Southern Road Trip Day 15: The Biltmore Estate, King Tut, and Rainy Day Adventures
Hey friends! We’ve got two more days to go in the Southern Series! So today we’re going to dive into Asheville, NC and onto wild and wonderful West Virginia! Woop woop! Hear about where we had an amazing breakfast, how we liked the Biltmore Estate, and where we ended up for the evening. Legooo! Food at Cornerstone, Then on to Biltmore Estate After we got packed up from the Country Inn (by Choice Hotels), we made our way to a local breakfast joint that had INCREDIBLE food. Seriously, if one thing kept impressing us during this trip it had to be the food. Like, almost every single time it was absolutely delicious. We found ourselves at Cornerstone, where the hubs got the Matador and I got grilled pork chops (yes, for breakfast!?), fresh eggs, potatoes and a biscuit and gravy. Guys, seriously it was so good. Not to mention I was able to cut up and save the second pork chop for later that day to heat up in the portable crock pot. 💁♀️ Oh and the hotel? It was great. No complaints. Even though some of the facilities weren’t available at the time, we didn’t really need them and we slept perfectly fine. The price was fair and the room was clean, which is two very important things to consider when choosing your home for the night! Once we had full bellies, we made our way to the famous Biltmore Estate, which was WAY bigger than we’d anticipated. I mean, to even get to the place itself, took like 10 minutes driving down their “driveway” I suppose you’d call it?🤔 It was pretty neat though to think about how it must have been back in the day, taking more like hours probably to travel down this road with older vehicles. The grounds were so beautiful even in the wintertime, but I bet they are just awe-inspiring when in full bloom. Southern Series Day 14: Savannah Eats, Motel Stays, and Slowing Down The Rain Couldn’t Stop Our Adventure We arrived a little before our ticket time, so we chilled in the truck and found some places to stop on the way home. It was pouring out anyway, which didn’t really encourage us to move quickly from the safety of the vehicle! 😂 Turns out that we probably could have went in early though, since they didn’t check our ticket time when getting to the door. But this may just be because of the season, so definitely prepare accordingly when you go check it out! Online, it stated that the tour would likely take around 1.5 hours, but we were through within approximately 45 minutes. We decided to skip the audio tour and just meander through the lines viewing the beauty of the interior everywhere around us. It was epic to say the least. So much detail from top to bottom, just engulfing the rooms one intricate design at a time. It was also beautifully decorated for the Christmas season which was so awesome! The decorations just made it that much more overwhelming but like, in a good way. 🧐 The front room was probably my favorite, where the plants overtook everything and brought nature indoors. Something I’d like to portray in my own home someday. 🤞 Thank goodness for our fancy Patagonia rain jackets we got last year before hitting the Napali Coast, because we DEFINITELY needed them for this day traveling to and from our vehicle. There was a shuttle they offered to go to and from the parking lots, but since it was off-season, some of those were closed and we had to walk from the lot that we were in which took about 10 minutes or so to get to the door…otherwise, *plenty* of time to get our sweatpants absolutely soaked. 😅 We then drove the 20-30 minutes to the other end of the property, where the winery area had a King Tut exhibit! — King Tut at Biltmore Estate One of the coolest parts of the estate though was actually the King Tut exhibit they were hosting, which was running through March 2026. It was incredibly detailed and honestly way more immersive than I expected. They had replica relics and recreated tomb displays set up with information all throughout the exhibit explaining Tutankhamun’s reign, the excavation process, and how the tomb was originally discovered. There was even a short film that helped explain the history behind the excavation and why the discovery became such a massive moment in archaeology. What made it even more interesting was learning that the Biltmore and Vanderbilt/Cecil families actually had historical ties to Egyptology and the excavation era surrounding King Tut’s tomb. Through family connections and diplomatic work in Cairo, the estate has a surprisingly deep connection to the story behind the discovery itself, which made the exhibit feel even more fitting for the location. It was definitely one of those exhibits where you could spend way more time than expected if you’re someone who likes reading all the informational plaques and little details. (Which, if you’re a slower reader like me, prepare to settle in for a while 😂). There was a little gift shop afterward with themed souvenirs, plus a café and restrooms nearby which made it easy to take a break before continuing on around the estate. Day 13: Siesta Key vs. Manasota Key and Exploring St. Augustine What Did Biltmore Cost? After that, we decided to head toward Bristol, but when we got there we felt like going a little further, so continued onto Beckley, WV. Arriving around 6pm this day, it was prime time to grab some good food again and head to our stay for the night. We indulged in some Mexican dishes at El Bandido, so good! And then checked in at another budget motel, a Howard Johnson, but we liked
Southern Series Day 14: Savannah Eats, Motel Stays, and Slowing Down
Heyyyooooo! Today was a bit of a chill day which was kind of needed after a bunch of traveling! Which is funny, since I always think I’d like to spend more days away, but after a whole bunch of inconsistent schedules and running around, it always feels refreshing to get back to some normalcy by the end of it all. So, let me tell you about today and how we still managed to snag some AMAZING food on the way back up north! 🥳 From St. Augustine to Savannah, Georgia We started our day by stocking up on some fresh groceries and drinks from the nearby Sprouts, then made our way to a local coffee truck to grab some bagels and bevs before heading out of St. Augustine! We had about a 3 hour drive before making it to Savannah, Georgia, where we stopped for lunch at Vic’s, which was *incredible* to say the least! 🤌 It was in a really cool set of older buildings which made for an awesome old town vibe, and even overlooked the water as well. I had the salmon and couscous and omg I feel like I can still taste it. Again, this was one of those places that I totally wish wasn’t so far away!!😩 Now of course on the way back to the parking garage, we walked past Leopold’s, an old-timey ice cream parlor that was super duper cool inside. Everyone working there was dressed the part and gave such 50s diner vibes that it was hard not to smile about. The ice cream was freaking delicious, and the fact that the parking garage we went to this time was literally $2 instead of $200, made us really love this town just that much more. It did in fact look a little touristy like the last few we were in however, which is why we felt okay moving onto the next place on the list! So, we drove another short 4.5 hours to Asheville, North Carolina, where we shacked up at a budget motel this time to see if they were that much different than our usual Airbnb options. 💁♀️ Day 13: Siesta Key vs. Manasota Key and Exploring St. Augustine Choice Hotels Stay, Chik-Fil-A, and Tickets For Biltmore Choice Hotels was the winner for the evening, and honestly I couldn’t complain. I kind of wish we would have used this option before the Airbnbs, since they also usually have free breakfast options, a gym, and even pools at times. Definitely more budget-friendly than paying $100-200 on average for an Airbnb and then needing to purchase breakfast or a day pass for a gym as well each time. We noticed before making it to Asheville that the Biltmore Estate was nearby, so I called and grabbed us some tickets that we would save for the next day. Then we snagged some Chick-Fil-A for dinner and hit the hay. Day 12: A Relaxing Beach Day in Manasota Key and Why We’re Already Planning to Go Back As per usual, we have the expenses of the day covered down below, so be sure to check those out and let me know your thoughts! Come back for Day 15 where we indulge in yet another bomb freaking breakfast, explore the Biltmore Estate, and see some King Tut awesomeness.✨ Thanks for sticking around for this journey! I know this was a shorter day, but tomorrow is much more exciting. I’ll see you then! 🥳 Southern States Road Trip Expenses for Day 14: Hotel: $117.52 Chick-Fil-A: $29.61 Airbnb (tip): $20.00 Coffee and bagels: $19.70 Vics (lunch): $50.99 Leopolds (ice cream): $17.33 Total: $255.15 Thank You For Reading Savannah Eats, Motel Stays, and Slowing Down Day 14 is in the books. Traveling North from Florida for some Savannah eats
When Your Time Isn’t Respected (And What to Do About It)
Hey guys and gals. I’ve been having some trouble lately with time being respected, and being told how to operate something I’ve been doing for a long time. Which prompted me to think about how to use these opportunities as growth, which of course is something we share heavily on HB. Therefore, today we’re taking a quick pause from the last few days of the Southern Series so we can work through these issues together, which is what I love most about you being here. So thank you in advance for listening, reading, and being there in the comments with your two cents…or three. Three cents is fine as well. 🙂 When Things Start to Feel Off Now, I don’t mean to be all Debbie Downer over here, but that’s kind of how I’m feeling today. (Sad face, I know). And it’s solely because of a few interactions recently that had me thinking about how to handle these situations that may arise again in the future. Without going into too much of a black hole here, I’ll do my best to explain. It took me literal years to come to an understanding with myself on how to navigate these challenges when they present themselves. I had to figure out whether or not I was willing to move forward in working with others or on myself before figuring out what made the most sense in what order. Now, since we can’t typically change other people as easily as we’re able to work on our own self-growth, I think it’s obvious the route that needed to be taken. I sat down and wondered what I would need to do to become more personable, without becoming more cold toward others in the meantime. I needed to grow in ways I hadn’t yet, including those of dealing with friends, family, or business acquaintances. Typically, there’s a fine line between understanding how much to communicate, and then of course, over-communicating. (Which from what I have noticed, a lot of peeps these days do). And I think that’s where I’ve been getting tripped up lately. Notes From A Season of Change The Line Between Respect and Over-Accommodation Because on one hand, you want to be respectful, communicative, and easy to work with. You want people to feel heard, understood, and valued. But on the other hand, there comes a point where over-explaining, over-adjusting, or constantly bending your time and energy to fit someone else’s expectations starts to take away from your own structure, your own focus, and honestly…your own peace. And that’s where I had to pause. Because if I’m being completely honest, it wasn’t just about someone else “not respecting my time.” It was also about me allowing that line to blur in the first place. The Reality Check We can say all day long that people should respect our time, our boundaries, and our way of doing things. But if we don’t actually set those boundaries clearly, or we constantly adjust them to keep the peace, then we’re unintentionally teaching people what we will tolerate. And that’s a hard pill to swallow. Because it means taking some responsibility for the situations we find ourselves in, even when we didn’t create them intentionally. I had to ask myself: Did I clearly communicate my expectations? Did I allow too much flexibility early on? Did I try to avoid discomfort instead of addressing things head-on? And the answer, at least partially, was yes. Why Staying True To Natural Intentions Can Allow Room For Personal Growth Finding the Balance Something I’ve always tried to focus on with Habitual Balance is growth without losing yourself in the process. It’s easy to swing too far in either direction. Ways You Can Be Impacted Without Proper Boundaries: Either you become overly accommodating and end up drained Or you shut down and become distant just to protect your energy But the real goal is somewhere in the middle. What Having Real Boundaries Can Help Do: Communicating clearly, but not excessively Respecting others, but not at the expense of myself Being open to feedback, but not controlled by it Because not every opinion needs to be absorbed, and not every suggestion needs to be implemented. And that’s something I’m still actively learning. What I’m Doing Differently Instead of letting these situations frustrate me, I’m choosing to use them as checkpoints. Not in a “what did they do wrong” kind of way, but more of a: “What can I refine here so this doesn’t keep happening?” A few things I’m focusing on: Being clear from the startNot leaving room for assumptions. Saying what I mean, how I operate, and what works for me upfront. Not over-explaining myselfThere’s a difference between being communicative and feeling like you need to justify every decision you make. I’m working on trusting that my way of doing things is valid without needing to defend it constantly. Respecting my own time firstBecause if I don’t treat my time as valuable, I can’t expect anyone else to either. Letting discomfort existNot every conversation is going to feel easy, and that’s okay. Growth usually sits right on the edge of discomfort. The Bigger Picture At the end of the day, situations like this are going to happen. Whether it’s in business, friendships, or everyday life, there will always be moments where expectations don’t align. But instead of letting that turn into frustration or resentment, I’m trying to look at it as feedback. Not feedback about who I am as a person, but feedback on where I can tighten things up, communicate better, and stand a little more firmly in what I know works for me. Because that’s what this whole thing is about. Not perfection. Not control. But building systems and habits that allow us to move through life a little more grounded, a
Havasupai Falls Travel Guide (Permits, Hike, Packing & Tips)
If you’ve been scrolling through pictures of bright blue waterfalls tucked inside red canyon walls and thinking there’s no way that’s real, I’m here to tell you it is. But what those photos don’t show you is everything it takes to actually get there. The early mornings, the long miles, the exhaustion, and the mental battles that come with it. Havasupai is one of those trips that looks magical online, and it absolutely is, but it is also one of the most physically and mentally demanding trips we’ve done. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I complain the entire time? Also yes. This guide is everything we learned from our experience, including what went right, what didn’t, and what I wish someone had told me beforehand. Quick Overview: Havasupai at a Glance Location: Grand Canyon, Arizona Hike Distance: ~10–12 miles (one way) Permit Required: Yes Best Time to Visit: Spring and Fall Trip Length: 3–4 days recommended Difficulty Level: Moderate to very difficult depending on hikes What Is Havasupai Falls? Havasupai Falls is located deep within the Grand Canyon on tribal land belonging to the Havasupai people. The name “Havasu” translates to blue-green water, which perfectly describes what you’ll see when you get there. The water is incredibly clear and vibrant, almost unreal in person. This is not a place you can simply drive up to or casually stop by. Visiting Havasupai requires planning, preparation, and a willingness to work for the experience. That’s part of what makes it so special. You don’t just see it, you earn it. How to Get Havasupai Permits Before you even think about packing, you’ll need to secure a permit, and this is often the hardest part of the entire process. Permits are released once per year and tend to sell out very quickly, so planning ahead is essential. Havasupai Permit Tips Create an account before permits open Be ready right when reservations go live Have backup dates ready Expect the process to be competitive There are also strict rules you’ll need to follow while visiting. Alcohol, drones, and certain types of photography are not permitted, and it’s important to respect both the land and the people who live there. How to Prepare Before Your Trip One of the best decisions we made was giving ourselves time to prepare before starting the hike. We stayed in Parks, Arizona, which allowed us to rest, organize our gear, and mentally shift into the trip. Even with preparation, we still managed to overpack, which is something I’d strongly advise against. If I could go back, I would pack my backpack completely before leaving home rather than figuring it out along the way. Pre-Trip Preparation Checklist Pack your backpack fully before leaving Plan meals and snacks ahead of time Hydrate well the day before Get a full night of sleep Lay out your hiking outfit in advance The Hike Into Havasupai The hike into Havasupai is roughly 10 to 12 miles depending on where you camp, and it starts off easier than you might expect. The trail is wide, the descent is gradual, and it almost feels manageable at first. As the miles add up, the length of the hike becomes very real. Starting early is one of the most important decisions you can make, and you’ll need more water than you think. Around mile eight, you’ll reach a turnoff toward Supai village, but you’ll still have several miles left before reaching the campground. What to Expect on the Hike In Long, exposed sections with little shade Gradual descent followed by flat sections Mule traffic on the trail Limited access to water early on Where to Stay at Havasupai Campground The campground stretches along the creek and offers a variety of spots, but choosing wisely can make a big difference in your experience. Shade, proximity to water, and distance from high-traffic areas are all factors worth considering. There are multiple bathrooms and a freshwater spring available, and one unexpected highlight was the local fry bread stand. We stayed further back in the campground, which gave us a bit more privacy and a quieter experience overall. Exploring the Confluence: Grand Canyon’s Hidden Gem via Havasupai What Makes a Good Campsite Shade from trees or canyon walls Close access to water Reasonable distance from bathrooms Minimal foot traffic Havasu Falls, Beaver Falls, and Camp Life By the third day, we realized how important it was to slow down and let our bodies recover. Spending time at Havasu Falls, relaxing in hammocks, and rehydrating ended up being one of the most enjoyable parts of the trip. The water is much colder than you might expect, and it can get busy during the middle of the day. Visiting earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon will give you a more relaxed experience. Tips for Enjoying Havasu Falls Go early or late to avoid crowds Expect cold water Bring something to sit or relax on Stay hydrated throughout the day Mooney Falls Mooney Falls is one of the most intense and memorable parts of the trip. Getting down requires navigating chains, ladders, wet rock, and a cave section before reaching the base. It’s steep and slippery, and it can be mentally challenging if heights aren’t your thing. Taking your time and focusing on your own pace makes all the difference. Tips for Mooney Falls Descent Take your time and don’t rush Use multiple points of contact Wear gloves for better grip Give space to hikers ahead of you The Treacherous Traverse Down Into The Famous Mooney Falls The Confluence Hike For those looking for an even bigger challenge, the Confluence hike is an advanced option. It’s roughly 16 miles round trip and can take most of the day to complete. The trail can be difficult to follow and includes creek crossings, ladder sections, and remote terrain. It’s not for everyone, but the reward at the
Day 13: Siesta Key vs. Manasota Key and Exploring St. Augustine
This day started out just as beautiful as the one before. Still shacked up at the Seafarer Beach Resort, we slept in til sunrise, started packing up our things, and took one last stroll down the beach before heading out to see Siesta Key, the world famous beach nearby that is known for its powdery white sands….(and oodles of people!!).👀 I’ll also talk about St. Augustine in this post, and why we would consider one day being enough to explore there.✨ Siesta Key vs Manasota Key: A Completely Different Beach Experience It was bitter sweet to leave the resort, as it was truly one of the best places we’ve ever had the privilege of staying. (Check out my last post on Day 12 to hear more about this hidden gem!) But, as we said goodbye, we looked forward to seeing a completely different beach just about an hour down the road…only to realize that we were super grateful for finding Manasota Key instead! Sure, Siesta Key has some highlights of its own. It’s got the kind of sand that makes you feel like you’re walking in a sandbox as a kid again. It’s got the incredible cityscape behind and surrounding the beach that I’m sure make the nights feel lit up in the best way. And, it also has a HUGE beach area that allows you to bring friends, families, and loved ones while giving plenty of room for activities like frisbee or room for your pup to play along without getting too close to anyone’s spots or the water. BUT. Day 12: A Relaxing Beach Day in Manasota Key and Why We’re Already Planning to Go Back Siesta Key Beach Is HUGE Again, it was just one of those places that was a little too crowded for us. The further we got to the water, the more we realized that we actually got super lucky with finding the best place on Manasota Key that fit our vibe instead of feeling crowded here again like we did in Miami. When I say the beach is huge, like, I mean huge. Siesta Key can reach widths of around 0.5-1 mile!! While Manasota Key for reference, only stretches to about 0.25 mile at its widest points. However, I did like that the water seemed better to swim in if that’s what you wanted to go for, since it was shallow much further out and a bit more calm. Manasota Beach drops off after a few feet into the water, while Siesta continues on for a while allowing space for things like water sports and other activities. …It also smelled like sulfur from the rotting seaweed. So, not great. 😅 We really wanted to make time to see the Kennedy Space Center during this trip. We thought it would be super cool to see a rocket launch from Cocoa Beach, and spend the day visiting the space center. But, since we thought we’d be short on time doing this, we decided to keep it for our next trip, (or just fly down for the weekend to view the launch!) so that we could spend ample time actually enjoying the space center in its entirety and allowing enough time as well to get good spots in the sand when it came to be launch time. (Hooray for thoughtful planning instead of rushing!)😂 Therefore, we continued on northeast toward the oldest city in the US, St. Augustine, Florida. It was nice to actually arrive in daylight again, (something that wasn’t happening too often especially since it was the winter season with daylight savings making dark arrive more quickly). After arriving around 3pm, we decided this is where we’d spend the rest of the day and evening, so we parked, found a park bench near the bay to sit down at, and booked a local Airbnb overlooking a marina. Southern Series Day 11: Theme Park Detour and a Hidden Gem Airbnb Exploring St. Augustine: Castillo de San Marcos & A Hidden Gem We grabbed some INCREDIBLE hot chocolate from Kookaburra, (I really wish I’d have bought a whole bag! But yay because you can do this from their website!! Check it out here!), and then continued on toward the local touristy sites. We stopped at a pretty cool shipwreck museum, that offered a lot of info on the Titanic as well, and then headed toward Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, a 1600s Spanish fortress that still stands tall today. It was incredible to see the views from the top, and walk around inside where they had tons of information lining the walls about the past here. (I shared a few videos and pics of this on social, so check it out if you want a better idea of what it was like to walk around there!) Hours & Pricing: Adults 16+: $15 (which is valid for 7 days!) Kids 15 & Under: Free! Woohoo for learning! Open: Daily 8:45 AM – 5:00 PM Closed: Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day (Dec 25) Now. Make sure if you have one, to bring your America The Beautiful Pass, so you can save on entry! If you don’t already have one however, check out this link for REI to snag one online before your next trip to one of the 63 national parks! (It also includes 2,000 federal recreation sites!)🤯 Southern Series Day 10: Everglades, Easy Days, and Slowing the Pace Once we got our fill of being tourists for a bit, we headed back to the Airbnb and changed for dinner. It was chillier here, much different than our beach days the last week, 😩 so we got dressed and took the advice of the locals to try out Caps on The Water. Guys. This restaurant was yet again, one of
Day 12: A Relaxing Beach Day in Manasota Key and Why We’re Already Planning to Go Back
Day 12 started with pure awesomeness. *Finally* a beach where we could just relax immediately and take in the sights without being overwhelmed or tripping over a thousand peoples’ things. 😬 Manasota Key Beach was one of our favorite places we’ve been, and once again, this was completely on a whim, going to show that if you plan to do the same, just know that you’ll have wins and losses, but the wins are ones that we’ll definitely be back to! So let’s talk about it! A Slow Morning, Shark Teeth Finds, and Our Great Beach Stay Waking up after a late night in again was rough for sunrise, but much easier knowing that we had a close-to-the-beach bed to take a nap in if needed! We got up early, and although it was still a bit cloudy for the sun shining through the palms, it was perfect for spending an hour or so digging through the sand searching for fossilized shark teeth! We had heard about this key from my dad which had been in the area before, where he found like, 400 in just a day or two! 😳 Not to mention the beautiful plethora of seashells that you can seriously just dig into any part of the sand and find! (See pic above!) It was such an amazing thing. (Much unlike Siesta Key, which we’ll get into in the posts to come).🧐 After grabbing a handful of shark teeth just chilling on the sand, (yes, really!), we decided to grab some local breakfast at a spot down the road, called Word of Mouth. It was FABULOUS guys. Go there. Really. Like, right meow. We had french toast, bomb potatoes, bacon, tea and coffee, of course, and also a burrito and some crepes. We wanted leftovers, don’t judge. Once we were fully fueled again for our shark teeth adventures, we made our way back to the Seafarer Beach Resort (the hotel on Airbnb that we found last minute!) It was one of our all-time favorite stays. It literally seemed too good to be true, so we were pretty weirded out that we found it with just a few hours to spare before checkin. But alas! It was quite legit, and everything we hoped it would be. Absolutely zero complaints. The staff was super helpful, communicative and kind. The place was incredibly clean, had everything we might have needed, including screens to find more seashells and shark teeth!! Like, guys! This place is so underrated and it should really be more on the map. Southern Series Day 11: Theme Park Detour and a Hidden Gem Airbnb Ocean Views, Beach Days, and the Shark Teeth Method We Use Did I mention that they also have a pool?! Ummmm, like overlooking the literal ocean?!! 👀 Yes, yes they do. And they also had a perfect patio area to have our meals or coffee on, including a bird friend that walked up and said hello! It was cute, strange, and also trying to get inside…so keep your doors closed peeps. 😁 To top it off, they had beach chairs, towels, umbrellas, you name it. And guess what? It didn’t cost us an extra $175 to snag some. We spent some time digging in the sand again and around the exterior of the water, then took a break to go grab some snacks and drinks for the beach chilling time. Then I took a short nap, gazed at the ocean some more, and we got back to our hunting for shells and teeth! This time however, we realized that if you stand in the water about waist deep, you’ll be right above the shelf where a lot of the good teeth are hiding! We tried out all of the sifters that were available, but noticed that our favorite way to do it was as a team. Ben used the big rectangular screen with piping on the outside to dig down under the water and sand, then I’d grab the teeth (and cute shells) and plop them in a jar I was carrying that floated as well. (Convenient!) This method allowed us to move quickly and find a ton super fast. Highly recommend! (We’d then dump the container into a ziplock bag back on the chairs!) If I was digging by myself though, I preferred the little round scooper, since it wasn’t super heavy to hold with one hand and was easy to carry a container for my finds in the other. By the end of the day, we had our methods down pat! (Which made me a little sad we wouldn’t be spending more time here).☹️ South Beach Miami Travel Guide (Honest Review + What It Really Costs) A Beach Walk, a Bee Sting, and a Few Lessons Learned Once we were ready to be done for the day, I made some more steak salads from the groceries we grabbed the day before. (Yay for gift cards funding some more food runs!) Afterwards, we went on a long walk on the beach and tried using some headlamps on the red and white settings to find some more teeth in the dark. (This is much harder than it looks!) Also, did I mention that I did not see *one singular bug* on this entire trip so far…until now! I stepped on a poor little bee. 🥺 He was just chilling on the sand during our walk, and I literally thought I stepped on glass or something! After a few steps, I needed to sit down, and Ben went back to find him hanging out there. The ridiculousness though.😅🤌 Luckily, I brought along my handy dandy camelback, that I had some chapstick, water, and sunscreen inside! I used my water to wash it off since I was having trouble finding the stinger, and then once it was out, carried on down the beach some
South Beach Miami Travel Guide (Honest Review + What It Really Costs)
Is South Beach Miami Worth It? When we added Miami Beach to our “budget-friendly” road trip, we were expecting sunshine, relaxation, and maybe a little bit of that dreamy coastal reset. What we got instead was…a bit different. 😅 Don’t get me wrong. South Beach is beautiful, vibrant, and full of life. But it is also expensive, crowded, and for us at least, a little overwhelming at times. If you are someone who thrives in high-energy environments, loves nightlife, and does not mind spending a little extra, you will probably love it here. But if you are more like us, homebody vibes, budget-conscious, and craving a little peace, it may not be your favorite stop. Let’s break down exactly what we experienced so you can decide for yourself with our South Beach Miami Travel Guide. Let’sssss gooo. What We Did in South Beach Miami Walking the Boardwalk + Beach Areas We spent a lot of time just walking. And I mean a lot. 😅 The boardwalk stretches along the beach and is lined with palm trees, hotels, and plenty of places to stop along the way. We passed by Muscle Beach, which is actually really cool. Clean, aesthetic workout equipment right in the sand. That said, the crowds were real. And if you are planning to work out there, just know people will be watching. And filming. 😂 Ocean Drive + Beach Time We made it to the beach, finally, but it was not quite what we pictured. The biggest surprise was the cost. Beach chairs, umbrellas, food, drinks, it all adds up fast. And the beach itself was pretty crowded, which made it harder to fully relax and enjoy it the way we normally would. We ended up packing it up earlier than expected and heading to lunch instead. And speaking of lunch… Let’s just say💸 $100+ for a few drinks and an appetizer is very real here. Espanola Way (Our Favorite Spot) If there was one place that completely turned the day around, it was Espanola Way. This street is exactly what you want Miami to feel like. Lights strung overhead Music playing everywhere Restaurants from all different cultures People laughing, dancing, enjoying the night It felt vibrant without being overwhelming, and it quickly became our favorite part of the Miami experience. If you go to South Beach, this is a must. Read more about Espanola Way here. Exploring at Night One of the best decisions we made was walking the city at night. We ended up walking from 15th street all the way to 7th, which we would not necessarily recommend doing again 😂, but it gave us a completely different view of the area. We saw: Live music Street performers A full-on fashion runway show Restaurants lit up with different aesthetics And the beach at night is a completely different vibe. Calm, peaceful, and honestly one of the highlights of the trip. Where We Ate in South Beach Havana 1957 (Highly Recommend) This was one of the best meals we had in Miami. The food was great, the atmosphere was fun, and it was located right on Espanola Way, which made the whole experience even better. Pura Vida (Mixed Experience) Super cute spot. Great juices. Solid aesthetic. But our order came out wrong and incomplete, and the service was slower than expected. Pro tip. You can find similar cold-pressed juices at nearby stores for much cheaper. Ice Cream Stops 🍦 Apparently, we made it our mission to try ice cream everywhere. 😅 Favorites included: Ciao Amore I Scream Gelato Wicked Licks No regrets. Day 9: Miami Beach on a Budget: What We Learned (The Hard Way) What We Loved About South Beach Walkability Tons of food options Unique streets like Espanola Way Nightlife and energy Always something happening What We Didn’t Love (Honest Review) Here is where things get real. Overcrowded beaches High prices for almost everything Expensive beach rentals Confusing parking Airbnb challenges with access and logistics Not ideal if you do not love crowds One of the biggest moments? We expected to pay $20 for parking. It ended up being $200. 🫠 Lesson learned. The Real Cost of Miami Beach If you are planning a trip, here is a realistic expectation based on our experience: Airbnb + parking: $300 to $400 per night Food + drinks: $100 to $250 per day Beach rentals: around $100 Misc including shopping, snacks, desserts: $50 to $100 Total comes out to around👉 $800 to $900 per day for two people Yes, really. Tips for Visiting South Beach Miami If we did this again, here is what we would do differently: Double check parking before committing Consider a hotel over an Airbnb Skip beach rentals or plan for the cost Explore multiple areas since Uber helped a lot Walk at night for a better experience Do not assume anything will be cheap What We Would Do Differently Stay for a shorter amount of time Avoid Miami if trying to stick to a strict budget Pack lighter since this was a struggle 😅 Choose accommodations with easier access Focus more on experiences outside the city What We Did Instead (And Loved More) After Miami, we headed to the Everglades and everything changed. More peaceful More nature Less expensive Way more our speed We saw wildlife, explored trails, and actually felt like we could breathe again. From there, we made our way to Key West and stayed at a hotel that, while more expensive, ended up being much more worth it for the experience. Final Thoughts on Our Miami Experience Miami Beach was not a bad stop. It just was not the right stop for us. And honestly, that is part of traveling. You figure out what you love, what you do not, and how to do it better next time. If you are planning a trip to South Beach, go
Southern Series Day 11: Theme Park Detour and a Hidden Gem Airbnb
So! Here we are at Day 11 already! The Southern Series has just a few days to go, so thanks for sticking with me! 🥰 This day started out fabulous, after a perfect night of sleep and a cozy, clean, and safe place to stay. We never booked Airbnbs before this trip that were attached to homes, but looking back, these two were actually the best of the trip! This day was unplanned, as per usual! But we ended up going to Busch Gardens (in Tampa Bay) which was a welcome surprise! It was a nice shift and gave us some time to just unwind and have fun in the park. Let’s talk about it!👇 How We Ended Up at Busch Gardens Tampa in January Once we got our clean laundry packed up and the truck reorganized, we found a healthy breakfast spot nearby, which was *awesome* by the way! It was called Playa Bowls, and you can see how delicious they look above in the pic!! 😍 Then we headed north, not sure where the day was going to yet take us. (Also! Peep the road signs for North Port and Port Charlotte! These are a part of my past when my parents lived in the area for a while. It was cool to be able to see them in person and maybe someday visit when we had more time to explore the towns!)☺️ Along the way, we decided to wing it and go to an amusement park! This is something we don’t usually do, because they’re hella expensive and usually an all day event. Although Disney was just down the road, we decided that’s something we’ll save for kids someday and carried on to Busch Gardens instead. (PS! It was also very kid-friendly, something we had no idea of!) I snagged some tickets online that were to include priority parking (ain’t nobody got time for those full parking lots!) and saved on a meal pass since it was a special they were running if you booked online! (More on that mishap later!)🫣 Southern Series Day 10: Everglades, Easy Days, and Slowing the Pace Quick Queue Pass, Animals, and New Construction We heated up some leftovers again in our little portable crockpot on the way, so that we weren’t super hungry while exploring the park. Budgeting for the win!! We also invested in the “Quick Queue Pass” just in case there were long lines so that we could save time. Turns out in January however these aren’t really necessary since most of the park is shut down for the season! 😭 Overall, we ended up spending around 4.5 hours at the park. It was super fun to see the animals and walk around the park on such a beautiful day. Unfortunately, a lot of areas were getting remodeled at the time, or closed for the winter, so I’d say around 1/3 or even half of the park was not able to be explored! We were a little bummed about not knowing this ahead of time, but alas, that’s what we get for winging it! One thing I really thought was nice during our stroll was the signs telling us that if we didn’t see the animals out and about, they may be lounging in their shaded area for the day. This was a nice option for them to be able to choose if they wanted to be outside or not, especially with the heat from the day. Good on you, Busch Gardens! 😌 Up Close with the Animals (and a Few Rides Too) I really loved the little pop up hole where you could climb the ladder pictured above, to see the tiger up close! This shot was not zoomed in, and it sleeping so peacefully really made the whole experience that much better. It was even cooler to view the other animals along the way, snoozing and napping in their little homes away from the sun! Just goes to show we all need a break here and there, these guys included! It was a bummer that so many of the rides were shut down or being worked on, but we did get to go on two of them! (The third we tried got shut down while we were in line, so we called it after there and decided to head somewhere in the park to use our meal pass). The two rides we went on were the water ride, The Congo River Rapids, (which reminded us of the similar one they have in Kennywood!) and the Phoenix Rising, which is considered a family friendly roller coaster…I’m not a big roller coaster gal, so I had to put my big girl pants on for this one.😂 It was nice that they offered lockers nearby, so you can stash your pocket stuff or purses so you don’t need to worry about losing them on the ride. (I’d recommend doing this before getting in line as they’re outside of the place you’ll need to stand). It costs about $4, but it’s worth it to not lose your valuables! Day 9: Miami Beach on a Budget: What We Learned (The Hard Way) Short Rides and Disappointing Food at Busch Gardens The ride was really fun, as was the water one, but we noticed they were both super short! We’re used to rides lasting a little longer so it was a letdown to have such a short time on each after waiting in lines. Now…let me talk about the food options. There wasn’t many. To be honest, we should have just went with the Chick-fil-A option that we passed, but they didn’t take the meal ticket. So, they recommended a few other spots that we had to walk to, that were what I’d like to gently say, “less than ideal.” Was it food? Yes. Were there refreshments?
From Fear to Ready: My Journey Into Motherhood
Every now and then life throws us a curveball. But that just means we have to catch it even if it hurts and throw it back. Because by doing so, we get to stay in the game…I heard this yesterday from one of our favorite Youtubers, and it really resonated with me. It’s so true. Each time something different comes our way that we weren’t expecting, it offers a new opportunity to learn, to grow, to adapt to the new situation at hand. With every new curveball in life comes a chance to change, what changes would you make? What No One Tells You About Pregnancy and Fear I was scared to jump into the parenting boat. I was afraid to be more vulnerable and less selfish and put more of myself into someone else than I even do for myself. Everything about pregnancy, parenting, and motherhood, frankly frightened the shit out of me. For years though, I told myself and those around me that I would “love” it and “embrace” it. (But that’s not what I felt internally, like, at all). It was only after waiting another decade to consider having children again, that I decided to write a book precisely about how scared I actually was, and why. There are a plethora of things that we’re not told about in schools, from loved ones, or precisely those around us that are women that have gone through these things. And honestly? I think it’s because it’s become taboo to talk about uncomfortable things…including childbirth. And that makes me a little sad. This should be one of the most beautiful times of our lives as women, the most incredible journeys that we have the opportunity to go on with ourselves and our tiny humans forming in the womb. But no, we’ve been told to “just wait,” that “things are only just getting hard,” that you’ll “never bounce back,” and that we should basically just kiss the life we have goodbye. And yet we wonder why we have a population decline? We shouldn’t have to turn to Google or ChatGPT to tell us how things go. We shouldn’t be rushed in and out of appointments only to feel lost and misunderstood after the 30 seconds the doctor spends with us. We should be cherished, cared for, and empowered by those around us that are supposed to help us through this new door of life and encouraged to understand more fully what childbirth and motherhood actually look like. But unfortunately, the actual helpful books are limited, the knowledge is stifled, and the caregivers have tapped out. The books merely talk about the highlights and share a high level overview, skipping the deep, troubling and actual important parts. The knowledge is shushed and hurried and frowned upon if too many details are shared over coffee. The caregivers have given up on the passion for their career as they’ve been underpaid, overworked and under-appreciated for the literal lives they are bringing into the world. So today, I’d like to talk about where my thoughts are now, and what the future looks like for us as soon-to-be parents. Focusing On Letting Go Of My Past Self And Trusting The Process Of The Present (Including The Launch Of My First Book) Choosing This When I Was Ready Yes, I’m pregnant! Yay for finally becoming a momma to a future tiny human. I do feel excited, empowered, and 99.9% ready to face this new challenge ahead of me. But I didn’t get that way overnight, and I didn’t get there because of social media telling me to. I didn’t see 35 coming and think, “well time’s ticking, let’s get on with it!” Although, unfortunately, that’s what most women do. We have media and headlines telling us that if we don’t hurry up and pop some kids out that we’ll be a ticking time bomb for early menopause, and therefore, our chances of childbearing years will be dried up. It’s honestly a little gross the way terms are thrown around like this sometimes. And hurtful too, actually. We are people, human beings, and we have feelings, like, a LOT of them. Which means it’s not fair to judge us for wanting to wait, for creating careers first and families later, for putting our foundation of a relationship before jumping into parenting together. There’s nothing wrong with that, I repeat, there is NOTHING wrong with doing what you want to do with your life path and your own body, so don’t overthink it. I Over-Thought For Years I do apologize that this post is not all happy and rainbows and “I’m pregnant, hooray!” But this is real life, and I talk about real feelings here on HB. So cheery or not, here we are. I over-thought things for YEARS. Because I felt like something was wrong with me. For not wanting to become a mom yet, for not even being sure if I wanted to become one at all. I absolutely adore my life the way it is. I love spending time with my spouse and I don’t need everyday to be something “new” to enjoy my routines or schedule. Routines that are regular, help to create healthy habits and therefore a life that’s in a flow state, as opposed to being something that’s constantly rushed. We’re not meant to be high-stress, overworked, stuck in tiny boxes all day kind of beings. We’re to enjoy life, be one with nature (which includes Mother Nature and our wombs!!) and to be taking one small step at a time, when we are actually ready to do so. That’s why we’ve decided to finally take these next steps in our lives. — From Fear to Excitement, Embracing It All At this point, I’m approximately 4.5 months pregnant. Enjoying every damn day and honestly going better than I thought. Have I had some bouts of nausea? Sure. Extreme 1st trimester tiredness? Abso-freaking-lutely.
Southern Series Day 10: Everglades, Easy Days, and Slowing the Pace
Well even though we were woken up in the middle of the night with a fire alarm (there was no fire, friends), we still managed to get a good nights sleep with the super comfy bed and dark, quiet room. So, we got up around sunrise and made our way down to the pier to watch it come up over the ocean. It was one of the most beautiful ones yet. Stick around to hear more about our morning and how we went on an Everglades Safari Adventure in Florida for today’s post! Let’s gooo! 🐊 Preparing For Our Next Adventure at Everglades Safari Park Once viewing the epic sunrise, we decided to get breakfast on site at our hotel since it was easy and close…I don’t know why we always think this is the best idea, since we’re quite often disappointed in how overpriced it is and how underwhelming the meal is at the same time. There *are* times that hotel meals are worth it, (most notably at the JW Marriott in Scottsdale, our all-time favorite hotel!) But many places are like this, where we would have rather gone nearby to a local, affordable and home cooked meal. Our Favorite Place To Stay In Phoenix: Relaxing and Recharging After Havasupai Falls We did end up walking nearby to a local coffee shop and back to get a short morning swim in. (This is one of my favorite things to do at hotels before checking out, since it’s super quiet still and usually no one is there!) After spending a half hour or so, we headed back to our room to finish packing and move onto the next adventure. Which happened to be the Everglades Safari Park! (Keep in mind this is *not* the same as the visitor centers, so make sure to put in the right address unlike us!) It was super hot that day but we managed to snag some AC in the little gift shop they had there. There was also a little restaurant area that served a few staples. (Eat beforehand if you’re picky!)😅 Side note: It looks like their site is currently under construction or I would include it for you here! Just make sure to check them out when you’re in the area if you’re interested in an airboat tour yourself! ☺️ It was a really nice airboat ride, but I’d imagined one that went faster through the water. Turns out you have to book that separately, and it’s of course a little extra cost since there’s less passengers per boat. We got to see a bunch of alligators, plus several birds and even one eating an eel in real time! Eek!🙈 Since we were not super ambitious after this to keep trudging along in the bright and hot sunshine, we decided to call it an early night and drive past the last road of the Everglades. We made our way to the Bonita Springs area, but not before picking up some Texas Roadhouse and Longhorn Steakhouse along the way! It was nice to use up some more of our gift cards and not have to worry about cooking for the night. The Airbnb we scored for this evening was super cute. Even though it was attached to a home, it was pretty quiet, in a nice neighborhood, and even had a laundry machine. (Something we desperately needed at this point!) So we got repacked and reorganized again, did a load of laundry, and hit the hay. Burnout Effect, Best Laid Plans, and Slowing Down Doesn’t Mean Missing Out I think one thing that doesn’t get talked about enough with road trips, and really travel in general, is the burnout effect. It’s easy to assume you’ll just keep going, keep exploring, and keep having fun, but the reality is that constantly moving, planning, and adjusting takes a toll. It definitely caught up to us. Looking back, one thing I wish we would’ve done differently is maintain some level of consistency with our sleep and gym routines. Even just a little structure would have helped us feel more grounded and probably would’ve made it easier to stick to better plans without rushing or overthinking every decision. It also made us realize that slowing down doesn’t mean you’re missing out. If anything, those slower days are what help you actually enjoy the rest of the trip. Taking care of yourself along the way isn’t a setback, it’s what allows you to keep going and fully experience everything you came for. If I could do it again, I’d build in more intentional “slow days” instead of bouncing from place to place every single night. Even staying two nights in one location instead of one makes a huge difference. It gives you time to settle in, explore without pressure, and actually enjoy where you are instead of constantly thinking about where you’re going next. It doesn’t have to mean doing nothing either, just giving yourself space to move at a pace that feels good instead of one that feels rushed.🤷♀️ And as usual, below the next set of pics is the breakdown of what we spent this day! So let me know if you have any feedback or tips for the road trips to come! Thanks for stopping by today! See you for Day 11!🥳 Southern States Road Trip Expenses for Day 10: Dinner: $30.88 Coffee: $8.75 Airboat tickets: $78.00 (purchased online!) Fuel: $70.92 Caffeine: $39.12 Electrolytes & snacks: $19.98 Airbnb: $144.47 Breakfast: $100 Total: $492.12 Thank You for Following Along Thank you so much for being part of our coffee stop,