Travel – Page 2

North Island Oasis: Helena Bay Lodge

Published on April 18, 2018May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset If you are looking for a truly luxurious escape on New Zealand’s North Island, the incomparable Helena Bay Lodge provides an experience that is sure impress. Tucked away 10 miles down a windy road off of the highway, about three and a half hours north of Auckland, this exclusive lodge offers a one-of-a-kind coastal getaway.

Rooms included the perfect view of a beach shared only with five other sets of patrons at any given time. Morning walks at low tide while the sun came up were just a hop, skip and a jump away from my Junior Suite, which was incredibly spacious and featured a tub that actually fit my 5’11 frame – winning! While the rooms were incredibly comfortable, and the beds especially hard to get out of in the morning, there was so much to do and see, that not much time was spent in my suite.

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Another quick walk from the room and you find yourself in The Main House, which is where you are received upon arrival. The space features a collection of artwork that will pique the interest of the eclectic, while also showcasing objects collected from around the world during the owner’s travels. Talk about some serious wanderlust inspo! If you’re nice – they’ll even let you ring the gong ;]. Additionally, this is where you’ll find the main dining room, as well as the breakfast area, where tasty lattes (according to my coffee drinking companions), fresh fruits, and mouth watering pastries await. Once you’ve had your fill, you can make your way to the 25-meter-long heated infinity pool to enjoy some sun and serenity.

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If you’re looking for more adventure further than a 200m radius of your room, private beach pavilions prove to be the ultimate escape on a lazy Sunday. Touring around the massive property comes with a few perks as well. Packed picnic lunches, rangers for exploring all parts of the property, including getting to swing by and say ‘hi’ to a few of the properties residents: donkeys, alpacas, and even some cows. The views from certain points of the property will honestly take your breath away. Pretty sure I burned through all of my drone batteries trying to capture video of every inch of the property from some of these vantage points. Video coming soon!!

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If you find yourself taking a trip to the North Island, I highly recommend at least a two-night stay, preferably longer, at this once-in-a-lifetime location. The intersection of nature and luxury make for a memorable experience, and is certainly going to be a highlight on my lifetime travel reel.

Where to Eat: Helsinki

Published on March 29, 2018May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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A few years ago, the Washington Post, published a piece titled ‘Helsinki’s food scene, coming on strong’ , and it was in that moment that I knew the modesty of the Finnish would only work to my benefit when exploring the relatively uncharted food scene in Helsinki when I finally had the chance to journey to the great north. As they have begun to catch up to their Nordic neighbors in notoriety, it’s no surprise that Helsinki is becoming less and less of the “best kept secret in Europe” when it comes to cuisine, and more of a seasoned hand as it will.

But! That didn’t stop me from doing some serious exploring, trying to find some of Helsinki’s best gems – largely with the help of a team of local Finn’s who pointed us in the right direction. Below, I’ve listed out some of the best cafes, lunch spots, and decadent dinner hotspots that are all worth a look on your next trip to Helsinki.

CAFES

Kappeli Cafe – Eteläesplanadi 1, 00130 (Pictured above)
If you’re looking for a little nook in the heart of Helsinki, look no further than this Kodak-worthy cafe. Located literally smack dab in the center of town, Kappeli offers a tasty variety of pastries, coffees and tea. Try to snag one of the round booths completely encased in glass for a 360-view of the city moving around you!

SIS. Deli+Cafe – Kalevankatu 4, 00100
For a traditional Finnish breakfast, SIS offers a cute little buffet style option. If you’re gearing up for a big day of exploring, this casual cafe is one of the best ways to start your day. Also, this is a great spot to post up should you want/need to do a bit of work on your travels. You won’t be the only person with a laptop open, which is always a good feeling.

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Cafe Regatta – Merikannontie 8, 00260 (Pictured above)
Known for their famous hot chocolate and rustic abode, this has to be one of the most photogenic places I visited during our stay. As a non-coffee drinker, this was a particularly enjoyable reprieve for me, and the fact that they had a crazy ice sled on the water outside that we could push with our new Finnish friends was an extra bonus! To make the experience even more special, take your hot chocolate outside to the fire pit to circle around and swap travel stories with friends.

Café Köket – Aleksanterinkatu 28, 00170
This café, bar and lunch spot by the Seante Square in the Kiseleff House is another great casual spot that won’t break the bank. Köket serves a yummy breakfast buffet and a lunch buffet during weekdays , and for those who are brunch-inclined, they have you covered on weekends.

LUNCH SPOTS

Bronda – Eteläesplanadi 20, 00130
With a heavy-handed Mediterranean influencer, Bronda offers an amazing 3-course (and sometimes 5) tasting menu at lunch!. The space is found on the corner of Eteläesplanadi and Korkeavuorenkatu with massively high ceilings and large windows, making it any food Instagrammer’s dream, but also just a cool spot to pull up a chair for an hour or two. Many dishes here are meant to be shared, so the more the merrier!

Juuri – Korkeavuorenkatu 27, 00130 (Pictured below)
You will thank me later for this one! If you are interested in trying fine Finnish cuisine, look no further than this unpretentious little spot. The staff is super knowledgeable and was able to assist with questions and making some key selections that are sure to melt in your mouth. The a la carte menu is good, but the real treat is the sapas, small tapas-like dishes excellent for sharing. By Finnish standards this place is not super expensive for the quality of food, but be prepared to spend more than a few dollars for this tasty experience. Note: Menu changes every second month.

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EGG – Kanavaranta 7 B 3, 00170
Looking for faster and lighter fare for lunch? This healthy hot spot is great for those on the go, searching for a tasty option that leaves you feeling energized and satisfied. The wild board omelette is a great choice, and they have an ‘all day breakfast’ if you didn’t quite make it in time for your hotel’s spread. Bonus: this spot is close to the Uspenski Cathedral!

Fat Ramen – Hietalahti Market Hall‍‍‍‍‍‍, Lönnrotinkatu 34, 00180
Ohhhh how I love ramen. I once squealed meeting one of my favorite ramen chefs like I was meeting Mick Jagger or something, so know that I take this dish seriously… but not too seriously. This place fast casual noodle bar located in Hietalahti Market Hall – which is a cool spot worth checking out regardless. It is the first ramen shop in Helsinki focusing its menu solely around ramen. During lunch this quaint restaurant offers a variety of hand-made ramen bowls, which are known for always having the best ingredients of the season and ambitiously combines Asian and Nordic flavors.

FOR DINNER

Savotta – Aleksanterinkatu 22, 00170 Helsinki (pictured below)
If you’re looking for a more traditional, and fun, Finnish experience, Savotta is a great spot to try. With a step through the threshold, it’s no question that the decor is meant to pay homage to Finland’s roots. The name Savotta means ‘logging site’, so servers are dressed to play the part of men and women who would work in the forests and thousands of lakes over the years. The food and decor tap in to local nostalgia and showcase decades of tradition right at your table. The street level dining rooms face the Helsinki Cathedral by the Senate Square, so it’s a perfect spot to end a day of exploring the city!

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Ravintola Werner – Bulevardi 12, 00120 Helsinki
Set in what used to be one of the biggest publishing houses in Helsinki, Werner boasts a massive open fire grill, perfect for all the needs of preparing Nordic-style fare. Don’t miss their beef tartar or mussels to start the meal, and then be sure to grab anything that you could wish to have cooked over an open flame. Stick with classics like the salmon, or if your traveling with a hungry companion, the beef entrecôte for two is a must!

Restaurant Savoy – Eteläesplanadi 14, 00130 Helsinki
Last year this Helsinki staple celebrated 80 years of service! Located right in the heart of town, Restaurant Savoy isn’t just a place to have dinner, but rather to have a dining experience. This popular locale oozes old world glamour, and is perfect for anyone who wants dinner with a view. Situated on the top floor overlooking the park, and featuring classic fare, makes this the ideal setting for a special occasion, but is also great for ambitious diners who enjoy meticulous plating, top notch service, and just overall good food. If the price tag scares you, they also do a fabulous three-course lunch worth taking a look at.

Have any dining recommendations in Helsinki I didn’t mention? There are so many good places that I know I missed a few. Leave me your favorites in the comments below!

Luxury in Brussels: Hotel Amigo

Published on March 1, 2018May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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Sometimes the hardest part about traveling abroad is finding the perfect place to stay. Luckily, I didn’t have that problem when planning my trip to Brussels at the end of last year. Having spent and extended amount of time in Brussels several years ago, I knew without question that being near Grand Place was imperative, and having a comfortable and spacious home base would be essential after long days of exploring. When the opportunity came to stay at the Hotel Amigo – I couldn’t say no! The hotel is a Rocco Forte property, synonymous with luxury and notorious for offering the epitome of sophistication during your stay. Other properties in this hotel group include Hotel Savoy in Florence, Brown’s Hotel in London, and The Balmoral in Edinburgh. Needless to say, they are in amazing company.

The other fabulous part about this trip, was that I was able to bring my best friend along – my mother. I was particularly excited to be able to treat her to a stay at the Hotel Amigo because let’s face, every mother deserves to be treated like a queen, especially mine. As a kid growing up in a single-mother household, she always raised me to spend money on two things: travel & good food. We took trips to places like the Dominican Republic, Ireland, Vancouver, Thailand, and more together. Talk about amazing Christmas gifts!!! This trip was an opportunity to return the favor, and I wanted her to have the best experience possible. Fortunately for me, the team at the Hotel Amigo beyond exceeded my expectations. From friendly service, mind-blowing dining experiences, and premium amenities, I truly felt like I was #winning at giving my mom an introduction to Brussels she would never forget.

We stayed in a Junior Suite for the entirety of our stay, which was a perfect size for us. Plenty of space for taking breakfast in our room before embarking on a our daily journeys, loads of closet space for the massive amount of clothes I packed for only 4 days *facepalm*, and cute little nooks to relax at the end of a busy day to recap on our favorite sites, and enjoy a few moments of reprieve before falling into the most comfortable bed I’ve ever slept on to do it all again the next day.

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset — The *most* comfortable bed and perfect place to rest our heads at the end of the day.

Processed with VSCO with hb2 preset — The view from our Junior Suite – looking down toward Grand Place.

By far, the most memorable part of my stay at the Hotel Amigo, were my exchanges with Haluk Sahin, one of the concierges at the Hotel Amigo. Not only did he keep my mom and I on-time for trains and our flights (we have this nasty habit of cutting it close for all travel), but he was truly the “experience architect”, as I like to say, of our stay. Every detail that we would need taken care of for an awe-inspiring experience in Brussels and beyond was executed flawlessly. Beyond that, he truly became a friend during our short visit, and was a willing participant when my mom and I shared our stories of what crazy thing we got up to that day.

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If you’re looking to explore Brussels, I couldn’t recommend the Hotel Amigo more. You’re walking distance to all the major sites, and are sure to feel at home every time you walk through the doors.

If you need ideas of things to do and see on your next trip to the European Capital, be sure to check out my Weekend in Brussels guide here.

Day Trip: Bruges, Belgium

Published on February 22, 2018May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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If you are planning a trip to Brussels, there is no question that you need to carve out a day to make your way North to the quaint city of Bruges. Most recognized as the “Venice of the North”, this canal-based city features the most picturesque buildings, tons of charming little shops to grab a cup of tea or a waffle, and local vendors selling everything from world-famous chocolates to lace.

Getting to Bruges from Brussels is super easy. From our hotel, the Hotel Amigo, in Grand Place, you take a quick walk to Bruxelles-Central and hop on any one of the number of trains to Bruges. Tickets cost roughly €7-€15, and the ride is only a little over an hour long. If you’re looking to book tickets in advance, you can always check out the time tables and do so here.

Once you’re at the Bruges station, it is only another 15-20 minute walk (depending if you stop for photos) to the historic city center. Plan to make plenty of stops along the way to spots like the 13th century Belfort, Groeningemuseum for those of you who are art buffs, and St. Salvator’s Cathedral. In between landmarks, there are countless bridges, historic facades and courtyards to wander into.

For you foodies, a few of my favorite spots are: Le Mystique, Hertog Jan, and Belgian Pigeon House. If you’re looking for chocolate, I recommend checking out: The Chocolate Line (I don’t care how touristy it is – it’s amazing!), BbyB, and Dumon. Have a must see spot in Bruges? Leave me a comment for my next trip back ;).

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A Weekend In Brussels

Published on December 26, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclem1 Comment

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset Traveling to Europe during the holidays is always a magical experience. Between winter markets, dustings of snow down historical alleyways, and all sorts of seasonal culinary specialities, there really are endless excuses for journeying across the pond in December. A city that I have managed to get to know quite well over the years, thanks to a program in university, is Brussels. And fortunately, schedules finally aligned with my mother and I, that we were able to travel around the holiday season together. I was so excited to show her my old stomping grounds, including watering holes like Delirium Cafe and Madame Moustache, a small but amazing sandwich shop that I still don’t know the name of where I ate literally three times a week, and the architectural beauties of the city from the Galerie St. Royal, Grand Place, and several churches – one that was even host to a royal wedding.

The thing about a quick trip to Europe is that you need to stay centrally. While this might be a splurge up front, it saves you tons of time, allowing you to see more during your brief journey. We were lucky to be able to snag ourselves a room at the Hotel Amigo – a Rocco Forte property, right next to Grand Place. We didn’t know when we booked, but the hotel ended up being home to many dignitaries during a meeting at the EU Parliament. We obviously became quickly aware upon our arrival as we were greeted by the Politie along with the bellman, but this didn’t disrupt our stay in the least. A few other celebrity sightings ensued during our stay, further solidifying we made the right decision when booking for our quick trip. Because everyone deserves a little luxury every now and then, amiright?!

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset Our plans for the weekend were as follows: drop our bags in our room and explore Brussels ’til we dropped on Day 1, book a train for a quick day trip to Paris on Day 2, do a half day in Brugge on Day 3, and sleep like babies on the plane home the following morning. Aggressive, I know, but when you can only take so much time off, you work to pack everything in. My mom says it’s a ‘marathon and a sprint’ all at the same time. She got used to this pace of travel on our last trip to Scotland, so when I invited her, I swear she knew what she was getting into.

After dropping our bags in our gorgeous suite, and doing a quick refresh, we were ready to hit the cobblestone streets running. We started by grabbing a quick lunch at Au Vieux Saint Martin. This is truly a local spot, and a hell of a place for me to brush up on my French. The waitress was patient with me, and thankfully we didn’t get too many weird looks from neighboring tables. After some tasty nourishment, we took by foot around the whole city. One of the great things about Brussels is that it is quite easy to see by walking. There are a few things like the Atomium that are a little more out of the way, but a lot of the heavy hitting sites are all in one place.

Processed with VSCO with a6 preset — The Brussels Museum in Grand Place.

If you just have a day or two in Brussels, I would recommend seeing:

Grand Place – The light show during the holiday is super entertaining, and all of the building could be stared at for hours!
Cathedral of of St. Michael and St. Gudula – Belgium’s national church, and a site for royal weddings and funerals.
Our Blessed Lady of the Sablon – Also, take a lunch or dinner in the neighborhood, there are so many tasty places to go like: Lola, San Sablon, COCO Donuts, and and Chez Richard.
The antique shops in Sablon – There’s all sorts of fabulous jewelry, a few historical maps if you can find them, and bronze decor items – amongst many other things.
The Atomium – You will have to take a car out of the city center, but it really is a cool museum, and a great spot to see if the weather isn’t so agreeable.
Cinquantenaire – Another great park for lunch, but only really when the weather is warmer.
Belgian Comic Strip Center – If you’re looking for a more modern take on Belgium, this center is quite famous and really interesting for any art buffs.
Galerie St. Royal – For tasty treats away from the elements and window shopping.
Christmas Markets – If you are there during the holiday season, grab a cup of hot wine and explore local vendors for stocking stuffers.

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After many hours of exploring, we headed to Delirium Cafe (a must-see if you are in Brussels, and where I spent many nights as a university student living in Brussels) for a couple of beers, and ended up eating at a bit of a touristy spot around the corner for a quick dinner before heading back to the Hotel Amigo. We had a massive day ahead of us, so thankfully we made it to bed somewhat early. Have spots on your list that I didn’t list that are a must-see in Brussels? Comment below, so I can add them to my list for my next visit to the European Capital.

What to Pack for Winter in Europe

Published on December 6, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

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In less than two weeks, I will be heading to Brussels and Paris for a quick weekend getaway with my mom (yay!). As it gets closer to the holidays in Europe, I think the cities become so magical and it always worth a trip! Skipping the summer months for a winter weekend in Europe isn’t only cheaper, but you get to see a little more of that local flair. However, I know the promise of colder weather might initially deter you from booking that flight, but I wanted to share a few of my tips for dressing warm – and fashionably – in the winter which will make sight seeing enjoyable, and you’ll still be camera ready!

Practical(ish) shoes.
Yes, when walking around Europe, you can typically expect some cobblestones, so stilettos are out, but that doesn’t mean you take heels off the table all together. The Jeremy Campbell booties I added above are a perfect example of a boot that you can rock in the winter time on European side streets. I actually have these myself and they’re super comfy and sturdy. A great pair of sneakers, with a hint of embellishment is also a good option. Gucci is having a total moment right now with their sneakers; I think they’re a super fun splurge. But, if you’re looking for something a little friendlier on your wallet, a pair of white chucks or Stan Smith’s should do the trick.

Layers, layers, layers
Investing in a body suit so you can ensure that your midriff will stay warm between picking up your luggage at the airport and sitting down at a cozy cafe is a must. Do double duty by layering a pair of winter tights underneath a pair of destroyed denim or a knee-length skirt and you’ll be good to go. Some tights you can get now are actually lined with fleece, so if you’re known to be super chilly, or are going to be spending the majority of your day outside, I would pack a pair to layer under denim or a long skirt for sure!

Colorful Knits
Come winter, expressing yourself through color gets a little trick, so I always like to mix it up with a colorful sweater. Pops of orange, red, purple, and baby blue are a great way to brighten up your wardrobe, while you stick to more of the classics in the rest of your look. I definitely recommend packing turtlenecks when you can, that way you can save space in your suitcase because you don’t need to pack a scarf. You can also have fun with color with a knit hat as well. Don’t be afraid to bust out one with a fun pom pom, so your friends can keep track of you around busier parts of the city.

A Second Coat
I always wear my biggest and fluffiest coat on the plane because packing it is a nightmare, but I highly recommend packing a second coat, especially if you plan to take lots of pictures outside, go out on the town, and think the weather might fluctuate a lot in temperature. A fab bomber is always a good go-to, and again, so many brands are experimenting with color, so you can stand out amongst a sea of black and tan.

A Couple Statement Pieces
When traveling, we have a tendency to pack sensibly, especially for trips to areas where it’s cold weather! But, I challenge you on your next trip to pack a few items that really stand out. A perfect dress for a surprise date, unexpected outing (you know, with the Queen or something), or even just for afternoon tea can work wonders. I can’t tell you how many times having a dress handy has saved my ass, especially when traveling abroad. I also always recommend one or two key pieces of statement jewelry. One eye-catching ring or set of earrings can really pull a look together without too much effort. The most obvious statement piece to pack is a great bag. I always say a bag is your best investment piece, so if you’ve got it flaunt it. However! Do not have this bag be one of your two carry-ons. Having to shove your bag under the seat or in the overhead bin on long flights is just asking for trouble – especially if it is an investment piece. Do yourself a solid and pack your day-to-day bag in a duster to pull out in prime condition once you get to your destination.

These five tips are sure to get you off to a good start on packing for a trip to Europe in winter. If you have questions or other suggestions that I may not have mentioned, be sure to leave them in the comments!

Georgia On My Mind…

Published on December 5, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclemLeave a comment

It’s been a few months since I was down south, but as the weather gets colder in Boston, I can’t help but daydream about my trip down to the Ritz Carlton, Lake Oconee resort in August. In desperate need of a good girls weekend this past summer, my friend Abby and I hopped a quick flight down to Atlanta for a #lakelife getaway. For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of spending any time down south, I highly recommend it. The food, the people, the nature… it doesn’t get much better. I have friends who actually describe this property as one of their favorite places on Earth, and I can see why.

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Abby and I had the pleasure of staying in one of the cottages on the property. These cottages are perfect for a group of your girlfriends or even a family vacation. As expected these cottages are still very much full service — golf carts will chauffeur you to dinner reservations, room service will deliver anything you need at the drop of a hat, and extra special touches like milk & cookies don’t go unnoticed. Hammocks are scattered throughout the property for that cabin in the woods experience. They’re perfect for laying out with a good book and a cup of tea in the morning, or getting a little reprieve from the sun, but still getting to enjoy some fresh air.

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One of the most enjoyable parts of the property is their lake-side amenities. The infinity pool is massive and is a perfect spot to commune with friends over a mid-afternoon cocktail (or three). I know what you’re thinking… why hang out in a pool with a lake right there?! Truth be told, the idea of making contact with a fish creeps me out a bit. And the fish only have so many places to go in a lake, compared to the ocean. You know?! Don’t judge! Besides, the infinity pool is so big it could practically be a lake. I swear!

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After you’ve done your fair share of sunbathing, choose from a plethora of dining options on the property to get your fill of tasty southern cooking. My favorite restaurant was Georgia’s. They have classics like peel ‘n’ eat shrimp, smoked meats, and fried green tomatoes. There is no chance you will leave hungry!

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Outside of the property, you can do some exploring in historic Madison. Our driver humored us and weaved down old streets, so we could see some of the oldest homes in the town. Downtown is super quaint and has a couple great restaurants worth checking out as well. If you drive through, Madison might look familiar. Countless movies and TV shows have been filmed here, like The Vampire Diaries, The Originals, The Accountant, and the 2011 Footloose remake.

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If you prefer to stay on property, they have a gazillion activities, including a massive golf course. If golf is your game, there’s no chance you cant get in a few holes while you’re here. Sadly for me, I tend to embarrass myself even at the driving range, so I’ll stick to walking the course like it’s my runway. Other activities include wake boarding, kayaking, tennis, and countless more.

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Now that I am this close to booking a ticket back to Georgia, I can safely say this was one of my most memorable weekends this past summer. If you need a luxurious getaway with your significant other, friends, or family, I can’t recommend the Ritz, Lake Oconee enough. If you have any questions about the property, feel free to shoot me an email or send me a DM on Instagram. Happy to answer!

Where to Eat: Scotland

Published on October 11, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclem1 Comment

Ah, yes. Travel is all about the sites you see, the people you meet, and most importantly: the food. When I reached out to Visit Scotland for ideas on where to visit, and specifically where to dine, they came back with an amazing group of experiences. Naturally, I wanted to try all of them. On our first full day in Edinburgh, we started our evening off with a gin distillery tour, and then made our way to Restaurant Mark Greenaway for an elevated dining experience just steps from some of the most popular sites in the city, but far enough removed that it wasn’t overrun with other tourists. If you don’t know Chef Mark Greenaway, it’s worth noting he was the only chef in Scotland to be newly awarded 3 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence back in 2012 – and continues to pay homage to Scottish tradition by using locally-sourced ingredients. If you have a bit of a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat, as he’s known for some of the most inventive desserts in the country.

The following morning, we made our way north. This was my first taste of driving on the highway in Scotland (on the left side of the road – gah), so I was a bit nervous, but once we were out of the city it was smooth sailing. Our first stop on our road trip was in Pitlochry; only a few hours north. Pitlochry is a great spot if you like to go hiking or spend time outdoors. We had great intentions to go hiking, but jet lag unfortunately got the best of us. There’s also a few castles within striking distance that you can explore – most notable being Blair Castle.

A night or two at the Fonab Castle Hotel is also an absolute must – especially if you’re looking for a tasty and traditional Scottish dining experience. The restaurant on-site, Sandeman’s, has a six-course dinner that will knock your socks off. With twists on all the classics, impeccable wine pairings, and a sommelier that will leave you laughing throughout the whole meal – it is truly a dinner to remember. Being with my mom at the table, getting to share this uber-foodie experience, was particularly special to me. She always taught me to spend money on two things: travel and good food, so the entire meal really felt like an homage to my upbringing (love ya mom!). In the end, I’m glad I took her sound advice ;).

The next day, the adventure continued! Heading further north, you can’t miss Inverness. For all you scotch whiskey lovers, there are a gazillion distilleries in the area, making this the perfect spot to post up for a night or two. The town sits on the River Ness ( I bet you can guess who’s been rumored to swim through those waters), and really is the quintessential European town. Restaurants and music venues line the river, providing the perfect backdrop to some family-style inspired fare. We stopped into The Mustard Seed for a relaxed and tasty dinner. Their cuisine features a marriage of Scottish and French fare, boasting large portions, and an amazing view of the river. Head in any direction a block or two and you’ll find live music to take you into your evening. A head’s up – if you are driving into town, parking is a little tricky. Be prepared to circle around a few times before you find a spot.

Did someone say food safari?! Why, yes, yes they did. While hunting vests and binoculars sound fun on a trip riding through the Sahara – a safari of the culinary persuasion in Edinburgh was right up my alley. My mom and I were paired up with a local who works with Edinburgh Food Safari; she toured us around a few neighborhoods to taste everything from vegetarian haggis to locally made gin, handmade marshmallows, and tea with scones and clotted cream (plus a homemade lemon custard that was too good for words). This tour isn’t just about the food though; your guide has amazing knowledge about the city, provides spirited conversation on any topic you can imagine, and ours even helped us crash the beginning of a wedding ceremony! I swear to god the father of the bride invited us into the church for the whole kit and caboodle!! If only I wasn’t wearing jeans that day… If you haven’t guessed yet, this was hands down this was one of my favorite experiences the entire trip, and I highly recommend checking them out if you’re in Edinburgh.

To sum it up – Scotland isn’t just haggis, salmon, and scotch (although there is a lot of that), but rather a burgeoning foodie destination with tastes fit for every palette. If you have any questions on what to eat and where – drop them in the comments, and I’ll be more than happy to answer them!

Solo Mission: Camden, ME

Published on September 13, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclem4 Comments

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Who else had a whirlwind summer?! In New England, it’s practically a given, and moving into Fall always feels like giving a generous tap on the breaks. Solo travel has always been a good opportunity for me to slow down and press ‘reset’, and that’s exactly what my trip up to Camden, Maine this past weekend was all about. If you followed my Instagram stories, you know I definitely got an ungodly amount of work done, but I also did a little exploring and unplugging, and it brought me back to my days of traveling Asia alone (minus the whole not-speaking-the-same-language-as-everyone-else thing).

The best part? I had a place that felt like home to go back to at the end of the day. Maine is my home state, so I was already getting some good vibes once I crossed the boarder into Vacationland. But, staying at Whitehall was extra special. This quaint spot features an awesome restaurant, Pig + Poet, stylish & cozy corners – perfect for curling up with a book (or laptop in my case), and if the weather is nice, you can kick your feet up on one of the many rocking chairs, or channel your inner cruise deck hero and play some shuffleboard. Seriously, who doesn’t like an adorable inn loaded with charm like this?

I’ve been up to this part of Maine a few times, so I had an unorthodox approach to how I decided where to go – I literally typed ‘lighthouse’ and ‘food’ into Google maps. I ended up at the Owl’s Head Light right at sunset, and then dined at the bar at Rhumb Line. Talk about luck! Between stellar views and tasty cuisine, it ended up being the perfect way to spend the evening.

As the season comes to a close, many of these spots shut down for the winter, but if you find yourself with an open weekend between now and mid-October, I highly recommend pulling the trigger and taking the journey down east. Looking to explore other cute spots? Check out all the different Lark Hotels around New England and California!

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PVD – EDI with Norwegian Air

Published on September 10, 2017May 15, 2018 by reganclem2 Comments

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To say I was excited to head to Scotland this summer is a bit of an understatement. Who doesn’t like scotch, bagpipes, and some of most beautiful scenery in all of Europe?! This was the first trip that I have taken with my mother in I don’t know how long, and I was so happy to be able to bring her along. For us to be able to step away from our everyday lives and explore a country we’ve both been dying to visit was a dream come true – Scotland far exceeded all of my expectations! I was fortunate enough to be able to parter with Norwegian Air and the team at Visit Scotland for this trip. Both teams took amazingly good care of me, gave me plenty of tips & suggestions for my stay in Scotland, and treated me with all the hospitality you would expect from the Scots. For that, I am eternally grateful.

To start – you may have heard about sales on flights to Europe that are as low $99. Yep! Traveling to Europe is now cheaper than taking Amtrak from BOS – NYC. More often than not, I hear from friends who want to travel that flights to Europe are just too expensive. But, now that Norwegian Air is expanding their service out of New England, it has become more achievable than ever to make it to Europe without busting open our piggy banks. As an added bonus, there are flights out of Providence (PVD), for those who live in the southern part of New England, who don’t want to trek to Boston to make a flight. You can book here based on your budget, whether it be $100 or $500. And guess what, flights to EDI are still $99!

If you are planning on taking a trip with Norwegian Air, know a few things:

This is a budget airline, so pack a pillow/blanket, eye mask, and some snacks if you want the most comfortable flight.
If you are someone who gets hungry on flights, you can pay for your meal in advance when you book. It may not be super necessary for the red-eye, as it is best to sleep as much as you can, but for the flight back, could be a good move.
There is no First Class, but a little extra leg room never hurt anyone. Paying a fee to upgrade into an Exit Row seat isn’t entirely unreasonable. I did this for both my mom and I and it was totally worth it.
If you’re flying out of PVD, get there with plenty of time. Because these flights are so popular, check-in takes a bit of time. Expect long lines, and know that, god forbid, you get there a little late, you will be bumped up in line if you’re cutting it close.
There is WiFi on the flight! I got a good amount of work done on both of my flights to and from EDI. If you’re looking to get some work done, or just peruse Instagram, you can!

Processed with VSCO with hb1 preset If a trip to EDI is in your future – scroll down for a recap of my first two days in Scotland with some ideas of where to stay, eat, and explore!

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For our first night in Edinburgh, we stayed at a cute, and well-situated spot, Hotel Du Vin. This spot is filled with character, and close to some of the most popular sites in the city! Edinburgh in general is a very walkable city, and this is a perfect location to start and finish your day. Rooms are super cozy – and in typical Scottish fashion, each room is outfitted with an amazing bath, cozy beds, and a hint of tartan plaid (in case you needed reminding of where you were). Some sites close by include:

The Royal Mile
The University of Edinburgh
National Museum of Scotland
Edinburgh Castle
Mary King’s Close
Scott Monument
The Writer’s Museum (super cool!)
St. Giles Cathedral

Another amazing spot close by is Sandy Bells. If you love live music, like me, and just good vibes in general, you absolutely have to head here to listen to local musicians in ‘sessions’. There isn’t any photography or videography allowed (although I may have snuck a Snapchat), but the experience of sitting down with a pint and listening to traditional music being played was one of my favorites in the city.

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Another thing to note about Edinburgh is that they have an amazing food scene! I am going to do an entirely separate post on all of my food experiences throughout Scotland, but wanted to share a couple of quick stops that we made in between sightseeing. Our first meal was at an awesome gastropub called The Scran and Scallie. The cocktails are fantastic, and the fare is hearty and thoughtfully prepared. This was just the type of comfort food we were looking for in our first few hours in Edinburgh. For breakfast the next morning, we went to Spoon – named one of the Best Hangover Cafes in the city. The place is eclectically designed and their breakfast definitely hit the spot. If you’re looking for a cafe to work out of, this is a perfect place to post up, but it is open to all types. In our time there, we saw a bachelorette party, some folks working remotely, and very few tourists (which to me is always a good sign).

Another little known fact about Edinburgh, and Scotland in general, they love their gin. Martini lovers rejoice! Sure, Scotch seems like the natural spirit to gravitate to on a trip like this – and I like Lagavulin and Laphroaig with the best of them. But, there are so many amazing gin distilleries popping up that we had to check one out. We headed over to Summerhall, which is a multi-arts complex and events venue in an old veterinary school building – cool, right?! Even if you don’t have a desire to check out a gin distillery, this place is worth visiting. The tour we went on was with a small outfit within Summerhall: Pickering’s Gin. You learn about how two gin lovers started from an old (read: super old) gin recipe from India, and built a sought-after gin that is perfect for a gin & tonic. Of course, you get to do some tasting, and it’s a good way to kick off your evening.

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Alas, we couldn’t stay in Edinburgh forever. We traveled elsewhere throughout the country, and finally stayed in Edinburgh for one more night (those blog posts are coming soon!) and then it was to the airport back home. The Edinburgh Airport is super easy to navigate (Note: there is a bit of walking, especially if you’re returning a car), and their security team has the checkpoint down to a science. Still, give yourself at least 90 minutes if you’re traveling back home, so you have plenty of time to grab a final drink before hopping your flight. If you have any questions about traveling to Edinburgh, definitely don’t hesitate to leave a comment. Happy to answer any questions below! Additionally, Visit Scotland offers a great amount of resources for your travel. They also have a dope Instagram if you’re looking for any inspo for your next trip!

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