kemper surfing these massive waves! And if you’re lucky, there might even be a surf competition during your time on the island, such as Billabong Pipe Masters or Da Hui Backdoor Shootout.

11. Laniakea Beach

Laniakea Beach, also known as Turtle Beach, is definitely one of the best places to visit on Oahu. Oahu has tons of wildlife enjoying the island, but none are as easy to see as the turtles on Laniakea Beach. As a matter of fact, in the summers, it’s not uncommon to see half a dozen Hawaiian green sea turtles lounging on the sandy shores.

If you do visit Laniakea Beach, please remember to give the turtles space and respect. Hawaiian green sea turtles are actually an endangered species, so it’s especially important that you do not feed or touch these animals.

12. Dole Plantation

Ever since the Dole Plantation was established on Oahu in 1899 by James Dole, this company has been ingrained into Hawaii life. We buy Dole pineapples at local grocery stores, enjoy fruity drinks made with Dole pineapple juice, and occasionally stop by the Dole Plantation for a tasty Dole whip.

While at the Dole Plantation, you can learn about the company’s history, ride on the kid-friendly train, enjoy loads of pineapple treats, and even wander through the world’s largest maze!

What are some other spots that you think belong on this list of the best places to visit on Oahu, Hawaii? Let me know in the comments below!

For more on Hawaii Travel:

• What to Pack for a Hawaii Vacation
• My Favorite Memories | 10 Things to do in Hawaii
• My Top 10 Adventure Activities to Do in Maui Hawaii
• Luxury Guide to Big Island of Hawaii
• Where to Stay in Maui: A Guide to the Best Areas
• My Little Guide to Maui | Beaches, Food, Lodging & MORE

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Looking for some restaurants to try in NYC? Check out these incredible Black-owned options below!

Home for me is all about the food, and I believe in the power of celebrating and supporting Black-owned restaurants year-round. I come from a huge family, so moving to Harlem in the middle of the pandemic in 2020 – and during the week when many protests started to pop up around the city – meant I wanted to find not only the best Black-owned restaurants in the city but also the best spots for comfort food.

While I obviously couldn’t get the full NYC summer experience, I took advantage of ordering takeout and compiled a list of some of my favorite spots as I began to settle into the city I had waited half my life to call home.

7 Incredible Restaurants to Check Out in NYC

The Edge Harlem

The Edge Harlem was started by two native New Yorker sisters in 2014 and celebrates their British and Jamaican roots. You can order everything from fish & chips to ackee or jerk chicken, and brunch staples.

“So… what made you move to New York in the middle of a pandemic?” My soon-to-be father-in-law asked during our first meeting over brunch one Saturday in October. I nervously laughed in between bites of shrimp and grits and explained my love for the city and childhood dreams of being a cliché Black girl writer in Harlem. The shrimp and grits are easily in my top 5. I can’t speak to libations (I was trying too hard to impress my partner’s parents) but the homemade ginger beer and sorrel are definitely worth a try.

Lolo’s Seafood Shack

Lolo’s was started by Leticia Skai Young and Chef Raymond Mohan. The two take the best of West Indies flavors, particularly with a Guyanese flair. As the daughter of a native Virginian, it was only right that I FaceTime my now inland bound mother as I cracked into the crab and shrimp boil.

The side of sweet plantains were the perfect addition to my crab legs and shrimp steam pot. My taste buds are sensitive to spicy foods, but I chose to indulge myself with the Lolo’s fries. I ordered for pick up, but if you get a chance, sit outside. Their building brings beach vibes to 116th Street––you can’t miss it!

Harlem Shake

Harlem Shake opened in 2013 and has since received rankings for best milkshake, burgers, and family restaurant in New York City for multiple years. The menu has plenty of options (even for vegetarians––or flexitarians like myself!) but they keep it simple. You can choose between the Classic, Hot Mess, or Jerk for your burger.

I’ve been trying to become vegan for about 5 years. It’s not working, and Harlem Shake doesn’t make it easier. I have had the Hot Mess veggie burger, but I’ve also ordered the Harlem Classic with beef, the cookies & cream milkshake, and sweet potato cheesecake. And I’d do it again. And again.

67 Orange Street

Founder and Owner Karl Franz Williams established 67 Orange as a tribute to Almacks, a 1840s speakeasy and one of the first Black owned and operated bars in New York City. They are mostly known for their creative cocktails, but their small plates are just as enticing.

I ordered Brussel sprouts with a fig balsamic reduction (to be honest, the first bite had me thinking it was BBQ sauce which made this Kansas City girl very happy) and lobster mac & cheese. So far, 67 Orange Street has the best seafood mac & cheese I’ve eaten in NYC, but keep reading for my favorite mac & cheese. And if the in-person ambiance is half as good as the food I had delivered, I will quickly make this my happy hour go-to spot when it’s safe to do so.

Red Rooster

Any Google search of Black-owned restaurants in NYC will surely pull up Red Rooster, so I’d had this spot on my list long before I moved to New York, but never made it. The restaurant also includes Ginny’s Supper Club, a lounge and usual spot for live music performances before the pandemic. They also regularly support and highlight NYC-based artists in their restaurant.

I ordered the Bucatini Piccadilly with a side of mac & greens. That’s not a typo. I said mac & greens, not mac & cheese. And yes, this is my favorite mac & cheese in NYC I hinted at before. It has the comfort of a mac & cheese, but with a little less guilt because collard greens were included. That basically counts as a salad, right? *Googles what vitamins are in collard greens* Rarely do I call mac & cheese perfect (because I respect my mama), but this was perfection.

Harlem Biscuit Company

Harlem Biscuit Company was the vision of Melvin Johnson, or Chef Boots. He has described the difficulty of sticking to his roots––originally taught by his grandmother before formal culinary training––in an ever-evolving culinary world. But Chef Boots has found a niche with Harlem Biscuit Company, which specializes in its namesake––biscuits! They have a selection of biscuit sandwiches, including the classic bacon, egg, and cheese (Bodega) and the eclectic Josephine, a crabcake (yes, on a biscuit), with arugula and aioli.

I had a sweet tooth when I stumbled across the restaurant on Seamless and ordered the Ruby D—strawberry shortcake, but on a biscuit. It was inhaled within 5 minutes while lounging in bed one Sunday afternoon. Delicious is an understatement. It’s simmered in brown sugar, cinnamon, and bourbon––which brought enough joy to someone who drinks her bourbon neat, but subtle enough for someone who may not be a fan of dark liquor.

Melba’s

Melba’s opened in 2005 and was one of the first restaurants I ordered from when I moved. It’s fitting that their website proclaims how the restaurant is like “coming home for dinner, whenever you’re away from home.” I have ordered the fried catfish and eggnog waffle at least 10 times through Seamless since I moved here, so a home away from home, or at least my old home, is exactly how I’d describe Melba’s.

My only warning is the red sangria: it is delicious and sneaky; don’t become a casualty! Two friends and I took a sip of our sangrias one August evening, nodded our heads, set the drinks down, and collectively agreed we would wait until our food came.

What do you think? What are some of your favorite Harlem restaurants?

This list doesn’t cover it all. I’ve walked past many other Black owned restaurants in Harlem that I definitely want to try in person in the coming year, including BSquared, Lido, Seasoned Vegan, and BLVD Bistro!

We all have to eat and let’s be honest, most New York City kitchens aren’t necessarily the best size to cook and quarantine if you don’t live alone. So, next time you’re scrolling through Seamless to find your next bite, support Black owned restaurants in Harlem.

For More NY Travel

• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

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Looking for unique things to do in Charleston? Check out this guide below!

Whether you live in Charleston or it’s your first time visiting the beautiful coastal city, there are tons of ways to pass the time. Charleston is one of the South’s many coastal cities where doing nothing but enjoying sitting on a porch with an ice-cold beverage in the sunshine is totally a worthwhile way to see the city.

That’s certainly how my friends and I enjoy spending some time when I visit them in their beautiful hometown. Eventually, we head out to find a comfortable patio at a bar or restaurant to catch up as the day wears on. Though the highlight reel like shopping along King Street or visiting the Angel oak tree is essential to any first visit, there are some lesser-known unique things to do in Charleston. From chowing down on local seafood to walking through the quiet Lowcountry landscapes, these Holy City activities are both classic and authentic. By the time you’re done, you’ll feel like a local yourself. 

6 Unique Things to Do in Charleston, SC

1. Find an oyster roast

While any kind seafood is always delicious in Charleston, the city is well-known for its oysters. You can enjoy them any time of the year at the city’s restaurants. However, if you are lucky enough to find yourself in the city during the winter months, try to find an oyster roast to attend. Similar to a Lowcountry boil spilled out over newspaper on the tabletop, attending an oyster roast is as close to experiencing Charleston’s seafood culture as you can get without throwing your own oyster roast or joining the harvest for a day. Between November and February, oyster roasts take place as events as well as at local restaurants. Even those who do not enjoy seafood will find these lively social gatherings filled with live music and cold beer to be great fun. As a vegetarian, I still love attending an oyster roast because the simple yet congenial scene of music and cold drinks to close out a sunny day among friends couldn’t get any better.  

2. Take a Gullah-Geechee tour

The Gullah-Geechee people are the direct descendants of the slaves who were forcibly brough to the shores of South Carolina. While it’s still possible to tour the plantations in and around Charleston, a Gullah-Geechee tour is a far more interesting historical account from a different perspective. The tour guide, Godfrey, is a Gullah historian who lends insight to the ancient culture and history of the Gullah-Geechee. The authentic tours are educational and well worth taking to understand Charleston’s history.

3. Visit Charleston City Market

The Charleston City Market dates to the 1790s and is part of the city’s historic district. Today, the market is a hub for local artists who made certified authentic Charleston goods. There are vendors both during the Day Market and the Night Market, which takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, so it’s worth strolling through more than once. Even when the market is closed, walking through the green, empty stalls of the market at night on the way back to your hotel can be thrilling. To me, it’s like strolling through time and history. Though there are all kinds of art ranging from sculptures to paintings, the item of note that brings most people to the market are the sweetgrass baskets. 

Sweetgrass baskets have been a signature item in Charleston for more than 300 years. They were first made for the rice harvest on plantations, but now there are 50 resident Gullah artists who weave the bulrush marshgrass into mesmerizing designs. Some are even held in the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. 

4. Explore the landscape by foot

While the pastel town houses of Charleston are something to see, the natural landscape of the Lowcountry is stunning and worth seeking out. Though many opt to walk, run, or ride a rental bike over the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge to see beautiful views of the city, you can also get out of town to more easily get in touch with nature. While I love cycling over the bridge, it’s also nice to get out and away from the crowds. That’s why visiting the outlying parks and forests surrounding Charleston are well worth the trip. 

There are beautiful stretches of water and Lowcountry pine forests in the parks that surround Charleston such as Palmetto Islands Park. However, Francis Marion and Sumter National Forest provides ample nature trails.

5. Enjoy a beach day 

Few things are better than enjoying a beach day on Folly Island. It’s a local favorite thanks to its wide, expansive beaches. Take a chair and kick back with a cooler of snacks and drinks. The waves accessible by the beach at the end of Ashley Avenue, known as “the Washout,” are perfect for surfing if you prefer to get active. Paddleboarding the waterways is also possible. 

Personally, there’s a spin on a day at the beach that I love. While it’s possible to rent a kayak during the day, turning a beach day into a beach night can be so much fun. I like taking a full moon kayak tour for an unusual twist to your time at the beach and on the water. It’s a great way to round out a sun-filled day. Plan ahead if you plan to book a tour instead of simply rent a kayak or paddleboard for self-guided time on the water during the day (or night)!

6. Visit Dock Street Theatre

Dock Street Theatre was built and opened in 1809 making it a stunning historic venue in the French Quarter. The intimate setting provides a wonderful experience for the audience, though the architecture itself is reason enough to visit. The elegant theatre is outfitted with impressive woodcarvings, wrought iron, and a cobblestone courtyard. 

Those seeking entertainment will likely love anything that is being presented with performances ranging from musicals to dramas. Check their website in advance for tickets to ensure you can attend a performance on the night that you prefer. There are also other events such as educational programs for kids and wine fundraisers that benefit both the theatre and local wine shops. 

Anything you’d add to this list of unique things to do in Charleston? Let us know below!

For more Southern US Travel:

• The Perfect 3 Day New Orleans Itinerary
• 12 Things To Do in Savannah for Couples
• Top Things to do in Ocala Florida (and Nearby)

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Molly Harris is a freelance travel and food journalist. She loves finding the best local joints as much as she enjoys hiking and cycling. You can follow her on Instagram to keep up with her travels through the American South and Europe.

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Puerto Vallarta became one of the most popular tourist destinations in Mexico for one very good reason, the gorgeous beaches that ring the giant cove of Bahia de Banderas. There is a beach here for every personality, travel style, and mood. Even if you prefer less-touristy destinations, you can escape the city crowds in many of the tucked away beaches that are still within about 30 minutes of the city. Use this Puerto Vallarta beach guide to plan out your next trip to this vacation destination.

The Best Beaches in Puerto Vallarta

Playa el Salado

In the north of the city in the resort district or Marina Vallarta, you’ll find Playa el Salado, a Puerto Vallarta beach with plenty of activities. You can rent watersports equipment like kayaks, jet skis and more. You’ll also find the Marina Vallarta golf course nearby, and a turtle release program a few minutes down the beach. Playa el Salado is a great beach to keep yourself busy and find lots of restaurants and shopping.

Playa los Camarones

A little further south, in the hotel zone, Playa los Camarones is a beautiful long beach. Even though this beach is in a busy tourist district, it’s location is a bit tucked away and you’ll find a quiet place to relax. The calm water also makes it an ideal place for swimming.

Playa Olas Altas

Playa Olas Altas is the place to go for people watching, dining and nightlife. This beach straddles the Downtown and Romantic Zone regions, and has the famous malecon – a long and wide boardwalk to stroll. This is a great place to walk around sunset to take in the sights, enjoy the setting sun, and stop for a cocktail or cold beer. 

Playa Los Muertos

Playa Los Muertos is the stretch of beach just south of Playa Olas Altas. Though this beach can get crowded, there are many restaurants and beach clubs to pull up a chair. The water here is also great for a swim with a view of the picturesque Playa Los Muertos Pier. This high energy beach is also great for dining and nightlife.

Playa Conchas Chinas

Playa Conchas Chinas is a gorgeous beach that you won’t believe is only a 5 minute drive from downtown Puerto Vallarta. It’s filled with large rock formations that create lots of nooks to explore and have time to yourself. The blue/turquoise water and the gleaming sand make this a very picturesque beach.

Playa Mismaloya

This beach is famous for being a filming spot for the movie “Night of the Iguana”, the 1960s film that made Puerto Vallarta world famous. Playa Mismaloya is actually a small village that is a calm port. This is an ideal place to make a snorkel or diving excursion by boat to the nearby Los Arcos, large rock formations with arch features that are teaming with wildlife.

Playa Colomitos

Playa Colomitos is a tiny cove beach that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. You can reach this beach by boat from Boca de Tomatlan, or by a short hike from the same village. The small cove is surrounded on all sides by tall cliffs, and the bright turquoise water laps on the small strip of sand. There are no services here, so you’ll want to be sure to bring your own water or snacks.

Las Animas

Playa las Animas is another remote beach that can be reached by boat, or by a longer hike from Boca de Tomatlan. This is a popular beach to visit to spend the day swimming, sunning and eating. There are a few restaurants here to have a meal or a drink so you can spend a whole day or afternoon. The fine sand and the clear water make this an ideal place to swim and relax.

Yelapa

Yelapa is a small town and beach that is so remote, it can only be reached by boat. You can take a boat here from the Playa los Muertos pier or from the town of Boca de Tomatlan. After a 30 minute boat ride from Los Muertos, you’ll find yourself in a hidden paradise. This deep cove beach is surrounded by dense jungle and rolling hills that climb up into mountains behind. A river divides the beach in half, and the small town with pedestrian streets climbs up the hill. This is truly a place to disconnect and enjoy nature. There is a beautiful waterfall within the town to visit, as well as one nearby that you can hike to. You can take a day trip here from Puerto Vallarta, or stay for a few days to get away from it all.

Punta Mita

Punta Mita is a town about an hour north of Puerto Vallarta that is at the tip of a point, so you’ll be surrounded by water on three sides. This town is home to many luxurious resorts and golf courses. The beaches and water are immaculate and the views are sweeping. 

Sayulita

Sayulita is also north of Puerto Vallarta, but is a town with a barefoot, laidback vibe. This beach destination became popular as a great surf spot, but since has attracted artists, creatives, and others looking for a relaxed experience. There is also a growing nightlife scene here, so you can relax by day and party by night.

These Puerto Vallarta beaches show that you can have completely different beach experiences depending on your mood or travel style. From lively city beaches to remote boat-access only beaches, surf destinations, luxury getaways and more!

We hope this Puerto Vallarta beach guide will help you find your favorite beach in the Bahia de Banderas. Let us know if you have any questions below!

For More Mexico Travel:

• 44 Things to Know About Living in Mexico as an Expat
• 40 Things to do in Mexico: My Mexico Bucket List
• Where to Stay in Mexico City: Trendy Areas Near Top Attractions
• 50 Unmissable Things to do in Merida, Mexico

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Looking for the best wineries in Willamette Valley, Oregon. Here’s a complete guide below!

Oregon might be most known for its proximity to beautiful National forests and scenic waterfalls, but for wine enthusiasts Oregon’s reputation for Pinot Noir is on the same level. There are around 700 wineries in the Willamette Valley alone, which can be a little intimidating when you want to plan a wine tasting tour or you’re just passing through the area.

I come from a family of avid wine tasters and my girlfriend is in the wine industry. Suffice to say, I drink a lot of wine! I still may not be able to tell you all the complex flavors that make up whatever I’m drinking, but I can tell you what wineries have stood out to me based on the experience I had tasting there, the atmosphere of the space and the feelings I had trying each wine.

Wine tasting is already pretty subjective, and even if a vineyard has a lot of accolades, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s going to be the right fit for you. Each winery has a different experience to offer and it all depends on what you’re looking for. (And if you don’t actually know what you’re looking for, there’s a place for that too.)

A Guide to the Best Wineries in Willamette Valley

Argyle Winery

best for sparkling wine

Bubbles don’t just have to be for special occasions. At Argyle, you can get a flight of only sparkling wines that includes whites and rosés, as well as offer a variety of flavor profiles from dry, crisp and floral.

Argyle was founded with sparkling in mind. In 1987, vintner Rollin Soles believed the valley would be ideal for producing these delectable bubbles, and since then they have expanded to include Chardonnays, Pinot Noirs and Rieslings in their repertoire. So, if not everyone in your party is feeling sparkling, that isn’t the only option.

Durant Vineyards

best for wine and more

Although wine is just one facet of Durant Red Ridge Farms, the history behind it is extensive. The Durant family was among the first in Oregon to start growing wine grapes in 1973. For almost 50 years after, the farm has expanded to include an olive mill, plant nursery, gardens, hiking trail, overnight lodging and a gift shop. Truly, a visit to Durant could be it’s own weekend excursion.

The wines are good and the olive oil is even better. There are tastings available for both, either together or separate and the gift shop makes it hard to leave without taking a bit of Durant home with you. (I know I have.)

Fairsing Vineyard

best for a view

The name “Fairsing” comes from ancient Gaelic, meaning bountiful. The property is a mix of ridges, forest and streams with the tasting room atop of the hill overlooking the valley and forest below. The panoramic view is breathtaking and makes a great photo opp. Even the tasting room is inspired by Owners Mary Ann and Mike McNally’s Celtic roots, including a seven circuit labyrinth.

As for the wines, Fairsing flights offer a deeper dive into Oregon’s Pinot Noir, making it a great location to experience the beauty and taste that Willamette Valley has to showcase.

Bells Up Winery

best for winemaker interaction

Music lovers will especially enjoy the theme of this winery. Bells Up refers to the lifting of the French horn “bells” to project sound during an intense moment in classical music. Winemaker and owner Dave Specter played French horn when he was younger and calls the winery his “Bells up” moment.

That passion is obvious, especially because each tasting experience is hosted by Specter. It’s a truly unique opportunity to have a one-on-one interaction with the wine maker. Even if you’re a wine novice, Specter takes the intimidation out of learning what is in the glass.

Remy Wines

best for LGBTQ+ representation

In being part of the queer community, it’s important for me to be able to support LGBTQ+ businesses. Remy Wines is one of the Willamette Valley’s out winemakers who knew she wanted to be a winemaker since she was eight years old and worked in wine since she was 14.

Remy’s Wines are considered to be made in the old world Italian style. She has two labels, both with gorgeous, sapphic artwork that makes the bottles as good to look at as they are to drink! One of them, The Three Wives Wines, is based off an old family story of mistaken identity, which I recommend asking about on your visit.

Stoller Family Estate

best for variety

For those who aren’t sure exactly what they want, but are still looking for a fun and special experience, Stoller Family Estate has you covered. The Stoller brand is one of the best known in the state, and is the best place to go if you want options.

There are multiple tasting flights, including their classic Stoller tasting, which ranges from Chardonnay to Pinot Noirs; History tasting, which highlights some of the oldest vineyards in the region; Gastronomic Tasting, which curates food and wine pairings; and a library tasting of their most exclusive wines. I went with the classic tasting, and the range of their wine brands gave me a full impression of how extensive their collection is.

Have you been to any of these Willamette Valley wineries before? Are there any other exceptional experiences at wineries in the region you’d add to this list? Comment below!

For More Travel in this Region:

• Where to Stay in Vancouver: A Complete Neighborhood Guide
• The Best Waterfalls in Oregon: Your Ultimate Guide
• Luxury Guide to Portland, Oregon
• Best Things to Do in Richmond, BC to Get a Taste of Chinese Culture

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Looking for the best beaches on Long Island? Check out this post from local, Jenna!

Long Island is known for a few things: high property taxes, Billy Joel, Amy Fisher… and great beaches. As a kid, I built sandcastles all over the best beaches on Long Island, and as an adult, I found the ones with live music and appetizers at sunset. The south shore beaches are the ones you want if you’re a fan of smooth sand; the north shore ones are primarily rocky. Still pretty, but a lot harder to walk on barefoot.

Below are some of my favorites!

Best Beaches on Long Island

Cooper’s Beach

268 Meadow Lane, Southampton, NY 11968

You haven’t experienced a sunset until you’ve experienced it at Cooper’s Beach. Serenity and beauty abound at this well-maintained 7-mile-long stretch of beach in the Hamptons with soft, fine white sand and clean water. The $50 daily parking fee (yes, not a typo!) before 5 p.m. is a deterrent for many visitors, though, so it’s not usually overcrowded. It’s consistently ranked one of the best beaches in the entire country, so they get away with pricing it like you’re going to a theme park. It faces the Atlantic Ocean and the waves can get rough. You can rent chairs and umbrellas and buy whatever you need at the on-site store and upscale snack bar. For a sneak peek, check out their webcam.

Jones Beach

2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh, NY 11793

Probably the most famous Long Island beach, Jones Beach has been the site of big concerts and events every summer (air shows, parades, fireworks) and light shows for the winter holidays. This is a great spot if you’re looking for activity—biking on the boardwalks, surfing, paddle boarding, fishing or crabbing, and organized nature walks. Zach’s Bay is the area to hit up if you’re looking for calm water to swim with children. There’s also a new adventure park (WildPlay) with ziplines and an aerial rope obstacle course for adults and kids.

It’s 6.5 miles long, so while it’s always crowded in nice weather, you can still find places to stake out your own spot.

Cherry Grove Bayview Walk

Cherry Grove, NY 11782

This is the longtime hot spot for LGBTQ+ beachgoers on Fire Island—it’s been known as a safe haven since the 1940s. The only way to get there is by ferry (or water taxi or private boat). It’s not officially a nudist beach, but it’s clothing optional and not for those who get freaked out easily. While 2,000-ish people live there over the summer, only 20 live there year-round—it’s really just a summer destination, heavy on partying and events like drag shows. Like the rest of Fire Island, it’s all very walkable or bike-able. You don’t have to be gay to go there, but you’re expected to be an ally. Catch a sneak peek here.

Robert Moses Beach

600 Robert Moses State Parkway, Babylon, NY 11702

This is another wildly popular beach that’s just about five miles long and accessible by car or train (get off at the Babylon station). Different fields have different vibes and activities: there are areas for family picnics, surfing, volleyball, fishing and crabbing off piers, boating, nature walks, swimming, and playgrounds. You can walk to the Fire Island Lighthouse from here (Field 5 is the closest), and spot lots of wildlife along the way. It’s $10 for parking.

Venetian Shores

850 Venetian Blvd., Lindenhurst, NY 11757

If live music is what you’re after, Venetian Shores has it… every night! Well, on season, of course. It’s open to non-residents of Babylon after 5 pm. In the summertime, this little beach gets pretty crowded, so you may have to drive around a while to wait for a parking space to open up as the family-friendly daytime crowd thins and the adults take over at night. There’s a new little restaurant, Katch, that offers real food and drinks (not just the standard hot dogs and burgers at many other beach stands).

Smith Point County Park

1 William Floyd Pkwy, Shirley, NY 11967

Smith Point is a Fire Island barrier beach and park, but you don’t need to take a ferry to get there—there’s a bridge on the William Floyd Parkway that will lead you right to it. It’s a popular place for tent and RV camping (you need reservations, sometimes far in advance, and full hook-up sites go within minutes of release at the start of the season). This is a clean, white sand beach that has ocean and bay areas, a tiki bar, live entertainment, a boardwalk, a playground, and an area where dogs are allowed. Lifeguards are plentiful and on top of things. There’s also an outer beach area where off-road four-wheeling is allowed with permit. Campers get their own private stretch of beach, which is almost always less crowded than the main beach. Be aware that non-residents pay $18 parking fees before 5:00.

Ditch Plains

Montauk Peninsula, Montauk, NY 11954

This is the spot for early morning surfing and boogie boarding, and local businesses offer lessons and equipment for rent. You can’t park here without an East Hampton Village parking permit, though (you will get an expensive ticket), so you either need to Uber/Lyft/taxi your way in, or walk from a nearby private lot. Bring a jacket in case it gets windy.

Ocean Beach Park

Nevada Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561

Nassau County’s Long Beach is known as “the city by the sea.” Its trademark beach is four miles long, with a 2.2-mile boardwalk and all kinds of things to do: fishing, biking, swimming, surfing (in designated areas), and playground…ing. There are also several good places to eat (most notably, lots of pizza), though not many shops. It’s an easy commute by train from New York City and has a completely opposite vibe: it’s quaint and slow-paced, and very clean. Day passes are $15 per person for non-residents.

For More New York Travel

• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• 20 Fun Things to Do in Buffalo, NY
• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

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Jenna Glatzer is the author or ghostwriter of more than 30 books, and she just released the book Kids and Teens in Quarantine: WTF Are We Supposed to Do Now? 100+ Activities and Ideas for Safely Beating Boredom and Isolation.

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San Miguel de Allende is one of the most picturesque cities in Mexico. Its colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, immaculate facades, and impressive churches make every block of the historic center a photo op. But there are also interesting gardens, markets, and hot springs nearby to visit. This San Miguel de Allende guide will give you ideas for the best things to do, what to eat and where to stay in this beautiful town.

What to Do in San Miguel Allende

Walk the Beautiful Historic Center

The first thing to do in San Miguel de Allende is walk all around the beautiful historic center. You can start at the impressive Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel (tip: arrive early to beat the crowds), and wind your way through the cobblestone streets. Be sure to pass through the Parque Benito Juarez, the Lavaderos del Chorro (public laundry basins), the Temple de San Juan de Dios, and as many of the small charming streets as you can.

Botanical Garden: Charco del Ingenio

The large and gorgeous Charco del Ingenio Botanical Garden should not be missed. This garden is outside the centro, so you’ll want to take a taxi. Plan to spend a couple hours making a large circle around the well maintained trails that wind down next to the presas (dams or lakes), and back up the hill, offering a sweeping view of the valley and San Miguel de Allende below. Admire the huge variety of agaves, succulents, and amazing plants in the greenhouses and around the whole property.

Hot Springs and Spas

Spend some time soaking in thermal springs in one of the nearby hot spring parks and spas like La Gruta or Escondido Place. These spas have various pools with warm thermal waters to enjoy in a peaceful natural setting. You can spend a full afternoon, adding on massages, meals at the restaurants, and more. These spas are only about 15-20 minutes drive outside the city, so can easily be reached by taxi.

Visit the Artisan Market

The Artisan Market is another must-visit to get a feel for the local traditional artisan work. You’ll find lots of metal work, like jewelry, decorative metal wall hangings, lamps, and more. You’ll also see ceramic bowls, decorative ceramic signs, some textiles, woven goods, as well as produce and fresh flowers.

Walk up to the Mirador at Sunset

San Miguel sits in a valley with a steep hill rising up on one side. This is an excellent place to watch the sunset over the city. My favorite mirador is simply called “El Mirador” and it is a long overlook with a sweeping view of the city below. Have a bite at El Manantial (see below) before or after heading up to the Mirador.

What to Eat in San Miguel Allende

El Manantial 

El Manantial was my favorite place to eat in San Miguel de Allende and it will be my first stop on any return trip. This cantina has a cozy and cute atmosphere, and delicious food. Order the artichoke, chile relleno, tostadas topped with seafood, and the margaritas.

Vía Orgánica

Via Organica is a farm, a specialty health food store and also a farm-to-table restaurant. Visit their store and restaurant to stock up on fresh, organic goods, and eat a tasty healthy meal. The store and restaurant have moved to the farm outside the city, but the 20 minute drive brings you to a beautiful location to enjoy the natural surroundings.

Lavanda Café

Lavanda Cafe is always busy, so arrive early and be sure to order the unique and tasty lavender latte. This is a great spot for breakfast, to sip some specialty coffee or to have a sandwich or salad.

Don Taco Tequila

Don Taco Tequila is a stylish spot in the centro that serves tasty vegan tacos and delicious cocktails.This restaurant has a great atmosphere at night and doubles as a bar.

Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar Rosewood

For the best views around, head to the rooftop of the Rosewood hotel for a sunset cocktail. Luna Rooftop Tapas Bar is a luxurious and beautiful setting to enjoy the colors of the city skyline.

Ki’bok Coffee

Ki’bok is a coffee shop with some of the most delicious premium, organic coffee in the city, and plenty of space to hang out for awhile or work from your laptop.

Aperi

Dos Casas hotel has an excellent restaurant for lunch or dinner called Aperi. Everything is fresh and well prepared. Make a reservation here for a special meal in a beautiful setting.

Where to Stay in San Miguel Allende

Luxury: Dos Casas

For an unbeatable, luxurious experience, stay at Dos Casas hotel. The suites are huge with king beds, large bathrooms with bathtubs, and private rooftop terraces including a jacuzzi and sweeping views of the city. It’s quiet, comfortable, and stylish in every corner.

Mid-Range: Selina San Miguel de Allende

For a mid-range rate in a beautiful setting, check out Selina in San Miguel. The spacious rooms feature colorful hacienda style decor, and Selina locations always promise strong, reliable wifi, and an onsite bar and restaurant.

Budget and Unique Stays: Airbnb

Check Airbnb for budget rooms and apartments, as well as special and unique places to stay in San Miguel de Allende.

San Miguel de Allende will charm you with its beauty and history. Be sure to give yourself enough time to wander, find hidden nooks, and eat and drink the tastiest things the city has to offer!

For more travel to Mexico

• 44 Things to Know About Living in Mexico as an Expat
• Where to Stay in Mexico City: Trendy Areas Near Top Attractions
• 20 Essential Mexico City Travel Tips For First-Time Visitors
• 50 Unmissable Things to do in Merida, Mexico
• 10 Delicious Things to Eat & Drink in Oaxaca

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Wondering how to spend an active weekend in Little Rock, Arkansas? Check out this guide!

I arrived in Little Rock the same way many of my husband’s coworkers did … on orders. As a military spouse, the idea of moving from my rural German home to Central Arkansas gave me preemptive bouts of culture shock. I had lived in the South before, but after spending three years overseas, I had grown very accustomed to a European pace of riding my bike to the grocery store, settling in for pastries and coffee in my local kaffeeshop, and getting lost on scenic trails through lush forests. I prepared myself for what I assumed would likely be a big change, but quickly found myself settling back into that familiar European pace as I explored the sidewalks, cafes, and bike-friendly streets of my new hometown.

Little Rock was actually discovered by French explorer Jean-Baptiste Bénard de la Harpe, who named the town “La Petite Roche” after finding a small rock formation on the banks of the Arkansas River. The rock formation remains today, as does that same pioneering spirit with which the city was founded. Today Little Rock has a vibrant arts culture where locally-owned businesses thrive and creativity is nourished through quirky festivals and city-wide celebrations. Spend a weekend exploring Little Rock’s hottest spots, from the nightly backyard parties at a railyard-turned food truck park to bike-in breweries and a boutique shop selling handcrafted goods and snarky sundries.

Where to Stay

Downtown Little Rock is the heartbeat of the city, home to the Quapaw Historic Quarter, the SoMa (South of Main) entertainment district, and the exciting River Market District. It’s also home to the city’s most impressive accommodations at The Capital Hotel. This luxury hotel first opened in 1870. Rumor has it that the elevator was built to accommodate President Ulysses S. Grant’s horse, and local legends claim there was one time when all 135-members of the Arkansas State Legislature rode to the top floor together. While there’s no proof either claim is true, I can say with absolute certainty that there’s plenty of room to nail an awesome cartwheel if you find yourself in there alone.

Check here for more places to stay in Little Rock

How to Spend the Weekend in Little Rock

Saturday

Start the morning with a coffee at Fidel & Co. Coffee Roasters, where this trendy specialty coffee shop roasts their own single origin coffees and serves them alongside house-made pastries, house-made granola, and healthy salads and sandwiches. If you go with their nitrogen-infused ice coffee, order it black, and don’t forget to ask for extra homemade za’atar seasoning on top of your house-made bagel to fuel your day with just the right spice.

From there it’s about a 15-minute walk along a pedestrian pathway past Heifer International’s Urban Farm and the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum to the River Market, where you can buy fresh flowers and vegetables or meet with the artisans at the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Many of the city’s best events and festivals happen at the River Market—including the World Cheese Dip Championship.

It’s also where you can rent a bike from Rock Town River Outfitters to check out the famous bike trails in, and around, the city. Mountain biking is a huge deal in Arkansas, and Little Rock’s series of urban trails makes it easy to get a taste of the trails … and a taste of the town. Ride 8 miles along the Arkansas River Trail to the Big Dam Bridge (yes, the actual name!), before heading back into town along the trail to grab a well-earned taco at The Fold: Botanas & Bar. The restaurant is inside a renovated filling station from the 1960s, and the décor is as fresh as the hand-pressed cocktails they serve.

From there, head to the Stifft’s Station Historic District to check out the street art and boutique shops. Stifft Station Gifts sells goods from local artists and is one of the only places in town you can find pieces from snarky local jewelry maker Bang Up Betty, who has made pieces for Julianne Moore, Janelle Monae, and more. Grab a beer at Stone’s Throw Brewing’s newest taproom before heading back out to wander through the outdoor sculpture garden at Riverfront Park.

As the sun goes down the bridges of Little Rock light up, and it’s a sight best seen from a well-positioned park bench at the riverfront. Grab a seat at The Capital Bar & Grill for cocktails to try what will likely be the best Moscow Mule of your life, and, do yourself a favor and order two appetizers, the pimento cheese and the spiced pecans. You’ll thank me later. [Pro tip: They’ll sell you a bag of pecans to-go if you ask!]

Walk or drive your way over to The Railyard to end your day with a laid-back backyard party of food trucks, live music, and lawn games. Cross your fingers for an appearance from Le Pops food truck so you can try the gourmet palleta-style ice lollies made from local ingredients.

Sunday

Sneak out of the city a bit this morning to drive—or take the vintage trolly (currently not running due to Covid-19)—over to the up-and-coming Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock for a cup of freshly roasted coffee at the original Mugs Café or save your caffeine for after a free-spirited yoga class at Blue Yoga NYLA. This award-winning studio is set inside an abandoned school building in North Little Rock, and you’ll need to park in the back lot to enter this truly special space.

Head back across the river for a morning hike. The trails at Allsopp Park are deceptively challenging as they weave through this urban park, but the best trails in Little Rock are found at Pinnacle State Park. Hike the scenic 2.2-mile Rattlesnake Ridge trail or tackle the grueling 1.5-mile vertical Pinnacle Mountain West Summit trail to reach the summit of this 1,011-foot mountain.

After a long morning of hiking, you’ll have earned a seat for the lavish brunch at Lost Forty Brewing. Brunch is served all day on Sundays, from 10AM-9PM, so no need to rush down from the mountain early!

Use the afternoon to check out some of the amazing Civil Rights sites in the city by taking a guided tour of Little Rock’s Central High School. This National Historic Site is where nine black high school students sought an education in an all-white high school following the Brown v. Board of Education decisions of 1954. Only three of those students graduated from Central High School, and their stories of resilience and determination continue to inspire millions.

Swap happy hour with ice cream hour with a hand-crafted cone at Loblolly Creamery in the SoMa district. Their flavors are inspired by local ingredients, and favorites include Arkansas Heirloom Pumpkin Fromage Blanc and Dunbar Gardens Fresh Lavender.

Stroll through the Bernice Garden to walk off your sugar rush before heading to dinner across the street at The Root Café. This unpretentious farm-to-table restaurant has been featured on The Food Network for their seasonally rotating menu that highlights Arkansas ingredients and local brews. End the night with a night cap at 109 & Co. cocktail club, located adjacent to The Capital Hotel, before hopping back in bed to start recovering from your exciting weekend in Little Rock.

How would you spend a weekend in Little Rock? Let us know in the comments!

For More Weekend Guides

• Tulum Weekend Guide
• Weekend in Buffalo, NY
• Whirlwind Weekend in Singapore
• 3 Days in Seville, Spain

Kristy Alpert is a freelance travel journalist with bylines in Cosmopolitan, Food & Wine, Men’s Health, Esquire, Fodor’s Travel, and more. Kristy has traveled to 84 countries on seven continents, but her biggest adventure has been her recent journey into the world of parenting. Follow her on Instagram @kristyalpert or order your copy of her Road Trip Activity Book and Travel Journal for Kids.

The post How to Spend an Active Weekend in Little Rock appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Planning a trip to Vancouver and figuring out the best place to stay? Local Nathalie is here to give you a complete guide!

The multicultural identity and access to numerous outdoor activities make Vancouver, BC a joy to visit. Whether you plan to enjoy local Asian-influenced cuisine, people watch in a café, or head out into the mountains or onto the ocean, I have a list of recommendations for where to stay in Vancouver.

My parents immigrated to Vancouver as children and have lived here ever since. Some of my earliest memories are going nature walks, museum visits, and hikes in this beautiful city. Being of Taiwanese descent, finding the best places for Asian food has been a lifelong adventure that I continue to take part in (with enthusiasm, might I add). As a lover of music and dance, the city provides amazing opportunities for both free festivals and paid concerts regardless of the time of year you visit.

Vancouver is split up into multiple neighborhoods, each with their distinct charm and flavor. I’ll provide a simple explanation of each neighborhood’s personality prior to listing accommodation.

Note that Richmond, while not part of Vancouver, provides proximity to our main airport (YVR) and thus has been included in this post.

Where to Stay in Richmond

Richmond provides easy access to Vancouver International Airport, in addition to some of the best Asian cuisine in the region. Whether you have an early morning flight to catch and don’t feel like venturing far, or are a huge foodie and want to make meals the focal point of your trip, Richmond offers the best of both worlds.

One can easily access beautiful walks along the ocean and fuel up afterwards with dim sum, dumplings, noodles, and bubble tea abound.

Sights of interest include the historic fishing village of Steveston, the Olympic Oval, and Aberdeen Centre – a mall fusing Eastern and Western shops with an outstanding food court full of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Hong Kong cuisine.

Check here for our guide to Richmond

Hotels in Richmond:

• Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport In Terminal Hotel
• Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport
• Accent Inns Vancouver Airport

via There She Goes Again

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Mount Pleasant

A chic, trendy haven for lovers of vintage fashion, independent coffee shops, and brunch spots. 33 Acres Brewing and Brassneck Brewery are two local craft beer companies where you can pop in for a pint or taster flight.

The annual Vancouver Mural Festival has resulted in a plethora of beautiful street art on the sides of several buildings in Mount Pleasant, providing plenty of opportunities for Instagram photos!

Check out our full guide to Mount Pleasant here

Hotels in Mount Pleasant

• Best Western Plus Uptown Hotel
• The Manor Guest House

West Side – Kitsilano and Point Grey/UBC

Kitsilano and Point Grey are the western-most part of Vancouver (not downtown Vancouver). Kitsilano is a hipster’s paradise with independent boutiques and cafes, many of which are found along West 4th Avenue. Vanier Park, Kits Beach, and Spanish Banks as popular enjoyable hangout spots year-round (Bonus: lots of dogs).

The University of British Columbia (UBC) Vancouver Campus is situated in Point Grey and makes for a great day trip to explore the university buildings, gardens, Wreck Beach, Beatty Biodiversity Museum and the Museum of Anthropology.

Hotels in the West Side

• Kitsilano Suites (B&B)
• Carey Centre on UBC Campus

Granville Island

Once housing factories, warehouses, and mills, many of these old buildings have been converted into restaurants, artisan studios, and performance venues. Located just outside the downtown core, Granville Island offers a beautiful waterfront walk along False Creek with views of the Vancouver cityscape.

Hotels on Granville

• Granville Island Hotel

via There She Goes Again

Where to Stay in Vancouver Downtown

The 4 official districts of the downtown core are Yaletown, Gastown, Vancouver Downtown, and the West End; but I will break the area down further along with some personally recommendations. While there are no accommodation spaces in Gastown, one can find tourist shops, cobblestone streets, and the famous steam clock. Gastown is easily walkable from Coal Harbour.

Coal Harbour/Waterfront

As you probably guessed by its name, this once-former shipyard is where you can see docking cruise ships alongside a gorgeous waterfront promenade. The sight of the Olympic Flame and the Convention Centre, a walk through this district is a surprisingly calm break from the hustle and bustle of the middle of downtown. Local tip: Stop by Soirette Pastry Boutique for freshly baked goodies and macarons.

Hotels near the Waterfront

• Hotel Fairmont Pacific Rim
• Westin Bayshore
• Loden Hotel

Yaletown

Yaletown is dominated by waterfront parks and restaurant patios. The Roundhouse Community Centre is the sight of the first engine used in a transcontinental passenger train (Yaletown was once the end of the line for the Canadian Pacific Railway). Old warehouses have been converted into cozy restaurants where flocks of people descend for post-work happy hour drinks. Local tip: Minami is a splurge-worthy sushi restaurant that specializes in aburi (flame-seared pressed sushi). For brunch lovers OEB is a must-visit.

Hotels in Yaletown

• Opus Vancouver
• Hotel BLU Vancouver

West End

The West End is the location of choice for easy access to beaches, restaurants, and Stanley Park (our version of Central Park). English bay is one of our most popular beaches, and also where you can watch the Celebration of Light Fireworks competition in July and August. Stanley Park provides opportunities to visit the Vancouver Aquarium, bike the seawall, and enjoy time in nature while still being close to the city.

Hotels in West End

• English Bay Inn
• Times Square Suits Hotel
• Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park

via There She Goes Again

Where to Stay in Downtown Core

Note that these are not official neighborhoods; I have split up downtown a bit further for ease of location-based planning

Davie Village

LGBTQ+ Friendly neighborhood; very close to the West End

Hotels in Davie Village

• Century Plaza Hotel & Spa
• The Burrard

Robson Street

Extends from BC Place down to the West End, passing the Vancouver Public Library, the shopping district, and lots of places for eats and bubble tea. Local tip: stop by Robson Square in the summer for free outdoor events, or in the winter for ice skating!

Hotels on Robson Street

• Blue Horizon Hotel
• Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver

Others

Around the middle of the downtown core

• Rosewood Hotel Georgia
• Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
• Wedgewood Hotel and Spa

Photo by Iain Cameron via Flickr

Where to Stay in North Vancouver

Lonsdale

Technically part of North Vancouver, Lonsdale is separated from the Vancouver downtown by a ride on the SeaBus. Once a shipyard, Lonsdale boasts a number of trendy restaurants and pubs, in addition to waterfront views. The Quay itself is host to many independent businesses. North Vancouver is where you want to stay for convenient access to recreational activities such as hiking and mountain-biking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

Hotels in Lonsdale

• Lonsdale Quay Hotel
• Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier

While Vancouver downtown remains the focal point of a lot of vacations, I highly recommend exploring outside the downtown core to really experience the city in all its glory. Brunch in Mount Pleasant, a walk in Pacific Spirit Park in Point Grey, finished off with dinner and bubble tea in Richmond; the possibilities are endless!

Any tips on where to stay in Vancouver from your visits? Comment below!

For More Canada Travel:

• 20 Things to do in Toronto on Family Vacation
• Luxury Guide to Vancouver
• How to Stop at Niagara Falls from Toronto to Ohio

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The post Where to Stay in Vancouver: A Complete Neighborhood Guide appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Looking to get a taste of China without flying all the way there? Check out these things to do in Richmond, BC!

I’ve always said that my luxe fantasy would be a private, live-in Chinese chef who hand-shredded chicken, plumped shrimp dumplings, steamed black fungi, and served dim sum on Sunday mornings. So far, I haven’t gotten the live-in part, but I found Chinese food nirvana in Richmond BC, Canada.  I also found a bunch of things to do and see in Richmond that made me feel like I was in China, without the long flight and jetlag.

“Seriously, Canada?” you’re probably thinking. Yes, or shi, as Chinese people say.  The Vancouver International Airport is located on the island city of Richmond. But everyone around me was speaking Chinese, signs were in Chinese, the culture was Chinese, but this was Canada. “What’s going on here?” I wondered.

I’d soon discover just how rich in Chinese culture, Richmond was.

Best Things to Do in Richmond, B.C.

Try tai chi at the Richmond Centre

When I think of China, tai chi leaps to mind. I remember walking through parks in China and watching groups of people gliding gracefully from one tai chi move to the next in the early morning hours. And guess what? The same thing is going on in Richmond, but it’s indoors.

I followed an insider tip and went to the Richmond Centre at 8 a.m., before it opened to the public. I wandered around and throughout the mall, I found tai chi and Chinese dance and exercise classes for students of all ages. As I stood and watched, a teacher invited me to join one of the free tai chi classes. Of course, I was clueless, but the students were patient and helped me with the basic moves. I loved it and went back again two days later for more tai chi. Highly recommended, as it’s a chance for you to exercise and meet Chinese locals.

Experience Chinese spirituality

Visitors of all cultures, backgrounds, religions, and beliefs are welcome at Buddhist centers.  A Chinese couple explained to me that Buddhism is not a religion; it is a philosophy and a way of life.  And I met a young woman from Taiwan who said: “In Chinese culture, we believe that everything has life—stones, vegetables, plants.”

When I asked her what I might expect at a temple, she thought for a moment and replied, “The divinities like the smell of incense. You can buy some yourself, and make an offering if you wish. You can pray for something like safe travels.”

Visit the International Buddhist Temple

The temple gardens are magical, and you’ll love the shrine of golden Buddhas and the Thousand Buddha Hall.

Heal at the Energy Bagua Wellness Center

I found out about an unusual new form of moving meditation called Energy Bagua which is designed to help students find relief from physical and emotional suffering and restore inner balance. You may work up a sweat by the deceptively simple act of circling around an indoor potted tree to experience healing and peace.

It was so unusual that I spoke to numerous participants and they reported a significant reduction in symptoms and feelings of wellbeing. I tried it myself and found it simple, soothing, and a gentle form of exercise.

Where to Eat in Richmond

Before the handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997, a wave of people arrived from Hong Kong. Among them were high-end restaurant owners and top chefs, which means one of the best things to do in Richmond, BC is to eat.

Today, on this small Canadian island with 216,000 inhabitants, there are an unbelievable 400 Chinese restaurants serving authentic Szechuan, Cantonese, Xingjiang, and Shanghainese food.

Some places are palatial and others are holes-in-the-wall. At first, I thought I was lucky because I stumbled on the right restaurants. But by the end of my visit, I realized that there’s no such thing as a bad Asian eatery in Richmond. You can dine well on any budget, and exciting new Asian restaurants are opening all the time. Here are some specific picks for where you can please your palate.

Lido

Go for breakfast and try the local fave – pineapple buns

Banh Mi Tres Bon

At lunchtime, order a steaming bowl of chicken phô

HK BBQ Master

You’ll find barbecue perfection in this underground parking lot

Alexander Street

Choose from hot pot, sushi, Korean, Chengdu, and robata (Japanese) restaurants

Parker Place Mall

Try the matcha redbean milkshakes and iced mango durian drinks in this food court

Too Two Chinese Sauerkraut Fish

For a new taste sensation, order pricey spicy fish and dozens of side dishes.

iTofu Dessert Specialty Shop

You’ll want to nominate their original tofucotta for a dessert hall of fame

Where to Stay in Richmond

Luxury: Westin Wall Centre, Vancouver Airport

A modern, well-situated hotel that’s an easy drive to all the restaurants, attractions, and shops in Richmond. Fitness center, indoor heated pool. The Apron is their signature restaurant. Easy train access to downtown Vancouver. Check here for rates and availability

Luxury: Fairmont Vancouver Airport

The only soundproofed, luxury hotel and spa located within Vancouver International Airport (YVR). The Gold club floor features a full-service health club, and sumptuous breakfast, late afternoon canapés, evening desserts, and free Internet. Check here for rates and availability

Budget: Four Points by Sheraton Vancouver Airport

10 minutes from the airport, with free shuttle service. Near Alexandra Road, and with more than 50 restaurants within walking distance.  At night, the Kimberly Lounge serves “Best Brews.” Check here for rates and availability

Budget: Accent Inns Vancouver Airport

Free shuttle service to the airport. Friendly, modern, and they love to give insider tips on where to shop, eat, experience the town, and meet locals in Richmond. Check here for rates and availability

For more places to stay in Richmond, check here

When I left Richmond, I thought about how lucky I was to have such a rich Chinese experience that is so authentic, accessible, and close to home. Plus, it’s so Canada polite and friendly.  I’ll bet you a shrimp dumpling you’d feel the same way.

What do you think the best things to do in Richmond, BC are? Let us know in the comments section.

For more tips for Canada travel, check these posts next:

• Complete Guide to Mount Pleasant, Vancouver
• Luxury Guide to Vancouver
• Luxury Guide to Whistler

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Cover Photo by Bawolff via Wikipedia, Other Photos by Paul Ross

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If you’re looking for a gorgeous beach destination without the throngs of tourists, head to the town of Puerto Escondido on the Oaxacan coast of Mexico. This beach destination is full of dramatic stretches of sand surrounded by cliffs, world-class surfing, delicious seafood, and a relaxed vibe. I’ll break down the best places to swim, surf, and hang out in this Puerto Escondido beach guide.

All the Best Puerto Escondido Beaches

Zicatela

Avid surfers (and those who want to witness some of the most skilled surfers in the world) should head to Zicatela beach, a long stretch of sand with giant waves that pummel down on it.

These waves are only for the experts, the swells are huge, and the rip current here is strong. This isn’t a place to swim, but to enjoy the buzzing energy and ambiance. Everyday around sunset, expert surfers head out and others gather on the beach to witness the action.

Playa Zicatela is also a great place for restaurants and nightlife, as well as to stay, to be close to lots of amenities. The whole stretch of beach is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Check here for places to stay in Zicatela

La Punta

For a boho, barefoot vibe, trendy La Punta is the best beach for you. This little neighborhood at the very end of the Zicatela strip feels like its own village. It has only recently become more of a tourist destination, so the sandy streets feel off the beaten path. However, this has become an up-and-coming destination, so you can now find organic food shops, a few boutiques, and tasty restaurants popping up.

La Punta is also a great place to surf. The name, “The Point,” refers to the shape of the beach that curves into a rocky point. This means that there is almost always a good break here. Surfing is recommended for intermediate levels and above. If you’re a beginner, or unsure, head to one of the many surf shops to inquire about surf lessons, or what beach is best for your skill level.

Check here for places to stay in La Punta

Playa Principal

This is the main town beach in Puerto Escondido. The development here is a bit older, and the cove is filled with fishing boats. It’s a nice place to take a walk and get a view of the town rising up on one side, and the long stretch of Zicatela in the distance.

Playa Carrizalillo

Playa Carrizalillo is the epic postcard-worthy beach of Puerto Escondido. You arrive to this small cove beach from above at the street level. There you will find 160 steps that wind down to the stretch of sand and the gleaming turquoise water below.

Since this Puerto Escondido beach is surrounded by huge cliffs on all sides, there is a constant small wave that rolls in, making it perfect for leisurely swimming. It’s also a great place for beginners learning to surf.

This is a beach you will want to spend at least a full afternoon or more, soaking in the sun and splashing in the gorgeous water. You can pull up a beach lounger at one of the local restaurants (with a minimum spend requirement), snack on ceviche, and sip on a cold beer while gazing at one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast.

Check here for places to stay in Playa Carrizalillo

Playa Puerto Angelito/Playa Manzanillo

These two beaches are actually in one cove, split by a rock jetty down the middle. They are both lovely beaches with cliffs rising up on each side of the cove and calm turquoise water to splash in. Boat tours for viewing wildlife like turtles, dolphins and whales usually leave from Playa Puerto Angelito.

Playa Bacocho

Playa Bacocho is often overlooked, but is a beautiful and unique beach in Puerto Escondido. This large stretch of sand is dotted with large rock structures and cliffs. The beach is almost always quiet, with few tourists.

While it’s not safe to swim here, there is a great beach club called Club de Playa Villasol with a large pool, swim up bar, and restaurant, that you can purchase a day pass to.

Playa Bacocho is most well known for the baby turtle release that takes place everyday just before sunset. This event is run by a turtle rescue program, and asks for a donation to participate. It’s quite a magical experience releasing the adorable turtles at golden hour, and watching them make their way into the sea.

Punta Pajaros

This remote beach is actually about a 30 minute drive from the town, but is still considered part of Puerto Escondido. The big attraction here is Casa Wabi, a non-profit art project that aims to promote the exchange of art and ideas between artists in residency and the local community. The space was designed by famous architect Tadao Ando, and is a fascinating place to visit. Make sure to reserve your spot during one of their guided tours.

This is a great beach to visit for an afternoon, or to get away from it all for a few days. Because of its remote location off the main road, It’s best to arrive by rental car, and to bring food and supplies if you plan to stay overnight.

This remote stretch of beach is very calm, usually with very few people, but has started to gain a reputation as a destination for design lovers. Many gorgeous vacation rentals are popping up, designed by well known architects, and the beautiful hotel, Hotel Escondido is located here. 

Check here for places to stay in Punta Pajaros

Puerto Escondido has a beach for every type of traveler and mood. Or visit them all for a taste of it all. And be sure to sample as much of the delicious Oaxacan dishes and seafood as possible.

For more Mexico travel:

• 20 Essential Mexico City Travel Tips
• What to Do in Oaxaca For First Time Visitors
• 50 Unmissable Things to do in Merida, Mexico

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Buffalo, NY has plenty of surprises for day trippers and weekenders alike. A short drive from the Greater Toronto Area, it’s a popular south-of-the-border escape, with intriguing food, shopping and activities, and a chill college-town vibe. I visit throughout the year – here are some of my favorite things to do in Buffalo, NY.

Tours in Buffalo, NY

Buffalo Historical Bike Tour

From Canalside district through Michigan Street Baptist Church, learn more bout Buffalo’s history. Check rates and availability here

Classic Chicken Wings Experience by Bike

Don’t feel bad about indulging in the food Buffalo is known for on this tour! Bike around to main famous spots for Buffalo chicken wings while learning more about the city. Check rates and availability here

East Meets West Foodie Bike Tour

For a more unique tour of Buffalo, try this foodie experience that takes you from Buffalo’s East to West Side as you explore the city’s immigrant and culinary traditions. Check rates and availability here

Waterfront Harbor Bike Tour

This bike tour takes you all along Buffalo’s waterfront from the Outer Harbor to the city’s grain silos, network of canals, and more. Check rates and availability here

20 Unique Things to Do in Buffalo, NY

1. Try the wings at Anchor Bar

Birthplace of the original Buffalo Wings, this modest bar and restaurant has won accolades ranging from a James Beard Foundation Award for “America’s Classic Restaurant,” to “Best of Show” at the National Chicken Wing Festival. Try Tuesday nights for the killer combo of live jazz + pizza + a couple dozen hot wings.

2. Grab some Mexican at Cantina Loco

If you love Mexican spirits, this Elmwood Village hangout is the place to take a flight, with nearly four dozen tequilas and mezcals to choose from. It’s also the place for stick-to-your-ribs tacos. The deep-fried California Fish Tacos rock, with zesty pickled slaw and spicy sauce.

3. Grab a coffee at Grindhaus

Need to re-caffeinate? This boho Allentown coffee shop has a cozy, pre-Instagram aesthetic and cheap eats (many vegan). It’s the perfect place to hunker down with a book… or kill time if you’re waiting for a table at Cantina Loco or Allentown Burger Project.

4. Find your next read at Talking Leaves Books

Buffalo’s oldest indie bookshop is one of Elmwood Village’s anchor shops, and a must for those with a passion for literary fiction, poetry and/or social justice. While small, the shop has a well-curated selection – I never leave without an armload of books, including my fave genres – travel, essays and creative nonfiction about running.

5. Eat your way through Elmwood Village Farmers Market

May through November, Bidwell Parkway is the place to on Saturday mornings, especially if you’re hungry! This 20-year-old alfresco market is only open to producers, meaning, all the vendors make what they sell. That sourdough loaf, cold-pressed juice or artisanal kimchee? All made locally, by the person selling it to you!

6. Try out Wasabi Japanese Restaurant

It’s not slick, but Wasabi is an Elmwood staple where you can enjoy satisfying sushi and teriyaki in a cozy little hideaway – perfect for a date night.

7. Or try the Japanese at SATO

For a hipper, more casual-upscale take on Japanese cuisine, consider SATO, a homegrown success that has grown now includes the modern Japanese restaurant in Elmwood Village;

SATO Ramen in University Heights; and SATO Brewpub, a downtown izakaya with a small-plates menu, including yakitori (grilled meat skewers) and bentos.

8. Check out Albright-Knox Art Gallery

Exploring the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is one of my fave things to do in Buffalo, NY. Unfortunately, the main campus of this leading modern-art institution is freshly closed for renovations, but you can catch engaging exhibits through 2020/2021 at its temporary Albright-Knox Northland location.

9. Go mural spotting

Make sure your phone battery is fully charged before hitting the town in search of the larger-than-life wall murals that are transforming communities into art hubs. From quirky-cute to thought-provoking and historically centered, many of these murals are part of the Albright-Knox Public Art Initiative.

10. Shop at Target

If you’re American, you’re probably scratching your head wondering “What’s the big deal?” but Target’s ill-fated mission to Canada a few years ago left many fans starved for the capsule collections our American friends take for granted. So yeah: Target.

11. Get some food souvenirs at Lexington Coop Market

Drop by to stock your fridge if you’re staying overnight. You’re not? It’s still worth a stop for foodie souvenirs from local hot sauces (I always pick up some, whether I’m traveling locally or internationally) to regionally crafted dog treats (for those of us with pampered pups).

12. Try the beer, bourbon, and burgers at Allen Burger Venture

Splurge on a grass-fed angus burger, washed down with a craft beer and a whiskey-bourbon-Scotch flight, if you dare. Allen Burger Venture says its beef is sourced from verified humane and sustainable ranches, but a full list of “alternative burgers” ensures non-beef eaters are covered, too.

PRO TIP: Order the wings. ABV never claimed to invent Buffalo wings, but I’m pretty sure they’ve perfected them.

13. Shop at Walden Galleria Mall

Sure, Canada has a lot of the chains we used to have to travel south of the border for, but… not all in one place. While many Canadians associate Buffalo with outlet shopping, Walden Galleria is the mall to hit if you want fresh finds, not cheap-and-cheerful steals. Everything you could possibly need is here – with a Cheesecake Factory, too. Perfect for a rainy day in Buffalo.

14. Hang out in Canalside

A four-seasons destination and part of Buffalo’s waterfront revitalization, Canalside is the place to go right now for ice skating, curling, ice bowling and – hello! – ice bumper cars. During the warmer months, the inner harbor the perfect spot to walk, picnic, or catch an outdoor concert or festival.

15. Explore Outer Harbor

The “wilder”part of the waterfront, this 200-acre green space is a must if your idea of things to do in Buffalo, NY includes enjoying the great outdoors. Hike or snowshoe the trails in winter, or catch a concert in summer. Bike or run the trails (bike rentals are available in season), or join a free summer fitness class.

16. Run the Buffalo Marathon

Looking for a flat, fast course to hit a new PB (personal best)? The Buffalo Marathon is a runner favorite (93% of past runners recommend the event), and uber-inclusive, too. Race weekend includes the full marathon, a half marathon, 5K, and the 1K Ruffalo Stampede dog run, and a kids’ mini marathon.

17. Visit the Buffalo & Erie Country Botanical Gardens

Organized around a stunning 67’-tall palm dome filled with lush palms and tropical fruit trees (including a lemon tree and cacao tree), the greenhouses also host geographically themed areas. My favorite: the koi pond in the Asian Rainforest. Millennial alert: House 4 is home to cacti and succulents!

18. Relax at Tipico

Sip a pour-over from this café/roaster located in the Front Park area. Bring a laptop and work away in the airy space for a taste of the digital nomad lifestyle, or just swing by for a bag of their single-origin beans.

19. Shop at the West Side Bazaar

Head to Buffalo’s West Side for all things global: this small-biz incubator features vendors selling treats and treasures from around the world. You’ll find cool merch such as cult-fave black soap from Ghana, handcrafted jewellery from South Sudan, and locally made macramé plant hangers (naturally!), plus tasty eats like Burmese street food and traditional dishes from Puebla, Mexico.

20. Check out the architecture at Market Arcade

Shop, eat or just feast your eyes on the Beaux-Arts/Neo-Classical architecture of the Market Arcade, a beautifully restored circa-1892 shopping arcade. Hot picks: handmade souvenirs from local artists at Buffalo Arcade and artisan snacks for foodie dogs and cats at Buffalo Bakery.

What do you think are the best things to do in Buffalo, NY?

For More New York Travel

• How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY
• Gossip Girl Guide to NYC
• TBEX Blogging Conference: Speaking on a Panel & Goat Yoga

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Wondering what to do in Oaxaca on your first visit? Expert, Susan Ripley of Brooklyn Tropicali, is here to spill all she knows!

It’s not very often that you find a travel destination that is jam packed with traditional culture, a variety of high quality artisan work, thousands-of-years-old archaeological sites, beautiful nature, colorful architecture, and some of the best food and drinks in the world. But that sums up Oaxaca, and explains why it’s becoming such a buzz-worthy destination.

So I’m putting together a guide for first-time visitors to Oaxaca, the quintessential list of what to see, eat, drink, and shop for in this cultural hub of Mexico. After spending more than 2+ years in this special place, I want to be sure that travelers have a chance to experience Oaxaca in an authentic and immersive way.

What To See and Do in Oaxaca

A comprehensive list of what to see and do in Oaxaca can be overwhelming. There is just so much history and culture, that you could spend months or even years trying to see it all. So I’m going to focus on some of the most historically important, as well as the most impressive places to visit in Oaxaca on your first trip.

Centro Sites

Every trip to Oaxaca should start with a stroll around the colorful and historic Centro. Start at the Zocalo (the main central plaza), visit the Cathedral, people watch, and catch a free concert or dancing.

Then make your way up the Andador, or the pedestrian street, until you reach Santo Domingo. This is an ex-monastery built between 1570 and 1608.

Take time to wander through the other picturesque streets. If you have time, visit the next-door neighborhoods of Jalatlaco and Xochimilco, where you’ll find vibrant and intricate street art.

Check here for some Oaxaca day tours:

• Guided City Walking Tour
• City Center Day Tour
• Half Day Oaxaca City Tour

Museums

As you wander the streets of the historic center, plan to stop in some of the best museums in the city.

Check out the current exhibits at MACO, the modern art museum. IAGO, an art institute that was founded by well-loved Oaxacan artist Francisco Toledo, has a library, beautiful patios, and rotating exhibits.

MUFI is a museum of Mexican stamp history, and also has beautiful common spaces and patios. The Centro Fotografico Alvarez Bravo has impressive rotating photography exhibits while the Rufino Tamayo Museum has an interesting collection of pre-hispanic art.

The Textile Museum is free and always includes fascinating information about traditional regional textiles.

And finally, the Museum of Cultures in Santo Domingo has a large number of artifacts and historical exhibits, plus you have a chance to view the beautiful architecture inside this ex-monastery.

Monte Alban

Monte Alban is one of the most impressive day trips from Oaxaca as it’s an incredible archeological site. As one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica, it was built around 500 BC and was the capital of the Zapotec people. You’ll find it contains many impressive ruins, and sits atop a mountain with a stunning view over the city and valley.

Book a tour here

Hierve el Agua

Hierve el Agua is an amazing rock formation located in the remote rolling mountains about an hour and a half outside the city. The site features natural mineral springs on top of a mountain. As these springs have slowly spilled over the edge, they’ve formed calcium deposits that resemble a waterfall. I’ve never seen anything quite like it! And the valley views are striking as well.

Book a tour here

Ethnobotanical Garden

The Ethnobotanical Garden is part of the Santo Domingo ex-monastery complex. It features a very impressive collection of flora from all over Oaxaca state, the most biodiverse state in the country. The garden aims to include all important plant life and teach visitors about how the plants have factored into the history and culture of Oaxaca. For this reason, all visitors are required to take one of the scheduled tours.

What to Eat in Oaxaca

As the culinary capital of Mexico, and one of the most exciting food destinations in the world, eating should be at the top of your to-do list when you visit Oaxaca for the first time. Below are a few of the most important traditional, local dishes, and where you should eat them.

Tlayudas

One of the most quintessential Oaxacan dishes is the tlayuda. It consists of a very large crispy tortilla, covered with asiento (lard), a layer of bean paste, shredded quesillo (Oaxacan string cheese) and often shredded lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Order it with a side of tasajo (crispy, thin beef), chorizo (spicy pork sausage), or cecina (spicy thin pork steak). 

Try this local dinner at Tlayudas Los Libres or Las Animas.

Mole

A trip to Oaxaca wouldn’t be complete without sampling some rich, traditional mole. In Oaxaca, there are 7 types of typical moles, with the most popular being mole negro. Mole sauces often consist of 20-30+ ingredients and take lots of time and love to create.

Try the classic mole negro at Biche Pobre.

Memelas

Memelas are another important Oaxacan food staple. These crispy tortillas are usually eaten for breakfast, and sometimes for a snack at night.

The tortillas are a bit thicker and cooked until crispy on the comal. They’re then layered with asiento (lard), a bean paste, and topped with queso fresco (fresh crumbled cheese), or quesillo (a string cheese popular in Oaxaca).

You can order memelas sencillo (as above), or with added toppings like chicharron (pork rind), tinga de pollo (spicy stewed chicken), or champiñones (mushrooms).

Try authentic memelas at popular street food stand, Memelas San Agustin.

Tacos

While Oaxaca isn’t the capital of tacos in Mexico (that title is reserved for Mexico City), there are delicious tacos to be found here too. Head to Itanoni, a restaurant that focuses on a diverse offering of items all made from heirloom corn. Try their tacos guisados, with fillings like huevo en salsa (egg in salsa) or chile relleno (stuffed chile poblano), and enjoy the star of the show – the hot, crispy freshly made tortilla.

Chilaquiles

Chilaquiles are a filling and delicious breakfast choice in many parts of Mexico. This breakfast dish is made up of crispy tortilla wedges, drowned in a red or green salsa, and sprinkled with queso fresco (fresh cheese), sliced onion, crema, and usually a fried egg, tasajo (thin salty beef) or chicken.

Try this tasty breakfast plate at Maguey y Maiz.

Food Tours in Oaxaca

For some fun food tours in Oaxaca, check out some options below. Also keep an eye on Brooklyn Tropicali food experiences for any new retreats!

• Classic Downtown Food Tour
• Mexcal and Local Food Sunset Tour
• Street Food Tour
• Cooking Class and Market Tour

Where to Grab a Drink in Oaxaca

It’s not just the food that makes Oaxaca’s culinary scene so exciting, it’s the amazing drinks, including traditional mezcal.

Visit a Mezcal Palenque

One of the best things to do in Oaxaca is head to a traditional mezcal palenque. Here you can learn about the typical process of creating this popular liquor, from agave plant to served beverage. You’ll see the different agave varieties, learn how long they take to mature (from 7 to up to 30 years!), how they are cultivated, roasted in a pit in the ground, smashed, fermented, and then distilled.

Often the most authentic mezcal palenques don’t offer tours in English, so I highly recommend booking a tour with a guide. A few of my favorite palenques/distilleries to visit are Lalocura, Gracias a Dios, and Mezcal Macurichos.

Mezcaloteca

After visiting a mezcal palenque, make reservations at Mezcaloteca, a bar/tasting room that does an excellent job of educating guests on everything mezcal.

My first visit was after I had spent quite a bit of time in Oaxaca and thought I already had a good base knowledge about mezcal. However, I still learned lots of new things and had a great experience tasting their impressive varieties.

In Situ

Now you’re ready to taste mezcal on your own, so head to In Situ, one of the best tasting rooms in town, where they can still guide you on your tasting journey with an excellent variety of mezcals.

La Mezcalerita

La Mezcalerita is a combination of a brewery and mezcal bar, with several rooms downstairs, and a lovely roof terrace to enjoy the Oaxacan night air.

It brews its own beer, but also has dozens and dozens of artisanal varieties from all over Mexico. They also have an extensive list of mezcals, including several house varieties.

Oaxaca Brewing Co.

Another brewery to taste some delicious locally-made beer is Oaxaca Brewing Co.. This intimate and cozy tasting room usually has a list of about 5 rotating artisanal beers and a super friendly staff.

Sabina Sabe

Finally, you might want to try a mezcal cocktail. Head to Sabina Sabe where the bartenders are experts in all mixed drinks, and can recommend something special for your palette.

Tejate

Non-alcoholic beverages are special and delicious here too. One of the most traditional drinks in Oaxaca is called tejate. This pre-hispanic beverage is made from toasted maiz, fermented cacao (chocolate seeds) beans, toasted mamey pits, flor de cacao, all ground into a paste and then mixed with water. The result is a frothy, rich drink with notes of chocolate. Try this afternoon drink in the Benito Juarez market.

Where to Shop & What to Buy in Oaxaca

Oaxaca is an art-lovers dream. The tradition of artisan work here is strong and reaches back for many centuries. Many pueblos are known for different types of artisan work. Check out the list below to find what interests you the most. You can usually find many workshops open to the public. These let you see how the artisan work is made and purchase it directly from the artists.

Local Traditional Markets

Markets are always one of the best ways to learn about a place and shouldn’t be missed. Also, if you don’t have time to make it to all the most famous pueblos to view the artisan work at the source, these markets will usually have a little bit of every type of work famous in this region.

In the centro, be sure to wander through the two main markets, Benito Juarez and 20 de Noviembre. If you are in Oaxaca on a Sunday, head to the bustling traditional market in nearby pueblo, Tlacolula. There is an impressive amount and variety of artisan work there. Plus you can also find food, clothing, plants, live animals, farm equipment, and anything else you might think of.

Woven Rugs in Teotitlan del Valle

Teotitlan del Valle is the most famous place to buy woven rugs. There are many workshops you can visit here to see how the artisans use the large looms, dye the yarn with natural dyes, and create beautiful works of art.

Ceramics in San Marcos Tlapazola, Atzompa, San Bartolo Coyotepec

There are several villages famous for ceramics all over the Oaxaca valley. Head to San Marcos Tlapazola for the typical red pottery. Atzompa is a village famous for green pottery, and San Bartolo Coyotepec is famous for black pottery.

Alebrijes in San Martin Tilcajete

A very unique artisan work famous in this region are alebrijes, or tiny, brightly painted wooden sculptures of fantastical creatures.

Textiles from Santo Tomas Jalietza

Beautiful textiles in different styles are famous in small villages all over Oaxaca state, from colorful embroidery, intricate huipiles (traditional blouses), or backstrap loom pieces. One of the best places to learn about these textiles is in the village of Santo Tomas Jalietza. They stillpractice traditional backstrap loom weaving here.

Mezcal

Your souvenirs wouldn’t be complete without a couple of bottles of special mezcal to bring home. My favorite place to buy mezcal is directly from the palenque or mezcal farms/distilleries. If you don’t have a chance to get to a palenque, or want to include a bit more variety, there are a couple of great stores to buy mezcal in the centro.

The tasting rooms of In Situ and Mezcaloteca sell special varieties. Besides that, Mis Mezcales has a good selection of high end varieties, and you can find special unlabeled very small batch varieties at my favorite vendor in Benito Juarez Market, Candiza.

Oaxaca is the kind of travel destination you can return to again and again – seeing, learning, and tasting new things every time. But on your first visit to this colorful, vibrant city, this list of must-dos will give you a well rounded (and delicious) understanding of the region, and make you want to come back for more.

Have you been to Oaxaca? What did you think?

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Have you ever been to a place that kept pulling you back? You visit again and again and never get sick of it. It constantly shows you new things, there are new surprises, and you uncover something else you love about it with each visit?

One of those places for me is Oregon. I will be honest—I accidentally fell in love with Oregon. I’ve always been more fascinated with places outside of the US. Traveling the US was reserved for when I was old and gray and couldn’t do long haul flights anymore. Then I met my boyfriend, an Oregonian, and I fell in love. Twice. With him and his State.

Being from Florida, when I thought of Oregon, I thought of crappy gloomy weather and that’s about it. But there’s so much more now that I’ve spent three summers in a row visiting, with more visits planned each year (van life road trip is coming up soon!).

We explore Oregon for a few months each year and are blown away by the beauty and adventure each time. We love the State so much, we started an Oregon adventure website to share everything we do with anyone else wanting to visit. Gloomy ‘ol Portland doesn’t even scratch the surface when thinking about visiting!

So let’s get down to one of the incredible things on offer here, Oregon waterfalls! I mean, who doesn’t love a good waterfall, right?

Here are some of our favorite waterfalls to visit in Oregon, all of them requiring a bit of a hike to get to. So grab your hiking shoes, a bottle of water, and maybe a raincoat too, and let’s go!

Best Waterfalls in Oregon Near Portland

Portland is a great place to base yourself for exploring the Mount Hood, Bagby Springs, and Columbia River Gorge area. There are a million places to stay and you’ll be in the thick of it in one of the country’s weirdest cities. Despite being a megacity, there are tons of opportunities to immerse yourself in nature and hike around Portland.

It has everything from grungy hostels to luxury hotels.

BUT there are also much cooler places just outside of Portland that offers a better location in terms of being closer to the waterfalls and other natural spots the State offers.

A cool and quirky place we stayed in was in a yurt at the base of Mount Hood. Camping is also a great option, it’s so much cheaper and you won’t have to be driving in and out of the city every day. Check availability here

Note: Before exploring any of the waterfalls and trails in the Columbia River Gorge, it’s important you check the status of the trails. There was a tragic fire in 2017 and the area has yet to fully recover. You can check for trail info here. The hikes below were open at the time of writing but there may be detours and side paths that have not reopened yet.

1. Wahkeena Falls To Multnomah Falls

• Distance: 8 miles
• Type of hike: Loop
• Difficulty: Hard

I know most people reading will have heard of Multnomah, and while it’s on EVERYONE’s list, and is beautiful, how about taking it a bit further and getting away from the crowd? If that’s more your thing, then head up the trails at Multnomah, weaving in and out of the hoards that visit this waterfall.

After a few minutes, the crowds start to thin out and before you know it, the only thing you can hear is Mother Nature. I’d suggest downloading Maps.Me or Alltrails for this trail as there are many detours and side paths and things can get confusing fast. Wahkeena, Fairy Falls, Ecola Falls, and many more waterfalls will be along this trail, so you’ll literally be chasing waterfalls for around eight miles.

2. Dry Creek Falls

• Distance: 4.4 miles
• Type of hike: Out and back
• Difficulty: Easy

While the name does not drum up any excitement, this is actually a great waterfall in Oregon for two reasons—It’s beautiful and not as popular as many of the others along the Columbia River Gorge.

There are a few steep spots here and there but otherwise, the trail is quite easy. You’ll see some remanence of the forest fires here, burnt up stumps and ghostly rows of naked tree trunks, but the trail itself is safe. Eventually, you’ll turn the corner and see Dry Creek Falls gushing over a basalt cliffside.

3. Tamanawas Falls

• Distance: 3.2 miles
• Type of hike: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

This is one of the coolest waterfalls near Mount Hood and one of our favorites. After scampering through a forest, then climbing around some rocks, you’ll finally come around a bend, and see Tamanawas Falls in the distance.

The hike is rated as moderate but it’s really not that bad, I saw kids on this hike, so don’t be intimidated; it’s surely worth a visit. There are gorgeous wildflowers depending on what time of the year you come at the base of the falls.

If you want to get a bit closer, you can climb behind the waterfalls using the rocks to the right of the falls. You’ll get a bit wet but it’s very cool!

Note: Nottingham Campgrounds is a favorite campsite of ours and it’s down the road from Tamanwas Falls. Your tent will be set along a stream and you’ll get your own fire pit and picnic table.

Best Waterfalls in Oregon Near Bend

We love Bend. It’s actually where we are based when we are in Oregon. And seriously, without bias, it’s the best (OK fine, I’m sure there’s some bias there). This gorgeous city is surrounded by mountains and beauty and couldn’t be better located for adventure lovers.

As mentioned with Portland, there are some really perfectly located campgrounds in Bend, and if you’re up for it, looking to save a few bucks, and don’t want to drive back and forth, then camping is the answer.

4. Tumalo Falls

• Distance: 6.5 miles
• Type of hike: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Moderate

Here’s a favorite waterfall in Oregon for anyone visiting Bend, and I have a little secret too.

You can cheat. But we suggest you don’t!

This waterfall can be seen from the parking lot. Well, at least the main waterfall can. There’s a viewing platform a whole three steps away from where you parked your car. Many people come here, snap a pic and leave. No judgments here, but if you make the drive out here (part of which is on a dirt road), then why not explore a bit more?

There’s a very faint trail that takes you directly up and close to the waterfall, another that takes you to the top, and then continuing along Tumalo Falls path will bring you to a few smaller waterfalls along the way.

Note: You share this path with bikers.

5. Toketee Falls

• Distance: .8 miles
• Type of hike: Out and Back
• Difficulty: Easy

This one is just too easy and the reward is great. About a half a mile down a dirt path, you’ll be greeted with one of the prettiest and most famous waterfalls in Oregon, Toketee.

It’s a great one to visit but the vibe is ruined just a tad. There’s a viewing platform to the side of the falls—I usually prefer everything to be “fully in nature” but it’s a busy spot so they had to put the platform in. It’s definitely still worth a visit though. This one is the furthest from Bend, so maybe hit this one up on the way south towards Umpqua National Park (which has even more waterfalls to see).

Note: You’ll see many gorgeous pictures of this waterfall with a “head on” frame. Please don’t do this. This picture requires you to jump a fence and climb down sketchy rocks—not only is it prohibited but people have died doing it.

6. Koosah and Sahalie Falls

• Distance: 2.2 miles
• Type of hike: Easy
• Difficulty: Loop

Two for one, isn’t that always a great thing?

And if you’re in a rush, there’s a way to cheat at this waterfall too. Both waterfalls have parking lots very close to each of the falls. You could hop out, take a look, drive to the next one, and hop out again. But that isn’t as much fun! So if you’re looking to stretch your legs, do the full two-mile loop.

7. Proxy Falls

• Distance: 1.6 miles
• Type of hike: Loop
• Difficulty: Easy

Ah, the best for last! Well, at least for me that is. This waterfall in Oregon is a photographer’s dream. Dreamy cascading water, a perfectly placed log that lays in front of the falls, verdant foliage adorning the rocks… Like, what else do you want?

Oh, and it’s less than a mile through a cool volcanic rock forest? If there’s one waterfall to go to in Oregon, Proxy Falls is it. Don’t expect to get this place to yourself though, it’s no secret.

Tips for Chasing Waterfalls in Oregon

• Make sure you wear proper hiking shoes.
• The shoulder season is a winner! Most gorgeous waterfalls in Oregon are not a secret by any means and summers mean a lot of people.
• You’ll need a car to get around. That goes for pretty much anywhere in the US really. Check Sixt for rental options.
• Some waterfalls require a Northwest Pass ($30) or a $5 day pass. More info here.
• Portland and Bend are great spots to base yourself in for doing almost anything in the State but the campgrounds in Oregon often are in INCREDIBLE locations and can mean you spend less time driving and more time exploring. Bring your campervan or tent and stay out of the cities, if that’s your thing.
• Downloading an offline map like Maps.Me would be wise just so you can keep track of where you are. Most of the trails are pretty straight forward but it’s even handy to have for driving when you lose service.
• Double-check road conditions if you come out in the shoulder season or during Oregon’s winter. Some of the roads to these falls close in adverse weather conditions.

Which of these Oregon waterfalls are you chasing first? Let us know in the comments!

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The post The Best Waterfalls in Oregon: Your Ultimate Guide appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

It may be surprising, but there are actually a lot of wonderful ways to spend a weekend in Buffalo!

When I moved to here for my (now ex) partner’s work, I received a lot of snide comments from Americans and Canadians. (People from outside North America didn’t tend to know where it was, so didn’t have any opinions to share!) The rust belt city used to be one of the wealthiest in the USA, but that was a long time ago and it had gone through several decades of economic decline, urban decay, flight to the suburbs, and even depopulation.

But, what I found was completely different from what I’d been led to expect. And honestly, most people who spoke negatively about Buffalo had never been there. Although the city definitely has its problems and inequalities (where doesn’t!?), in reality it’s a vibrant and creative city with amazing architecture, good food and drink, beautiful nature not far away, thriving arts and music scenes, and urban rejuvenation projects breathing new life into previously abandoned and derelict spaces.

One rumor that was true, however? The winters! The winters are next-level cold and snowy, and especially shocking for someone coming from New Zealand, as I was. But there are few things more exciting than a Buffalo summer. Buffalonians really earn their summers!

Here are some insider tips for enjoying a weekend in Buffalo.

Tips for a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

Getting There

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is in a suburb of Buffalo, and connects to other US and some Canadian cities. Buffalo is right on the border with Canada, and only about two hours’ drive from Toronto (although the border crossing can slow things down).

If you’re coming from an international destination, it often makes more sense to fly to Toronto and then drive or take the bus across the border to Buffalo. I did this a few times as it was cheaper than getting domestic US connections to Buffalo. The city is also really close to Niagara Falls, about a half-hour drive away, so it makes sense to combine visits to Niagara Falls and Buffalo.

Getting Around:

Buffalo has a small subway network, and an extensive bus network. Although many visitors have their own cars, this isn’t strictly necessary, although obviously it’s more convenient.

Where to Stay

Elmwood Village is one of the most interesting neighborhoods, with lots of shops and attractions, so it makes sense to stay there. There are also a handful of lovely hotels downtown.

Recommended hotels that ooze with historic charm are:

• InnBuffalo, in a restored 1898 mansion in Elmwood Village
• Hotel Henry Urban Resort, in a refurbished psychiatric asylum on the edge of Elmwood Village
• Hotel at the Lafayette, in a French Renaissance-style building dating from 1904, and the best option downtown
• The Mansion on Delaware Avenue, between Allentown and downtown and another charming 19th-century mansion option
• Curtiss Hotel, another great downtown option in a restored historic landmark building

Check for more hotels in Buffalo here

How to Spend a Weekend in Buffalo, NY

Friday Evening Arrival

Try to arrive in Buffalo for Friday evening, so you can enjoy the city’s nightlife. Art lovers should kick things off by joining an Allentown First Fridays Gallery Walk. The Allentown neighborhood has a large concentration of independent art galleries, which open late on the first Friday of every month for guided walks (as well as drop-in visitors).

You’ll be in a good location to enjoy some food, drinks, and live music afterwards. I really love Allen Burger Venture, a burger bar that sells local and regional craft brews, or Cantina Loco, for tasty Mexican and strong margaritas to kick the night off.

If you want to stay out later, Allentown has some fun grungy dive bars that get loud with live music on the weekends, much of it local. Buffalo’s most famous music exports are Annie di Franco and The Goo Goo Dolls, and while you probably won’t run into them, you might find Buffalo’s next big thing.

by Pete716 via Wikimedia

Saturday

Morning

If your weekend in Buffalo is between May and October, head to the Elmwood Village Farmers’ Market on Bidwell Parkway for breakfast and some gentle morning entertainment. I especially love the local peaches and nectarines in summer. If you had a big Friday night and need a sit down, grab an outdoor table and a strong coffee at Caffe Aroma, just across the road from the market.

After breakfast, take a short walk up Elmwood Avenue to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. In the late-19th and early-20th centuries, Buffalo was one of the wealthiest cities in the US, thanks to its location on the Great Lakes trading route.

Rich locals (the same who lived in Buffalo’s amazing mansions) collected some of the finest art of the time, much of which is now displayed in the Albright-Knox. Art aficionados will be happy to see Warhol, Pollock Frankenthaler, and Lichtenstein in the permanent collection, and art novices will still enjoy browsing the manageable-sized gallery.

Afterwards, don’t miss the impressive outdoor sculptures that face the park. My favorite is the mirror mosaic tree stump with tentacles! Take a walk in Delaware Park, designed by the same guy who designed New York City’s Central Park and Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, Frederick Law Olmsted. It’s much smaller than those other parks, though.

Afternoon

After a refreshing walk in the park, walk the short distance back to Elmwood Village and grab some lunch there. There are lots of places to eat to suit your tastes, but great spots for a light Japanese lunch are Sato and Wasabi, both on Elmwood Avenue. Sato is a bit more modern, whereas at Wasabi I always felt like I was back in Japan.

In the afternoon, spend some time browsing the shops of Elmwood Village. Gift stores here focus on local Buffalo-made crafts, and there are fun second-hand clothing stores. I really love the local stained glass lamps, reminiscent of Tiffany glass. If you keep going south on Elmwood Avenue to Allentown (an easy walk if you’re active), there are a number of shops selling antiques, too.

Evening

After a late afternoon rest at your hotel, check out the Colored Musicians Club in the evening (check the program on their website), on Broadway, east of downtown. The area of Broadway around where the Colored Musicians Club still stands was home to a vibrant African American jazz scene in the 1920s and 1930s. While the Colored Musicians Club is all that remains, visitors can enjoy listening to some first-rate live jazz music here, for free or a very small entrance fee.

The drinks are cheap, and you can grab a bar snack here for dinner. Even if you don’t know much (or anything!) about jazz, like me, you can still enjoy an evening of entertainment. There’s also a fun and interactive museum downstairs, which tells all about Buffalo’s place in US jazz history, but you’ll have to return in the daytime for that.

Sunday

Morning

After a quick breakfast at your hotel or a local coffee shop (Spot Coffee is a popular local mini-chain), begin the day with a fun walking tour. Explore Buffalo runs a huge range of walking tours, which are a great way to see parts of the city you might miss otherwise, and to learn about some of its history.

These focus on all kinds of places and themes, including areas of the city (downtown, East Side, etc.) and architectural types (churches, Frank Lloyd Wright, and so on), and even the Buffalo mob. Whatever your interests, you’ll likely find a walking tour to interest you. I’m particularly interested in Buffalo’s old architecture, and there’s so much of that downtown.

Afternoon

To refuel after your tour, visit the West Side Bazaar for a delicious and affordable lunch. Buffalo has become home to many refugees as well as other immigrants over the past few decades, and many of these have settled in the West Side of town.

The West Side Bazaar is a very simple food court that serves very tasty food from Ethiopia, Laos, Myanmar, Puerto Rico, and other places. Plus, the place operates as a small business incubator, to help these new arrivals develop business skills. My favorite meals here are the Ethiopian platters, with injera bread and curries.

Spend time at the Buffalo Waterfront for the rest of the afternoon. The recent development over the last few years has breathed new life into a part of the city that wasn’t previously very appealing, and there are activities there for all kinds of travelers.

Park up for an afternoon of beer and sport, if that’s your thing (unlike me!), at (716). If you’re feeling a bit more active, you can go kayaking in the Buffalo Harbor, or ride a cycleboat. For a happy medium, go on a harbour cruise on the Miss Buffalo, or visit the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park, complete with the decommissioned USS Little Rock battle ship.

by David Wilson via Wikimedia

Evening

If you’re well organized and can book tickets ahead of time, spend an evening at one of downtown Buffalo’s most iconic and attractive buildings, Shea’s Buffalo Theatre. The building dates back to 1926, and shows local as well as touring performances. If you can’t see a show, at least take a quick photo of the lit-up sign outside.

Alternatively, catch a movie at the North Park Theatre on Hertel Avenue. Opened by Michael Shea of Shea’s Theatre fame, the movie theater has a beautifully ornate exterior and interior. It shows independent and art-house films, classics, and some more mainstream ones.

For dinner, either before or after a show or movie, you won’t want to miss out on trying some authentic Buffalo wings in the city that created them. In Buffalo, though, they’re just called wings! Anchor Bar, on Main Street, is credited as being the inventor of the spicy fried chicken drumstick served with blue cheese sauce, and while it’s not the only place in town to get them by a long shot, it’s definitely the most iconic.

So there you go, after following this Buffalo weekend itinerary you’ll have no reason to believe any lies or rumors you hear! You’ll now have experienced some of the city’s best eating, entertainment, shopping, and sightseeing activities! Whether or not you’re en route to/from Niagara Falls, there are many good reasons to spend a weekend in Buffalo.

Have you spent a weekend in Buffalo, NY? What did you get up to? Let us know below!

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When I first moved to Washington seven years ago, I was an unpaid intern on a strict budget. Even though I prepped a lot of my meals at home, I still managed to eat out thanks in part because I found a ton of incredibly delicious places to eat in DC on a budget from the city’s diverse population.

Being one of the top three racially diverse cities in the United States, some of the best places to eat in DC on a budget are immigrant-owned restaurants. Better yet, budget eats in DC does not automatically equate to unhealthy fast-food options.

Instead, you can expect to dine on Ethiopian meals that are communal in nature, Cuban sandwiches coupled with refreshing glasses of $5 mojitos during happy hour, or iconic bowls of chili and half-smokes after a night out in the historic U Street Corridor.

The District of Columbia is filled with homegrown restaurants and fast-casual options that represent the variety of expat and immigrant communities that make up its resident population. And, best of all, a lot of them are incredibly cost-friendly — here are eight of the best places to eat in DC on a budget.

8 of the Best Places to Eat in DC on a Budget

via Wikimedia

Ben’s Chili Bowl

From the race riots to 1968 to the economic decline of the historic U street corridor, there has been only one business to witness it all, and come out better: Ben’s Chili Bowl. Founded by Trinidadian-born immigrant, Ben Ali, and his wife Virginia, Ben’s has been a staple in the DC community since it opened back in 1958.

With $6.99 half-smokes and $5.99 bowls of Ben’s famed homemade chili con carne, I find Ben’s to be one of the best places to eat in DC on a budget, especially after a night out.

Chercher

Home to the largest Ethiopian diaspora, no visit to DC is complete without having an Ethiopian meal. Located in a cozy DC rowhouse in Shaw (there’s also a second location in Bethesda), a meal at Chercher to me feels like dining in your grandma’s home…if she were Ethiopian!

Everything is served on large communal plates and eaten with your hands using injera, a light, spongy flatbread made of teff hay. Dining here is a vegetarian delight — the wats are spiced stews and include my favorite, shiro wat, made from a savory chickpea flour sauce, along with with gomen, really well-seasoned collard greens.

via Flickr

Amsterdam Falafelshop

I first remember stumbling into this local falafel chain after a late night out in Adams Morgan. Inspired by the falafel culture in Amsterdam, Amsterdam Falafelshop has grown since then with two more DC locations.

You get to choose from a falafel sandwich or bowl as your base and then add as many sauces, pickles, and add-ons from the toppings counter as you desire. Add a side of french fries (they’re double-fried and extra crispy!), and your meal will run you less than $15.

Arepa Zone

When owners, Gabriela and Ali, immigrants from Venezuela, introduced Washingtonians to Venezuelan cuisine in 2014, it was out of a modest food truck. Since then, they began to serve arepas — savory ground corn patties filled with a mixture of meat, cheese, or veggies — at food festivals before opening up a stall inside DC’s popular food hall, Union Market, and then a bustling downtown 14th street restaurant.

All menu items run under $15, including my favorite carb-heavy option, tequeños, which are deep-fried cheese sticks served with a garlic-cilantro dipping sauce.

via Flickr

Colada Shop

This small, vibrant space off DC’s popular 14th street corridor comes to life in the spring and summer with its chill, outdoor rooftop space. Colada Shop also offers one of my favorite happy hours in the city — think $6 mojitos, Cuba libres, house beers and wines, and $2 empanadas!

If you’re visiting any other time of day, the croquetas and Cuban sandwiches (including a delicious veggie Cuban) are all under $10, making it one of the best places to eat in DC on a budget.

Hatoba

Hatoba, which means dock in Japanese, was designed with its Navy Yard location mind and focuses entirely on Sapporo-style ramen. Housed inside an over 100-year old boilermaker building, the interior features touches of shipping containers and nods to Japanese baseball memorabilia (Nationals Park is just a couple of blocks away).

This is my neighborhood ramen spot, and I always order the tomato curry ramen when I visit. It comes with a whole confit beefsteak tomato and is a hearty vegan-friendly option that I can honestly eat for two meals — it will run you $13.75.

Immigrant Food

At a time when the country seems more divided than ever, Immigrant Food aims to change that through food. Set just a block away from the White House, the fusion menu shows diners the diversity that exists in the nation’s capital.

You can choose from nine colorful bowls, all under $15, with an interesting mix of flavor profiles from all around the world. The “Columbia Road” bowl, named after the main drag in Adams Morgan, combines ingredients like pickled loroco flower buds and Ethiopian lentils, from Ethiopia and El Salvador, two of DC’s largest immigrant populations. 

via Flickr

Takorean

The first to bring Asian-style tacos to the district as a food truck, Takorean, now offers multiple brick-and-mortar locations in the city. Three tacos set you back $10 and come with a choice of slaw — pickled kimchi and the spiced kale slaw with soy and a gochugaru dressing are especially popular.

I always order both vegetarian taco options, the seasonal chili-lime vegetables, or glazed tofu with the kimchi slaw. But if you want meat, the chili chicken, bulgogi steak, and bo ssam pork are also on offer.

Food Tours in DC

For even more foodie adventures, check out these food tours around DC:

H Street Food Tour

Learn more about the H Street neighborhood, which was once where the builders and artists of DC called home. The tour combines famous foodie stops as well as visits to historical sites. Check here for rates & availability

U Street Food Tour

This 3-hour walking tour includes both food, including the previously mentioned Ben’s Chili Bowl, and history as you walk 2 miles round the U street neighborhood. Part of your ticket also benefits Bread for Charity, which provides multiple services to locals. Check here for rates & availability

The “New York Times Journeys” Food Tour

For those of you interested in DC’s political culture, this food tour takes you through some the city’s most famous government buildings as well as the very bars and restaurants politicians go for a drink or a bite. Check here for rates & availability

Italian Food Tour

Walk all around Dupont & Logan Circle and taste some of the best of DC’s Italian offerings. While you taste different dishes, learn more about DC’s Italian immigrant history, which goes back to the 1800s. Check here for rates & availability

Original Brew Tour

If you just want to get a drink, then you might like the original brew tour. Learn a bit about DC’s boozy history and taste some craft beers at 4 different breweries. Check here for rates & availability

Georgetown Food Tour

Head all around the popular Georgetown neighborhood. Sample its surprisingly diverse restaurant scene while learning more about its interesting history. Part of your ticket for this tour is also donated to Bread for Charity. Check here for rates & availability

Have you been to any of these eight best places to eat in DC on a budget? Or is there one that we missed that’s an absolute must-visit? Let us know in the comments below! 

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Back in August, my husband and I planned a long weekend trip to Colorado to watch our dear friend run the Leadville 100. We had a few extra days to explore the beauty that is the Mountain West and thought why not check off hiking a 14er off our bucket list. Another couple of friends of ours did thorough research, and they deemed Mount of the Holy Cross would be the perfect hike.

The peak sits right at 14,009 feet, is considered a moderate, class 2 hike, there is camping the bottom. Plus the views (according to google) are incredible!

Keep in mind, I have never done a 14er, I merely dabble in hiking and the outdoors, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I trusted that my friends and husband wouldn’t ask me to do something that 1. They didn’t think I was capable of and 2. That would put me in danger.

And while I am here to say I survived the hike up Mount of the Holy Cross, I do wish I had known a thing or two before putting myself through 11 hours of hard and incredibly gorgeous hiking.

Mount of the Holy Cross: 9 Tips for Hiking a 14er

1. Hiking a 14er is hard, but it’s worth it.

Because my husband is a beast of a human and runs 50-mile races, I should have known him telling me that hiking a 14er is “easy,” really isn’t right for the rest of humankind. Before we left for our trip, I asked him for the 20th time, “Are you sure I can do this??”

Of course, he encouraged me and told me he had no doubt I could hike a 14er without acclimating to the elevation and barely sleeping the night before. He was right, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t incredibly difficult.

I wish he and the rest of my friends would have told me, “Monet, this is going to be hard, you’re going to be tired, it’s going to difficult to breathe, but damn that view at the top is worth it.” Because everyone kept telling me what a big deal it was not, I don’t think I truly realized what I was about to do.

So, for those of you that have never hiked a 14er, know that it’s no walk in the park. I don’t know about you, but I would prefer to go into something thinking it’s going to be super challenging and come out saying, “Okay, that wasn’t as bad as I thought.”

2. Spend a few days acclimating to the elevation

We arrived on a Thursday around lunchtime and drove straight to the base of Mount of the Holy Cross.

We had a quick dinner with friends, and then set-up our campsite and prepped for our hike. If you don’t want to camp the night before your hike, the closest area is Minturn, about 14km from the trailhead or Beaver Creek about 15km. Your best bet in Minturn is to stay at Minturn Inn or Minturn Rentals. In Beaver Creek, it’s Village Walk 170 or Village Walk 102.

While places like Boulder or Denver are more popular spots to visit in Colorado, they’re way too far away to stay the night before your hike.

Either way, we had 18 hours max to acclimate before hiking up a mountain. That is not enough time. Yes, you can still hike a 14er, but your body is not going to be happy with you.

Thankfully, my friends were better prepared than me. My sweet pal Katie brought Nuun Hydration Tablets, to help with the altitude and made sure I stayed hydrated. Luckily, we had lots of water the entire hike, so never ran out, but make sure you drink lots before the hike and during!

And if you can, try to plan your hike after you’ve adjusted to the altitude for a few days – your lungs will thank you.

3. Camp at the base of the mountain

Luckily we decided to do this last minute, and it made our next morning much more manageable. All we had to do was roll out of bed, put on our head lamps, and do the climb. We did opt for a quick breakfast of hot oatmeal and a cup of joe, which I also highly recommend. Get an aeropress to make making coffee a lot easier!

I can’t imagine having to get up even earlier to get in the car and make the drive up to Mount of the Holy Cross. If you camp out at the base, it saves you time and allows you to get some extra sleep. Just make sure you buy a proper tent and not just something cheap.

4. Start early (very early)

Supposedly this is common knowledge, but your girl had no idea. It’s common for there to be lighting storms at the top of the mountains that can roll in extremely fast. Not to scare you, but just last year, multiple people died on hikes because they were struck by lighting. With all that being said, get up early and start the hike as soon as possible.

Mount of the Holy Cross took us 11+ hours to hike, and we were going pretty fast (so I thought). If this is your first 14er, start as early as possible so you can make it down the mountain before 1 p.m., and keep an eye on the sky to make sure a storm doesn’t roll in unexpectedly.

5. Bring layers and pack smart

Although it was the middle of August and pretty warm for Colorado, the higher you go, the colder it gets. I knew the temperatures would drop, but I didn’t take into account how much would change between my body warming up from working so hard, then the wind making my hot body cold.

I think we stopped a dozen times to change out or clothes, take layers off and then put them right back on.

Make sure you pack lots of layers. I wore the following:

• Tights
• Sports Bra or Tank Top in one
• Wool Long Sleeve Shirt
• Fleece Jacket
• Puffer
• Wool Socks
• Gloves

I was super thankful to have so many layers because my body would go from super hot to cold in a matter of minutes. It’s nice to have layers that are easy to throw in your bag and that are lightweight as well.

You’re also going to want some of these things to make your hike a little easier:

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Head Lamp
• A Good Hiking Backpack

6. Don’t be afraid to slow down or take a break

Pride sometimes gets the best of me. Anyone else relates? Although I could barely breath and my legs were getting heavy, I often wouldn’t stop because I didn’t want my husband and friends to think I wasn’t in shape enough. I know it’s silly, but my pride was getting the most of me.

On top of that, when I would finally stop, I would be so upset with myself that I was slowing everyone down that I didn’t even enjoy the rest. Even more silly, I know. Looking back, I wish I would have slowed down when I needed, took a breather, and just stopped and enjoyed the views more.

7. Bring your dog – or someone else’s

To this day, we talk about how much fun our dog, Frankie, would have had on this hike. Plus, his stoke and happiness would have been so contagious to the rest of us. Luckily we saw a super cute pup at the top, and it was one of the highlights of the hike. He also alerted us when a mountain goat was trying to steal our food.

If you don’t have a pup, bring a friend’s dog with you. It’ll keep you motivated to keep going, and their energy will rub off on you!

8. You don’t need hiking boots for Mount of the Holy Cross

I hiked in a pair of trail running shoes I’ve had since high school, and my feet were totally fine. If you have weak ankles or need the support then, by all means, buy hiking shoes.

But don’t feel like you need to go out and buy all this gear for your first hike up a 14,000-foot mountain. Mount of the Holy Cross isn’t too intense of a hike, so you don’t need boots.

9. Bring poles

Although you don’t need hiking boots, I do recommend a pair of poles. My friend Nick was lucky enough to share one of his poles with me and I was very thankful for that. My husband didn’t use any poles the entire hike, so I think you could go either way. For me, I enjoyed the poles, and I think they helped me and my knees!

Have you thought of hiking a 14er like Mount of the Holy Cross? What did you think?

Check out some of Monet’s other posts

• 4 Reasons to Visit the Amalfi Coast in the Off-Season
• Sailing the Greek Islands on a Yacht: Paros to Ios
• Top 10 Travel Tips for Visiting Marrakech

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The post Mount of the Holy Cross: 9 Things I Wished I Knew Before Hiking a 14er appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

I find that, despite being a meticulous planner, my favorite travel discoveries are often accidental ones. That’s how I found Mount Pleasant, Vancouver, an up and coming neighborhood south of downtown.

Completely by coincidence, my most recent trip to Vancouver overlapped with a family friend’s need of a house sitter. She was jetting off on vacation and offered her Mount Pleasant apartment – I quickly Google Mapped the location and found it a few blocks off Main Street. “There’s plenty to do here, lots of trendy cafes and vintage shops and everything’s bike-able!” she informed me. My last, disastrous, experience on a bike flashed before my eyes. I had a rental car though, so if Mount Pleasant, Vancouver turned out to be a dud, at least I could drive to wherever the action was.

Let’s just say I didn’t need to worry! From my first wander down Main Street, I fell in love with colorful and eclectic Mount Pleasant… and have recommended it as a neighborhood to stay in and explore ever since.

Where is Mount Pleasant, Vancouver?

Mount Pleasant is a relatively new neighborhood in Vancouver. The area south of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula used to be simply East and West Vancouver, divided by Main Street. It’s now a much more nuanced area. Over the last twenty years, the area in between East and West Vancouver (or Mount Pleasant as we now call it!) has developed its own unique atmosphere – somewhat hip, somewhat chilled, a little bit residential, and a lot of good food.

Mount Pleasant technically runs from 2nd Avenue down to 16th avenue, with Cambie and Clark forming the East and West boundaries. However, Mount Pleasant pretty smoothly runs into the South Main neighborhood, which makes up the area around Main Street south of 16th street. Most places discuss Mount Pleasant and South Main (or “SoMA”) together, and in my experience, you want to explore them together, too. The vibe is pretty much the same throughout, with some of the best restaurants in SoMA, although things thin out a bit the further south you go.

Feature Photo by Adam Jones via Flickr

Why Visit Mount Pleasant Neighborhood in Vancouver?

Not only do you need to visit Mount Pleasant and SoMa the next time you’re in Vancouver, but I would really recommend you stay there, too! Our little Mount Pleasant apartment was the perfect home base to explore Vancouver. Compared to downtown Vancouver, there’s a slower and more relaxed pace of life. I felt more like a local and less like a tourist, which is how I love to travel.

You can spend entire days walking down Main Street and exploring Mount Pleasant’s residential streets. Mount Pleasant has tons of restaurants and boutiques, as well as practical features like a Save On Foods, a liquor store, and on street parking.

The neighborhood is also really well connected. You can easily hop on the Canada Line (part of the Vancouver-wide Sky Train public transport). This will take you north into downtown Vancouver, or south to the airport.

What to Do in Mount Pleasant Vancouver

Whether you’re staying in Mount Pleasant, or just exploring for the afternoon, there is plenty to keep you occupied. I would recommend giving yourself time to explore. The magic of this neighborhood comes in stumbling across hidden gems.

If you like going in with a plan though (I can’t blame you – I do too!), here are some of my favorite finds in Mount Pleasant.

Shopping

There are sooo many boutiques, thrift stores, and gift shops to check out in Mount Pleasant and SoMa. To be honest, you’ll find 99% of these along Main Street itself, so my advice is to dedicate a morning or afternoon to walking up and down each side of the street.

Thrift shops

The neighborhood is absolutely overflowing with vintage and thrift shops – the cool kind that often sells trendy labels at a massive discount. Check out some of my favorites:

• Turnabout
• F as in Frank Vintage
• 8th and Main

Pulp Fiction Independent Bookstore

An absolutely incredible bookstore worth wandering through, whether you’re in the market for a new read or not. It’s one of the largest independent bookstores in Canada.

Much and Little

A very chic boutique which sells a variety of handmade items, ranging from delicate jewelry to home goods. Basically I want to stock my entire future house from this boutique.

Bird on a Wire Creations

This is a cute craft shop which is all about buying local. You can browse around at products made by local Vancouver artisans. This is definitely where I’d go if you’re looking for new stationary or cards to send. You can also sign up for a workshop!

The Corner Store

This is a shop at the corner of 10th and Main that specializes in menswear. It carries labels like Nike, Champion, Adidas, Jordan, and more. To be honest I did not feel cool enough to be in this store!

Pink Flamingo Pop Ups

Pink Flamingo Pop Up shop is situated on 11th and Main. This is basically a retail space that hosts a huge variety of different shops – almost always some unique small business with a local Vancouver twist. Definitely check it out and be surprised by whatever is currently open!

Urban Source

Urban Source is a gift shop and supply company that is definitely for the artsy among us. They specialize in art supplies such as paper, stamps, pens, and more. I loved wandering through and admiring all the different stationary.

Shops in SoMa

Head further south on Main Street and there are tons more shops to explore. Some of my favorites in this area include the Regional Assembly of Text for stationery and literary vibes, Front and Company for all things boho chic and thrift, and Organic Acres Market for the bougie food market dreams are made of.

Photo by Canadian2006 via Wikimedia

Activities and sightseeing

I’ll be completely honest and say that Mount Pleasant is a neighborhood for eating, shopping, and exploring. It’s a place to go for relaxation and wandering, like an Instagram walking tour or a Street art and craft beer tour – not adrenaline filled activities or iconic sights. Nevertheless there are definitely still some activities and sights you should check out while in the neighborhood! 

Wander along Main Street

Main Street is clearly the heart of the neighborhood. Make sure to spend some time walking up and down the street, popping into shops, and enjoying the view toward downtown Vancouver where skyscrapers meet the mountains.

Explore the residential neighborhoods – by bike or foot

I loved wandering through Mount Pleasant, off of Main Street, and admiring the houses. Most streets are shaded by old trees, and lined in stunning homes. The housing market in Vancouver is notoriously outrageous so it’s kind of fun to imagine yourself living in one of these places!

I’d recommend heading to the Mount Pleasant Park off 16th Avenue and using this as a starting point to explore the residential streets.

Visit Dude Chilling Park

Perhaps my favorite find in Mount Pleasant was this sign in Guelph Park. Apparently, a few years ago a cheeky Vancouver artist erected this sign in Guelph Park, that read “Dude Chilling Park.” This was meant to poke fun at a statue in the park, which is titled “Reclining Figure.” Vancouverites have a major sense of humor though, so when the city officials removed the sign for being “vandalism,” they petitioned for the sign to be returned and instated as a piece of public art itself!

Innocent Ice Cream via Sarah Bence

Where to Eat & Drink in Mount Pleasant

Coffee Shops

Vancouver is known for its coffee scene, and there are plenty of places to get a good cup of (locally brewed!) jo while in Mount Pleasant. I actually made it a tradition each morning to get up and try a new coffee shop. Some of my favorites are:

• 49th Parallel
• JJ Bean Coffee Roasters
• Kafka’s Coffee and Tea
• Liberty Bakery & Café – this is actually more in the SoMa area but worth the walk!

Oh man, is Mount Pleasant full of great spots to eat. Unlike downtown Vancouver, Kitsilano, or other more established Vancouver neighborhoods, you won’t find many overpriced or super fancy restaurants in Mount Pleasant. Instead you have trendy, edgy, mouthwatering food at unpretentious prices. I could list way too many restaurants, so I’ll limit this to my five favorites.

Toshi Sushi

Toshi Sushi is this tiny, and I mean tiny, sushi place in 16th Avenue. Despite their small size this place has fast become a legend in Mount Pleasant for its fresh sushi. On any given night, the line is close to a block out the door. So give yourself time and come early to grab a seat and some sushi!

Meet on Main

Meet is a 100% vegan restaurant that specializes in “healthy comfort food.” This translates to barbeque kimchi poutine, veggie burgers dripping in special sauce, and pretty much the best French fries of my entire life. I ate here two nights in a row because, basically, how could I not?

The Acorn

Like Meet on Main, the Acorn is a plant based restaurant. However, instead of offering a twist on fast food, The Acorn prides itself on high end, creative dishes. This is definitely the place to head if you’re looking for a fancier night to celebrate something special. The Acorn has been lauded in Bon Appetit Magazine, as well as named one of the top 25 restaurants in all of Vancouver.

Anh and Chi

With floor to ceiling windows looking out on Main Street, Anh and Chi is the place to come for people watching. It also happens to have some of the best authentic Vietnamese food in all of Vancouver. I’d recommend the spring rolls because I’m a traditionalist, but you could also go all out with the chef’s tasting menu.

Chickpea

Again with the plant based restaurants, because that’s kind of Vancouver’s thing (especially in Mount Pleasant…). Whether you’re a veggie person or not, Chickpea is to die for. Much of the menu is based on chickpea flour and Mediterranean staples. Try the falafel or at the very least their famous chickpea fries.

For something sweet…

And finally, you can please your sweet tooth in Mount Pleasant and SoMa! My two favorite spots for something sweet are on opposite sides of the neighborhood. For the donuts of your dreams, head north to Cartem’s Donuts. I’m talking everything from smoked maple walnut donuts to bacon topped donuts and more. On the south end of SoMa, you’ll want to visit Innocent Ice Cream. This place sells freshly handmade ice cream in every flavor. You can also get what is possibly Canada’s best ice cream sandwiches.

Where to Stay in Mount Pleasant, Vancouver

Like I mentioned, I stayed in a family friend’s apartment in Mount Pleasant. You can definitely get the same experience from a variety of different accommodations in the area, from budget to luxury:

• Airbnb – There are plenty of reasonably priced Airbnbs in Mount Pleasant. Try to get one near Main Street, like this apartment with overnight parking or this two-bedroom townhouse.
• Manor Guest House – A gorgeous restored manor and B&B in Mount Pleasant.
• Best Western Plus Uptown Hotel – Staying in a Best Western is a safe choice as they always provide great service. This one has a prime location in Mount Pleasant.

As you can see, there is plenty to see and do in Mount Pleasant! I’m so happy that I spent my most recent trip to Vancouver stationed in this chilled out neighborhood, full of good shopping and even better food.

Have you been to Mount Pleasant, Vancouver? Would you choose to stay in a neighborhood like this instead of downtown? Let us know in the comments!

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Chances are if you are heading to Cancun on vacation, you are staying at a resort. There are so many cool places to stay and when you save up for your big vacation, you want to take cute pictures in perfect outfits, feel like you are dressed appropriately, and feel comfortable. This Cancun packing list will tell you exactly what to take for a resorts stay as well as exact outfits you can choose to wear in Cancun.

Cancun Packing List + What to Wear in Cancun

Most resort stays are around 5-6 nights but make sure not to overpack. Why stress about what to wear once you reach there? See how many day and night outfits you need and take JUST that many. PS not all these photos are from Cancun! I didn’t have a lot, so added in photos from other places in Mexico and Central American resorts that are the same style I am mentioning in the post.

Clothing: What to Wear in Cancun at a Resort

In General

You’ll want to stick with dresses. Most resorts will have a little bit of a fancy vibe and in jean shorts you might feel under-dressed. Of course, if you are staying at a resort that has a “young” party vibe, then you could do shorts as well. Overall, dresses are the way to go.

I recommend taking one for each day, so around 5 day-dresses that will be loose, light, and short (not short-short but not maxi dresses that look formal). Think light cotton, linen, things that flow. I would take a few that are colorful along with a white and black dress. Wear something that makes you comfortable during that day that could even be used as a swimsuit coverup as you’ll be going from lunch, to the beach, to the pool.

These looks are from my Panama trip and around Goa, but you get the same idea:

I also love to take two-piece sets because they feel more styled and put-together than a dress sometimes. I like silk crops with textured skirts or two-piece sets that match and are a little more for style rather than comfort. A jumpsuit is also a great idea!

Swimsuits & Cover-Ups

While you can use those dresses as cover-ups, you should also take sarongs and swimsuit cover-ups with you. A simple white coverup can go a long way! I love having one that looks like a swimsuit coverup but I also take sarongs. L*Space makes some of the best bikinis and cover-ups. I also love the little bit pricier Melissa Odabash. You could just find something great at Target, too!

Little towels, scarves, and sarongs can be used to tie around your waist as a skirt – not just wrapped around like a traditional sarong and it’s a style that I love.

Extra Sun Protection

Adding on accessories like scarves in your hair, a baseball hat, or a floppy beach hat can make all the difference in an outfit and also just save you from getting brassy hair or a sunburn. I make sure to pack a pair of good polarized sunglasses, too. (Check out my favorite brands here) The sun is so hot in Cancun!

If you pop onto the ferry over to somewhere like Isla Mujeres, you’ll likely be laying out on a beach without an umbrella so you’ll want protection. I like to take a light pair of linen pants to throw on and a very light linen button-up top that will look cute but protect my skin a bit once I’ve had enough sun for the day but am not ready to go inside.

For Evening

For dinners, you’ll want a dress, jumpsuit, or nice outfit each night that will feel a little fancier. Most resorts have different types of restaurants so you can go to a causal one or nice one and you often need reservations ahead of time. While I tend to stay in a beachy boho look, you might prefer white capris and a nice shirt. It’s all up to you.

In a resort, you’ll have people coming to your room to clean and such, so make sure to bring PJs.

For Excursions

You’ll want to bring two pairs of “plane clothes” (I like to take loose culotte type pants and a favorite tee shirt, which I mention in my post on essential travel items).

You will want “excursion” clothing, too. You can go to the Mayan Ruins, cenotes, and more. For that, you will want to bring comfortable walking shoes, maybe water shoes if you’re worried about slipping at the cenote, and I like to take a Patagonia fanny pack or a small backpack like my favorite LeSportsac basic backpack. For the Mayan Ruins you can either do a cute dress or shorts and a tank, but it’s very hot there and you’ll want a hat and sunglasses. I recommend closed-toe shoes because it’s very dusty. You should take wet wipes with you to clean off a bit before the car/bus ride back to the resort. This is key!

If you’re going into town on a tour, you might want to take a casual outfit that is a little bit fun and colorful. I like to wear cropped pants like the white H&M ones below with a bright shirt or wear colorful loose culottes with a little tank top.

Extra

Don’t forget a towel (Tesalate is a favorite. You can use the code “hippieinheels15″ to get 15% off your order.), flip-flops (I love Reef leather ones), a good book or [easyazon_link identifier=”B07CXG6C9W” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Kindle[/easyazon_link], and your [easyazon_link identifier=”B00X409O6O” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]camera[/easyazon_link]!

As a bonus, I recommend taking a few spa items with you. You’re on vacation! Some nights you might want to chill in room so take a face mask, eye patches, and some other goodies you can do to help you relax. Since you’re staying in one place only, you can relax unwind and really get settled in.

For more Mexico travel

• What to Wear in Mexico: The Ultimate Guide + Sample Packing List
• 50 Unmissable Things to do in Merida, Mexico (2019)
• 40 Things to do in Mexico: My Mexico Bucket List

Pin this Cancun packing list and ideas on what to wear in Cancun at a resort for later

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There are so many articles out there about living in Mexico as an expat and some kind of scare people into not wanting to go or focus just on the cost of living being low – there so much more to know about living in Mexico. In this post, I’m going to share some things you definitely need to know about Mexico, some things that are kind of unique to living in Mexico or that I think might surprise you, and also debunk a few common things people say about living in Mexico that after a year, I haven’t found to be true.

Sometimes I find Mexico almost too easy to live in as an expat – and a lot of that might be because I spent five years in a very rural village in India before living here. But I think people who consider living in Mexico need to know what it’s really like and might see that it’s easier than they think to move to Mexico.

If I had a best friend who was asking me should I move to Mexico, these are the kinds of things I would tell her!

For reference, I have been living Merida, Mexico for one year. I have visited Mexico City and while I love it, it was too big of a city for me (think New York, seriously). Merida is a nice in between – a city of 777,000 people with small town vibes. Smaller rural places in Mexico will be different in terms of some of the tips below, as you can imagine, but these will relate to most places that expats choose to live in Mexico.

Living in Mexico: What you should know

1. You can stay as a tourist for 6 months and re-enter, but eventually, you need to get residency

Mexico offers six-month tourist stays to many (most) countries without a visa. After six months you can exit and re-enter. This is similar to what a visa-run in – there just isn’t a visa involved. But, if you are clearly spending all your time in Mexico, officials might eventually deny you entry because it will be clear to them you are living in Mexico, not a tourist, and in that case should be on a residency visa.

Rumor is that they are cracking down on this, but really what weight does a rumor hold? The bottom line is that if you plan on staying a long time – years, then you should get your residency but if you plan on trying it out for a year, then you are okay on a tourist visa. You can read how to get residency for Mexico here.

2. You’re going to need to learn some Spanish

Spanish is the national language in Mexico. While 92% of Mexicans speak Spanish, there are also indigenous languages that are spoken in some areas. Many kids are taught English as a second language and English is spoken in international business settings. But overall, your cashier at the grocery store, the electrician or plumber, your Uber driver, they are mostly going to be Spanish-only speakers. You are going to have to learn the basics, and life will be easier if you learn Spanish.

In Cancun and other touristy places, you’ll find many people speak English. But in Merida and Mexico City, people who aren’t all about working in the tourist industry, you’ll find less English speakers. According to a study taken in Mexico, only 5% of Mexicans speak English and it’s been introduced in only 18% of schools as a second language class. To me, it seems like younger teenagers know a lot of English, maybe from school or movies/tv but when I need help translating I’m luckier if I ask them than an older person.

I have been using Rosetta Stone to work on my Spanish and bring back what I learned in High School.

3. Mexico is beautiful and diverse

When you think of moving here ignore anything you’ve heard about Mexico being dirty! Even the big cities like Mexico City have clean streets and seem highly hygienic compared to big US cities. Yes, there is pollution but nothing to write home about.

When you consider living in Mexico, you can choose from cobblestone UNESCO sites like San Miguel de Allende or colorful Campeche, or you can go hippie beach at Puerto Escondido, or get really into the Mexican spirit in Mexico City. I cover this more in-depth in a post, “Everything You Need to Know About Moving to Mexico,” which really covers the “how to” move to Mexico and “how to” get settled and choose where to live.

There is also so much travel to do once you’re in Mexico, here are 40 of my bucket list items.

4. You CAN live in Mexico cheaper than the USA if you want, but…

…it can also be expensive – that’s down to your lifestyle choices. Forbes said that it’s 60% lower cost of living Mexico than the USA. I guess that must be true then – but when I compare my cost of living here in Merida to what it would be in Columbus, Ohio, it’s quite similar. The cost that is, not the lifestyle. Here I can afford to go out for dinner all the time, have a big house with a pool, have cleaners to help at the house, which allows me to focus more on work and personal time.

Could I live cheaper here than Ohio? Absolutely. Could I spend as much as people in San Fransisco? Probably. It’s all about what you choose to do. The question is do you want to spend less than you did before and have a similar quality of life or spend the same as you did before and have a better quality or life? I talk all about rent and such in my post on moving to Merida.

5. Yes, you can get an electricity bill in your name (and should)

Everyone told us that to do anything here (like buy a car or get a driver’s license or bank account) that you need a bill in your name. They also said that as a tourist, you cannot get a bill in your name. This is not true. Ben is not a resident and as soon as we signed our lease, we took it (and a copy of it, his passport and a copy of it) to the CFE (electricity office). They immediately change the name on the bill to Ben’s name.

Looking back, we should have done it in my name because I have residency and when applying for bank statements and such, I was the one who needed the bill in my name. The lease was in his name though, so it’s not possible to put the electricity bill in my name – it has to be the name on the lease. So think ahead of time WHO you will choose to have the bills in their name.

6. Mexicans are not anti-American

Some people back home ask me if the whole Trump/wall situation has made Mexicans bitter toward Americans. I don’t think so – bitter toward Trump, yeah! But I’ve never met one Mexican who has said a bad word about Americans in general and have found Mexico to be completely welcoming to me as an American.

7. You CAN rent a car and waive the insurance if your home credit card covers you

This is a conversation that comes up all the time in Facebook groups for expats in Mexico. I go into detail about this in a blog post about how to buy a car and rent a car in Mexico. But basically, when you rent you’ll see prices of 50 cents a day. Then when you show up, they will upsell you tons of insurance saying it’s illegal to not take the Mexican liability insurance. BUT if you buy the car rental on places like Expedia, Kayak, Mex-rent-a-car, etc you can see in the fine print on many (not all), that the 750,000 MXN liability is there. Legally, they have to give it to you. But some will deny it. Then you decline all other coverage as your credit card will say you have to in order for them to cover you. You need a copy of a letter from your bank saying you are covered. It takes patience, but it does work and I have done this many times in Mexico.

8. If you take the driving test, the written can be taken in English and the driving test is ONLY parallel parking

Eventually, if you are living here you’ll want to drive here! You can buy a used car and register it in your name. After registering you have one year to get a Mexican driver’s license. You will have to go take the driving test again – it’s 10 questions in English if you prefer and then parallel parking. I have a whole post on how to do this.

The funny thing is, that you never have to actually drive and show that you can go around roundabouts or understand one-way streets. It’s a bit telling! We have Mexican friends who tell us they just guess because who actually reads the driver’s manual? Another friend said they asked for the book but there isn’t one – he had to order one on Amazon.

With your license, you will also be able to use it at places like Chichen Itza or even ferries to pay local prices instead of foreigner prices.

9. Expect more festivals and family-friendly events

Mexico has so much going on at all times from cultural events like holidays and festivals to just general music and dancing in city squares. Of course, it has partying, too, and clubs – but it has so much going on for kids and families.

10. Mexico isn’t just shopping in markets – Costco, Walmart, Sam’s Club, it’s all here

You might be picturing going into a little market and getting your food from a lady selling veggies and hand-made tortillas. You can do this – and there are markets all over the place. But, there are also Costcos and Walmarts in cities all over Mexico. It’s up to you how you want to shop (no judgment here, ever!)

11. Missing American food? Impossible

The Mexican food is delicious but you also have international food from all over the world. You’ll have Thai restaurants, Indian, and even a Texas Roadhouse. There are tons of American chains here and also a lot of expats who run international restaurants offering all kinds of food from around the world. Not that you’ll get tired of tacos, but just in case.

12. You can do the same things here with kids as back home

In case you think that moving here would mean your kids lives will change too much, consider that kids here do just about the same things as kids back home. After school clubs, music lesson, sports, go-karting, laser tag, and bowling. It’s all the same.

If you want things to do on the weekend, there are professional soccer games, baseball games, professional racing like Formula 1,  going to concerts, seeing Hollywood movies (yes in English) at the theater.

13. If you buy a house or a new car as a foreigner, you’ll need all the money upfront – not mortgages and car payments

If you come here legally as a resident and open a bank account, you might think you will get a mortgage or buy a new car to make payments on. But not quite. While it is possible to get mortgages from the USA that will cover you in Mexico (rare but possible), most Mexican banks aren’t doing these, especially for foreigners. If you buy a car and want to make payments, the interest is crazy.

99% of foreigners who come down here buy their cars and houses outright. When you buy something as expensive as a house, you will put it in escrow and then the money will be wire transferred. With a new card you can pay on your Mexican card. But expect to pay for it all upfront.

14. Credit cards have VERY high interest fees here

You can get a credit card here and build up Mexican credit. Any credit you had outside Mexico doesn’t work here – you’ll be starting from scratch. You need to get one with you bank. You likely won’t be approved for one from a store at first. The interest fees are as high as 50% though and pretty much no one uses credit cards unless you 100% know you will pay it all off and are just trying to build credit.

15. Your TV’s, refrigerator, kitchen table… it’s all going to cost about the same as USA prices

If you get the quality stuff with brand names you recognize (LG, GE, Whirlpool, Samsung) you’ll pay pretty much the same price it would cost in the USA. The cost of living in Mexico is lower in terms of rent, food, and activities like going out – but “items” are going to cost the same if not more.

Things like a Kitchenaid mixer are 4x more expensive here. Anything that seems luxury or novelty is very expensive here. Forget Le Creuset!

I paid $100 for two Tommy Bahama chairs and an umbrella at Costco – the only place I could find them, which is a lot higher than I’d pay for a standard one in the states. If you need to furnish a house, don’t expect it to be done cheaply. Even the antique furniture here is SO expensive.

16. I can get nearly every beauty product I want in Mexico

No more smuggling stuff in like I had to in India for so many years. If I pop into Walmart, I can get any of the standard beauty stuff I could get in a Walmart in the USA. Not everything – but most of it. There are Sephoras in Mexico and you can shop online.

17. Renting in Mexico typically requires a contract signing in front of a lawyer and sometimes you need an aval

While Mexico seems to have a bank on every corner, in many ways it’s still a cash society. When it comes to paying rent, most landlords want it in cash only. No wire transfers. You’ll usually meet with a lawyer and sign a contract even for a 6-month lease. It’s all quite legitimate here.

Sometimes the landlord will want an aval – meaning they want someone to sign to be your back-up in case you bail and don’t pay. I have friends who found the perfect place but not knowing a Mexican to sign for them, they couldn’t get it. Such a bummer!

18. Don’t forget to pay your CFE bill (which can be quite high if you run the A/C)

This one time we didn’t pay our electricity bill… whoops. When your bill is due (every two months), they slip it into your door handle. Most homes are walled on the streets, so the door is literally on the busy streets and stuffed with coupons every day. We never got ours and didn’t realize it had been two months. Time flies.

We woke up to no electricity and realized it was only our house. We looked online and saw the bill was due two days before. No wiggle room on paying and no follow-up to remind us to do so. They will just shut it off! So stay up to date on your bills and keep notes of when they will be due; don’t depend on it showing up in the mail in case it doesn’t.

It requires a visit to the CFE to pay the bill and then ask them to turn on the meter. Someone has to come out to do that and they did for us later that day, however only because it was 98 degrees out. Sometimes they take their time and it can be days but they said since it’s very hot they were working fast that day to help.

19. Let’s talk other utilities:

Trash: Apparently, this isn’t the norm outside Mexico – but the garbage trucks come by three times a week

Gas: Your drier, stove, and hot water are run by gas. There are no meters on the gas tanks so keep an idea in your head of when you might need to top up or else you run out mid-cooking or right when you want a hot shower. You have to light the gas pilot light if it goes out and you have to light your stove.

Water: Your water CAN run out. Many people have well water and city water. Water is the cheapest bill but if you fill up a pool and have a lot of people shower it can run out. Don’t ask me how – but it does. I *think* it’s because the street water (city water) only comes in twice a day so it depends when you are showering and such. It’s never gone for long.

Electricity: I talked about the bill above. Power here is expensive, just FYI. There is no central air in 99% of homes here and in colder places that goes for heat too – people buy space heaters.

Internet: My internet here is faster than my parents in Ohio!

20. Most cars are manual

Just an FYI, when you are renting or buying a used car, keep in mind the majority are manual cars, not automatic. We car-searched for a month and ended up with a manual. It’s fine as that’s what we drove in India and it’s all Ben knows being from England, but I do like the ease of an automatic. It was difficult to find one.

21. It’s normal in Mexico to hire a housekeeper, groundskeepers, nanny, or pool cleaner

This is a personal choice and some people don’t like to have anyone help at their homes, but it is very normal here to hire someone to help you clean if you can afford it. I go into rates and such in my post about moving to Mexico.

22. Get a Mexican SIM card and you can use it in the USA and Canada

You can maybe even use it other places but that’s all I’ve tried so far. I recommend Telcel; it’s served me well! I pay around $10 a month for mine and get 4G and calls. When I’m in the USA, I just use my Mexican SIM and am roaming so usually have to top up, so might have a $20 month that month if I spend half in the USA. I’ve been going back to plan a wedding, so it’s been useful.

I haven’t had a USA phone number in six years so couldn’t tell you the price for it, but I think the Mexican one will be way cheaper. I think I used to pay $50 a month in the USA.

23. No, you can’t drink the water but it’s fine to cook with and shower with

What you have heard is true – it’s not safe to drink the tap water. Although some people do. It was the same in India, you shouldn’t but many locals did. Our bellies aren’t used to the bacteria and so we should not as foreigners.

I do cook with it – although I have friends who won’t and even Ben won’t.

Showering is fine! I get asked this all the time! Just don’t drink the water in the shower, sillies! lol!

24. Yes, you can eat the fruit and veggies

This leads me to the fruit and veggies. You should wash your fruit and veggies with filtered or bottled water. They are totally fine to eat – lettuce and all. Compared to India, the fruit and veggies here are DREAMY! So many options, and such quality BUT compared to my Ohio’s farmer’s market, it leaves something to be desired especially with lettuce, tomatoes (you won’t find those huge juicy ones here), and random things like leaks or celery.

25. You can flush your T.P. in some places but not in all

You’ll see signs in cantinas and smaller local places saying that you shouldn’t flush your toilet paper and can just put it in the trash can. This isn’t that big of a deal and all over Asia, there are places where it’s the norm. Don’t stress about it! Many homes it’s fine to flush – it depends on the sewage system in place so ask your landlord. In small towns like Tulum, you are not going to be able to flush. In airports, you can! It’s something you’ll start to figure out and there are often signs if you can’t.

26. Get an Amazon Fire Stick and buy a VPN app

Yes, you can watch American, English, Canadian and more TV shows here. There are so many ways to do this. You can get a mini-PC and turn your TV into a computer, turn on a VPN, and access any website you would at home like Hulu, Amazon Prime, SkyTV, DISH, Netflix, and more.

You can use a Roku, or get a smart TV here but those will only allow Mexican streaming. So Mexican Netflix and no Hulu (it’s the USA only).

I recommend the [easyazon_link identifier=”B079QHML21″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Amazon Fire Stick[/easyazon_link] as the easiest option (you can order this in Mexico) because it’s easy to install and voice-controlled. You need to then download apps like Comedy Central or whatever channels you watch. Just log in to someone’s USA tv plan (I use my parents). Then add apps for Netflix, Amazon Prime, etc. But some apps will know you’re using a VPN like Amazon Prime so you’ll have to turn off the VPN and use the Mexican one.

27. The “old traditional Mexico” mixes with the new

One amazing thing about Mexico is that the traditional and the contemporary mix together with ease. You’ll see the ladies making tortillas with their hands and big flower markets with pickup trucks dropping off loads of flowers priced 1/10 of American prices. You’ll have street food served from little bicycle stands. But you also have luxury movie theaters, art galleries, new modern architecture, and more that will make you feel like you are in Europe. It’s amazing.

28. You don’t have to be concerned about having surgery here or what would happen in the case of a serious accident

Get good insurance and you won’t have to worry, I should say.

You NEED health insurance here. It’s ranked by the star system, similar to how hotels are ranked. If you get 5-star hospitals then you don’t need to worry about surgery and such. If you get the government health care, then yes I would consider not having surgery at their hospitals. I’m sure that’s not a popular opinion but when ALL of my Mexican friends tell me horror stories and say never go to those hospitals for something as serious as surgery, I believe them.

Here is a blog post all about our health care plan, costs, how to read their plans, and more.

29. People complain about the bureaucracy, but it’s not that bad

In terms of moving here, what paperwork they say you need is the case – it’s not as messy as people make it sound. I didn’t find myself running ragged trying to get things done. If you follow their instructions, you’ll be fine. I got residency, opened a bank account, registered a car, got a driver’s license, moved bills to my/Ben’s name, got health care, and car insurance and more and found it all organized and easy to do.

I think the whole “bureaucracy is a bitch” thing in Mexico is highly exaggerated. Yes, buying a house requires a lot of checking but if you have a great notario and PAY what you need to make sure it’s done right, you’ll be fine. If you think you can do it all alone and barely speak Spanish then yeah, it will be a bitch.

Then again, I was in India for five years and let me tell you – it really is a bitch there, so I guess Mexico might just seem like a breeze!

30. Yes, police in some areas will try to get bribes but in other places, they are your “friend”.

We’ve had it both ways, to be honest. In the Yucatan, I have had only positive experiences. The police presence is huge here. I don’t feel at all like they are out to get me.

In Quintana Roo, have had bad experiences and the police have demanded bribes. It’s going to depend on the area majorly, then also even in good areas, there will be bad apples.

31. You must follow road-rules

Even though not everyone does, you really should. You should signal when you turn, wear a seat belt (I have been pulled over for this), not be on your phone, and do not drink and drive. They do breathalize and will set up check-points.

32. Uber is your best friend here but local transportation is great, too

Uber is in *most* places in Mexico. It’s not in Cancun and some other touristy places that the local taxi drivers are fighting it being there (and it’s dangerous). We had this issue in Goa, too, and I’m glad that where I am now in Merida it’s safe and legal to take an Uber.

In big cities like Mexico City, you can take Uber easy and cheap or you can do the metro. I prefer the metro to buses anywhere – and it’s very safe (with a women’s compartment).

Inter-city and state buses are good, too, and I take the ADO often. I just took one actually to Cancun Airport!

Within your town, there will be local buses that you can take all over the place and most expats do this rather than buying a car. I’m a car person and have to admit, I’ve never taken a local bus in Merida.

33. Your safety 100% depends on the area you live/travel

While I take the ADO from Merida to Cancun often, it doesn’t mean that all road travel is safe. You do hear of bus crashes, and just recently a bus going from Merida to Quintana Roo (I cannot find the article now) was shot at 18 times by robbers trying to get the bus to stop – but the driver didn’t and got away!

They say you’re okay if you drive during the day and take toll roads. We have driven at night to and from Cancun and all around in the Yucatan, but other than that I haven’t done a lot of driving in Mexico.

Many expats drive from the USA to Mexico when they come here for six months a year or if they want to move all their things here. There are Facebook groups with tips on how to do this. There are states in Mexico that you shouldn’t go at all – and others that are okay. Here’s an article that has some of the most dangerous places you should avoid. All the places you hear of expats living are safe areas (for the most part – Cancun, Riviera Maya, they have their issues but it’s a personal choice, I can’t tell you if it’s safe to YOUR standards.) I recommend googling crime rates.

34. The same goes for men

I suppose if you are in a seedy area, you could have issues with men. Most cities have a kind of no-go zone (all over the world, not just Mexico). So use common sense. But in general, men here are totally respectful.

In Mexico City, they have women’s only compartments and our friend there told us harassment is bad toward women. It surprised me because in a year here, I have not encountered this. In India, I did encounter harassment (what they call eve-teasing), groping, and staring. So Mexico City seemed fine to me!

Some people say there is an issue of staring or attention here if you are blonde and I find that inaccurate. I never notice anyone staring at me. In all the places I have traveled to so far, the Uber drivers have waited until I get inside to pull away. They all seem nice – that’s my opinion.

35. It’s all about the cantinas

Those swinging Western-movie doors are where you want to go. Most cantinas don’t look like much from the street, and in some areas of Mexico City, they are lined up door to door, so you won’t know which to choose! Just walk in to one – don’t be nervous!

Most cantinas are popping from 5-10 and they usually shut at 10. The good ones have live music, dancing, botanas (free snacks), and good cheap booze!

36. Long term taxis aren’t an affordable option of travel

Mexicos cost of living might be low, but unlike many areas of Asia where that means you can take a train, taxi, or bus and not pay much difference, that is not the case in Mexico. If you have a long distance to go and the bus schedules aren’t working for you, your best bet is to rent a car. Tour companies that will take you from city to city tend to charge an arm and a leg. It’s best to find a local driver who will be there for you when you have long trips and hire them over and over.

37. For shipping, use FedEx, UPS or DHL.

Local post isn’t reliable, which is a bummer! Some birthday cards have shown up which is more than I can say for India, but I had a huge package from Australia just not show up at all. The tracking ends once it reaches Mexico.

If you have something serious to send, then you should stick to the big players – they cost the same as in the USA, aka a fortune.

38. Customs takes things seriously when you fly into *some* airports

When you fly into Mexico City and have to clear customs, it’s a breeze you just walk past and push a button. No one talks to you unless you are chosen to be searched – which I have been once (when I had my dog with me).

In Merida, it’s a headache. There is ONE person that questions every single person and the line is so long. They search nearly everyone. Drug dogs sniff out your food and they confiscate it. You can’t bring meats and cheeses and such. Processed food is okay. You cannot bring TV’s or expensive things and expect to not pay customs on it – even if it’s old. They will make you pay. So, make sure if you are bringing old stuff you don’t put it in the box to keep it safe – which makes it look new. Think about the things you are packing and how you are packing them.

39. Yes, the food is spicy but only if you add a bunch of spicy salsa to it

The food baseline isn’t that spicy, it’s the salsas that are. Dishes won’t come with salsa on them, you add it – so just avoid adding the spicy ones. If you don’t like spice, you can avoid it here.

40. Tipping is huge here

Like the US, tipping is big here. When you get your bill at a restaurant, you add the tip to the card machine choosing 10, 15, or 20 percent. At petrol stations and grocery stores, you should tip. Your hair salon, nails, the guy who watches the cars in parking lots, you should tip.

41. If you’re expecting Tex-Mex, you’ll be disappointed

You aren’t going to get Chipotle-style burritos here (damn, they are so good!). You will get amazing Mexican food but not “tex-mex” unless you go into a tourist establishment, which you can. But local Mexican food is very different. If you want flour tortillas, you’ll have to ask and only in tourist restaurants will they have them – most will just have corn.

42. Mexicans love a party – and firecrackers

During festivals and birthday parties, expect noise all night long. It’s pretty crazy how hard they party and how late they stay up. How many fire-crackers and fireworks until you get bored? It was the same in India. It’s not every night though, but something to know.

43. Sometimes ordering from Amazon USA is better than Amazon Mexico

You can use your Amazon USA account in Mexico. You just pay a set fee to Amazon when you check out and they deal with customs for you. Sometimes it’s as low as $5. You should compare the price of the item on Amazon Mexico. If it’s a novelty item or imported, it will be very expensive on Amazon Mexico.

As an example, I wanted a pool raft that was decent (not the $2 ones from Walmart). They were $100 on Amazon Mexico! On Amazon USA the same raft was $20 and they charged me $5 for shipping and customs. After I got the raft, I was reimbursed $2 because customs was less than they thought. If customs is MORE than they thought, they take the hit on that.

I’ve done this with several things I’ve ordered to Mexico.

44. Lastly, you’re going to love it here!

If you are thinking about moving to Mexico, get ready for the biggest adventure of your life. It’s an amazing place to live. It’s very expat-friendly, easy to live here, affordable, and fun with all it’s quirks. Enjoy the culture, the food and music, and the kind, welcoming people!

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