The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

***Please note that this The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites) will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Virginia Wine scene. This guide was most recently updated as of March 2026.***

While having close proximity to the nation’s capital, Northern Virginia is also home to some incredible wineries. I have been fortunate enough to visit multiple wineries in Northern Virginia – all of which have so much history, character, and *of course* wine to offer. Above all else, it is worth noting that the people who work at each of these wineries are what have made my experiences and hence their mention in this blog post worth mentioning! Virginia and Northern Virginia is home to some incredible winemakers from all diverse backgrounds, which also makes Northern Virginia so magnificent!! Here, I list 10 wineries in Northern Virginia (and counting!) for when you want to plan your next wine-filled adventure!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page. For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring The DMV page.

The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

Table of Contents

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Download Reserve Pass and sign up for YOUR membership today!! Reserve Pass is currently the only app in the United States that is essentially a nationwide wine (and sometimes beer) tasting pass for you and a guest (see more here)! Memberships are available in monthly and annual formats. The key features of Reserve Pass are:

  • Explore – by simply downloading the Reserve Pass app, you can simply plan your wine tasting adventure within your own backyard or while on vacation.
  • Perks – as a Reserve Pass member, you get to enjoy exclusive perks while touring historical sites, strolling through vineyards, and tasting local wines.
  • Revisit – unlike just any old coupon, you can revisit any of the wineries you loved and get the same Reserve Pass deals with them time and time again.

Interested in getting your own Reserve Pass today?! Interested in trying Reserve Pass for yourself?!?! Use my discount code “ktloveswine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69).

For more details on Reserve Pass, look no further than here.

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery

Address: 18035 Raven Rocks Rd, Bluemont

About: Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a two-generation, woman-owned winery on the foothill of the Shenandoah mountains. Located in the Bear’s Den Historic District, Twin Oaks Tavern is one of many stone houses built from 1890-1920 and was transformed into a winery in 1999 after a fire burned much of its original structure down in the 1980s. Today, Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a welcoming place that’s also dog-friendly.

Molon Lave Vineyard and Winery

Address: 10075 Lees Mill Rd, Warrenton

About: A family-owned winery on several acres in Warrenton, Molon Lave Vineyards and Winery is a proud dream of the Papadopoulos family since its 2009 opening. The name Molon Lave is derived from its namesake as a Greek phrase that embodies pride, dignity, and a unique perception of life. As someone named Katie, my favorite wine is their rose wine called “Katie’s Charm”!

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery

Address: 5535 Blue Valley Way, Delaplane

About: With Greek mountainside roots in winemaking, the Zissios family brought a piece of Greece to Northern Virginia through opening Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in the Shenandoah Valley to the public in 2015. To this day, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery is still family-owned and runs on the Greek value of respect, ensuring that everyone who walks through its doors are treated like family.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

Address: 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane

About: Also known as “BOW”, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery values itself on passion, commitment, and fine wine as well as a friendly place for everyone to bring your dog both indoors and outdoors. Everyone truly feels right at home at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, whether human or canine!

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery

Address: 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane

About: A family and dog-friendly winery and brewery with a pizza shed overlooking the Shenandoah mountains, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy a fun vineyard outing. Be sure to check out the beautiful onsite meadow and creek – perfect for kids and dogs to soak in some sunshine – and enjoy some wine at one of their tables in the vines! Read my full review on Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery here.

Boxwood Estate Winery

Address: 2042 Burrland Lane, Middleburg

About: Located in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia, a town filled with lots of Revolutionary War and Civil War history, Boxwood Estate Winery is a fulfilled lifelong dream of former President and Owner of NFL’s Washington Redskins John Kent Cooke. Boxwood Estate Winery has a unique onsite winemaking process alongside a variety of wonderful specialty wines, which you can read about more in my review of their specialty Estate Pairing within their incredible wine cave (!!!!) here.

Paradise Springs Winery

Address: 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton

About: One of the closest wineries to Washington, DC, Paradise Springs Winery is a bicoastal winery with a location in Santa Barbara, California as well as in Clifton, Virginia. Guests can enjoy the winery’s gorgeous grounds and scenery in the heart of Clifton, Virginia as well as different food trucks that come to visit.

The Winery at Bull Run

Address: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

About: A grape to glass farm winery right next to the historic Civil War Manassas Battlefield Park, The Winery at Bull Run pays homage to its Civil War roots while producing incredible wines. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in the tasting room with a complimentary wine glass in lieu of wine flights as well onsite their live music. Read about my experience at The Winery at Bull Run here.

Old Farm Winery at Hartland

Address: 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie

About: The sister winery to The Winery at Bull Run, Old Farm Winery at Hartland located in Aldie, Virginia is situated on a renovated 18th century farm and former fox hunting club where the Kennedy’s used to go. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in lieu of wine flights – similar to that of its sister winery and enjoy a guided tour of the grounds. Read about my experience at Old Farm Winery at Hartland here.

Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard

Address: 275 Decatur Road, Stafford

About: Located in Stafford County with an onsite bistro, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard offers an elegant twist to the vineyard experience. Be sure to indulge in a delicious meal and one of their wine-soaked cakes at their onsite bistro and take in all of the lovely scenic views.

Morais Vineyards & Winery

Address: 11409 Marsh Road, Bealton

About: Offering gorgeous Portuguese-style opulence and architecture, Morais Vineyards & Winery offers a breathtakingly gorgeous grounds to take it all in, one sip at a time! Be sure to check out their tasting room to enjoy their incredible wines, as well as events and visiting food trucks, alongside a gorgeous grounds stroll.

Casanel Vineyards & Winery

Address: 17952 and 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg

About: Shaped in their three core values of people, passion, and a sense of place, owners Casey and Nelson DeSouza planted their roots at what is now Casanel Vineyards & Winery in 2006. With a lot of hard work, authenticity, and a  whole lot of celebration, the DeSouza’s have created a place where everyone can come together no matter who they are for a glass of wine (or a mocktail) and leave having a great time. Today, the values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true at Casanel as the winery has several offerings to enjoy whether it be enjoying a glass or flight in their tasting room or outside at their patio or balcony, or a stroll around the grounds’ gazebo, everyone will be sure to have a great time!

  

Wrap-Up

The wine, the people, and the character is what makes every single one of these wineries in Northern Virginia worth a visit! Not only is there diversity and kind souls within the Northern Virginia region that distinguishes it, but there are also diversity and kind souls plus wine within each of these 10 wineries in Northern Virginia. If you plan on visiting multiple wineries within the year or even a week/month sure to check out Reserve Pass and get your membership today to start saving while you sip. Use my discount code “ktloveswine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69). Through it all, Northern Virginia is such an incredible place and these wineries make it so incredible!

***A special thank you to Reserve Pass for sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee would not be where it is today!***

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee3 Comments

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.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

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

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

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.*

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

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

thepinkchickadee4 Comments

4 Things To Do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Recently on my road trip to Charlotte, North Carolina (here) to visit my friends there, I made a pit stop in charming Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Although I only spent ~2 hours in this North Carolina college town, I loved my time here and am excited to take another pit stop in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. That all being said, this blog post is going to be dedicated to things to do in Chapel Hill and will potentially be updated over time.

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page.

About Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Chapel Hill is a charming town situated approximately 30 minutes West of Raleigh in North Carolina’s Orange County. It is a part of North Carolina’s Research Triangle, which includes Raleigh and Durham as well. Most notably, Chapel Hill is home to the University of North Carolina – one of many colleges in the Research Triangle. Its well-known and bustling street, Franklin Street, boasts a wide array of cafes, shops, restaurants, and hotels. One thing to note about Chapel Hill is that everything is Carolina Blue aka University of North Carolina’s well-known college color!

4 Things To Do in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

1 – Stroll University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Campus

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a beautiful campus. Boasting everything from beautiful Southern style churches to gorgeous gardens and most notably the Old Well topped off in Carolina Blue, the University of North Carolina truly has so much to admire with a simple stroll on campus. You’ll definitely want to snap some photos, too!

2 – Grab breakfast and coffee at Chapel Hill’s oldest cafe: Carolina Coffee Shop

Become immersed into Chapel Hill’s history and food scene by dining at a cafe serving students for over a century. A cozy cafe that’s been situated right by the University of North Carolina’s campus since 1922, Carolina Coffee Shop is well-known for delicious breakfast eats, coffees, cocktails, and lunch foods.

3 – Admire the lobby and grab a drink at The Carolina Inn

Recognized as a AAA Four Diamond Award Hotel, The Carolina Inn is a luxurious hotel located a few blocks away from Franklin Street and adjacent to campus. The lobby, alleys, and hallways at The Carolina Inn are literally a grand millennial’s DREAM COME TRUE and also pay tribute to the history and heritage of its home at the University of North Carolina’s campus. While at The Carolina Inn, be sure to grab a drink or a delicious bite to eat at the onsite restaurant: Crossroads Chapel Hill which has a bar with signature wines.

4 – Walk along Franklin Street

Check out all of the local businesses and *even* spot one of the town’s iconic alley way’s murals alongside Franklin Street. While I didn’t spend too much time inside the shops, one thing that I wasn’t sure to miss and know you won’t miss too is ALL of the Carolina Blue and University of North Carolina pride at every turn that is beautiful to take all in!

Wrap-Up

I adored my brief pit stop and time in Chapel Hill. Chapel Hill is a beautiful college town filled with so much pride and heritage tied to its home university: The University of North Carolina. That college pride town-wide is such a beautiful thing to see and made me proud to be there, too.

TIL next time, Chapel Hill!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadeeLeave a comment

Lisbon, Portugal Travel Diary

Our final leg of our European adventure throughout Spain and Portugal was to … 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal! I met up with my best friend Shivani in Lisbon after my solo leg in Porto, Portugal (here) and week in Spain by way of Madrid (here) and Barcelona (here). Lisbon is the capital city of Portugal and is a popular travel destination within Portugal. Lisbon is close to the Atlantic Ocean and offer several lovely waterfront opportunities for its visitors to enjoy amongst its vibrant and fun colorful buildings and tiles. Being a preppy and pink grand millennial, I, indeed, fit right in whilst in Lisbon!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Lisbon, Portugal Travel Diary

Getting There (From Europe & the United States):

There are a variety of different ways to get to Lisbon, depending on where you’re coming from. Our 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal started with me coming from Porto, Portugal and leaving Europe to go back to the United States via my home base in Washington, DC. Whilst, there’s several options to get to/from Lisbon depending on where you’re going to/coming from.

From Europe: Getting to the capital city of Portugal is best reached by plane if coming from another European country. Portugal and even between Spain and Portugal do not have a reliable unified train line. That all being said, Portugal is best reached by plane, if you’re coming from another European country. If coming from another city within Portugal, I would suggest either taking the train or plane. I opted to fly via Tap Air Portugal – Portugal’s *very own* airlines from Porto to Lisbon, as Portugal’s train line doesn’t have many options for checked bags on their trains (it’s usually carry-on only) and the price was about the same as the train to fly.

From the United States: Lisbon was my last city on my Spain and Portugal European adventure. Back to Washington, DC, I ended up lucking out with a direct flight on my airline of choice: United Airlines. Upon landing, I learned that Washington, DC-Lisbon is a daily offered flight on United Airlines. In addition to United Airlines, TAP Air Portugal which I flew within Portugal offers several direct flights and Transatlantic options, depending on where you’re coming from.

Tip on Taxi vs Uber: Upon arrival into Lisbon, avoid taking taxis at ALL costs. There will be taxis within a taxi pickup line outside of each airport and train station. However, unlike Spain which is the exact opposite, taxis are much more expensive in Portugal than Ubers. Each of my Ubers were under $20 with tip each way, including to/from the airport.

Where To Stay:

We called the Editory Riverside Hotel our home for 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal. And, I will say that the Editory Riverside Hotel is probably my favorite hotel that I’ve EVER stayed at! Located within one of Lisbon’s iconic train stations, the Editory Riverside Hotel was renovated from previously train station offices into hotel rooms and includes the original tile work alongside its hallways and in each of the rooms. The hotel also overlooks the waterfront and we could see cargo ships each day, which was pretty neat. Each day that we were around for lunch and happy hour, I would enjoy a lovely lunch and cocktail at their onsite Impulso Restaurante (more on that below!) and was truly blown away. At the same time, the people who work at the Editory Riverside Hotel are lovely and extremely kind and hospitable – something that I learned throughout my time in Portugal is how wonderful the people are! Truly, you will feel right at home at the Editory Riverside Hotel (whether it’s for 2 days in Lisbon, Portugal or more!).

What To Do:

Get lost in the colorful streets – Lisbon is known for its magnificent colorful streets! One of my favorite things to do, as previously mentioned in pretty much all of my European city guides, is to simply explore and get lost in the city streets. And, Lisbon has no shortage of beautiful streets to explore!

Take a day trip to Sintra & Cascais – One of the things that we were highly eyeing doing while in Lisbon is living out our royalty dreams at Peña Palace in nearby Sintra. We ended up going on a group bus tour to Sintra as well as the gorgeous coastal town of Cascais and made some friends while at it. On our day trip, we got to see Peña Palace and tour its interior alongside seeing the stunning Portuguese beaches. Stay tuned for a travel diary alongside more about our lovely tour operator on our day to Sintra and Cascais soon!

Catch a streetcar going by – One of the things that Lisbon is known for is their beautiful streetcars! While wandering the city’s magical streets, be sure to catch a streetcar (or two!) going by!!

Tour the Lisbon Cathedral – Built in 1147, Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest cathedral in Lisbon. It is a Roman Catholic cathedral that is open to visitors to come and tour. Please note that tickets must be purchased either onsite or online via GetYourGuide.

Do some retail therapy at Women’s Secret & CHIcoracao– Lisbon has several opportunities for those looking to do some retail therapy to do just that! We happened to make some purchases at a few different unique to Portugal shops. Women’s Secret is a Spanish and Portuguese lingerie, loungewear, and pajama shop known for its fun printed clothing items that my preppy and grand millennial self LOVED. CHIcoracao is a unique to Lisbon shop selling high quality Portuguese woolen goods handmade on a loom. Everything from scarves to blankets are sold at CHIcoracao and is something unique to get while in Lisbon.

Admire tile work at the magnificent National Azulejo Museum – On our *very* last day in Lisbon, Shivani and I checked out the National Azulejo Museum. The National Azulejo Museum showcases some of the many magnificent Portuguese tile work from centuries prior to today. Truly, the tiles that we saw were incredible and totally Instagram-worthy and fun to admire, too! Tickets can be reserved onsite or via GetYourGuide.

Where To Eat:

Personally, some of the best restaurants I’ve ever eaten at and experiences at them were in Lisbon. Before I get into where to eat in Lisbon, I am going to mention that Shivani and I had THE BEST TIME at the restaurants that we dined at during our first day in Lisbon SOOOO much so that we ended up dining at them multiple times! That all being said, the quality of the food and restaurants in Lisbon are superb and there are several delicious dining options to choose from. At the same time though, there are incredible restaurants that you’ll want to dine at multiple times and I highly recommend giving yourself the wiggle room to do so while in Lisbon!

Bica dos Cavalos – Our absolute favorite restaurant where we dined both Monday and Wednesday evenings, Bica dos Cavalos is a newer-to-Lisbon restaurant with a variety of delicious Portuguese eats to choose from. We enjoyed some lovely wine more specifically the “Catarina” white wine aka my name Katie in Portuguese alongside some delicious dessert and seafood/vegetarian dishes. At Bica dos Cavalos alongside the amazingly delicious eats offered, the people ranging from their owner, waiters, and chefs are truly some of the most hospitable, kind, and welcoming people I have ever met. If you are in Lisbon, I highly recommend you immediately make a reservation at Bica dos Cavalos!

Impulso Restaurante – The delicious onsite restaurant at our hotel, Impulso Restaurante is open not only to hotel guests but to the general public. I had the BEST seafood rice at the Impulso Restaurante both Monday and Wednesday for lunch and enjoyed taking part in the restaurant’s hosted happy hour on both of those days, too, with an Aperol Spritz in-hand!

Azul e Branco Restaurant – I stumbled upon Azul e Branco Restaurant as I was looking for a nice early afternoon pick-me-up. I ended up ordering an Aperol spritz alongside some oysters and was truly AMAZED at how yummy these oysters were. The location of Azul e Branco within a town square in Lisbon makes it to also be a fun place to people watch!

Wrap-Up:

Not only is Lisbon such a beautiful city and place to be, especially weather-wise in late February, but the people made our experience in Lisbon such a memorable one, too. There is so much to enjoy, eat, and take in within Lisbon and I am so lucky that I’ve been able to experience this incredible city. 48 hours in Lisbon, Portugal truly isn’t enough time!! Til next time, Lisbon!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

5 Car-Free Day Trips From Dublin, Ireland

As I’m writing this, this time a year ago I was on my first-ever incredible solo adventure to Ireland. My solo adventure to Ireland is one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. Throughout my time in Ireland, I decided to create a home base for myself in Dublin (here), given that I am NOT interested in solo driving on the other side of the road – LOLLLL! Not only did my solo adventure teach me tons about myself, but it also taught me so much about Ireland, including how to visit different places within the Emerald Isle and meet so many incredible people and hear so many impactful stories all along the way. During my trip, I took 5 car-free day trips from Dublin, Ireland via local bus tour operators.

*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.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Where To Book?!

If you’re considering I highly recommend downloading the GetYourGuide app on your phone to help you select which day trip(s) make the most sense for you. That way, you’re able to see which tour operators have availability on the days that work for you given your group’s interests and preferences.

Additionally, if you’re looking for lodging while in Dublin, Ireland, there are plenty of options to choose from!

5 Car-Free Day Trips from Dublin, Ireland

1 – Cork County

Cork County, Ireland covers the majority of Ireland’s southwest coast upwards. From fertile farmlands and castle country to the North to rugged coastlines and peninsulas to the South, Cork County, Ireland truly has it all. It is also home to Ireland’s second-largest city and the 2nd stop on my Ireland tour … Cork! Cork is home to much of Ireland’s tech hub, having both Apple’s and Amazon’s international headquarters (including several other tech companies) located there. Some of the most notable sights in Cork County (which I saw on my incredible day there) include Rock of Cashel and Blarney Castle which is home to the well-known Blarney Stone.

Book your Cork County adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Cork County here.

2 – Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are rugged cliffs that stretch approximately 14 kilometers across Ireland’s Atlantic Way in County Clare. The Cliffs of Moher are walkable and you can *even* hike across them, too, although it may not be highly suggested throughout parts of it. Just like with Netflix’s Irish Wish, the Cliffs of Moher are featured in several well-known films, photos, etc. Truly, I GASPED when I saw the Cliffs of Moher in-person, as it was such a grand sight to see!

Book your Cliffs of Moher adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to the Cliffs of Moher here.

3 – Northern Ireland (Giant’s Causeway & Belfast)

Northern Ireland is apart of the United Kingdom, sitting on a part of the Emerald Isle aka Ireland. Ireland is a predominantly Catholic nation, whereas, Northern Ireland, a British territory has a Protestant majority. Though Northern Ireland has a Protestant majority, it does have a Catholic minority and hence caused conflicts between the residents: a Protestant majority who wanted Northern Ireland to remain apart of the United Kingdom and a Catholic minority who wanted Northern Ireland to reunify with Ireland. From 1968-1998, Belfast as the heart of Northern Ireland, was central to these secular conflicts that created unrest worldwide. As a result of these conflicts, over 3,500 people died with many more people injured and a heightened level of trauma, suffering, and anxiety face and linger amongst the people of Northern Ireland to this day. It is said, according to the tour guide, that the people of Northern Ireland are known to have a darker sense of humor as a way to cope with the things that they’ve been through over the decades. And, in some towns, such as Londonderry, Northern Ireland, the Catholic people and Protestant people remain separated to some extent. I find it important to share the history of Northern Ireland as it shows the power that conflict has in our world as a whole and especially in Northern Ireland and with their people and culture. While a small part of the world, a brutal 3-decades long conflict is still significant as shown throughout Northern Ireland.

Book your Northern Ireland adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Belfast and Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland here and here.

4 – Connemara

Connemara is rather remote for Ireland (which is a country the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States!), yet boasts some unique stories. With a population of ~32,000 people, Connemara is the only region in Ireland where the majority of its population speaks the native Irish language. In fact, Irish families send their kids in ~middle school-high school for a Summer away to stay with a host family in Connemara to learn their native tongue. I learned from my tour guide that some of the Irish’s Summers away in Connemara were where many teenagers experienced their first kiss, went to parties, went on dates, and more! Connemara’s economy is mostly focused on agriculture, fishing, artisan crafts, and tourism. One of the most distinct things about Connemara is its gorgeously unique landscapes and scenery playing homage to Ireland’s only fjord.

Book your Connemara adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Connemara here.

5 – Glendalough

Located in a glacial valley with two stunning adjacent lakes within the gorgeous Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough is home to a 6th century monastic heritage sight. This 6th century monastic heritage sight was founded by St. Kevin who resided there as a hermit and attracted followers of the Christian faith who aspired to do the same. Indeed, Glendalough is a placed of pilgrimage and has been for over 1,500 years. While not much is accurately known about St. Kevin’s time at Glendalough, stories have been passed down over the centuries, some of which are of Irish mythology (which is contains a fascinating array of stories in itself!). Surrounded by natural beauty with an upper and lower lake, the Wicklow Mountains, the remains of two mining sites, and the monastic settlement, truly Glendalough is a peaceful place to simply reflect, enjoy your surroundings, and feel pride for those that have done the same before us. Learn more here, including information on the first-ever pilgrimage aka a series of walks on St. Kevin’s day on June 1, 2024!

Book your Glendalough adventure here.

Read more about my day trip to Glendalough here.

Wrap-Up

Ireland is truly such a magical country and there are so many options to see the Emerald Isle without the hassle of driving. Dublin is an excellent city and home basis within Ireland, making most of the country easily accessible within a day’s trip reach. Truly, there are SO many car-free day trips to take from Dublin!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

Porto, Portugal Travel Guide

Annddddd after a week in Spain via Madrid and Barcelona, I headed for 2 days in Porto, Portugal while my best friend Shivani went elsewhere. It was a LOVELY time getting to explore a brand new-to-me city in a brand new-to-me country solo before our final stretch of our European adventure in Lisbon, Portugal. I was drawn to Porto due to its appealing historic charm, beautiful tile work, and Port wine. Nevertheless, Porto totally blew me away and I cannot wait to come back to this coastal Portuguese city!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Porto, Portugal Travel Guide

About Porto:

Located alongside the Douro River in northwestern Portugal, Porto is a coastal city notorious for producing Port wine and its iconic Six Bridges. It is the second largest city in Portugal (after Lisbon) and has a vast industrial industry in addition to producing Port wine. Porto also has gorgeous cobblestone streets with a beautiful a lively historic district and several tile-lined walls and ancient churches. Personally, I found Porto to be an extremely walkable city filled with lively and colorful buildings as well as distinct architecture that I had never seen before! Porto has also been known to be an extremely romantic city with its charming streets and unique cafes and restaurants, as well as stunning riverside views and … PORT WINE!

One of the biggest things that I’ll mention about Porto and Portugal as a whole is HOW CHEAP it is to travel there! From Ubers with tips being under $20 USD to/from the airport to most meals being under $30 USD with drinks and tip, you can truly have a lovely time in Portugal without breaking the bank.

Getting There (From Spain):

I ended up traveling from Barcelona, Spain (see my adventures there here!) to Porto, Portugal. Coming from Spain to Portugal, it is much easier to travel via plane than train, as direct international train rides are pretty limited on the Iberian Peninsula and bus rides are pretty long. Being fully transparent, I experienced a pretty stressful time at the Barcelona Airport flying to Porto, Portugal. I ended up flying RyanAir, as it was the cheapest option and will likely choose not to fly RyanAir again moving forward if given the choice. Here are my tips for navigating RyanAir and European airports if you do fly within Europe:

  • Most airports won’t post your gate upon entering Security until about 30-45 minutes before boarding the plane. That being said, make use of your time at the terminal if you do arrive at the airport and make it through security early. Perhaps, grab a snack or a drink or *even* do a little bit of Duty-Free shopping as most European airports have plenty of Duty-Free shopping opportunities!
  • Some budget airlines won’t allow you to check your bag if you arrive too early to the airport. Airlines (such as RyanAir) will make you wait until a certain time before your plane departs to have you even get in line to check your bags. This happened to me and it was very frustrating at first, but it is something that the airlines across the Atlantic do in terms of crowd control.
  • RyanAir and potentially other budget airlines will have you stand in line to board your plane. The boarding process is rather than organized in into boarding groups, but is based on priority boarding versus general boarding. People upon immediately arriving at the gate will wait in line to get the first dibs on boarding.

Overall, I found the RyanAir flying experience to be an extremely stressful one for me. I learned while in Barcelona from other fellow Europeans that this airline gets a bad reputation and I honestly see why. However, I am aware that sometimes flying budget airlines such as RyanAir may be someone’s only option in terms of travel and should not deter you or anyone else from traveling. Instead, I’d rather empower you and others with the tips to best navigate flying a budget airlines such as RyanAir if you do so.

Where To Stay:

I stayed at the beautiful Vincci Porto alongside the iconic Douro River. Overlooking my hotel room, I had a beautiful view of the colorful Porto skyline! Within the mini fridge, there was a mini bottle of Port Wine – which Porto is *very* well-known for at an additional cost that I enjoyed throughout my stay. And, immediately upon exiting the doors of Vincci Porto, I was greeted not only by the beautiful Douro River but also one of the city’s well-known Six Bridges. I ended up ordering room service one night while at Vincci Porto and it definitely impressed me alongside their delicious breakfast, which you can opt to include within your reservation upon reserving or during your stay. Although this hotel is not within the heart of Porto’s city center and is about a scenic 15-20 minute walk, its riverside location and overall luxury definitely adds to its appeal! Overall, I was pretty impressed with the quality and overall value of Vincci Porto. I would definitely stay at Vincci Porto next time I visit Porto, as I loved the additional opportunities to get lost in the city’s magical streets!

What To Do:

Port Wine tasting + tour at Calem – Calem is one of Porto’s many Port wine wineries! I learned ALL about Port wine also known as port – a Portuguese fortified wine which is produced in Northern Portugal’s Douro Valley region – while on a guided tour of Calem. Throughout my guided tour, my group’s wonderful guide transported us to the world of developing Port wine, from the temperature-controlled rooms full of barrels producing it, to learning about port food pairings, and the heritage of what Portugal proudly calls a “spiritual drink.” At the end of the guided tour, a complimentary Port wine flight and tasting was included and such a lovely time to end the tour! Book your guided tour at Calem or one of Porto’s many other wineries producing Port wine via GetYourGuide.

Wander alongside the Douro River and walk across the Six Bridges – One of the best ways to savor your time in Porto is to simply enjoy the several waterfront views alongside the city’s notable Six Bridges. Visitors can also walk across several of the Six Bridges, too, via pedestrian walkways (I recommend following the people and crowds, though, for safety purposes whenever you do!). Whether it be sunrise, sunset, or midday, you will easily never get over the riverside beauty and charm that Porto has to offer!

Port Wine tasting at Ramos Pinto – Ramos Pinto is one of the Douro Valley’s oldest and well-known wine producers. After walking across one of Porto’s notable Six Bridges, I found myself strolling into Ramos Pinto for a nice glass of Port wine within its tasting room. Ramos Pinto also offers tastings, too!

Get lost in the streets – One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do when I travel as previously mentioned in both my Madrid and Barcelona posts (here and here), especially when in a brand new-to-me city is to simply get lost in the streets. Luckily for you, Porto is home to some of the most brightest and colorful buildings, some of which consist of unique tile work on its magnificent structures. Portugal is known for its gorgeous tiles and Porto has no shortage of them!

Take a Six Bridges Douro River Cruise – An excellent way to learn more about wonderful Porto is to see the city on the river via a Six Bridges River Cruise. I opted to do a Sunday afternoon river cruise lasting approximately an hour, which was a great way to see the city in Portugal’s semi-chilly late February weather. Personally, I could not stop snapping photos on my camera and getting to know Porto from the river! Book your Six Bridges Douro River Cruise via GetYourGuide.

Where To Eat:

UVA By Calem – Offering a friendly atmosphere and quality hospitality while overlooking Porto, UVA By Calem focuses on curating delicious Portuguese eats with incredible wine pairings to top it all off!

Miradouro Ignez – A hilltop terrace bar overlooking the city as well as the Douro River. Coincidentally, I happened to stumble upon this lovely spot upon getting lost in the stunning Porto streets near my hotel. And, Miradouro Ignez was a TOTAL surprise and dream come true of a spot to be, as I happened to show up during sunset. Indeed, a right place at the right time moment!!

Restaurante Provas – A riverside restaurant overlooking Porto, Restaurante Provas had some of the BEST seafood dishes that I’ve ever had! Truly, I was blown away by the high-quality Portuguese cuisine that is offered.

Tasquinha do Be – Offering Portuguese cuisine with gluten-free and other dietary-friendly options, Tasquinha do Be has extremely friendly staff that make you feel right at home alongside their menu full of authentic eats and beverages.

Wrap-Up:

With its magical lust from vast tile work to colorful architecture and the river and port, Porto is seriously such a lovely gem of a place. Not only does Porto make for an incredible romantic destination to add to your European getaway, but it is also just as perfect of a destination to add to your solo European getaway, too. Through it all, I am SO glad that I visited Porto and I hope this post has shown you the love I have for this amazingly vibrant city, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

Barcelona, Spain Travel Guide

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing ALLLL about my adventures with my best friend Shivani via our 2-week long trip throughout Spain and Portugal via Porto and Lisbon. Our first leg of our adventures in the Iberian Peninsula started off in Madrid, Spain (read all about our time there here!) and continued onto 3 days in Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona, Spain is a cosmopolitan city and capital of Spain’s Catalonia region. Notably known for its art and architecture, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Barcelona Cathedral, Barcelona truly has something for everybody! In fact, while there, Shivani and I both agreed that you could easily spend weeks in Barcelona before getting to do/see everything on your list!!

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Barcelona, Spain Travel Guide

Getting There (From Madrid):

Barcelona was our second stop on our European adventure throughout Spain and Portugal. We happened to travel by train to Barcelona Sants from Madrid Atocha. Shivani graciously booked our train tickets on the Iryo train line through Omio’s website. Our train ride was a direct ride from Madrid to Barcelona with assigned seats together (I highly recommend booking train tickets together in order to be seated together throughout Europe) as well as a checked bag. Here are my tips for taking the train within Spain:

  • It is recommended to get to the train stations within Spain about 30 minutes (we played it safe and arrived about an hour before) beforehand.
  • You WILL go through security and put your luggage on a conveyer scanner of sorts like in the airport. It is quick and easy and less stressful than at the airport, though!
  • At least at Madrid Atocha train station, gates for trains are announced once the train arrives at the station for boarding.
  • Madrid Atocha train station has connivence and tech shops and cafes, alongside seating as passengers must carry on all of their luggage on/off the train. There is a place to store your checked luggage in each train car alongside overhead compartments for smaller carry-on luggage.
  • As for most of Spain, it is highly recommended that you take a taxi instead of Ubering, as it is cheaper and more cost-effective. We called a taxi 10 minutes beforehand at our hotel in Madrid. As for Barcelona, we waited in the taxi pick-up line outside of the train station (which is standard in Spain and Portugal) to retrieve our taxi. Taxis do accept credit cards and Apple Pay is commonly used.

As for our experience on the train, I napped (LOLLLLL!!!!) for most of the ride. However, when I did look out the window, I was truly IN AWE at the unique landscapes that I saw which Spain has to offer. Truly, it is like nothing I have ever seen before!!

Where To Stay:

Hotel 1898 was our lovely home in Barcelona! Located on La Rambla aka central Barcelona’s most well-known street with close proximity to the city’s historic Gothic Quarter, Hotel 1898 is a 4-star hotel with an onsite Spa Siargo and restaurant Cuisine H1898. Hotel 1898 was a lovely home for us during our time in Barcelona. We spent LOTS of time at Hotel 1898 enjoying some of the many offerings available to us as well as interacting with fellow hotel guests! Offerings include:

  • Live music on select nights
  • Complimentary group wine tasting offering Spanish-made wines for all hotel guests on Wednesdays at 6pm
  • Complimentary cocktail making class for all hotel guests on Thursdays at 6pm
  • Access to Spa Siargo at an additional cost
  • Breakfast buffet either included within reservation or at an additional cost per day at Cuisine H1898 for all hotel guests. Note: free coffee is available to all hotel guests, regardless of if they choose to indulge in the breakfast buffet.
  • Access to the rooftop Terrace La Isabela in the warmer months for all hotel guests
  • The opportunity to enjoy Catalan cuisine at Cuisine H1898 at an additional cost for dinner
  • Enjoy a drink at the onsite Bar H1898
  • Complimentary tea + snacks around 4pm daily

Throughout our stay, Shivani and I LOVED our experience at Hotel 1898!! We both enjoyed the complimentary wine tasting and LOVED getting to meet fellow hotel guests from England that we befriended throughout our stay. We also befriended the hotel staff who were lovely and helped make our wine tasting one for the books. We, indeed, happened to stay at the wine tasting an hour after it ended just chatting with our new friends and enjoying some local Spanish and more specifically Catalan wines! The same goes for the cocktail making class which Shivani attended solo while I was at Casa Batlló however I did not miss the after party of meeting *even* more new friends from Canada and *of course* England! It is also worth mentioning that alongside our fellow hotel guest friends, the staff at the hotel were also ultra-kind and fun to chat with, too! Truly, the people made our experience at Hotel 1898 one for the books!! Needless to say, I highly recommend staying at Hotel 1898 and will only stay there when in Barcelona.

What To Do:

Guided tour of La Sagrada Familia with The Tour Guy – La Sagrada Familia is a Catholic church under construction in downtown Barcelona. One of Antoni Gaudi’s masterpieces, it is currently the largest unfinished Catholic Church in the world, with its construction beginning on March 19, 1882 and having yet to be completed. My Mom visited Barcelona in 2022 and could not stop recommending to me that I book a guided tour of La Sagrada Familia. I knew that I wanted to visit La Sagrada Familia while in Barcelona. Though, I was on the fence initially about booking a guided tour, as I usually prefer to simply wander places of my own. However, I *finally* caved in and did so. I booked my guided tour of La Sagrada Familia through GetYourGuide in English with The Tour Guy. ANDDDD, let me just say, that it was SOOOOO worth it!! Our tour guide was AMAZING and did an incredible job highlighting the story of La Sagrada Familia throughout our tour as well as the life and story of the famous architect behind this magnificent cathedral Gaudi. Today, La Sagrada Familia is still under construction with buildings being constructed around where the church is to have additional construction take place. The construction of La Sagrada Familia runs on donations including ticketed entry and tours (even through third-party vendors such as The Tour Guy!). Although not fully completed yet, La Sagrada Familia is magnificent and one of my favorite places I have ever been to. Book the same tour I booked here!

Visit + order a glass of Cava at Casa Batlló – I visited Casa Batlló – a building designed by Antoni Gaudi (who also designed La Sagrada Familia!) and consider to also be one of his masterpieces that is currently a museum. Casa Batlló was redesigned in 1904 by Gaudi, himself, and has since been refurbished. Upon entry into the museum, all guests are given an iPad and headset to walk through the museum and reimagine it as if it were 1904. One of the most admirable things about Casa Batlló is its commitment to Autism awareness and being an Autism acceptance and friendly museum and is the first international cultural organization to do so. They also hire people who are neurodiverse! After 7pm, guests can go up to the rooftop terrace and order a glass of Cava amongst other drinks to enjoy while admiring the city of Barcelona from up above!! It is important to note that Casa Batlló offers timed-entry tickets and is suggested that you book them in advance. Book them here!

Soak in the Mediterranean at Barceloneta Beach – A special thanks to Shivani for routing us to see the Mediterranean! Barceloneta Beach is a popular beachfront spot alongside the Mediterranean in Barcelona. There are plenty of bars and restaurants nearby and it was in easy walking distance (about 25 minutes each way!) from our hotel on La Ramblas. We mainly walked to the beach, took in the Mediterranean views and simply soaked it ALLLL in. At the same time, it was lovely to see downtown Barcelona at a distance from the beach, especially the Gothic Quarter!

Get lost in the streets – Alongside taking in the views of Barcelona from afar via walking to Barceloneta Beach, I also enjoyed getting lost in the streets! I CANNOT attest enough that getting lost in the streets is such a GREAT way to get to know a city and its charm in a less stressful manner. Through getting lost in the streets of Barcelona, specifically within the Gothic Quarter nearby our hotel and by walking to/from La Sagrada Familia, I truly got to know and see Barcelona and many of its neighborhoods. I stumbled upon several unique local shops, cafes, bars, and beautiful buildings!

Visit the Barcelona Cathedral – Located in the heart of Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter, this Barcelona Cathedral is home to the seat of the Archbishop of Barcelona. It was constructed between the 13th-15th centuries. Alongside admiring the interior gothic architecture, visitors can climb to the top of the cathedral to take in the scenic skyline views. At the same time, I highly recommend checking out the outdoor courtyard in the center of the cathedral to see … ducks!!! Tickets can be reserved onsite or in-advance via GetYourGuide.

Wonder around Park Güell – Built and designed by Antoni Gaudi just like La Sagrada Familia and Casa Batlló, Park Güell is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its captivating architecture and stunning skyline views. Shivani and I LOVED strolling throughout Park Güell and taking in the city of Barcelona from up above as well as admiring the unique architecture and local flora, whether it be palm trees of beautiful blooming flowers. While a bit of a hike (about a 30 minute taxi ride from our hotel in La Rambla) from the rest of the city, Park Güell overlooks the beautiful Barcelona from mountains to the Mediterranean Sea. Truly, Park Güell was worth a visit!

Note: Tickets are to be purchased in order to visit and walk throughout Park Güell. We purchased ours via GetYourGuide. A security checkpoint is required for all admitted visitors upon entrance to the park. There is also a designated taxi pick-up/drop-off point, given its location within Barcelona. 

Shop at the local boutiques – Right by Hotel 1898 aka our home in Barcelona nearby the Gothic Quarter, we had the opportunity to check out several local boutiques. My favorite of those boutiques was Bolsos Bella – a Barcelona-based handbag boutique selling beautiful Italian handbags that currently ships internationally! I bought TWO handbags from Bolsos Bella and the ladies who work there are LOVELY. I also shopped and/or browsed at Soruka aka a sustainable leather handbags and goods shop, Charly Therapy aka an adorable sunglasses boutique, and Kathe Wohlfahrt aka the CUTEST and MERRIEST Christmas shop. Needless to say, while in Barcelona, I LOVED getting to shop and support local!!

Where To Eat:

Buenas Migas – A bakery located a block away from my hotel in the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, I popped into Buenas Migas for a coffee and delicious tomatoes + toast. I opted to sit outside in the courtyard that this lovely cafe calls its home and had a wonderful time. Needless to say, not only did my breakfast hit the spot, but the scenic views and people watching opportunities did as well!

Bilbao Berria – Serving great cocktails and Catalonian meat and fish delights, I enjoyed one of THE BEST meals that I’ve had throughout my 2 week European adventure at Bilbao Berria! I had a swordfish and potatoes and it was AMAZING! To this *very* day, I fondly dream about eating that meal again.

Bar Centric Raval – Upon getting lost in the Gothic Quarter streets as I did practically daily while in Barcelona, I came across Bar Centric Raval and decided to pop in for some local Catalonian wine! With some help from the ultra-kind bartender, I opted for one of the house red wines and it did not disappoint (alongside the bar’s intimate yet opulent setting!).

Restaurant Nuria – Early on in our in time Barcelona, Shivani solo dined at Restaurant Nuria and had an excellent experience. SO, we decided to be ladies who lunch at Restaurant Nuria after our morning strolls at Park Güell. We ended up having the same wonderful waitress that Shivani initially had and enjoyed a delicious wine and lunch together!

Bristol Cafe – During my walk from La Sagrada Familia back to the hotel, I stopped by Bristol Cafe for a delicious quick lunch and glass of wine. What caught my eye about Bristol Cafe was the ADORABLE Tiffany Blue exterior and interiors as well as the bistro chairs. Definitely worth a stop and pick-me-up!!

Wrap-Up:

Barcelona is a very distinct city when compared to Madrid, despite them both being cities within Spain. Like Madrid, I learned SO much culturally about Barcelona, Catalonia, and Spain as a whole. Barcelona is such a unique city that has something much for all of its visitors to learn about and grow from learning. I LOVED the people that we met, both from near and far, via coming together during our 3 days in Barcelona, Spain. Truly, I feel oh so grateful for our time in Barcelona and hop to visit again someday!!

And, as always, if you have any questions/concerns about planning your own 3 days2 in Barcelona, Spain, do not hesitate to reach out to me via email at Katefrancesthompson@gmail.com.

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee3 Comments

Old Farm Winery at Hartland Review

It has been a year in the works of making a visit to this magnificent winery happen! Recently, as shared over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I *finally* made it to visit Old Farm Winery at Hartland with my dear friends Stephanie and Ashley. While at Old Farm Winery at Hartland, I had an incredible time tasting some of their many great wines, learning more about the winery’s history and heritage, and getting to know the lovely people who work there.

Please note that this content is apart of my exploring the Washington, DC area series. For more information on planning your own trip to Washington DC (here), Northern Virginia (here), the Virginia Wine Country (here), Maryland (here), and beyond (here), please use the corresponding links for some recommendations and inspiration.

While there, we had the opportunity to use my Reserve Pass – a Wine Pass app that gives pass holders varying discounts at participating wineries across the state of Virginia and *even* beyond. It’s geographical interface allows wine lovers to locate wineries near them and get the best deals *literally* at their fingertips. At Old Farm Winery, we were able to enjoy BOGO on glasses of wine! If you’re like me and you LOVE visiting local wineries, then you must check out Reserve Pass and get your own today, which I write about more in-depth about the specifics of here. If you’re interested in purchasing a Reserve Pass to save on your winery and vineyard visits, then use my discount code “ktloveswine” for 50% off your Reserve Pass today! Purchase here!!

Getting There:

Located in Aldie, Virginia on Fleetwood Road off of Little River Turnpike, Old Farm Winery at Hartland is within less than an hour’s reach by car from Washington, DC as well as nearby Arlington, Virginia and Alexandria, Virginia. Old Farm Winery at Hartland is right on the Fairfax County-Loudoun County borders, making it easily accessible from parts of both counties. From my home basis in Fairfax County, it took me about 30 minutes of driving to get there! If coming from Metro, Ashburn Metro Station on the Silver Line is about a 15 minute drive away and an easy Uber ride.

Address: 23583 Fleetwood Rd, Aldie, VA 20105

About Old Farm Winery at Hartland + Plan Your Visit:

Old Farm Winery at Hartland opened its doors to the public on November 6, 2021. It is the sister winery to the Centreville, Virginia’s The Winery at Bull Run (read my experiences there here). This winery’s home is on 35 acres of 18th century farmland in the heart of hunting country in what used to be the Fairfax Hunting Club (from ~1960s-1990s/early 2000s) where fox hunting took place. When talking with Aurora who works at Old Farm Winery, she told us that one of the winery’s fellow staff members used to hunt at Fairfax Hunting Club and rode horses with former President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jackie Kennedy! HOW COOL is that?!?! Currently, Old Farm Winery has operates in a resorted 19th century farmhouse and barn and also has an outdoor bar and vast outdoor seating area.

Old Farm Winery has PLENTY of offerings for you to enjoy upon planning your visit! These offerings include:

  • Self-Guided and Guided Tastings for $18/person, including 6 unique wines (see more below on each wine below!), as well as Private Tastings for $25/person. See more here!
  • Glasses and bottles of wine (price varies/wine)
  • A food menu
  • An Events Calendar filled with fun events, ranging from live music to ticketed events such as food and wine pairings to comedy shows. See more here!
  • Tour of the Grounds & Tasting which happens rain or shine. Reserve your tour here!

It is worth noting that Old Farm Winery accepts both reservations and walk-in’s. Reservations for wine tastings are not required for groups of 8 or less people. For groups of 9 or more people, reservations are suggested for wine tastings via a Private Group Tasting (see more above!). It is also worth noting that dogs are allowed on-leash outside. Crowds are hit or miss, depending on the day and time that you visit, as the staff say that it can be unpredictable given the day’s weather conditions. Be sure to check Old Farm’s hours as you plan your visit, too, as well as their social media channels for any exciting events going on. We opted to walk-in and it was worked out beautifully!!

Plan YOUR visit today!!

Note: While there, don’t forget to snap a photo and check out the iconic Old Farm Winery at Hartland red truck!!

My Experience:

Immediately upon entering the refurbished 19th century farmhouse where we happened to spend most of our time on a windy Sunday afternoon, we were greeted by the incredible people who work there. We enjoyed a lovely tasting and history lesson from Aurora (who also graciously snapped some photos of us that are in this blog post!!) as well as learned some fun facts about Old Farm Winery from Scott. While Ashley and I waited for Stephanie, we each enjoyed a glass of wine and snapped some photos (thanks again, Aurora!) and admired the beautiful winery’s grounds. Once Stephanie arrived, the tasting began!! Aurora graciously guided us through our tasting where we got to try 6 of Old Farm’s unique wines, including:

  • 2020 Chardonnay – 100% Chardonnay
  • 2021 Viognier – 100% Viognier
  • 2021 Tally-Ho – 67% Vidal Blanc, 18% Traminette, 12% Seyval Blanc, 2% Riesling, 1% Chardonnay
  • 2020 Cabernet-Franc – 100% Cabernet Franc
  • 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon – 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  • 2020 Heritage – 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 15% Malbec, 10% Petit Verdot, 10% Cabernet Franc

**For more information beyond each wine’s varietal, including residual sugar, aging, tasting notes, pairing recommendations, and tasting notes, then plan your visit at Old Farm Winery at Hartland and earn discounts via purchasing your Reserve Pass for 50% off with discount code “ktloveswine” today! 

During our guided tasting, a few fun facts were learned! We learned that the Viognier is a unique white wine to Virginia with grapes brought over and re-homed to the Old Dominion State from France when their environment was going through tough environmental times centuries ago. Anddd, the 2021 Tally-Ho is Old Farm Winery at Hartland’s unique signature white wine, playing homage to its heritage as a fox hunting club. Whenever somebody would catch a fox, they would use the command “Tally-Ho”. And, hence the Tally-Ho wine was uniquely blended and made to honor the grounds’ fox hunting history and legacy. Last but not least, we learned that how a glass of wine tastes year after year is determined by the weather conditions and how it in return affects the vineyards’ grapes. HOW COOL!

Wrap-Up:

Through it all, I LOVED our experience at Old Farm Winery at Hartland! From learning about the roots of the Viognier wine as a unique Virginia wine to how the local climate affects how our wine tastes to the winery’s heritage as a fox hunting club, I truly left Old Farm Winery feeling so much gratitude and excited to go back. I plan to book a tour and tasting of the grounds and bring my Papa who’s a deer (and fox!) hunter and has been since the 1960s in Northern Virginia as well as my dog Rosie. Old Farm Winery truly has a special meaning and serves as a historical place for us all to enjoy today.

A special thank you to Reserve Pass and Old Farm Winery at Hartland for coordinating my visit and sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

Madrid, Spain Travel Guide

After years of trying to plan a bestie trip, my college best friend Shivani and I *finally* made it happen!!! My most recent European trip was an 8-day getaway to Dublin, Ireland (here), and I am SO glad I got to do a trip across the Atlantic with one of my favorite people. We ended up doing a 2 week long European adventure throughout Spain and Portugal via Barcelona, Porto, and Lisbon, spending approximately 3 days (or 72 hours!) in each city that we went to (see what I wore over those 2 weeks here!). Over the next month, I will be sharing my itinerary and recap from each city that we went to in Spain and Portugal. The first stop on our journey that I’m sharing about with y’all today is … 3 days in Madrid, Spain!

Upon landing for our 3 days in Madrid, Spain, I was *in awe* at the unique and gorgeous landscapes from the sky to touchdown. Madrid and Spain as a whole, indeed, has a distinct landscape that I hadn’t seen until visiting! And, that gorgeous landing into Spain made me SOOOO excited for our time in Madrid! While short-lived, it was one for the books and I am grateful to have visited.

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

Madrid, Spain Travel Guide

Getting There:

Madrid-Barajas Airport (MAD) is the biggest flight hub in all of Spain. From my home base of Washington, DC, I had two airline options out of Dulles International Airport (IAD) around the same cost round-trip: take a connecting flight on United Airlines or a direct flight on Iberian Airlines. Given my ongoing loyalty with United Airlines and MileagePlus membership status and Mom’s and Step Dad’s horror stories flying Iberian Airlines on their Spain trip in Winter 2022, I opted to use my United Airlines loyalty and gain more miles and take a connecting flight to Madrid. My choice to fly United was NOT a regret of mine either, as I had peace of mind the entire trip that my luggage would successfully make it to Madrid as well as myself, unlike some of the stories I’ve heard on Instagram and TikTok regarding Iberian Airlines alongside my own family members’ stories. At the end of the day, I am glad I flew United and was able to gain more Miles as a MileagePlus member, too!

As for my connecting flight to Madrid from Washington, DC, I flew first to Brussels Airport (BRU) and went through customs upon arrival and transferring terminals my next flight’s gate. My next flight was on Brussels Airlines, which is apart of the Star Alliance alongside United Airlines. Funny enough, I didn’t realize that I had to check in for my connecting flight to Madrid on Brussels Airlines NOT on the United Airlines app, although I booked my trip through that, until I landed in Brussels – WHOOPS! Immediately upon landing in Brussels, I downloaded the Brussels Airlines app, checked into my flight, and was on my merry way to Madrid upon boarding my flight.

Where To Stay:

We LOVED our home away from home for 72 hours in Madrid, Spain!! We stayed at Motel One Plaza de España (C. del Tutor, 1, Moncloa – Aravaca) – a design hotel in the heart of Madrid. I book ALL of my hotel stays through *none other than* Booking.com! Honestly, upon a search on Booking.com in Madrid on my dates there, I look at the hotels whose vibes *yes, vibes!* I like the best within my budget and book accordingly. For Madrid, I ended up LOVING Motel One Plaza de España‘s vibes THE BEST online and I loved them EVEN MORE once I arrived! Upon arrival, check-in was at the hotel bar, which is already a win in my book (!!!!) and my room was ready a few hours early, which was AMAZING for my exhausted and 12+ hours of traveling-self. The rooms are beautiful and we had a nice street-view room to overlook the gorgeous narrow streets of Madrid. Shivani and I ended up enjoying daily breakfast and evening drinks at the hotel lobby (by way of the front desk bar!!) and chatted with the ultra-kind staff each morning and evening. The staff are ultra-kind and made our stay at Motel One Plaza de España one for the books! I also write a whole hotel review + guide here.

What To Do:

For many activities and things to do for 72 hours in Madrid, Spain, I highly recommend checking out and downloading GetYourGuide for booking and reserving activities. It is suggested that you reserve most activities in advance, especially when traveling during peak season and busy times during the day to guarantee that you get to go.

Shop, stroll, and sightsee at Plaza de España – Marking the end of Gran Via (Madrid’s iconic shopping street), Plaza de España is a popular square with a statue of Don Quixote and beautiful Spanish architecture. Shivani and I would shop and browse at the Zara and Mango located on Plaza de España and stroll here many times during our time in Madrid, given its close proximity to our hotel. Plaza de España is also conveniently located in the heart of downtown Madrid, Spain and a lovely place to visit when in Spain’s capital city!

Visit the Royal Palace of Madrid – The Royal Palace of Madrid is the official residence of the Spanish Royal Family in the city of Madrid, even though it’s currently now only used for state ceremonies. In Europe, the Royal Palace of Madrid is the largest royal palace with over 135,000 square meters and 3,418 rooms. Shivani and I were in AWE at how magnificent and beautiful the Royal Palace of Madrid is! From the gorgeously opulent state rooms to the elegant hallways and staircases, the Royal Palace of Madrid is totally worth a visit!! Check out my full guide on visiting the Royal Palace of Madrid here.

Note: It takes about 1.5-2 hours to tour the Royal Palace of Madrid on a self-guided tour which we opted to do. It is also worth noting that tickets must be purchased to visit the Royal Palace of Madrid either via walk-in or in advance (which I recommend doing!). Advanced reservation tickets can be purchased on GetYourGuide for under $20/person!

See a Live Flamenco show – Shivani ended up booking us a Live Flamenco Show with food/drink options via GetYourGuide. We opted for tickets with a complimentary drink: Sangria! The Flamenco show was hosted on the lower level of Tablao Torres Bermejas in a BEAUTIFULLY tile-lined lounge. The sangria was amazing alongside the talent of the Flamenco dancers and live musicians. And, we *also* made friends in line and while waiting for the performance to start!

Visit the Cerralbo Museum – One of the National Museums of Spain that is also attached to the Ministry of Culture, the Cerralbo Museum is an art museum in the heart of Madrid that was a former 19th century mansion. It houses the vast artworks and antiques of Enrique de Aguilera y Gamboa, Marquis of Cerrablo. Today, people from all across the world flock to see these beautiful collections, from the magnificent artworks and hallways to the vast staircase of sheer elegance.

Note: The Cerralbo Museum offers free admission 5-8pm on Thursdays and all day Sundays. Free admission is on a first come, first served basis and visitors line up early. Shivani and I opted to do the free admission on Sundays and got in line around 10am on Sunday and waited for 2+ hours, as the museum is crowd-controlled (which I love and respect so much!!). It was definitely worth the wait, but be prepared to wait for a couple of hours, if you opt to do the free admission. However, if you choose to visit beyond free admission hours, admission is, I believe, around 3 Euros/person.

Climb to the top of the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena – The Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena was recommended to us by a fellow Washington, DC area-based visitor we met while watching the Flamenco Show and it was SOOO worth it!! Located adjacent to the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena is a less crowded with tourists (well compared to the Royal Palace!) place to visit, learn about the Catholic diocese in Spain and specifically in Madrid via an exhibit, and climb to the top of to take in ALL of the Madrid skyline views! It is a Catholic cathedral in Madrid home to the seat of the Archdiocese of Madrid. Admission at the door was around 8 Euros/person and well worth it *even* for the skyline views alone!

Shop on La Gran Via – As previously mentioned up above, La Gran Via is the main shopping street in Madrid. To me, La Gran Via also gives off the vibes of Times Square Spain edition in a much more elegant and less chaotic way! Shivani and I spent a few afternoons and evenings shopping and dining on La Gran Via. Shops that we checked out included H&M, Zara (besides the location we frequented on Plaza de España), and Primark. We also checked out a bookstore whose name I forget that carries primarily books in Spanish, which was SUCH A UNIQUE experience (!!!).

Explore the colorful streets – Madrid, Spain is home to several beautiful and magical colorful streets! One of my biggest pieces of advice for traveling is just to find the opportunity to get lost in the streets. And, Madrid has NO shortage of unique colorful streets to enjoy. Don’t forget to bring your camera/phone to snap some photos!

Next Time: Visit the Prado Museum – Although we didn’t make it to the Prado Museum this time around, it remained (and still does) high on my Madrid bucket list! Situated in the heart of Madrid, the Prado Museum is the National Art Museum of Spain, housing intricate masterpieces from Spanish and European artists.

Where To Dine:

Before I get into where to dine in Madrid, I wanted to share *just* a few observations about dining in Madrid! 1 – dining in Madrid overall is much cheaper than dining in the United States. For the two of us, dinner (including drinks, appetizers, and entrees) costed us under $50. As for the ingredients within the food, it is MUCH fresher than in the United States due to stricter food and drug regulations. Needless to say, a win, win!!

La Tasca de Ventura (C. de Ventura Rodríguez, 9, Moncloa – Aravaca) – Just a block away from my home away from home in Madrid aka Motel One Plaza de España, La Tasca de Ventura is a delicious tapas and wine bar. I ended up going here twice – once solo and once with Shivani. Both times, I ordered the lovely house wine and a variation of octopus and each time was PHENOMENAL!

La Toscana (Gran Vía, 59, Centro) – Located on La Gran Via, Shivani and I stopped into La Toscana for dinner as we were tired from the crowds on the streets – LOLLL! We were, indeed, in for a treat!! La Toscana is an Italian restaurant ANDDD the pastas and garlic bread (which we ordered both by the way!) were delicious.

La Carmen Cerveceria-Taperia (C. Mayor, 88, Centro) – Just across the street from the Royal Palace of Madrid and the Catedral de Santa Maria la Real de la Almudena, La Carmen Cerveceria-Taperia was a much-needed and devoured spot for lunch! I ended up ordering lamb shoulder + fries and a glass of red wine and would come back again for more!!

Tapa Tapa (multiple locations) – A tapas restaurant with multiple locations around Madrid, Tapa Tapa blew us AWAY and kept us coming back not once but twice! The tapas at Tapa Tapa are easily shareable or small enough for a light meal on your own.

Espresso Americano (C. de Preciados, 33, Centro) – We ended up stopping at Espresso Americano via getting lost in the streets off of La Gran Via for coffee and it was a lovely pick-me-up on a Monday afternoon filled with walking!!

Wrap-Up:

Truly, I had an incredible time getting to spend 72 hours in Madrid, Spain and hope to go back someday and spend more time museum hopping and getting lost in the city’s beautiful streets. Shivani and I had an incredible time and hope to visit again *very soon*. But for now, if you have any questions/concerns about visiting Madrid, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me via email at Katefrancesthompson@gmail.com. Cheers!!

XOXO – Katie <3

thepinkchickadee3 Comments