Favorite Trips of 2015
I still can't believe 2015 has come and gone! One of my standing new year's resolutions is to travel more and somewhere new; which I did a few times in 2015. Since this is the time of year we think about the year ahead and the trips we hope to take, I wanted to share a few of my travel highlights of 2015. Charleston, South Carolina
This city isn't new to me but with every visit I discover something new. There are countless restaurants and shops to visit, not to mention gorgeous architecture at every turn.
Eat & Drink: So many... a few favs from this trip - Leon's Oyster Shop - fried oyster po boy; Callie's Hot Little Biscuit - biscuits of the day, Xia Bao Biscuit - pancake, The Ordinary - more oysters, Butcher & Bee - everything. On my to do list: Edmunds Oast, Westbrook Brewing Co. (in nearby Mt. Pleasant), FIG
Shop: Mitchell Hill Gallery, Candy Shop Vintage, IBU Movement
Explore: The Battery, Unitarian Church Cemetery, Drayton Hall
Click here to read more about my Charleston trip.
Louisville, Kentucky
Louisville isn't far from Bloomington making it a really easy getaway for me. We met some friends last summer and had a ball bar hopping exploring the burgeoning beer culture and thriving restaurant scene.
Sleep: 21c Hotel
Eat & Drink: The Garage - pizza; Proof on Main - brunch; Four Pegs - chicken & waffles; Sergio's World of Beers - so much beer
Explore: Waterfront Park, Urban Bourbon Trail, Nulu
Click here to read about 21c Hotel.
Click here to read about bar hopping in Louisville.
Chicago, Illinois
Sleep: Since my sister lives there, I usually stay with her. However, I have my eyes on Chicago Athletic Association Hotel for my next trip.
Eat & Drink: There are way too many fabulous options to list but these are a few that I discovered on my last trek - Southport Grocery & Cafe Tola
On my to eat list: Longman & Eagle & Lula Cafe
Explore: Chicago Architecture Boat Tour & Art Institute of Chicago
To do list: Frank Lloyd Wright Tour
Click here for more on Southport Grocery.
Click here for more on Cafe Tola.
Portland, Oregon
Sleep: Airbnb amazing selection of apartments and houses available in Portland.
Eat & Drink: So many breweries, visit as many as possible. We drank a lot of Deschutes when we lived in Hawaii so it was fun to revisit their beer. Cascade Brewing is a must; you can try anything on tap, three samples at a time. Lardo was a highlight as well. Inexpensive and delicious, make sure you get an order of dirty fries and beer. VooDoo Donuts because you have to... if you don't want to wait in line at the original check out VooDoo 2!
Explore: Powell's Books, Chinese Garden, Alberta Arts District, 23rd Avenue
Asheville, North Carolina
So much beer. I'd been to Asheville before but it had been years since my last trip. I must confess I didn't do as much city exploring as I would've liked (work trip) but I still had a blast.
Sleep: The Downtowner is a great budget friendly option. There are several cute cottages and apartments on Airbnb if you want to stay in a local neighborhood. I stayed in this classic bungalow about one mile from downtown.
Eat & Drink: Early Girl Eatery is southern comfort food at it's finest and my for breakfast/lunch. There is always a wait but totally worth it. Other spots I love: Thirsty Monk - great Belgian beer selection; Curate - Spanish tapas, Farm Burger - burgers and beer.
Explore: The South Slope is home to many of the breweries in Asheville like Wicked Weed and Burial Brewing Co. Make sure to check out Oskar Blues and Sierra Nevada just outside of town.
Outdoors: Blue Ridge Parkway & Pisgah National Forest
Shaker Village, KY
This was one of my favorite getaways of the year. The inn is quiet and comfortable with a full service restaurant downstairs serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There are daily activities in the historic center but you can also explore solo on the extensive trail network throughout the property making it an ideal place to get away from it all.
Click here for more about Shaker Village.
I have some fun trips in the works so make sure your subscribe! Where do you hope to go this year?
