The Biltmore Travel Guide

***Please note that this guide on The Biltmore has been updated and re-circulated to include more up-to-date information. This guide has most recently been updated in June 2025.***

A few years ago on a whim, my best friend Alanna and I decided to spend an afternoon at The Biltmore while we were on a long weekend trip to Asheville, North Carolina for our best friend Kearra’s Birthday Weekend and *JUST* happened to find that we had an afternoon free while the rest of our crew went horseback riding. Flash forward to April 2025 when I was visiting my best friend Hannah in Charlotte (see my full guide on Charlotte here!), I decided to take a solo Spring day trip to Asheville to see The Biltmore, as I hadn’t seen the interiors of it my first time there. The Biltmore is approximately 2 hours from Charlotte, making it an easy day trip to do. SO, above all else, when in doubt, take a day trip to The Biltmore!!!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

The Biltmore Travel Guide

About The Biltmore:

So, The Biltmore Estate is the largest mansion built by the Vanderbilt’s on at least the East Coast and is located in the heart of North Carolina’s Blue Ridge mountains in Asheville. It is a Chateau-style mansion that was designed by George Washington Vanderbilt between 1889-1895. An interesting thing about The Biltmore was that Vanderbilt designed and constructed it when he was a bachelor. A few years later, George Vanderbilt married Edith Dresser in 1898 where he brought her to Biltmore to live and raise their only child a daughter: Cornelia Vanderbilt. George Vanderbilt was an intellectual and the interiors of Biltmore truly showcase that via vast collections of artworks and things from his travels and his massive library filled with books. After George Vanderbilt’s passing in 1914, Edith Vanderbilt continued to live at The Biltmore with Cornelia and eventually Cornelia’s husband John Cecil until the 1930s when her daughter divorced John and moved to Europe. John on the other hand resided at The Biltmore and continued to do so and he and Cornelia’s sons joined him throughout the years that followed. The Biltmore did though remain a residence for the descendants of George Washington Vanderbilt until the 1950s when it became a historic mansion. The Biltmore is proudly kept alive thanks to the several visitors that come to see and appreciate it as well as the legacy that George Washington Vanderbilt and his descendants built during their time there.

I recently read The Wedding Veil by Kristie Woodson Harvey and found it to be a great read about the women (most specifically Edith Dresser Vanderbilt and Cornelia Vanderbilt) of The Biltmore and their stories. Truly, this incredible historical fiction read dives into the thoughts and feelings of these women as they navigate the 1900s at Biltmore in the world’s ever changing landscape. I highly recommend this read before/after you plan to take a day trip to The Biltmore.

Alongside The Biltmore mansion, The Biltmore estate also has adjacent gardens and grounds (including a ticket just to explore that), special exhibitions, hiking trails, multiple onsite restaurants and cafes, several adorable shops that are all-things Biltmore-themed, and the Biltmore Winery which has its wine produced on several acres of the Biltmore’s property.

Getting There & Admission:

The Biltmore Estate is located just outside of Asheville, North Carolina in the Western part of the state. It is situated with easy access to I-40. Within North Carolina, the Biltmore (and Asheville) are located about 4 hours from Raleigh and two hours from Charlotte. That being said, a day trip to The Biltmore is easily doable from Charlotte and makes a great stop on a weekend trip to Western North Carolina from Raleigh!

It is also worth noting that on a day trip to The Biltmore that it is easiest to have a car while there (there are several rental car options). Different parts of The Biltmore, such as the grounds and gardens, the Antler Hill Village & Biltmore Winery, and special exhibitions are all on different parts of the estate’s property. There are also gorgeous hiking trails. Parking is included within all admission tickets to The Biltmore.

In 2022 on my girls trip to Asheville, there were 6 of us girls. And, since between the 6 of us for the weekend we had only 2 cars and carpooled everywhere, our friends dropped us off at The Biltmore Visitor Center. Upon dropping us off at Biltmore’s drop off only location, Alanna and I learned with the help of SUPER sweet customer service representatives there that we would have to purchase tickets for the Biltmore Express – a $15 flat fee/day shuttle service that comes on the hour to varying parts of The Biltmore Estate. I will say, though, when I went back to The Biltmore, I definitely took my car with me, as it was much easier and more convenient to get around. See more on all-things getting there here.

For my first day trip to The Biltmore, Alanna and I ended up booking our tickets to The Biltmore the night before going. Upon booking a ticket there, we had a few options of what ticket(s) to get: including a ticket just to the Gardens & Grounds, a House tour, and a guided House tour. There are also additional ticketing add-on’s, including special exhibits and carriage rides. All tickets include a complimentary wine tasting, too! Alanna and I just went with the Gardens & Grounds ticket, as we only had an afternoon to spend there and it was the cheapest option. It’s important to note that prices to visit vary per day of the week, month, and season (Christmas is definitely more expensive than all of the other times of the year). See all of the ticket options here.

What To Do on a Day Trip to The Biltmore:

There’s several things to do on a day trip to The Biltmore, alongside *of course* checking out the beautiful gardens and grounds and admiring the mansion. Check out all the things to do at The Biltmore below:

For more things to do in and around Asheville, North Carolina in addition to your Biltmore day trip, don’t fear! There are plenty of activities and tours in Asheville to choose from.

My Experience

From my first day trip to The Biltmore – gardens and grounds only:

Well, we took the Biltmore Express to the Biltmore Mansion where my jaw had absolutely literally DROPPED TO THE FLOOR! Our driver to the mansion was super friendly and made it all that more special upon arrival there. The mansion is STUNNING and even more so than in ALLL the pictures that I have seen of it. Alanna and I took photos at the front of the mansion and along the gardens and on the sides of the mansion. You can take in SOOO many views of the North Carolina mountains, too. Every part of it was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Alanna and I enjoyed strolling through the gift shops (where the Spartina 449 custom Biltmore totes were VERRRYYY tempting!), sipping the wine via our complimentary tasting (you get to choose four of their wines to taste!) which was also extremely tempting to take home some bottles of wine, and lunch at one of their cafes whose name I forget – haha! Through it all, I was in awe every second!

After about 90 minutes at the Biltmore mansion, Alanna and I headed for the Antler Hill Village and Winery where we ended our lovely afternoon there. Antler Hill Village and Winery plays homage to the Biltmore Winery, several gorgeous high-end gift shops (including some that sold Kendra Scott jewelry!!), and restaurants/cafes. The Biltmore Estate’s very own hotel is there, too. There was a gorgeous garden as well representing the Seven Wonders of the World. Not to mention, musicians were playing such relaxing, upbeat music making that the cherry on top of the ice cream cone filled to the rim with ice cream and whipped cream!! While there, Alanna and I went to the Biltmore Winery – which by the way had the most whimsical lit up entrance!!! – and enjoyed some glasses of wine while sitting at their GORGEOUS BAR! Afterwards, we browsed through some of the sweet little shops at Antler Hill Village and Winery, enjoyed some music, called our families to tell them where we were, and then head back to our AirBnB with our Kearra’s Birthday Weekend crew.

Personally, getting there between 1-2pm, I was very worried that we were going to arrive too late. I know that The Biltmore Estate gets crowded and crowded pretty fast, too. BUT, to my surprise, it wasn’t nearly as crowded as I had expected. In the future, I hope to go tour the inside of the mansion with an audio guide or via a Candlelight tour at Christmas time and bring my car with me to get around better. I know that you need to book a specific time to tour the mansion, so it definitely would’ve been more challenging to do this time around. BUT, overall, I am really happy and blessed that I was able to even see The Biltmore Estate with my very own eyes, since it had been HIGH on my bucket list for some time.

From my second day trip to The Biltmore – going inside the mansion in addition to the gardens and grounds:

After my first day trip to The Biltmore, I decided to take my car with me from Charlotte. I ended up booking a 11am tour of the interior of the mansion, as that was my biggest priority for my next time there alongside *of course* Ooooo-ing and ahhhh-ing at all of the gorgeousness in the gardens, and got to the grounds around 9am. Once my complimentary parking was secured, I checked out the gift shops (all outlined earlier in this post!) and admired the gorgeous mansion’s grounds before heading inside. One of the biggest things I’ve noticed on both of my day trips to The Biltmore is how kind and wonderful the people that work there are. They truly make a day trip to The Biltmore one for the books! 

Upon entering The Biltmore mansion, I was immediately in awe by how immaculate it was and to learn more about the history of George Washington Vanderbilt and Edith Vanderbilt, especially when it came to their service to the Asheville community and beyond. I learned that Edith served as the first woman ever to be elected as president of the North Carolina Agricultural Society, which organizes the North Carolina State Fair, greater known in the state as the “NC State Fair,” a role she took on for many years after her late husband’s passing. In North Carolina, the NC State Fair is a BIG deal – something that I learned during my college years in Raleigh. I also learned that George collected many of the items on display to this day at Biltmore throughout his travels. I imagined their daughter Cornelia Vanderbilt as a little girl running through the halls of Biltmore and how magical a sight that must’ve been to see! I envisioned myself as a guest at Biltmore, through seeing how guests enjoyed their stays there. And, I saw the inner workings of Biltmore, from the kitchen to laundry and everything in between and learned about key staff members throughout the years. Above all else, the complimentary audio guide tour of The Biltmore truly immerses you in all aspects of this magical home, from the lives of the Vanderbilts who lived there to the faces and stories of the incredible staff that made day-to-day life at Biltmore happen. Personally, I felt that the audio guide did an excellent job of showcasing all aspects of Biltmore, from the stories of those who lived and worked there to its incredible legacy that attracts thousands of visitors annually to this very day.

After my amazing audio guided tour all around The Biltmore mansion, I stopped for an early lunch at the spot I stopped at last time: The Stable Cafe. I tried a delicious pulled pork sandwich and Blue Ridge Mountain blueberry-infused cocktail. Because, when at The Biltmore?!? My waitress was extremely kind as much of the staff were!! I, then, admired the gift shops again where I had a mini version of the complimentary wine tasting as I was driving 2 hours later that afternoon where I grabbed some wine, a magnet, and a match box to enjoy at home. Next up: the incredible gardens which BLEW ME AWAY!!!! The gardens at Biltmore, situated adjacent to the mansion are truly out of a magazine. I had so much fun snapping several photos of the beautiful gardens with several mansion and mountain skyline views in between. Alllll before making my way back to Charlotte.

Wrap-Up

Ever sine my college years, I have dreamed of getting to visit The Biltmore. Several of my North Carolina-based college classmates went throughout the years, given that it is a North Carolina staple, especially during our holiday breaks. I remember hoping to go someday, too, despite it being challenging to reach from the Washington, DC area when I didn’t have a car or much room in my budget. Now, I am extremely thankful to say that I have been to The Biltmore not once but TWICE. Here’s to my next day trip to The Biltmore!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

A Summer Solstice weekend getaway to the beach, a bunch of admiring of the hydrangeas bushes in my backyard, tons of browsing with *a bit of* retail therapy, and several runs around the hamster wheel that is known as creative brainstorming and ideation! Not to mention, I experienced my first viral post on the LTK app (!!!!). The Life of Katie these past few weeks has been focused on all-things inspirational, relaxation, and moving forward. There’s lots of excitement to come in the near future and I’m excited to have YOU on the journey with me.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

My Favorite Sunnies + Going Viral on LTK!

If I put together The Pink Chickadee’s starter pack, the first item I would include would be my go-to sunnies. Every time I put my sunnies on and share a photo with them, I get SO MANY compliments!! These sunnies of mine went viral on the LTK app (connect with me there here!) and have been a FAVORITE of mine for the past few years when I scored them during a Tuckernuck Sample Sale. Since my first purchase of my coveted sunnies, I have snagged several different pairs to always have one in my purse! Shop them here and enjoy the viral LTK post.

The Life of Katie

  • Summer Solstice 2025 weekend in Bethany Beach – Recently, I published a travel guide to my favorite beach getaway spot: Bethany Beach, Delaware! Anddd, I spent 5 beautiful days (some of which were working!) including the Summer Solstice at Bethany Beach, Delaware. While there, I enjoyed dining at some new-to-me places alongside an adorable boardwalk cafe (!!!!) serving iced coffee, browsing and supporting local boardwalk shops and scoring my brand-new 2025-2026 Lilly Pulitzer planner at one of them, and enjoying some sunshine and good reads at the beach. My best friend Amanda who I hadn’t seen in almost a year came down for a day and it was LOVELY to finally see her again and catch up!! I will be traveling to Bethany Beach again with one of my best friends from college in July, and I cannot wait to enjoy part 2 there. I will also be continuously updating my travel guide throughout the Summer, too, to include new-to-me places to check out and support.

  • Hydrangea Girl Summer – Nevertheless, I am enjoying Hydrangea Girl Summer and the few moments each year that they’re in bloom. With the current heatwaves in the Washington, DC area and all across much of the United States, I am praying that my hydrangeas make it through. But, for now, I am going to savor ALL the moments that they’re in bloom!

  • Creative ideation + inspiration! – Recently, I have been focusing on some creative endeavors both on this platform and beyond. I’m excited to share more soon later this summer!!! But for now, I will share that I have been browsing lots of shops, whether it be on downtown Washington, DC, the thrift store, Home Goods/TJ Maxx, and the typical doom scrolling on social media. Yes, sometimes my favorite ideas come from doom scrolling!!

Happy Summer friends!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Happy Belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025!

Happy Summer and Happy belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025! I am SO SO SO glad that it is *finally* Summer time, and I am excited for what’s to come this Summer 2025. Ringing in the Summer Solstice at my favorite quick Summer getaway spot in Bethany Beach, Delaware (see my travel guide here), I am a bit behind on sharing my annual National Wear Your Lilly Day post, but alas, here we are spilling the juice!!

About National Wear Your Lilly Day

You may be wondering … what exactly IS National Wear Your Lilly Day?! 

National Wear Your Lilly Day is celebrated on every first day of Summer/Summer Solstice aka June 20 as an annual celebration hosted by the beloved Palm Beach-founded brand. Fellow Lilly Pulitzer lovers may also find themselves on this very day in West Palm Beach, Florida for the annual “Lilly Con” known as The Pink Retreat. Furthermore, National Wear Your Lilly Day is a perfect day to celebrate your love for the popular Summer/Resortwear fashion brand!

Reflections

Getting a little bit personal over here, BUTTTTTT … Heading into 2025 after a rough Summer 2024 due to a family emergency, I am extremely grateful, thankful, and blessed to be able to spend this Summer with those that I love and to still have them in my life. This past year brought a lot of chaos and uncertainty within my own family health-wise, and I am grateful that we are all still here. Summer 2024 taught me that life is short and to enjoy our lives while we are here, no matter the year or season or what may be going on in our lives. We only live once and we may as well enjoy it. Hence, I am so blessed to be in calmer waters and to remain so in Summer 2025 and beyond. This Summer 2025, I am also going on a few lovely getaways (mentioned here) including a late-Summer escape to Italy, all of which will include those that I love. I will also be enjoying some time back at the homestead decorating my house and working on some soon to-be-announced things that I CANNOT WAIT to share with YOU. Now, enough of my soap box and cheers to Summer 2025 spent in Lilly Pulitzer!

Wrap-Up

Lilly Pulitzer has been my favorite fashion brand for YEARS now. I am so excited that Summer 2025 is here am so thankful to be able to spend it with loved ones in my favorite Summer styles. Cheers to Summer in Lilly!!

See my previous posts on National Wear Your Lilly Day here:

And, nevertheless, Happy belated National Wear Your Lilly Day 2025!

XOXO – Katie <3

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The Life of Katie!

Summer 2025 has clearly entered the chat, and I couldn’t be happier!! Summer is my favorite season alongside *of course* the Fall/Holiday season which starts right after Summer, so I’m happy that we’re officially in the exciting time of the year. Due to some family emergencies, Summer 2024 was a pretty tough one for me and led me to experience extreme burnout throughout the remainder of the 2024 year, so I’m psyched to feel more rested and rejuvenated going into 2025. As mentioned in my most recent Life of Katie post (here), I have been focusing A LOT on self care and have continued to do so while at the same time finding some fun and low-cost local events to attend and enjoy while the warmer months are here. I also have a good college friend of mine, Claire, visiting in early June for a week which gives me the opportunity to be a tourist in my own backyard — something I LOVE to do and has inspired me to do this more so on a regular basis. Nevertheless, continue reading onto hear more about my Summer plans including some of my Summer 2025 travels!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

What I’m Eyeing

I feel as if *every* time I log onto Instagram nowadays, I spot something that I find myself tempted to add to the cart! One place in particular that I find myself eyeing things is Amazon! Amazon, as we all know, has definitely upped their fashion game, and I’m definitely very tempted over there. Alongside some fun and preppy Amazon finds, I have been eyeing some gorgeous lemon printed dresses from Chicwish and Old Navy. Andddd, I *may or may not have* purchased one of these pieces!!

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Sea shells are EVERYWHERE this Summer 2025!!! I am adoring this popular and trendy print, as it feels very Coastal Grandmother and timeless in a way, too. I try to add a beachy, Coastal Grandmother feel to my apartment and have added some sea shell touches to it over the years (which I’m excited to share the updates with y’all, too!) and think doing the same with our wardrobes is super exciting as well.

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I have recently gotten into curating recipes and finding some delicious eats from cookbooks, Pinterest, and my family’s recipe archives. Two new cookbooks from B. Dylan Hollis and Meredith Hayden have launched recently and I definitely added both to the cart. I *even* went to B. Dylan Hollis’s cookbook event and chat at Sixth & I in downtown Washington, DC and got to meet him (!!!!) – see photo later on in the post 🙂

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Toile is a mega favorite pattern of mine! SO, when I see beautiful bowls, dresses/skirts, and more in these fun patterns and for less at stores like TJ Maxx and Walmart, I am immediately tempted to add to cart!

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As shared on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), Summer in Lilly has officially entered the group chat!!! I adore all of the recent new Summer arrivals from Lilly Pulitzer aka my favorite fashion brand. I adore the bright colors and prints and I am excited to purchase some pieces shown below (and more!) later this Summer!

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The Life of Katie

  • Strolls + home-cooked meals – Recently, I have been enjoying weekly walks with my good friend Haley that have become almost like therapy sessions! It truly is a blessing to have those weekly moments with such a good friend. Also, I have been enjoying strolls with Papa and Rosie around local parks – Burke Lake Park and Mason Neck State Park. At the same time, I have LOVED getting to cook some meals for my Papa and I at home, which has truly been a mega blessing!

  • Happy Hydrangea Girl Summer!!! – Happy Hydrangea Girl Summer! I am LOVING all of the Hydrangeas blooming just about everywhere recently!!! Throughout my recent strolls in Washington, DC, close to home, and in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia, I have literally snapped photos of every hydrangea bush that I’ve seen. The hydrangeas bring me SO MUCH JOY!!!

  • Afternoons/evenings Around Washington, DC – Recently, I have been enjoying some beautiful afternoons and evenings in Washington, DC with friends. Some of the recent sights to see have included the U.S. Botanic Garden, dinner at Trummer’s in Clifton, Orange Crush’s at The Perch Rooftop in Tyson’s, shopping in Old Town Alexandria, watching B. Dylan Hollis speak and meeting him at an event for this new cookbook at Sixth & I, Bluestone Lane Cafe, a Washington Nationals baseball game with a Natasha Bedingfield concert afterwards, The Hamilton, Eastern Market, and Kramer’s Bookstore and Restaurant. I have felt so inspired to get out and explore outside of my own backyard more so!! Above all else, I greatly appreciate my friends that have wanted to do some outings together around the town, as it has been super fun to get out a bit more-than-usual after work!

  • Recent binge-watching – I’ve had *just* a few tags on social media about the brand-new Netflix show Sirens as some of the costumes include some iconic Lilly Pulitzer looks. These past few weeks, I have found myself enjoying the new Netflix show, Sirens, and am looking forward to watching some other newer shows, including Season 3 of the Sex and the City reboot And Just Like That!
  • Summer 2025 travels – Andddd, this Summer 2025, I am striving to spend a lot of time locally, whether it be enjoying family cookouts and home cooked meals, walks locally with or without Rosie, checking out new-to-me or some familiar local restaurants and shops, or hitting up some of the local thrift stores. While I am planning to spend LOTS of time close to home this Summer 2025, I am also going to visit my family/friends in Bethany Beach, Delaware (see my guide here), my friends in different parts of North Carolina, and am taking the last week of Summer for a solo week in … Rome, Italy thanks to some United Miles and flight credits. Nevertheless, I feel very blessed and am beyond excited for Summer 2025!

Happy Summer 2025!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

If you know me, you know that I LOVE Lilly Pulitzer! In fact, Lilly Pulitzer is my favorite fashion designer and has been for over a decade. Throughout my college years (see my apartment from those days here), I was proudly known as “the Lilly girl” and pretty much exclusively wore that brand. However, there are so many incredible brands like Lilly Pulitzer to become acquainted with and support, too. Although I do LOVE Lilly Pulitzer and still purchase Lilly Pulitzer products and clothing, I also LOVE supporting brands like Lilly Pulitzer. There are so many incredible brands out there to support, many of which are women-owned or family-owned, and have some incredible stories and why’s behind them. I’m hoping that with this blog post, you can learn something new about brands like Lilly Pulitzer and support them, too!

It is worth mentioning that Lilly Pulitzer’s price point can cost a pretty penny at times, which makes it unattainable to some. This blog post while focusing on brands like Lilly Pulitzer, does share a variety of brands offering clothing at a variety of different price points – some of which are higher, equal, or lower to that of what Lilly Pulitzer currently retails at (as of June 2025). If you are looking to find ways to save on gorgeous preppy pieces from Lilly Pulitzer (or brands like it), then check out Lilly Pulitzer’s semi-annual Sunshine Sale and Black Friday/Cyber Monday deals as well as other brands that are mentioned’s sales.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

20 Brands Like Lilly Pulitzer

1 – Crown & Ivy at Belk

Started in 2014, Crown & Ivy is a Belk-exclusive brand selling all-things colorful and preppy. Shop Crown & Ivy here.

2 – Simply Southern

Known for their colorful and preppy tees sold at Hallmark and many gift shops throughout the United States, Simply Southern is more than just a t-shirt brand. Simply Southern also sells vibrant and preppy apparel and home decor pieces while supporting nonprofits. Shop Simply Southern here.

3 – Vineyard Vines

Founded on Martha’s Vineyard in 1988 by brothers Shep and Ian Murray, Vineyard Vines is an all-things preppy, bright, and Americana fashion brand known for their pink whale logo that makes a splash. Shop Vineyard Vines here.

4 – Jude Connally

Founded in 2010 by a busy working mother Jude Connally Zimmerman, Jude Connally is an American-made women’s fashion brand that focuses on empowering women to look great, feel great, and have easy to care for pieces that mold into their busy lives. Shop Jude Connally here.

5 – Talbots

Dating back to 1947 as a catalog-based brand, Talbots is a preppy, New England lifestyle brand empowering women of all sizes to look and feel their best. Shop Talbots here.

6 – Cabana Life

Founded by Melissa Marks, a melanoma survivor, Cabana Life’s stylish and preppy pieces will take you from a day on the beach to a happy hour at sunset while keeping you protected from the sun. Sun safety awareness is a big proponent of Cabana Life’s mission and philosophy and the brand has a UPF 50+ rating, to ensure you feel great while looking it, too. Shop Cabana Life here.

7 – Sigrid Olsen

Known for her unique prints and “beach to bistro” vibe, Sigrid Olsen attainable and sustainable artisan crafted resort wear. Shop Sigrid Olsen here.

8 – Mahi Gold

Family owned and operated out of Chatham, Massachusetts in the heart of Cape Cod, Mahi Gold is a womenswear brand designing pieces inspired by all-things classic, Americana, and coastal living. Shop Mahi Gold here.

9 – Gretchen Scott Designs

Living by the motto “Laugh More, Gripe Less, Ignore Critics, Say Yes, Order Dessert, Love Life,” Gretchen Scott Designs’ founder and CEO Gretchen Scott specializes in super fun, chic, and globally-inspired designs often in a bright and bubbly fashion. Shop Gretchen Scott Designs here.

10 – Aryeh Collection

Known for the UPF 50+ and cooling fabrics, Aryeh Collection is a uniquely designed and curated line of stylish detailed watercolor patterned pieces. Shop Aryeh Collection here.

11 – Mary Square

A women-owned brand founded by Kelly Shiley, Mary Square designs bright printed clothing to inspire joy, brighten one’s day, and build confidence. Shop Mary Square here.

12 – West Indies Wear

West Indies Wear is pure cotton wear made for high heat or tropical getaways that’s extremely fun, vibrant, and colorful. Shop West Indies Wear here.

13 – Avara

Avara focuses on high quality and cute clothing with a colorful, boutique-like flair since its founding by Emily Wickard in 2018. Shop Avara here.

14 – J Crew

Founded in 1983, J Crew is a renowned American preppy fashion brand known for its classic and affordable styles with an emphasis on high quality. J Crew also brings its preppy and classic A-game at an even affordable price range via its outlet store J Crew Factory. Shop J Crew here and shop J Crew Factory here.

15 – Tuckernuck

Taking its namesake from Summers on Nantucket via the nearby island Tuckernuck, Tuckernuck focuses on designing gorgeous preppy fashion with price ranges and styles from affordable luxury to high-end investment pieces. Shop Tuckernuck here.

16 – Sail to Sable

A collection of “chic meets preppy” pieces, Sail to Sable is a fashion and lifestyle brand targeting women of all ages, sizes, and stages of life. Shop Sail to Sable here.

17 – Draper James

Launched in 2015 by “Legally Blonde” actress Reese Witherspoon, Draper James is a fashion brand that pays homage to the actress’s “Southern roots and personal style” and is notably named after her grandparents Dorothea Draper and William James Witherspoon. Shop Draper James here.

18 – Trina Turk

Started in 1995 by fashion designer Trina Turk, the Trina Turk collection focuses on creativity, the sunny side, and California’s multicultural melting pot via its optimistic bright and bold designs. Shop Trina Turk here.

19 – Kim Rogers at Belk

Kim Rogers is an affordable Belk-exclusive brand known for its bright colors and highly-detailed designs. Shop Kim Rogers here.

20 – Stella Parker Designs

Stella Parker stylishly makes UPF sun-protective resort wear in vibrant and fun prints. Shop Stella Parker Designs here.

Wrap-Up

There are SO many incredible brands like Lilly Pulitzer to support. Personally, I had a blast getting to craft this blog post, as it taught me some new things about some brands I already love and support but also a few I’ve admired via browsing local boutiques (many of which you can find these brands like Lilly Pulitzer at!) and allowed me to empower and give those brands a nice shoutout. At the end of the day, if you walk away with one thing after reading this, it is to bring more awareness to some incredible fashion brands like Lilly Pulitzer.

XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore Out Of Office – May 2025

As previously mentioned in my work outfits blog post for this month (here), May 2025 was filled with plenty of showers here in the Washington, DC area! Nevertheless, I found myself enjoying more cozy nights in than out this past month. At the same time, I have been striving to savor my weeknights in as opposed to going out on the town with a few exceptions here and there. I find this balance between staying in and going out to be great for my mental health as well as my overall wellness.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

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XOXO – Katie <3

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What I Wore to Work – May 2025

This May 2025 was a pretty chilly and rainy one so much to the point that I feel like it’ll be Fall next week and not another whole Summer season ahead of us – LOLLLL! May has definitely been a rainy one but also a fun one to dress for, as it’s the transition from Spring fashion to Summer fashion. I’ve also done *quite a bit* of some thrifting this past month, which made it a fun workwear month. One of the best aspects of Spring -> Summer workwear is getting to incorporate my favorite fashion brand Lilly Pulitzer into the mix, which I share more about in-depth here. Nevertheless, I am excited to share what I wore to work with y’all!

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

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& here’s to Summer 2025!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Bethany Beach, Delaware Travel Guide

***Please note that this Bethany Beach, Delaware travel guide will be updated and recirculated every few months to reflect the town’s most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of July 2025.***

Ever since my college years, I have been a frequent Bethany Beach, Delaware visitor as I have family that resides in this gorgeous beach town. Alongside seeing my family and spending time with them, I have gotten to adore this coastal spot and have truly fallen in love with it over the years. While there, I have become pretty acquainted with the town and have gotten to know it and its local Delaware charm in hopes that you fall in love with it, too!

Delaware is a unique East Coast state that definitely goes overlooked! Known for no sales tax (!!!!) and being a great place to shop and dine and pretty much be a consumer, Delaware is a GREAT place to visit overall. Bethany Beach, Delaware is one of the many stunning spots that the state of Liberty and Independence has to offer. In the past, I’ve written a post about my few days’ spent at the Delaware Beaches (here), however, I wanted to compile together a more thorough guide of the beach town that I have grown to love.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

Bethany Beach, Delaware Travel Guide

**Note: This Bethany Beach, Delaware travel guide will not list any specific places to stay, as I have limited knowledge on that subject, given that I usually stay with family when in town. However, websites such as Booking.com have hotels and rentals to stay at during your Bethany Beach stay.**

It is worth noting that Bethany Beach offers a variety of opportunities to do things both within the town and the nearby inland areas Dagsboro, Millville, and Ocean View as well as beyond the Bethany Beach vicinity in the fellow Delaware Beaches of Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes and nearby Maryland beach town of Ocean City and nearby Bishopville. Many of the activities, restaurants, and shopping opportunities are listed in these towns beyond Bethany Beach and will add a lot of value to your trip.

About Bethany Beach:

Bethany Beach is a coastal town in Delaware as one of the Delaware Beaches, alongside Rehoboth Beach, Dewey Beach, and Lewes. Compared to the other Delaware Beaches towns, Bethany Beach is known for being quieter. One of the unique aspects of Bethany Beach is that it primarily has small businesses ranging from restaurants to shops due to the town’s local regulations. There is an exception, however, for a McDonald’s, Dunkin’, and a few grocery stores, gas stations, and banks. There are several opportunities to enjoy coastal Delaware history, culture, and delicious eats while on a beach vacation in Bethany Beach!

Getting There:

The unique thing about Bethany Beach is that it’s easily accessible by car from New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC. Bethany Beach is not airport accessible, as the nearest airport is Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI), which is a 2.5-hour long drive away. That all being said, it is advised to drive to Bethany Beach and have a car with you throughout the entire duration of your trip, as most activities and restaurants require you to have a car (there are several rental car options). See more on getting there here.

Things To Do:

Enjoy a day (or a few!) at the beach – There are several beaches across the Bethany Beach, Delaware area (here). It is worth noting that most beaches charge a $5-$10 fee/car upon entrance and once the parking lots are full will no longer accept anymore cars in. It is highly recommended that you arrive to the beach early in the morning e.g. around 8am-9am to get a good spot and to beat the crowds. To incentivize others to get up a bit earlier, grab some coffee and breakfast at a local breakfast spot or Dunkin’ on the way there!

Bethany Beach boardwalk (live music + movies) – The Bethany Beach Boardwalk is a lovely spot to stroll during both the Summer months and during the off-season to support the local businesses whether it be dining or shopping or some candy shopping (more on that to come!!). Throughout the Summer season, the Bethany Beach boardwalk has live music and movies that take place for the general public to enjoy beside the ocean! And, in the off-season, most notably, my Papa and I once ran into the New Years’ Day run on the boardwalk. See the full list of Bethany Beach Boardwalk events here.

Parasailing – One of my FAVORITE activities that we did one Summer was parasailing. Alongside other water sports and pontoon boating on the Chesapeake Bay, parasailing has been a mega bucket list item of mine over the years and it did not disappoint! My friend Amanda and I with a special thanks to my Dad for booking for us enjoyed a nice (and a bit terrifying experience!) parasailing which was truly one for the books! We went parasailing at nearby Dewey Beach via Dewey Beach Parasail.

Mini golf – Nearby Bethany Beach, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the perfect evening doing a favorite Summer activity of mine … mini golfing! Mini golf is a lovely Summer activity that parties of all ages and stages of life can enjoy together. Truly, a lovely activity to do together while on vacation! Nevertheless, there are a few options for mini golfing in Bethany Beach, including: Nick’s Mini Golf, The Millville Boardwalk (home to Lighthouse Beach Golf, Go Karts, and arcade, and an onsite ice cream parlor), and Pirate Golf.

Stroll + Shop at the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk – The Rehoboth Beach boardwalk is like 20+ times the size of Bethany Beach’s boardwalk. It is massive and offers a variety of shops, both well-known coastal brands such as The Black Dog, Sea Bags, and White House Black Market, as well as locally known shops such as Candy Kitchen and several other small businesses. Be sure to check out the ultra-charming Penny Lane, which is about 1/3 of the charming little alleyways for shopping on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk and grab a bite to eat at one of the several dining options, too. After lunch/dinner, don’t forget to check out Uncle David’s ice cream shop – a local ice cream parlor serving delicious ice cream for a greater purpose. Check out all that the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk has to offer here!

Climb the Observation Towers at Tower Beach – During World War 11 between 1939-1942, 11 observation towers were built alongside the Delaware coastline to protect the shores. Initially, these observation towers were to last for 20 years, however, they have been standing ever since their construction. In 2023 (see here), these observation towers have opened to the public to visit and climb to the top of and enjoy the shorelines from up above while paying tribute to those who have served and protected our nation. There are a few observation towers at Bethany Beach’s nearby Tower Beach there are free to visit and climb. See more information on the observation towers’ story here.

Visit the nearby Lewes Historic District – Known as “the first town in the first state,” Lewes, Delaware provides small town charm, rich maritime and cultural history, delicious local eats, and wonderful local shops. Like the Bethany Beach’s social boardwalk, the majority of shops and restaurants in the Lewes Historic District are small businesses. There is also a few opportunities to check out the adjacent marina, admire some local flora via the gardening club at Mary Vessels Park, and learn some local Lewes history via the Lewes Historical Society. Check out all that Lewes has to offer here!

Dining – Bethany Beach:

Heidaway (97B Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach) – Heidaway is a lovely Summer season-only restaurant on the Bethany Beach boardwalk known for their vibrant healthy plates and colorful cocktails.

Bonkey’s (Multiple locations – Bethany Beach & Millville) – A family-owned and operated ice cream parlor that originated in Baltimore, Maryland in 1953, Bonkey’s has since been serving up creative flavors and snoballs all the way to the beach!

Shaka Shack (35308 Atlantic Ave, Millville) – An incredibly good casual eatery serving up all-things from sandwiches to burgers to seafood and everything in between, Shaka Shack is a delicious spot to go for some to go eats or to stay for happy hour which I’ve heard is amazing!

Grotto Pizza (Multiple locations – all across the Delaware beaches) – A Delaware beaches pizza classic is Grotto Pizza: the distinct pizza chain to the beach towns with many locations offering dine-in options.

Off The Hook (769 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach) – Known for its fresh, honest, and local ingredients, Off The Hook is a farm-to-table upscale restaurant nearby the boardwalk.

Good Earth Market & Restaurant (31806 Good Earth Lane, Ocean View) – Situated with gorgeous outdoor seating in a stunning onsite garden (indoor seating is offered, too!) and health-conscious market, Good Earth Market & Restaurant serves up all-things healthy specialty eats and cocktails.

Baja Beach House Grill (109 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach) – A delicious Mexican eats and burger joint with great happy hour drinks, Baja Beach House Grill is conveniently located in the heart of the boardwalk.

Bethany Blues BBQ Pit (Multiple locations – Bethany Beach, Lewes, & Rehoboth Beach) – Serving up Delaware barbecue delights, Bethany Blues BBQ Pit whips up delicious barbecue and specialty cocktails.

Ocean View Brewing Company (85 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View) – Serving delicious local eats whether it be seafood or burgers and in-house made specialty beers, Ocean View Brewing Company is a unique and delicious brewpub to enjoy a meal (or just a beer!) at just a short drive from the boardwalk. Don’t forget to snap a photo of their unique mural outside!

Cedar Land + Sea Kitchen (30234 Cedar Neck Road, Ocean View) – Voted the Best New Restaurant by Coastal Style Magazine in 2019, Cedar Land + Sea Kitchen serves memorable eats and specialty cocktails for all to enjoy.

Drifting Grounds Coffee House (117 Atlantic Avenue, Ocean View) – A local cafe and retro toy + book shop brewing up coffee, donuts, and baked goods, Drifting Grounds Coffee House not only will leave you coming back for more, but it is also a popular spot for visitors and locals to catch up on some work and hang out.

Harvest Tide (98 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach) – Serving up surf and turf delights, Harvest Tide has a carefully curated menu and ultra-kind staff for everyone to leave feeling impressed and wanting to come back for more. Although I have yet to try, I have heard that their newly-released brunch menu is delicious, too!

Maureen’s Ice Cream and Desserts (99 Garfield Parkway #7703, Bethany Beach) – A local cafe and ice cream shop, Maureen’s Ice Cream and Desserts is perfect for a quick pick-me-up while perusing the boardwalk!

Dining – Beyond Bethany Beach:

 

The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound (12723 St. Martin’s Neck Road, Bishopville, Maryland) – An upscale restaurant serving delicious seafood eats on a gorgeous golf course, The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound offers panoramic views of Assawoman Bay and Ocean City, Maryland in a relaxing atmosphere.

Dockside Marina Bar + Grill (39413 Inlet Road, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – Situated alongside a beautiful marina and offering the literal best Summer time vibes, Dockside Marina Bar + Grill is a casual spot serving delicious local eats and happy hour drinks.

Rose & Crown (142 2nd Street, Lewes, Delaware) – Located inside the Hotel Rodney in the heart of downtown historic Lewes, Delaware, Rose & Crown is a casual bar offering British pub fare and beers.

The Bayside Skillet (7701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland) – An award-winning break spot open year-round in Ocean City, The Bayside Skillet is literally bayside offering gorgeous waterfront views and to die for good breakfast eats!

Libation Room (228 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – A speakeasy within Rehoboth Beach’s Summer House on the Rehoboth Beach Boardwalk, Libation Room has incredible gourmet, innovative eats and cocktails and everything in between!

Shorebreak Lodge (10 Wilmington Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – Casual yet sophisticated, Shorebreak Lodge is a New American restaurant that offers gourmet eats and drinks in a lowkey environment.

Thompson Island Brewing Company (30133 Veterans Way, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – A sister restaurant to Ocean View Brewing Company, Thompson Island Brewing Company is a local brewpub located just near the Tanger Outlets that brews beers in-house and serves up delicious eats and desserts.

Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar (29 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – Just a block away from the ocean, Ava’s Pizzeria and Wine Bar is a casual spot offering a vast menu of specialty pizzas, appetizers, and drinks.

The Lighthouse (124 Dickinson Avenue, Dewey Beach, Delaware) – A Dewey Beach tradition for 40+ years, The Lighthouse is a casual spot offering great happy hours and seafood eats as well as live music alongside the Bay.

Longboard Cafe (6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Maryland) – Serving up classic American dishes with a creative flair, Longboard Cafe transports diners to a surfboard shack as they enjoy their delicious eats.

The Grove (12404 St. Martin’s Neck Road, Bishopville, Maryland) – A unique dining experience offered in a charming and funky cottage setting, The Grove serves up exquisite multiple-course eats. Note that reservations are required in advance for this lovely unique dining experience!

Crooked Hammock Brewery (36707 Crooked Hammock Way, Lewes, Delaware) – Known for their food and brews and a good time, Crooked Hammock Brewery offers delicious casual fare and drinks as well as fun activities such as corn hole for all to enjoy.

Rusty Rudder (113 Dickinson Avenue, Dewey Beach, Delaware) – Giving all of the surf n’ turf vibes, Rusty Rudder is a long-standing bayfront restaurant in the heart of Dewey Beach’s social and dining scene featuring live music and great vibes. I highly recommend going during sunset to catch the gorgeous bayside sunset – it is NOT something you want to miss!

The Pines Coastal Tavern (56 Baltimore Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – An upscale American bistro that serves up innovative cocktails and dishes, The Pines Coastal Tavern is an adorable restaurant on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk that also has special events, concerts, and even drag shows.

Uncle David’s Ice Cream (237 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware) – Serving up scoops of ice cream with a greater purpose, Uncle David’s Ice Cream is scooped and served by individuals with Down syndrome in honor of the late David Samson – a man with Down syndrome who strived to overcome a lot of obstacles in life who had a love for Rehoboth Beach. Today, Uncle David’s Ice Cream supports and empowers individuals with Down syndrome educationally, occupationally, and recreationally.

Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar (111 Neils Alley, Lewes, Delaware) – With a gorgeous grand millennial-inspired, rustic-chic interior, Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar makes you feel right at home, offering homemade juices and homey style breakfast and lunch.

Shopping:

Candy Kitchen (Multiple locations – across Delaware & Maryland) – An old-fashioned candy shop serving up classic candies since 1937, Candy Kitchen is a must-stop when in Bethany Beach. Don’t forget to grab some fudge or taffy for the road home!!

Fish Tales (116 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Delaware) – An adorable boutique selling local souvenirs, preppy clothing and accessories including Lilly Pulitzer and Spartina 449 and Scout Bags, tees, and sportswear, Fish Tales truly has it ALL!

Jayne’s Reliable (33034 Main Street, Dagsboro, Delaware) – A grand millennial’s dream, Jayne’s Reliable is an antique shop offering a curated variety of home decor and garden items. If you love thrifting and antiquing, then this gorgeous shop is worth a stop!

Bethany Beach Books (99 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, Delaware) – Just steps away from the ocean, Bethany Beach Books is an independently owned bookstore offering several author events and book signings and is just such an adorable spot!

Su Casa (Multiple locations- Maryland and Delaware) – A Maryland and Delaware-based furniture store, Su Casa carries local artwork and curated home goods to beautifully decorate your home.

Pink Leopard (235 Rehoboth Avenue, Rehoboth Beach) – Run by a mother-daughter duo, Pink Leopard is a Lilly Pulitzer Signature Store right on the Rehoboth Beach boardwalk! Pink Leopard is housed in a bright and pink and all-things Lilly Pulitzer-inspired cottage, perfect for a vacation treat yourself moment!! Although we missed the boutique’s open hours upon visiting, we enjoyed snapping some photos outside as it’s adorable and will be back again soon!

Tanger Outlets (Multiple locations – Rehoboth Beach) – You cannot leave Delaware without shopping as there’s no sales tax (!!!!). The Tanger Outlets in Rehoboth Beach offer a variety of shops, from Kate Spade to Talbots to Bath and Body Works to J Crew Factory to Simply Southern and everything in between. If you’re looking to do some shopping at a discount especially Back to School, then definitely consider doing so while in Delaware!

Wrap-Up:

Bethany Beach, Delaware has truly become one of my favorite Summer spots! Every Summer, I LOVE driving across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and immediately feel right at home crossing the Delaware-Maryland state line and am always giddy when I arrive to see my family. Alongside seeing family, I love getting to enjoy the local coastal Delaware charm and enjoy some sunshine and good beach vibes. In writing this Bethany Beach, Delaware travel guide, I hope that I have showed you the beauty and charm in this small coastal town and all that it has to offer.

XOXO – Katie <3

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