Booking Your Room

Book early! This is especially important if you are trying to book during Asheville’s peak fall season (mid to late October). I booked our room almost 3 months in advance and just happened to snag the last pet-friendly room and they mentioned they were almost fully booked for the entire week. If your travel dates are flexible, you may want to consider a middle-of-the-week trip for more availability. You may even get a lower rate on your room!

Also, be sure to call to book if you’re traveling with your furry friends. Although the Princess Anne Hotel is pet-friendly, there are limited rooms designated to accommodate them so you’ll need to make arrangements with the front desk to secure one. If you are booking with credit card points as I did, call ahead to confirm they have a pet-friendly room available. They were more than happy to stay on the phone while I booked online so they could make a note on the reservation to lock in the right room for us. 

Pet-Friendly

A non-refundable $50 pet fee is due at check-in, which is more than reasonable and well worth their hospitality and welcoming environment. We were greeted with a warm smile and a welcome gift that included a frisbee, a water bowl, treats, and a roll of poop bags.

Our dog was allowed throughout the hotel, with the exception of the dining room, so we weren’t just confined to the room while indoors (which was even more appreciated given the cold front during our stay!). The hotel allows well-behaved dogs to stay on their own in the rooms. Unfortunately, ours suffers from separation anxiety, so we planned to eat our breakfast at different times to avoid leaving her alone. When I mentioned this to the staff while making our breakfast reservations they immediately offered for us to eat in the parlor with our pup! We loved having the option to eat our meals together vs having to go to breakfast in shifts.

Dining

As with any B&B, breakfast is included for each day of your stay. That being said, I’ve never had a meal quite like this one at any other inn! Not only are the complimentary breakfasts made to order, but each dish is phenomenal. We’re talking 5-star status! I am not exaggerating when I say that the Princess Anne Hotel’s meals were our absolute favorite during our entire Asheville trip. 

When you check in the staff will ask you your preferred reservation time for the dining room in the morning between 8 and 10. Keep in mind the time you select will be your reservation time for the duration of your stay. The day’s menu will be slipped under your door bright and early so you have time to review it before going downstairs to dine. Need to get out the door quickly and don’t have time to sit down for a meal? They’ve got you covered there as well with fresh pastries and sliced cake loaves to grab and go or for a snack later on.

The hotel also offers wine and hors d’oeuvres in the parlor in the early evening. Once again, everything was absolutely delicious and the presentation was on point. It was also a great opportunity to mingle with other guests!

All in all, I cannot recommend Princess Anne Hotel enough for a wonderful pet-friendly getaway in Asheville. With its historic charm, convenient location, and thoughtful amenities, I’m positive you will enjoy your stay as much as we did! 

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If you are anything like me, you LOVE being by the water. If I can’t be at the beach, give me a lake or river view please! Well, Greenville steps it up a notch with gorgeous waterfalls flowing through the downtown area. If you aren’t too afraid of heights, you should definitely take a walk over the suspension bridge to get the best view.

There are also a ton of great shops in Greenville and you can easily find something for everyone in your group. My personal favorites were M. Judson Booksellers and Cornerstone Minerals (not pictured but lots of awesome fossils and crystals).

Whatever you decided to do in Greenville, just be sure to bring your walking shoes since there’s so much to explore!

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I am a firm believer that restaurants are the heart of America and that the industry needs to be saved in order for the US to continue to thrive. The restaurant industry stimulates the economy in so many ways, by supporting our farmers and our fishermen, truck drivers and those that make the deliveries, the chefs, servers, and bartenders as well as their families. As Chef José Andrés of World Central Kitchen said so well “Restaurants in America are the DNA of a functioning America. We’ll not be an America as we know it if those restaurants don’t come back to be part of the American way of life.” (see his full interview with Anderson Cooper on CBS News).

The impact of COVID-19 on our food supply

The closure of restaurants due to COVID-19 did more than just directly impact their owners and staff, it completely disrupted our food supply chain! And without the appropriate distribution of resources, it doesn’t matter how much food we have because we won’t be able to get the food to the people that need it the most. It’s absolutely heartbreaking to see farmers having to leave their crops to rot while the food banks are overwhelmed and our citizens are hungry because we do not have the proper means to get the food where it needs to be. 

Saving the restaurants does not just save a single industry, it will save so many from going hungry! Especially if the federal government steps in and utilizes the restaurants to distribute food to those most in need, which would help to not only stimulate the economy but also address a food crisis for those unable to work at this time. Although individuals like Chef José Andrés are lobbying to make this a reality, there are things that each of us can do as individuals to help our restaurants as well! 

Tips to support local restaurants

Here are a few things you can do to support your favorite local restaurants and your community!

Buy gift cards

Our current situation is not permanent! Although we cannot gather at this time, we will be able to come together as soon as it is safe for everyone to do so. It may look a little different when we emerge from our homes, the wait staff may be wearing masks and gloves, you may have to make reservations in advance or eat a “linner” instead of brunch or dinner to ensure your safety and the safety of others. But we will dine out again! Help give your favorite lunch or date spot a boost by paying it forward for when you can visit them in person once more. Have a friend or family member with a quarantine birthday? Restaurant gift card! Which brings me to my next point…

Order takeout

I’m sure most of us are pretty familiar with utilizing DoorDash, Postmates, Uber Eats and Grubhub at this point, especially if you have to order groceries almost a week in advance as I do with personal shoppers being in such high demand. However, don’t forget to check in with your local restaurants on their websites since they may not have the means to use those services at this time or maybe are still trying to get things set up. I’d hate for you to have to eat another blah fast food meal or order from a chain when you could step up your game with some local fare and support small businesses at the same time.

Many local eateries are offering delivery themselves as well as curbside pickup (cuz I mean, who doesn’t love an essential trip out of the house these days). While some have their full menu available, others have nightly specials served family-style or are offering a limited menu to ensure your food is high quality and as fresh as can be. You’ll want to be sure to follow your faves on social media for the latest updates because many options are while supplies last! Oh and by the way, if you are in California you can also order cocktails to go, win-win!

Tip generously 

Please be sure to always tip generously if you have the means to do so. The delivery workers and those preparing and packaging your food are working diligently to provide you with a delicious meal in the comfort of your own home while meeting the highest of safety requirements during this pandemic. Part of dining is taking care of those who have taken care of you

Post on social media!

Your local restaurants need all the exposure they can get! Many people aren’t aware that some places are still open for takeout so they may be overlooked as an option. By posting on social media, tagging the restaurant, checking in, sharing on your story, etc., you are providing free marketing for the restaurant and broadcasting to all of your followers that they are open for business. I’ve had several friends not realize that their favorite spots right around the corner from their houses are open until I mentioned it on IG. And boy were they excited! So you are doing everyone a favor really.

Even if you don’t have the means to spend money on takeout right now, posting latergrams of you and your friends brunching or of your plate of amazing french toast from months ago will still do the trick. So spread the love, post that pic, get your hashtag on, and save the restaurants! 

What other creative ways can you think to support your favorite local eateries? If you work in the restaurant industry, are there other ways that we can help support you during these times? Let me know in the comments below. 

I hope we can all gather again very very soon. Take care of yourselves and those dearest to you, and of course, wash your hands! 

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South Beach Bar & Grill

Vibe

This is my absolute favorite taco spot for spectacular seafood tacos! Being able to see and smell the ocean while enjoying a tasty fish taco and a delicious cocktail is pretty much my idea of heaven. I mean who doesn’t love an ocean view! Just ignore the parking lot between the restaurant and the beach You might not think much of South Beach when you first walk in because the downstairs is a little dark and dingy but trust me, the party is upstairs! It’s nice and bright with a large bar and lots of seating around the corner. The patio is narrow but extends the length of the restaurant with bar seating facing the Pacific. Although kids are welcome, I’d still consider this to be a bar so daytime or early dinner is best if they are joining you. It’s also a great place to watch the game if you have a sports fan in your midst.  

Menu

Seafood tacos are the jam at South Beach, although they do have a few vegetarian options like fried zucchini and seasoned tofu as well as some good ol’ carne asada and chicken tacos. Otherwise, it’s all grilled or fried seafood. Fried options include baja (beer-battered cod of course), calamari, oyster, or shrimp. The grilled choices are swordfish, shark, garlic chile shrimp, wahoo, lobster, mahi mahi or yellowtail. My personal favorites are the fried oyster tacos and the lobster. But the choice that will really make the difference in the flavor of your meal is whether you select corn or flour tortillas. Although both come with monterey jack, corn tortillas include chipotle salsa, green cabbage, avocado, and a lime & cilantro crema. On the other hand, the flour tortilla tacos come with pico de gallo, red cabbage and a rancho crema. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Ocean Beach 

Type of restaurant/vibe: bar & grill, casual

Type of tacos served: seafood

Average cost of taco: $4.50. All tacos, except lobster, are $2.95 on Tuesdays

Alcohol served: full bar

Hours: Sun – Mon 11am – 10 pm, Tuesday 11 am – 1 am, Wed – Sat 11 am – 12 am 

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patio but it’s kind of tight and seating is limited

City Tacos

Vibe

City Tacos’ high energy vibe was evident before we even walked in the door since you could hear the music while waiting in line outside. Once you walk in you see the staff rocking and rolling trying to get as many taco orders processed and tables cleaned for everyone to enjoy their experience without having to wait very long. The decor matches their fun-loving vibe with Instagram-worthy murals, a foosball table and plenty of outdoor seating. And my favorite part (before even getting to taste the tacos!) was that they had a VJ! So not only was the music great with all kinds of classics, oldies, and today’s hits to sing along to, you also got to watch the music videos while you enjoyed your meal. It made the whole dining experience that much more fun! 

Menu 

City Tacos has something for everyone in your crowd! The menu options vary just a bit depending on the location. Their “house favorites” are more fusion-style like the Mexicali which is steak, onions, and peppers served over mashed potatoes. They have a wide variety of seafood tacos, my favorite being the Puerto Nuevo, fried lobster tail over pinto beans and topped with tomatillo sauce and fried rice noodles. The El Especial is definitely something special with shrimp, squid, and octopus! They also have several traditional and vegetarian options, when a few vegan and paleo tacos as well. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Multiple locations. La Mesa, North Park, Imperial Beach, Encinitas, Sorrento Valley, Pacific Beach. 

Type of restaurant/vibe: fun, casual

Type of tacos served: traditional, seafood, fusion

Average cost of taco: $3.85. House Favorites are $3 all day on Taco Tuesday!

Alcohol served: beer, wine, kombucha 

Hours: Sun – Thurs 11 am – 10 pm, Fri – Sat 11 am – 11 pm for La Mesa, other location hours vary

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patios

The Taco Stand

Vibe

No San Diego taco lineup is complete without mentioning The Taco Stand! This Baja-inspired taqueria is a Southern California staple with 4 locations throughout San Diego, from Encinitas to downtown (there are also locations in Miami and soon to be Vegas if you need some tacos while there too!). Although it can be a long wait and have limited seating at times, it is oh so worth it! We have family that lives downtown and they refuse to get tacos anywhere else. The tacos are made to order just behind the glass, which can be fun for the kiddos in your party, especially if you can snag a front-row seat at the counter. 

Menu

First of all, the tortillas are freshly made, so extra points there for sure! The Al Pastor is a fan favorite for sure with rotisserie marinated pork, cilantro, onions, cilantro sauce, and pineapple. Otherwise, they have an assortment of traditional, vegetarian, and fish tacos for your enjoyment.  And if you are feeling adventurous, they even have a cactus taco! Aside from their amazing tacos, they also have the best salsa bar with a variety of choices to make your tacos even more delicious. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Downtown, North Park, La Jolla, Encinitas

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual, laid back

Type of tacos served: traditional, seafood, baja

Average cost of taco: $3.50

Alcohol served: beer

Hours: Mon -Thurs 9 am – 9 pm, Fri 9 am – 11 pm, Sat 11 am – 11pm, closed Sundays for the Downtown location, other location hours vary. Encinitas is a good late-night option on Friday and Saturday since they are open until 1 am!

Dog-friendly: no

Puesto

Vibe

Puesto serves up bougie tacos at their two chic, lively locations in San Diego. The spacious two-story downtown location is located in The Headquarters building which is the restored police station and the other (smaller) location is in the heart of La Jolla Village. Their decor pays homage to their Mexican roots with lots of bright, vibrant colors and patterned tiles but with an edgy twist!  They have large graffiti-like spray-painted murals by local artist Chor Boogie throughout the restaurants which echo Puesto’s overall trendy vibe. They will also be opening their largest location (10,000 sq ft!) in Mission Valley very soon complete with a brewery featuring Mexican lagers.

Menu

Although the tacos are on the pricier side, $19 for 3 tacos plus upscale prices on most of them, you can see why their tag line is “trophy tacos” when looking at the overall selection. I mean, it was the first time I’d seen a filet mignon taco on a menu! There are 2 different style shrimp tacos, a lobster taco, a few gluten-free and vegetarian choices and several “traditional” with a Gringos beware though, just because the words “spicy” and/or “jalapeno” are not used in the description, it does not guarantee your mouth will not be on fire. We had some sensitive palates in our party and out of all the tacos were ordered, only the Tamarindo Shrimp wasn’t overly spicy (in fact it was on the sweet side). With that said, this may be more of a date night taco spot rather than a family dinner spot given the menu options and price point. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Downtown, La Jolla, and coming soon in Mission Valley

Type of restaurant/vibe: trendy, upscale

Type of tacos served: gourmet, artisanal, seafood, vegetarian

Average cost of taco: $7.15. Taco Tuesday -$3.50 per taco + applicable upscale charges (so that’s 7.50 for a lobster taco) – 3pm to close! 

If alcohol is served: full bar

Hours: 11 am – 10 pm downtown, 11am – 9 pm in La Jolla

Dog-friendly: yes, on the patios

Taco Surf

Vibe

Taco Surf has been a popular taco shop in Pacific Beach since 1989 and is a favorite among locals. My boyfriend tells everyone coming into town not to believe the hype of the other PB taco spots and just go straight to where they have the best hole-in-the-wall greasy tacos and drunk food, his favorite being the potato roll tacos. Located just steps away from the ocean, Taco Surf carries the beach vibe indoors with its impressive display of surfboards that line the walls and ceiling. The owner is a collector so there are definitely more than a few boards to admire!

Menu

Whether you’re craving crispy, soft, or rolled tacos, Taco Surf has you covered! The crispy tacos are mostly of the traditional variety with chicken, turkey, beef, or potato. There are a lot more soft tacos to choose from which include traditional (carne asada, carnitas, adobada, pollo asado) and pescatarian options (fried or grill fish, shrimp). They have limited choices for rolled tacos with only beef, chicken or potato, but the rolled potato comes with guac! They also have a “Chicken Little Taco” for the wee ones. 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Pacific Beach

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual, laid back

Type of tacos served: traditional, crunch, soft, rolled

Average cost of a taco: $3. Crispy beef, chicken, potato, turkey, and soft tortilla fried fish tacos are $2.50 on Taco Tuesday.

Alcohol served: none

Hours: 8:30am – 10pm

Dog-friendly: No

Las Cuatro Milpas

Vibe

Las Cuatro Milpas has been serving up authentic tacos in Barrio Logan since 1933! Their longstanding history as a San Diego favorite is evident by the consistently long line out the door and sometimes even around the corner. Trust me, it’s worth the wait! Although the line may be long, you better have your order ready when you get to the counter because they serve you cafeteria-style and those ladies are on a roll! They made 7 tacos and 3 bowls of beans and rice appear before us nearly instantly. And be prepared because they are cash only! Las Cuatro Milpas takes no-frills to the max with zero decor other than mirrors, picnic tables, and checkered table cloths, letting the food speak for itself. Be prepared to potentially share a table with others since it’s always so packed. 

Menu

So their extensive taco menu includes pollo or carnitas on a corn tortilla. Yup, that covers it! I mean, why mess with success right?! I’m typically more of a flour tortilla kinda girl, but I much prefer the deep-fried corn tortilla tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas, if for no other reason than to try to hold your taco together longer with all that juicy goodness inside. You can also order a side of rice and beans (which comes in a single bowl and requires you to top with onions IMO) that also come with freshly-made, warm flour tortillas, but it’s pretty much a meal in itself! The tacos are large and two can easily satisfy. My teenager wasn’t able to finish her second along with eating only half of her rice and beans (and she can typically put some food away). For what Las Cuatro lacks in variety, they make up for in flavor and recipes that have stood the test of time. P.S. I’ve heard some pretty great things about their menudo too! 

Snapshot

Neighborhood: Barrio Logan

Type of restaurant/vibe: casual

Type of tacos served: authentic, traditional 

Average cost of taco: $1.95 (cash only!)

Alcohol served: none

Hours: Mon – Fri 8:30 am – 3 pm, 6 am – 3 pm Saturdays, closed Sundays. 

Dog-friendly: no

Is anyone else hungry now? I sure am! So I know I couldn’t have possibly covered all the amazing taco shops in San Diego in a single post, so I want to hear from you! Where’s your go-to spot to get your taco fix? Do you prefer a hole-in-the-wall or something a little more upscale? Traditional or fusion? Let me know where I should eat next in the comments below! 

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Another key to successful self-care is being intentional. We can all attempt to check out with social media and go down the rabbithole of our Instagram or Reddit feed. Before we know it, a half-hour or more has passed. But are we really allowing ourselves to reset by doing so? As much as it may seem like a “break” it may actually leave you feeling more depleted. Here are ten ideas to practice the pause:

1. Read

Although getting lost in a novel is one of my favorite things, I get that some people just don’t really enjoy reading like I do. But you don’t have to commit to a 300-page book, go to a bookstore or library and just browse for a bit. Short on time? Read an article in your favorite magazine while you sit in a comfy spot.

2. Color!

They have some amazing adult coloring books these days. You don’t have to commit to finishing a page in one sitting either, there are no deadlines. A few minutes here and there and you’ll be able to admire your masterpiece in no time.

3. Do a puzzle

Focusing on putting together a puzzle helps quiet the mind, decreases stress, and improves your mood. Other benefits include improved memory, better problem-solving skills, increased attention to detail, improved visual-spatial reasoning and better collaboration if you’re doing a puzzle with others (although, I’ll admit that it can put your relationships to the test! haha). If you know other puzzle lovers, I recommend having a puzzle exchange so you don’t get bored with the same old ones.

4. Take a lap

Use your 10-15 minute breaks at work to stretch your legs and clear your head by taking a walk around the block. Plus getting in a little mini cardio sesh is good for your physical wellbeing too! Walking has proven to reduced the risk of heart disease and stroke, help with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint and muscle pain, make for stronger bones and better balance, increase your endurance and reduce body fat. Even better if you can work in a 30-minute walk or more a day.

5. Spend time in nature

Science has proven that experiencing a sense of awe is good for our mental health. We spend so much time in our own heads that it’s good for us to witness something that stops us in our tracks and reminds us that we are but a small part of something much larger. And what a better way to experience awe than to watch a beautiful sunset, witness wildlife on a hike, or stargaze? Live downtown and can’t get out of the city? Find the nearest park to go on a walk or sit on a bench and people watch. Anything that makes you feel more connected to nature and those around you (and maybe a little more humble too).

6. Take a nap

Napping is one of my favorite things, probably because you can’t overthink while asleep Plus, napping in moderation has been proven to be good for your health, lowering the risk of heart problems and improving mood, memory, and performance (p.s. National Napping Day is the day after Daylight Savings time begins, tell the others.)

7. Learn something new

You don’t need to sign up for night classes or anything (unless you want to of course), just find something you want to know more about or a skill you’d like to learn and dedicate some time to it. Skillshare is a great resource if you’re trying to master (or just not suck at) something new.  They have classes ranging from photography, watercolors, and graphic design to coding, productivity, and entrepreneurship. Click on the link to get 2 months of premium for free!

8. Get organized

Clutter causes chaos, chaos causes clutter. Clean up your workspace, your closet, your car, that kitchen cabinet that you can never find anything in, a corner of your room, or even just your purse. I promise you will feel accomplished and less stressed!

9. Meditate

You don’t have to be a Buddhist monk or sit still for long periods of time to reap the benefits of a little meditation. Meditating for even 5 minutes can help rejuvenate your body and mind. By calming the mind you can become more reflective of yourself and your circumstances in order to better manage life’s challenges. Also, studies have shown that meditation combats stress better than other relaxation techniques when it comes to improving mood, feeling less emotionally exhausted, and even lowering blood pressure! Not to mention that EEGs show that the brain enters into a state of equilibrium, instead of typically being more left-brained (verbal analytical, rational) than right (emotion, creativity, intuition). This rebalancing actually boosts the immune system! I mean, what’s not to love!

10. Do anything that brings you peace and joy!

Craft, bake, garden, run, sing, paint, build, tinker, write, play a video game. Whatever makes you feel like you and allows you to think of nothing other than the task at hand. For me, it’s taking pictures and editing them. For my daughter, it’s drawing or baking. Find your thing and make time to do it. Spending time doing things you love will promote feelings of gratitude, which we all know is the true source of contentment.

So what can you do today to allow yourself to pause? I’d love to hear how you practice self-care! 

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Fuel Up

First, you’ll want to start with a bite to eat and a few drinks to fuel up before you mosey down the gorgeous streets of the quaint historic district. Henry’s is full of vintage charm with great rooftop seating complete with shaded lounge seating and a porch swing (and it’s kid-friendly!).

Although they only offer “bar food” outside, it does not disappoint since the menu includes mini crab cakes, mahi mahi salad, and fried calamari. There’s also a full restaurant inside with reasonably priced, quality entrees suitable for everyone in your party. My niece is very picky and even she found something she liked If you’re looking for something a little more high-end, Hank’s is your spot for seafood and Peninsula Grill for a great steak. 

Rainbow Row & Waterfront Park

From there you can start your stroll through town. Our next stop was Rainbow Row, which is the iconic colorful houses. I recommend taking the long way to get there. An indirect route can lead you to witness some of the other charming streets in between destinations. There are some pretty adorable cobblestone roads, beautiful churches, and lovely little parks scattered throughout.

From Rainbow Row, you can continue to Waterfront Park where you can enjoy some shade. There are pretty fountains and lots of benches to enjoy some people watching, have a picnic, or just sit and relax.

The Battery

After you’ve rested your feet you can extend your walk and head over to the Battery to see the stunning antebellum mansions. Although you get a great view of the architecture by walking across the street by the water, don’t miss out on some of the gardens that may be tucked in between!  And there’s yet another picturesque park, complete with a large historic gazebo, at the tip of the peninsula known as White Point Garden. Bonus if you brought your dog along on the trip, the whole park is an off-leash area! Just make sure your pup is a good listener since there’s no fencing.

From the park, I recommend walking back up through town one of the streets just behind the main row (either Meeting Street or King street) to witness more amazing homes and gardens. You may even run into a walking tour or two and hear a little of the history. If you are interested in taking a full walking tour, keep in mind that they are usually about 2.5 hours so it may take up a good chunk of your time if you are just in town for the day. 

Time Permitting

If you have a little more time, you can also check out the following:

• Magnolia Gardens
• Boone Hall Plantation and Garden
• Charleston Tea Plantation 
• The Charleston Museum
• Old Slave Mart Museum
• Confederate Museum
• Gibbes Museum of Art
• Nathaniel Russell House

I cannot wait until my next visit so I can experience even more of what this wonderful city has to offer. With so many landmarks, great art, culture, and dining experiences, it’s clear why it was named No. 1 City in the U.S.  by Travel + Leisure! Have you had a chance to visit? If so, I’d love to hear about your favorite spots in the comments below!

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Horse Country

Horses are the heart of Aiken, South Carolina. The town is the quintessential equestrian community with world-class facilities, picturesque farms, and some of the most stunning working barns you’ve ever seen. Do yourself a favor and drive around town to witness some of the beautiful properties, especially in the historic district.

If you’re looking for some excitement, consider planning your stay around Aiken’s biggest events, Aiken Steeplechases! Steeplechases are horseraces that include jumping over obstacles as opposed to flat horseracing. Official steeplechase races have been running in Aiken since 1930. They host two a year, the Imperial Cup in March and the Holiday Cup in October.

The Alley

I’ll cut straight to the chase, the best part about the Alley is that you can walk from place to place with a drink in your hand! That’s right, you can take your beer or cocktail to-go! (Just has to be in a plastic cup). This makes spring and summer nights feel like a block party with everyone mingling while playing cornhole or checkers out on the stone walkway. You can pour yourself a drink and make yourself at home at the Taproom. They have a wide variety of beer and wine to enjoy while you play shuffleboard or a board game, and kids are always welcome!

There are also some great restaurant options. The sushi joint has a large selection of rolls, sashimi, and entrees. For the picky eaters in the party, I recommend Mello Mushroom. Although they are known for their pizza, they have a rather extensive menu (more like a book!) so you are sure to find something for everyone at this local favorite. Plus, they have comfy couch seating outside on the alley that allows you to watch the kids play and get their wiggles out while waiting for their food. If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience, I recommend checking out Whiskey Alley. For the beer lovers, there’s Aiken Brewing Company just around the corner from the alley which is a hot spot on Saturday night for locals since it has a full bar on both levels.

Shops and Art

Aiken has quite a variety of little shops. Everything from clothing to kitchen to home decor.  If window shopping is a pastime of yours, you can easily spend an entire afternoon moseying in and out of all the stores.

 A personal favorite was the Artisan Market & Decor. The owner (shout out to a fellow Californian!) creates some beautiful refurnished pieces and features local artist in her shop.  She even offers her space for workshops, so pop in and see what she might have on the schedule! Another must-see is The Gallery at Aiken Center for the Arts which features local artists. I was blown away by the talent in the area. They are truly gifted individuals and it was wonderful to see them being celebrated in their hometown.

Museums

Although I didn’t get the opportunity to experience the museums myself, it’s at the top of my list for my next visit. The Aiken County Historical Museum, the Train Museum, and the Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum are all very close to the heart of downtown.

The Aiken County Historical Museum is set in a lovely Aiken Winter Colonial mansion which has everchanging exhibits related to the county. The grounds also have an 1808 log cabin and 1890’s schoolhouse.

The Train Museum is located in the rebuilt Aiken Railroad Depot from 1890. It hosts two restored vintage dining cars along with several artifacts from all over the country.

The Aiken Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame and Museum pays tribute to the forty champions of flat races and steeplechase races that have been trained at Aiken Training Track.  Also on the grounds are the beautiful Hopelands Gardens.

I hope you enjoyed the highlights of Aiken, my new favorite southern small town. Let me know in the comments: what’s your favorite small town in the U.S.?

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Punch Bowl Social

Our most recent excursion was to Punch Bowl Social, and it did not disappoint! If you’re looking for a great date spot, an exciting event venue, some rainy-day activities (we’ve actually had a lot of those in San Diego lately, believe it or not!), or just feel like bowling in an aesthetically pleasing environment while sipping on a cocktail, this is the place to be! Located in East Village near downtown San Diego, it boasts a whopping 23,500 square feet and two stories of fun and games.

Activities include:

• Bowling – They even have lanes on the 2nd floor behind the upstairs bar!
• Private Karaoke Rooms
• The longest foosball table I’ve ever seen
• Giant Jenga
• Cornhole – aka Bags for you non-Southern/Midwest folk.
• Shuffleboard
• Bocce Ball
• Arcade Games – But honestly, I’ve seen more in a Round Table Pizza, so definitely don’t go for those.
• Darts
• Board Games
• Ping Pong
• Drinking while you play! – They have 3 full-service bars and are known for their punch, hence their name. Their Old Fashions aren’t bad either!
• Getting your grub on – Full-service diner with high-quality craft food if you’d like to take a seat, or you can order an app to snack on while you lounge and/or bowl. (Their pork belly nachos are what’s up!)

While many of the games come with a fee, they are pretty reasonably priced in my opinion. For example, an afternoon bowl costs $10 per person per hour, including shoes. That’s on par with, if not cheaper than, most bowling alleys around town anyway. Karaoke is $35 for up to 4 and $45 for 5-8 singers. Plus, several of the games are free!

Ideal Time to Arrive

If you’d like a totally kid-free experience after 10 pm is your best bet when it’s 21+. Peak hours seem to be between 7-11 pm on weekends so afternoons might be best if you want to maximize your time. We went for a Saturday afternoon date around 2, managed to get a lane upstairs without having to wait, and received excellent service while we bowled. We definitely noticed it getting more crowded around 4 pm and since there was a wait time for the games we wanted to play we decided to enjoy our beverages in one of their comfy lounge areas while we people watched.

We’re looking forward to returning for more fun and games soon! Heck, we might even bring the kids next time Hope you can check it out soon!

Also, hoping this will be the first of a long series of blogs on delightful date venues. I’d love to hear what your favorite spots/activities are. Let me know where we should check out next in the comments below!

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1. Little to no time restraints

Flexibility is the key to sanity on road trips! Personally, I start to have a mild panic attack inside when I feel like we’re on a time crunch or racing the clock. Although having a set schedule can feel like you’re trying to motivate yourself to get your shit together and get out the door, it really just puts extra strain on everyone if you’re rushing and barking orders after you slept through your alarm, your spouse forgot to set the coffee maker, and your kids can’t find their shoes or their favorite stuffed animal. Having an ETD and/or ETA is great to keep your family on track to hit the road asap, but sticking to self-imposed deadlines causes unnecessary stress during what’s supposed to be a fun-filled family trip. The “whenever” approaches takes a lot of pre-planning (ie. packing the car up as much as possible the night before) and avoiding making same-day commitments that are timed events whenever possible (no one wants to miss grandma’s birthday dinner after all).  Of course, there are occasions when you don’t have the luxury of extra time, just try to give yourself as much of a buffer as you can to cut everyone some slack to keep the peace.

2. Organization = Happiness

Step one, clean the car out before you put a single item in it for your trip. No need for excess clutter in tight quarters. Next, consider how much you are packing. For some reason packing for a road trip is way different than packing for air travel. Maybe it’s the perception that you have the whole car instead of a single suitcase. But when the entire family has this perspective you will soon find yourself crammed in a car filled to the brim with kids fighting in the backseat over limited territory. To help maximize space and harmony, limit each individual to 1 suitcase. In some cases, you may even be able to pack for 2 in a single bag (although, it’s much easier for summer trips). You’ll also want to limit each person to a single activity bag no larger than a backpack, that way you don’t end up with 15 of little Emily’s stuffed animals and 4 novels you most definitely won’t read.

3. Keep a small emergency bag within reach

Your car is packed up and you’ve made your way partially down the road when you suddenly realize you need something that is packed at the bottom of the pile. #facepalm. In an attempt to avoid this scenario, pack a small bag or backpack of essential items that you can place at your feet or on top of the other luggage. Some items to consider: cell phone and tablet chargers, sunscreen, Tylenol (children’s and adult) and prescription medications, tissues, hand sanitizer, bandaids, and a change of clothes for little ones in case of accidents or spills. Having some baby wipes handy is also a great idea, for little (and sometimes big!) oopses. You may also want to pack a few trash bags and definitely don’t want to forget the dog poop bags if Rover is coming along for the ride.

4. Plan major stops ahead of time

As we all know “the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” However, having a rough idea of where you plan to stop along the way will help to break up the trip into smaller segments so the trip doesn’t seem never-ending and it will take the guesswork out of the best place to take a bio break, stretch your legs, and refuel your family and your vehicle. The last thing you want is to be in need of gasoline and a good meal with nowhere (safe) to stop. This is obviously much easier when traveling along a familiar route and may take a bit of research if it’s not a path you’ve taken before. I promise that a few minutes of planning ahead will be well worth it! If you are looking for dog-friendly pit stops, I recommend checking out Bring Fido to help you find restaurants, parks, and hotels where the whole family is welcome. They also have an app for iOS and Android for on the go convenience.

5. Healthy snacks

Everyone eats worse when they are on the road, it’s just a fact of life. Even though you and I both know you will likely have at least one burger and fries on the trek, it’s always helpful to have healthy snacks readily available so you and the kiddos don’t automatically gravitate to the candy and chip aisle at your next pit stop. Having a few things on hand aids in minimizing hangriness and unnecessary stops. I usually pack a large insulated bag (with an ice pack or 2) with a few water bottles, hummus and carrot sticks, applesauce or yogurt packs, z bars, nuts, and some fruit.  Apples and clementines are usually a hit and require minimal cleanup. And don’t forget napkins! Lots and lots of napkins to stash in the center console, the glove compartment, and a stack in the back seat for easy access.

Do you have any road trip tips to add? I’d love to hear from you in the comments below!

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A fan favorite is their Plant Lab bar where you can make your very own terrarium creations. Pots and hanging glass orbs range from $7-30 dollars and then you pay as you plant! In addition to their wide variety of succulents, they also have air plants and cactus. You can make your mini garden pop by adding mosses, colored sand, and gemstones.

Although Pigment offers workshops from time to time, you do not need a reservation to take advantage of the Plant Lab. Just be sure that you start planting at least an hour before closing time so you have plenty of time to browse through your options and create your masterpiece. If the task seems a little daunting to you, never fear, they have some adorable ready-made landscapes starting at $25. I personally took advantage of the terrarium bar for my DIY obsessed tween’s birthday. It was the perfect project for her guests before her birthday dinner. Plus, it doubled as their party favor!

If you would like to book a Planting Party for 6 or more you can reserve a spot with the guarantee of the private party area and a dedicated Green Team Educator for $250. Small group with a flexible timeline? Feel free to walk-in and wait your turn to get your plant on.

Don’t forget to take a photo in front of their beautiful living wall before you leave the building. Kudos to their marketing team on organic exposure, I mean, who doesn’t want to take advantage of a great photo op in front of an insta-worthy backdrop! Snap, hashtag, share!

I hope you get a chance to check out this little Southern California gem.

Pigment
3801 30th St., San Diego
events@shoppigment.com

Do you have a shop in your hood that offers DIY projects or the opportunity to learn a new skill? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below!

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