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

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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

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5 Stylish + Comfortable Flats For Travel

It is Summer 2018 and you are about to board a plane to spend the next two months studying abroad in Europe ANDDDD you packed the WRONG shoes. Yep, that was ME for TWO WHOLE MONTHS in Europe. I had the WRONG shoes with me for walking 10,000+ steps a day across Europe. I remember during those long walking days feeling a lot of pain and annoyance and discomfort within my feet. At that time, I wasn’t aware of any stylish and comfortable flats for travel. However, flash forward to 2025, and I am in a VERY different place when it comes to traveling and the shoes that I wear! These days, I feel LOTS of comfort and a LOT less complaining when it comes to my feet. I am *very much* grateful to have found the right stylish and comfortable flats for travel for ME!

Me in Italy in Summer 2018 wearing the WRONG shoes!

From Ireland to Manhattan to Hawaii to Toronto to make own backyard in the Washington, DC area and everywhere in between, I ALWAYS want to dress stylishly when I travel! I have found myself opting for stylish flats on my travel days, but also wanting the comfort that I find and value in my Sherpa-lined slippers that I wear around the house. Over the years, I have found myself very fortunate to both collaborate with and discover some incredible footwear brands that focus on stylish and comfortable flats for travel – many of which also focus on ethical and sustainability within their craftsmanship. Here, I will be sharing my *very* favorite stylish and comfortable flats for travel (and also long work days, nights on the town, concerts, walks, and more!).

*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 preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

5 Stylish + Comfortable Flats For Travel

1 – All Birds

Out of ALL of the places that I found a pair of All Birds ballet flats, it was at the thrift store!!! And, to my surprise, the pair of All Birds ballet flats that I thrifted felt brand-new and immediately as if I was wearing slippers out in public when in reality they’re a pair of stylish flats. All Birds prides itself on making beautifully comfortable, stylish, and sustainable ballet flats aka a win in ALL avenues!

Shop All Birds flats here!

2 – Sketchers

As a kid, I remember wearing the Velcro strap-on sneakers from Sketchers in a rainbow of colors – LOLLL! These days, Sketchers truly has it all. From ballet flats to slip on’s to sneakers and everything else in between, Sketchers is truly a brand that sells a stylish and comfortable flat shoe for everybody. On my recent trip to Spain and Portugal, I regularly styled my hot pink slip on’s and am grateful that I did! I got SEVERAL compliments on my Sketchers shoes and felt oh so great (and comfortable!) wearing them, too.

Shop Sketchers flats here!

3 – VIVAIA

From long work days on your feet to dancing at the club and in the streets, VIVAIA flats are truly the shoe to do it ALL in! In 2022, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with VIVAIA (here) and to this very day still LOVE and regularly wear my ballet flats from that collaboration! VIVAIA takes a sustainable and ethical approach to the craftsmanship for all of their gorgeous and comfortable shoes. Truly, these ballet flats will be a staple in your closet for years to come!

Shop VIVAIA flats here!

4 – New Bella

An emerging footwear brand, New Bella is a stylish and comfortable premium shoe brand. Like with VIVAIA, I had the amazing opportunity to collaborate with New Bella over on Instagram (see my first blog post styling them here!) and still regularly style and wear my New Bella ballet flats to this *very* day! From the cobblestone streets of Dublin to the several blocks’ walks on the streets of Manhattan to the uphill trails in Portugal, my New Bella flats have truly seen it all in comfort and style!

Shop New Bella flats here!

5 – Puma

Before a trip to Winners (aka TJ Maxx/Marshalls in Canada!) while in Toronto last November for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, I learned that Puma *yes, the sportswear brand* sells ballet flats! I ended up picking up a pair of Puma ballet flats while out and shopping in Toronto and did not regret doing so! My precious pair of Puma ballet flats allowed my comfort to persist throughout the entire concert!! These flats are also super stylish and comfortable and lightweight, too – perfect for work, happy hours, concerts, and more!

Shop Puma flats here!

Wrap-Up

Wherever you may be on your stylish and comfortable flats for travel journey, just know that you WILL get to a point where you will feel less pain and more comfort. It takes time to find the right shoes for YOU. Even if that means enduring and surviving an entire Summer of painful feet in the wrong shoes in Europe, you WILL get there. I encourage you to check out the 5 stylish and comfortable flats for travel mentioned in this blog post. And, always, please feel free to reach out to me Katefrancesthompson@gmail.com with any questions or concerns you may have!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Planning A Day Trip From Honoulu to Maui?! Read This First!

***Please note that this Planning A Day Trip From Honoulu to Maui?! Read This First! guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This guide was most recently updated as of May 2026.***

As we were planning our Hawaii trip in 2024, Bryn and I knew that we wanted to see a volcano. Most of our time was spent at our home base at our incredible friend and host Maxwell’s apartment in Honolulu (here) and all around the island of Oahu (here). However, there are no volcanos on the island of Oahu. SO, with Maxwell’s amazing guidance and advice that we island hop while in the Aloha State, we decided to take a day trip to Maui to see 1 of the 2 volcanos that call it home without having to pay the hefty costs of staying at a hotel. And while 1 day may not be a long time to truly get to know and fully explore the island of Maui, it truly was a good amount of time to visit and have some memorable adventures!

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

Planning A Day Trip From Honoulu to Maui?! Read This First!

You may be wondering is a day trip from Honolulu to Maui enough time to visit the island?!?! Within the 1 day that we had in Maui, we were able to do a variety of different activities, including: visiting a lavender farm on the side of a volcano, the adorable downtown of Paia, a portion of the Road to Hana, the stunning Maui beaches, and *of course* a volcano. So, needless to say, I think that 1 day in Maui is a great and more cost-effective option to island hop from Honolulu or another Hawaiian island if you want to visit a few points of interest without committing to staying for long (or to a potentially hefty hotel stay). Over on Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been following a fellow Washington, DC-based content creator that I adore named Maddie (go support her @onthemovewithmad) who does day trips to/from Washington, DC all the time. And, needless to say, I am SO happy to have done my own and have her in mind as a reference of how to do so!

Table of Contents

Getting There (To/From Honolulu)

Getting Around Maui

What To Do

Getting There (To/From Honolulu)

The only way to really island hop is to fly. Hawaii used to have a ferry service between the islands, however, the ferry service is no longer in use. Both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines offer flights to/from Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye Airport (HNL) and Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) multiple times a day for under $200 round trip depending on the time and season that you book. If I recall, I paid ~$150 for my round trip flight ticket about 2-3 weeks out. However, the sooner you book your ticket, the cheaper your flight will be! It is also worth mentioning that if you are a loyal Delta or United member, you can redeem your miles to book your flight on Hawaiian Airlines if you choose to. The one-way flight was approximately 30-45 minutes from boarding to leaving the plane. By far, the flight to/from Honolulu and Maui is the quickest flight I’ve ever been on!!

I will also note that both Daniel K. Inouye and Kahului Airports are extremely unique and add to the utter Hawaiian charm and culture. Daniel K. Inouye Airport has a … garden with coy fish ponds as well as a hallway lined with children’s artwork from local Hawaiian schools. Kahului Airport has a beautiful old school trolley train system to take travelers to different parts of the airport, all while surrounded by palm trees and beautiful farmlands. Never in the mainland United States have I EVER been in awe of how neat and unique airports are than in Hawaii!

Getting Around Maui

The best way to get around for 12 hours in Maui is to rent a car. However, I would suggest having somebody with you (thanks to Maxwell on this one!) who is comfortable driving the unique Hawaiian roads, as they are very different than the roads on the mainland United States. Maui’s roads are pretty windy and unlike any I’ve ever seen before. We opted to rent a car upon arrival at the airport and I decided to go with the cheapest service that I found at the airport and split the cost between the three of us. Enterprise ended up being the cheapest option, so we went with that. My biggest piece of advice is to do your research on the best value options that make the most sense for you and your crew rental car-wise and to budget accordingly for gas, as it’s not cheap in Hawaii.

If you aren’t open to the idea of driving around Maui, I would look into tour groups across the island or day resort passes to a nearby resort and Uber to/from there.

What To Do

Drive to the top of Haleakala Volcano (at Haleakala National Park) – As for our MAIN reason besides *of course* visiting the island of Maui to see another island beyond Oahu was to see a volcano. Haleakala Volcano is currently a dormant volcano with beautiful outlooks along the way up Crater Road to get to the top of it. Crater Road is a steep road and the ecosystems around the further we drove up it changed as the altitude did. One of the most important and biggest draws of Haleakala National Park is the preservation of its volcanic landscapes and protection of unique ecosystems. While I was a bit nervous going up the volcano via Crater Road, I am SO glad I did and got out of my comfort zone to see such a beautiful and unique place in our world!

Grab a locally brewed beer and delicious eats at Paia Fish Market Restaurant in downtown Paia – Paia is a census-designated place in the northern part of Maui, While we didn’t spend a ton of time in downtown Paia, I fondly remember my time there briefly strolling the adorable local shops, charming art galleries, and colorful streets. Honestly, our biggest draw to Paia was getting lunch – LOLLL! We ended up going to Paia Fish Market which was a HIGH for me, as I got to try locally Hawaiian brewed beer and delicious locally sourced fish (specifically what I ordered I cannot remember though – whoops!). Paia Fish Market is a popular spot in downtown Paia, as the line was out the door when we arrived (it went by quick, though!) and was well worth the wait!! If I had more time in Maui, Paia would be on my list to spend more time in.

Admire the mystical gardens at Ali’i Kula Lavender – Located on the foothills of the Haleakala Volcano, Ali’i Kula Lavender is a mystical sprawling property with stunning gardens and scenic views and a lavender market selling over 45 varieties of lavender. Admission is $5/person (free for kids 12 and under and additional discounts for those eligible) with additional items for purchase within the market. From hydrangeas to palm trees to stunning sculptures and everything in between, the stunning gardens are nothing short of magical and gush-worthy. Truly, the gardens showcase and preserve the unique beauty and diversity of flora in Maui’s ecosystem. At the same time, the lavender market is AMAZING and has ultra-kind staff, too! Be sure to try some of the complimentary lavender lemonade and sweet treats while there!!

Drive and sightsee along the Road to Hana – While our 12 hours in Maui was a mega high for me as a whole, the biggest high for me was getting to do some sightseeing on the Road to Hana. Known for its one lane bridges (a unique experience in itself to drive through – thanks Maxwell!!), waterfalls, rainforests, and beautiful ocean views, the Road to Hana connects Maui’s Kahului to Hana via Highways 36 and 360. While it typically takes an entire day for the drive to Hana which we didn’t do this time around, I am extremely grateful that we did part of the Road to Hana! Our experience on the Road to Hana gave me a peak into what Hawaiian life specifically in Maui was like, especially before Hawaii became apart of the United States. Hawaiian life and culture is a beautiful and unique culture and each island has its own distinct lifestyle and culture, too. The Road to Hana gave me a peak into what Hawaiian life is like in Maui and I am SOOO grateful for that experience! Some of our highlights on the Road to Hana included: visiting a black sand beach, driving through the rainforest, and seeing the sea turtles at a distance.

Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here). Please note that all photos were shot and taken with federal guidelines in mind.

Seeing the Sea Turtles:

Black Sand Beach:

Grab local Hawaiian specialties + snacks at Target – Immediately after landing in Kahului, we headed to Target to grab some local Hawaiian specialties and snacks for the day. The Target in Kahului just about a mile or two from the Kahului Airport making it an easy place to grab some necessities for the day. While at Target we grabbed local Hawaiian specialties, including gummy candy and locally made coffee grounds. Such a cool experience and I highly recommend before or after your sightseeing in Maui hitting up this Target for a cool experience and opportunity to grab some local delights to bring back home.

Wrap-Up

Each Hawaiian island has its own special flair and I am grateful, thankful, and blessed to have visited Maui, *even* if it was for 12 hours! Maui is an amazing island with a unique history, culture, and ecosystem. Maui truly taught me and showed me the true Hawaiian lifestyle, which was such a privilege to even get a peak into seeing. Indeed, our 12 hours in Maui, Hawaii were unforgettable and so special!

Mahalo, Maui!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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7 Places To Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

Thanks to our incredible host Maxwell, Bryn and I had the amazing opportunity and privilege of seeing the majority of the Hawaiian island Oahu via our 7 days in Honolulu (here). Oahu is the home of Honolulu – Hawaii’s capital and its biggest metropolitan city and business district – as well as several beautiful beaches and unique terrain and flora and fauna. Maxwell graciously drove us around Oahu, showing us ALLL of the beautiful beaches from the North Shore to the West Shore to the Lower East Side and everywhere in between. I feel extremely fortunate to have been able to see so much of one of the many islands in the state of Hawaii, as every island is unique and has its own distinct culture and history (and also within different parts of the islands including Oahu, too). We also spent a gorgeous day on the island of Maui (here). In this post, I will be sharing seven places to visit around Oahu, Hawaii.

While we visited different places around Oahu, Hawaii with Maxwell, if you plan to visit Honolulu and want to sightsee beyond the city, I would highly recommend renting a car. After riding as a passenger amongst the highways of Oahu, I would recommend renting a car and being prepared for a different driving environment than you’re used to back in what locals to Hawaii call the mainland United States. The driving there is a bit stressful and something to prepare for and be ready for. Be prepared and ready for a change driving-wise!

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

7 Places to Visit in Oahu, Hawaii

1 – Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout (Nu’uanu Pali Drive, Kaneohe)

To kick off our time sightseeing around Oahu, Hawaii, Maxwell took us to hike the Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout. Offering panoramic views of Oahu’s Windward Coast, Nu’uanu Pali Scenic Lookout truly takes your breath away and was a lovely introduction to the beauty that Hawaii has to offer! While a brief and easy hike that I did in a dress and sandals, the hike was definitely worth it for the incredible views and being immersed into Hawaii’s local environment view the local flora allll around you. We ran into locals and tourists alike while hiking which made for a fun kickoff to sightseeing around Oahu. As a so-called “Hollywood hiker,” I would do it again any day!

2 – Kualoa Regional Park (49-479 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kaneohe)

Having a public access beach and regional park for all to enjoy, I first touched the Pacific Ocean at the beaches at Kualoa Regional Park! One of the unique things that I learned while visiting was that the locals enjoy their cooking out at the public and private beaches within their communities as a way to come together. We saw kids playing, families simply being together, and meals being enjoyed while at our Kualoa Regional Park stop – truly a beautiful thing. Besides learning about one of the beautiful aspects of Hawaiian life and culture on Oahu, Bryn and Maxwell and I enjoyed taking in the beautiful beachfront views and terrain behind us. Indeed, Kualoa Regional Park offers BREATHTAKING views at every corner!

3 – Turtle Bay Resort (57-091 Kamehameha Regional Highway, Kahuku)

Situated alongside Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort: a Ritz Carlton Resort is a beautiful place to stop for a refreshment as a part of your Oahu adventures! We grabbed cocktails at the resort’s onsite Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill and had the best service (the staff are ultra-kind!) and stunning oceanfront views. Alongside a variety of cocktails and drinks, Lei Lei’s Bar and Grill also offers lunch and dinner items alongside small bites and is open to all guests, including those stopping in and not staying at the resort.

4 – Beaches on Turtle Bay

Right by the Turtle Bay Resort whether onsite or nearby, there are beautiful public access beaches on Oahu’s Turtle Bay situated on the North Shore. When we went it was super peaceful and the water was crystal clear and indeed a dream come true to be at! We all swam in the water and simply enjoyed the beautiful moments!!

Note: While you can (we did!) see sea turtles swimming around at the beaches alongside Turtle Bay, it is important to keep your 10 feet distance from them at all times, according to federal guidelines as stated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (here).

5 – Beaches on the West Shore

Oahu’s North Shore isn’t the ONLY place to see beautiful beaches on the island. Oahu’s West Shore also has some breathtaking beaches to visit, too! A fun fact is that Disney’s Resort Aulani is located on Oahu’s West Shore about an hour away from downtown Honolulu. We stopped at a beautiful beach overlooking terrain and *even* having a cave that the waves would crash into – which was super cool and crazy to see!! The terrain on Oahu’s West Shore is unique and distinguishes itself from Oahu’s North Shore terrain which is also unique in itself. Visiting Oahu’s West Shore taught me the beauty of Hawaii and the differences in life and culture across the island of Oahu.

6 – Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline (8751-9057 Kalanianaʻole Highway, Honolulu)

Even though paved hiking trails are offered at the Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline, we opted to simply stop at a scenic lookout alongside the drive as Bryn and I were to be boarding our flight back home that afternoon. I felt a bit sad as we were leaving Oahu while we visited, but as always, I found myself in awe with the beauty that this scenic shoreline has to offer. Oahu is nothing short of beautiful beaches and getting to see the stunning shoreline views one last time at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline was indeed the icing atop of the cake of an incredible trip!

7 – Manoa Falls

Manoa Falls is a 150-foot waterfall located just outside of downtown Honolulu. Most notably, Manoa Falls is known as a place of healing. I feel very lucky to say that I got to experience Manoa Falls’ healing powers, myself, and am grateful that I got to (more on that here). Manoa Falls is beautiful and I would recommend bringing the proper shoes to hike it as I 10000% did not – LOL!

Wrap-Up

Oahu is a beautiful Hawaiian island filled with several unique beaches and opportunities to learn about Hawaiian life and culture, whether by the shore or not. Through it all, I am so grateful for the memories that we made jamming out to music in Maxwell’s car amongst the sheer beauty of Oahu. Truly grateful!

Mahalo, Oahu!

XOXO – Katie <3

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Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

It may be 10 months after my trip to Dublin, Ireland and I am *finally* getting around to writing my final post here about my first-ever and amazing 8 day solo trip to Ireland. Throughout my 8 days in Ireland, I spent it all in the country’s capital city of Dublin which I chose to make my home base. Dublin holds such a happy place in my heart and I am SOOO excited to share with y’all more about my time there!

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

Dublin, Ireland Travel Guide

Getting There:

To get to Dublin from Washington, DC, there are luckily a few great direct flight options. The major airport in Dublin is Dublin Airport. To my knowledge, both United Airlines and Aer Lingus (an Irish-owned and run airlines!) offer frequent direct flight options out of Washington, DC’s Dulles International Airport (IAD). My dog Rosie’s dog walker is from Ireland and highly recommended Aer Lingus to me, given her experiences, and I was highly impressed! Personally, I loved being on a smaller plane for a Transatlantic flight via Aer Lingus and getting to enjoy Irish flair to/from Ireland. At the same time, the flights offered on Aer Lingus are reasonably priced and offer several flight connection options to/from Dublin, too. Currently, I am on Aer Lingus’s email list and am constantly getting updates on the Irish airline’s sales which I suggest anyone interested in traveling to Ireland signs up for to get the insider scoop on! Alongside Washington, DC, Aer Lingus offers several frequent direct flight options to/from many major United States cities, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Atlanta.

One of the unique aspects of the travel experience in and out of Ireland is that Ireland is one of a few if not the only European country that offers the United States customs in all of their airports in Ireland. Upon arrival at all Irish airports upon departure to the United States, all passengers go through airport security and wait in the duty-free shopping section upon being called via a timed entry given flight times to go through United States customs. All passengers flying to the United States will go through airport security and then United States customs and will be given their gate number once they go through United States customs and can then go to their gate and board their flight across the Atlantic. Indeed, doing United States customs before boarding my flight back to the United States was SO nice and such a stress relief! At the same time, this process gave me more time to relax on the flight home and enjoy time being reunited with those that I love.

Where I Stayed:

While in Ireland, I was initially going to stay in Dublin and Galway, but once I landed in Ireland, I made the executive decision to make Dublin my home base for the entire trip. Hence, I spent 8 days in Dublin, Ireland! That all being said, logistically speaking, I switched hotels a couple of nights into my trip as it made the most sense financially for me to do so. 

In addition to the hotels I stayed at, there are several lodging options within Dublin!


 

Castle Hotel – My first two nights, I stayed at the elegant Castle Hotel. It’s conveniently located just off of one of Dublin’s main streets: O’Connell Street. The Castle Hotel is essentially a grand millennial’s paradise! The hotel’s Georgian-inspired flair offers an interiors filled with antiques galore alongside an onsite The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (more on that below!) as well as a high tea in the afternoons which guests must reserve in advance. Complimentary breakfast (both buffet style and traditional Irish breakfast) is offered to guests each morning. If I were to come back to Dublin, I would recommend you make the Castle Hotel your home the entirety of your trip, given its plethora of offerings and sheer grand millennial elegance!

Hotel St. George by Nina – My second hotel where I stayed for the remainder of my trip was Hotel St. George by Nina. The hotel’s lobby has a truly elegant appeal with an onsite breakfast bar at an additional cost to guests. I had a room with a huge window facing O’Connell Street, which made it a great location to be. Compared to The Castle Hotel, while a nice location and a cheaper price, the amenities weren’t as great and due to its major street location it got pretty loud at night making it tough to fall asleep. That all being said, there are benefits and costs to any hotel!

What I Did (in Dublin):

St. Patrick’s Cathedral – Founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic Cathedral, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a magnificent cathedral, serves as the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. The interiors and exterior alongside the surrounding gardens of this almost-1,000 years’ old cathedral are seriously worth visiting! Visitors can attend a show, worship via a Sermon, or book a ticket to experience and tour the cathedral’s interiors.

Trinity College – With notable alumna such as Samuel Beckett, Oscar Wilde, and Willam Rowan Hamilton, Trinity College is a research university founded in Dublin on March 3, 1592. To this very day, Trinity College is an active college and research institution where students still live and learn and study at. The campus grounds are free to walk and attract tourists from all across the world (alongside its student body and staff and faculty!). One of the most notable attractions visitors can pay to see is the Book of Kells Experience (I write about it more in-depth here). It is worth noting that visitors must reserve their prepaid ticket to the Book of Kells Experience in advance as they do not accept walk-in’s.

Stroll Georgian Row – An activity I was REALLY looking forward to while in Dublin was strolling Georgian Row to see *none other than* the iconic colorful doors of Dublin (!!!!). Georgian houses have the Georgian architecture that is prominent all across Dublin. Georgian Row is the longest stretch of Georgian houses that runs from the corner of Merrion Square all the way to Leeson Street Bridge. Let’s just say that Georgian Row is GREAT for photos and for highlighting the many beautiful and unique doors of Dublin!

Christ Church Cathedral – Christ Church Cathedral was founded circa 1030 in Dublin, Ireland and was formally known as The Cathedral of The Holy Trinity. Almost 1,000 years later, Christ Church Cathedral serves as a magnificent part of Ireland’s heritage and offers visitors the opportunity to tour its grounds, worship via a Sermon, or host their own event. Although I didn’t get a chance to tour this time around, I would definitely add Christ Church Cathedral to the top of my list for my next trip to Dublin!

Dublin Castle – Located on Dublin’s Dame Street, Dublin Castle is an Irish government complex, conference center, and nowadays tourist attraction. Dublin Castle opened its doors in 1204 and still stands today in its original glory. The interiors of Dublin Castle’s exhibits offer a tribute to Ireland’s history, including highlighting its female leadership and remains a grand millennial’s paradise through showcasing gorgeous pristine antiques from centuries’ past. Guests can reserve timed entry tickets in advance.

Stroll St. Stephen’s Green – One of Ireland’s most well-known public parks, St. Stephen’s Green has served as the setting for numerous turbulent times within Ireland’s history. Most notably, St. Stephen’s Green is where the 1916 Easter Monday Rising took place when the Irish Citizen Army attempted to overthrow the then-governing powers of Great Britain. Today, St. Stephen’s Green is a gorgeous park to stroll through to admire local flora and fauna and be reminded of how far the nation of Ireland has come over the centuries.

What I Did (Beyond Dublin):

Throughout my time in Dublin, I used Dublin as a home basis to explore other parts of Ireland. Ireland is actually the size of the state of South Carolina in the United States. Hence, traveling from one end of Ireland and back is pretty doable to do within a day trip’s reach. I am so grateful that my 8 days in Dublin, Ireland offered me the opportunity to visit other parts of the Emerald Isle. Moreover, feel free to check out where else I visited beyond Dublin more in-depth below:

I’ve also compiled a list of car-free day trips to take around Ireland from Dublin.

Where I Dined:

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – Located above its *very own* downstairs bookshop (more on that below!), The Winding Stair overlooks Dublin’s River Liffey and serves delicious eats. The Winding Stair’s menu and bar is small but curated to perfection and was one of my favorite meals during my time in Dublin. Whether or not you choose to dine here and climb up its windy stairs to do so, I highly suggest checking out The Winding Stair Bookshop. I will also note that The Winding Stair is a bit of a splurge even for lunch when I went, however, my meal was SO GOOD I would make sure I dined there on my next trip to Dublin!

Murray’s Bar (33-34 O’Connell Street Upper) – Probably my FAVORITE pub in all of Dublin! Murray’s was coincidentally located just a block away from each hotel I stayed at making it the perfect hangout spot for a delicious Irish meal. Each time, I would *always* order a Guinness and usually some fish n’ chips aka my favorite traditionally Irish (and English!) meal! Typically, I’d pop up a chair right at the gorgeous bar and listen to some live music and talk with fellow visitors and locals, alike. The interiors of Murray’s are stunning and filled with gorgeously stained glass windows. The best part besides LOVING Murray’s and making it my go-to spot?!?! My Uncle James also unknowingly that I did the same thing made his go-to spot Murray’s when he went to Dublin a few months later!

Temple Bar Pub (47-48 Temple Bar) – Known for its live music and rich history as one of the most popular pubs in Dublin, Temple Bar Pub is one of the most famous pubs in all of the Irish capital. Temple Bar Pub is coincidentally located in Dublin’s Temple Bar neighborhood and is truly the heart and soul of it. Here, I had a good time hanging at the bar, enjoying a Guinness, and taking in the fun historic pub known for a good time.

Flanagans Restaurant (61 O’Connell Street Upper) – Given that Flanagan is a family name, I knew I *had* to dine at Flanagans Restaurant when I passed by it on my first night in Ireland. While definitely popular with tourists, I found this restaurant to be highly organized and efficient, however, I would suggest dining elsewhere for better meal quality and lower cost.

Starbucks – College Green (1 College Green) – As a MAJOR Starbucks lover and at least once a week goer, I had to try out a Starbucks while in the Emerald Isle! I fueled up at the Starbucks on College Green, as I was severely combatting jet lag during my first morning in Dublin via stumbling upon it while strolling. I was IN AWE at the huge variety of options to choose from when it came to baked goods, coffee, sandwiches, and more. Not to mention the fact that the ingredients are all well-made and fresher due to Europe’s stricter food chemical regulations. I highly recommend visiting a Starbucks abroad, as it’s truly a taste of home in case you feel home sick and *of course* for the experience! See all Starbucks locations in Dublin here.

The Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant (1-4 Gardiner Row) – Located on the lower level of the Castle Hotel, the Castle Vaults Bar & Restaurant is amazing! The restaurant offers live music during dinner hours alongside a delicious menu. I came here for dinner on my second and final night at the Castle Hotel and would totally dine here every night if I ever come back to Dublin and stay at the Castle Hotel (which would be my first hotel choice!). I was able to chat with several fellow travelers from all across the United States, including somebody also from the Washington, DC area! Truly, that meal was a memorable night alongside the amazing salmon I had!!

Yamamori (38 Ormond Quay Lower) – I stumbled upon Yamamori after a long bus ride from Galway after my day trip to Connemara. Personally, I am a HUGE Asian cuisine fan and was missing Asian cuisine while in Europe, so I was excited to have some abroad! Yamamori truly did not disappoint and seriously brought me so much joy to enjoy after a long day away from Dublin!

Dunne and Crescenzi (14-16 Frederick Street South) – Like many of the restaurants previously mentioned, I *again* stumbled across Dunne and Crescenzi after I was strolling through Dublin’s Georgian Row and got a bit … hangry. Let’s just say that this delicious Italian meal with wine was light and truly hit the spot. The staff here were extremely friendly and the restaurant’s interiors were small yet elegant and transported you to a restaurant in what felt like an urban Italian wine shop.

Restaurant Six (6 Cavendish Row, O’Connell Street Upper) – I knew I wanted to dine at Restaurant Six when I saw its lovely menu outside of the nearby hotel to both of mine: Cassidys Hotel. I ordered a gnocchi and it was AMAZING! The vibes were sheer elegance as well as the meal. Truly a delight and one of my favorites on this trip!

The Church Cafe, Late Bar & Restaurant (Jervis Street, North City) – Located in a former church converted to a restaurant, The Church Cafe is known for its delicious eats, drinks, and live music. I ended up coming here for an espresso martini at the bar, since it was super crowded and tough to get a table and let me tell y’all that it was SO WORTH IT! To be able to dine in a former church like I did in Louisville, Kentucky (here) is such a neat experience while at the same time enjoying live traditional Irish music. What a wonderful experience and place to enjoy a martini!!

Where I Shopped:

Avoca (11-13 Suffolk Street) – Dating back to 1723 as a co-operative weaving mill on the banks of Ireland’s Avoca River, Avoca has since become an Irish-based and Irish-made shop selling clothing, home goods, and several weaved items. I came across Avoca while strolling the shops alongside Dublin’s well-known shopping street – Grafton Street – and fell *in love* with the grand millennial merchandise is all of the windows. I *of course* popped into the storefront and fell in love with ALL that I saw. After internally debating, I ultimately came home with a new pair of Irish-made pajamas that I adore!

The Winding Stair (40 Ormond Quay Lower) – The Winding Stair bookstore lives on the lower level of the winding stairs below the restaurant that I dined at and wrote about above while in Dublin. It is one of the oldest surviving independent bookstores in the city and focuses on being a creative outlet for its readers and visitors, alike. The Winding Stair bookstore focuses on Irish writers and literature, which is SO neat to see and learn more about as a visitor.

Wrap-Up:

I still almost feel like crying when I remember the plane landing in Dublin as this city remains the place where I had my first-ever solo trip! Truly, Dublin and all of Ireland is and will always be a special place. The people of Dublin and beyond are some of the kindest, most welcoming people that I have ever met. Ireland is an incredible country and Dublin truly is at the heart of it all boasting much of the nation’s history, culture, and heritage.

Until next time, Dublin!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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13 Things To Do in Toronto, Ontario

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I gave y’all a peak into my November 2024 trip to Toronto, Ontario to see Taylor Swift perform at the end of her Eras Tour. I had always wanted to visit Toronto since I was a kid and my experience there did not disappoint. This Ontario city is a HUGE city in Canada and North America as a whole, so it can be challenging to figure out things to do in Toronto, Ontario. In fact, it can be overwhelming as the city has SO much to offer! While I hope my first trip to Toronto isn’t my last, I am going to outline some things to do in Toronto which I did while there back in November. Come along for the ride!!

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

About Toronto, Ontario:

Toronto, Ontario is the most populated city in the country of Canada. Its metropolitan area made up of several neighborhoods has a population of ~6.6 million people. Located alongside Lake Ontario, this city is home to several ethnic groups whom have immigrated from all across the globe and now proudly call this city their home. Notable attractions include the CN Tower, Casa Loma, and St. Lawrence Market and is within a 2 hour’s drive reach of Niagara Falls. The people of Canada are extremely kind, caring, and proud and those that reside in Toronto are a true testament to that.

13 Things To Do in Toronto, Ontario

Before I get into the meat of this post and share what 13 things I did in Toronto, Ontario, I wanted to make note of a cost-effective way to see multiple city sights: City Pass. City Pass allows for visitors in a variety of different cities, including Toronto, to pay a fixed price to get into 3-4+ of the city’s most popular sites to see. Visitors can save 35% by purchasing a City Pass, as opposed to purchasing entry fees individually. We ended up using City Pass to visit a few of the sites that we saw and did while in Toronto. Learn more about City Pass Toronto here.

1 – Climb to the top of CN Tower

As i described upon first walking the Toronto streets, it’s “the space needle of Toronto!” LOL! The CN Tower is an observation and communications tower in the heart of downtown Toronto. It is open to visitors via a timed-entry pass to climb via an elevator to the top of it. Atop of the CN Tower, visitors can see all of Toronto and the Toronto Harbor from up above! A CN Tower admission ticket is also included in a Toronto City Pass. CN Tower also has an onsite restaurant, where guests can enjoy a cocktail in the sky and an incredible gift shop on the ground floor that has some of the best souvenirs that Toronto has to offer!

Note: Upon timed entry to the CN Tower even if you arrive early or on time, all guests must get in line outside of the building upon entry indoors and must go through a security checkpoint. 

2 – Learn more about Canada’s aquatic ecosystem at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada showcases the unique aquatic ecosystem of Canada’s waters, specifically focused on the adjacent Great Lakes which Canada shares borders of with the United States. Being honest, I hadn’t visited an aquarium since I was in middle school! And, I was truly in for a treat!! While we were there, Ripley’s Aquarium went ALLL OUT for the then-ongoing Taylor Swift Era’s Tour, which was a BLAST (!!!) for us Swifties. Ripley’s Aquarium truly puts on a great and immersive display to learn more about the local ecosystem and aquatic environment but also to take it all in!

3 – Grab Coffee at Tim Horton’s

When in Toronto, one MUST try Tim Horton’s: a Canadian-based (headquartered in Toronto) coffeehouse and breakfast-based restaurant chain. While there are Tim Horton’s locations in Northern Maine to my knowledge, there aren’t many Tim Horton’s back in my hometown of Washington, DC. There are several Tim Horton’s locations in Toronto and Canada as a whole – you will be sure to find one and in for a local treat!

4 – Shop at CF Toronto Eaton Centre

Downtown Toronto’s major mall is the CF Toronto Eaton Centre. I LOVE malls and enjoyed visiting my first-ever Canadian mall (!!!). CF Toronto Eaton Centre has ALLLL of the best Canadian shopping to offer those from both near and far, including familiar stores found in American malls such as H&M and Aerie as well as some unique to Canada stores. While in town to see Taylor Swift, we got to enjoy a special display of Taylor Swift concert photography throughout her touring years!

5 – Dine at Simona

An Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in a gorgeous atmosphere looking over the Toronto Harbour, Simona is a lovely place to dine at while in Toronto! Like many Toronto restaurants during the Taylor Swift Eras Concert Tour, Simona had exclusive Taylor Swift specialty cocktails and friendship bracelets on their menu. We ended up getting some specialty Eras tour-themed cocktails, friendship bracelets, and enjoyed some of Simona’s delicious menu for a great lunch looking over the waterfront!

6 – Take in the views via a Toronto City Cruise

One of my highlights of our Toronto adventure was a Toronto City Cruise with City Cruises Toronto. Also included via a timed-entry with City Pass Toronto, the covered city cruise (as we were there in chilly mid-November!) took us all alongside the Toronto Harbour. Taking in the views of nearby Harbour islands and the Toronto city skyline from Lake Ontario, truly a Toronto City Cruise was a GREAT way to spend a part of an afternoon and simply be mindful and to enjoy the moment.

7 – Try a local cafe

Downtown Toronto has several lovely local cafes and they’re each worth a try! I ended up trying Hailed Coffee and Mos Mos Coffee & Cookie Shop which were both near my hotel and had a GREAT experience at both.

8 – Dine at Frenchy

If you love French cuisine, then you will LOVE dining at Frenchy! Frenchy is an elegant bar and brasserie located in the heart of downtown Toronto. The interiors are impeccable and the food is delicious and offers diners that elevated fine dining experience.

9 – Try Beaver Tails

A unique Canadian dessert and snack, beaver tails should definitely be on your must-try list while in Toronto! We ended up splitting a beaver tail at a dessert shop right by the Toronto Harbour. We were indeed in for a treat!!

10 – Stroll + Eat at St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market for centuries has been Toronto’s local community’s heart and culinary focal point. Everyone who walks through the market’s doors can shop and buy locally made and owned groceries from its vendors as well as grab a delicious lunch or take something for the road. Whether you simply walk through St. Lawrence Market and take it all in (it is such a unique experience that any Toronto visitor must take part in!) or grab some groceries or something to eat, you won’t be disappointed!

11 – Dine at a rooftop bar

A rooftop bar is a must when in Toronto! SO many restaurants offer the opportunity to grab a drink and a bite to eat while taking in the city’s stunning skyline. We ended up dining at Kost for brunch and LOVED getting to take in the city skyline from up above, *even* if it was freezing and windy!

12 – Admire the Grand Millennial’s Paradise of Casa Loma

Known as “hill house” in Spanish, Casa Loma is Toronto’s majestic castle where Sir Henry Pallatt once lived. Now, with its gorgeous gothic style architecture and heavenly grand millennial interior design, Casa Loma is open to the public and included (without timed-entry) via a City Pass. I was truly in awe as a grand millennial at Casa Loma’s stunning interiors and exteriors. The castle has an onsite restaurant, gardens, and courtyard that overlooks downtown Toronto on a hill. Indeed, a fairytale of a place!

13 – Take a day trip to Niagara, Ontario

Toronto is Canada’s biggest metropolitan city, but there’s SO MUCH MORE to see in Canada! We ended up taking a day trip to the nearby Niagara, Ontario – specifically Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake – with Niagara & Toronto Tours and had a GREAT time. Read more about our experiences in Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake here and here.

Wrap-Up:

Toronto truly is an amazing city! Before visiting, I had heard so many incredible things about this melting pot of a place. Not only does Toronto highlight the kind and caring nature of the Canadian people, but it also shows off Canada’s historical significance and mark in our world. Indeed, I think everyone should visit Toronto at some point in their lifetime if given the chance. You won’t regret it!!

XOXO – Katie <3

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4 Restaurants I Tried in Cary, North Carolina

Whilst I spent 24 hours in Raleigh, North Carolina over Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend which I shared more about over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee)! Although cut short due to impending snow storms in the Washington, DC area, my trip to the Raleigh area was truly a blessing as I got to see some friends that I hadn’t seen for almost a year and some over a year. While there, I got to try some new-to-me delicious eats in the nearby Raleigh suburb of Cary, North Carolina. Cary, North Carolina dining experiences are definitely ones for the book, too! Last time I went to Raleigh and truly dined out there was in December 2023 (here). I feel SO lucky to have been able to try some delicious Cary eats. The Raleigh/Cary area has changed a bit since I graduated from college in 2021 (Raleigh is my college town!) and I LOVED getting to experience some new-to-me eats!!

***Please note that this blog post was written in January 2025 and will be periodically updated and recirculated to reflect recent updates.***

4 Restaurants I Tried in Cary, North Carolina

La Farm Bakery (4248 Northwest Cary Parkway)

Truly, I was *in awe* as soon as I walked through the doors of La Farm Bakery! While there are currently four La Farm Bakery locations across the Raleigh-Cary metropolitan area, the location on Northwest Cary Parkway is their original home. La Farm Bakery is a North Carolina-based French style bakery that sells breakfast/lunch items alongside a cafe full of drinks to dine in (and most recently wine glasses!!) or take to-go alongside a French-style market selling all-things from wine bottles to pastries (cakes, macaroons, cookies galore!) to sandwiches to salad dressings to breads and unique La Farm-branded merchandise. My college best friend Claire and I visited La Farm Bakery on a rainy Saturday morning and had a lovely time together. Claire has grown up dining at La Farm Bakery and even worked there a some years ago and gave me the crash course on all-things La Farm Bakery, which was truly a gift if you ask me! My time at La Farm Bakery transported me to what it must feel like to be in a Mom & Pop French market! I ended up taking home some locally sourced North Carolina peanuts and some freshly baked scones to enjoy. Needless to say, I will be back to La Farm Bakery next time I am in Cary!!

The Refectory Cafe (2726 Durham-Chapel Hill Boulevard, Durham)

While technically not in Cary, The Refectory Cafe was one of the delicious restaurants that I enjoyed on my January 2025 dining expedition. Located in Durham, The Refectory Cafe offers a variety of delicious brunch and lunch delights. The Refectory Cafe has continuously been ranked the Number 1 Restaurant in Durham (as of November 2024) by TripAdvisor. This well-renowned Durham restaurant also offers special wine dinners and other delicious dining experiences on occasion. I had their North Carolina caught fish & chips alongside an Aperol Spritz. And, well, I cannot wait to have it again!

Sports & Social Cary (301 Fenton Gateway Drive)

A local sports bar at Cary’s Fenton shopping centre, Sports & Social is an ultra-fun location! Alanna and I stopped in here after some shopping at Fenton for some drinks and a snack. The interiors of Sports & Social is definitely an elevated sports bar. The vibes were impeccable and I’d definitely come back to watch a Commanders game, as it’s truly the perfect spot to watch any sports game!

Colletta (1 Fenton Main Street Suite 170)

Colletta came highly recommended to me by my best friend Shivani. Also located in Fenton shopping centre alongside Sports & Social, Colletta is an upscale Italian restaurant that offers unique lunch and dinner menus. Alanna and I started off with a charcuterie board and cocktails before enjoying a rigatoni Bolognese as an entree. I am STILL craving that Bolognese!!! Alongside the delicious eats at Colletta, the staff is ultra-kind. Our server Michelle was a literal angel and a true testament alongside her coworkers to the kindness that they offer to all diners there. One of the biggest things that I admire about my favorite restaurants, hotels, etc. is the people that make it amazing and admirable. Colletta is a true testament to that admiration of mine for this restaurant!

Wrap-Up:

One of my consistent highlights of visiting Raleigh, North Carolina and its surrounding area is ALL of the delicious food that I have on my itinerary. Raleigh and Cary have a wonderful variety of dining experiences that are sure to leave you coming back for more!

XOXO – Katie <3

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I’ve Tried 4 RH Restaurants: Here’s My Take!

Truly, an opulent and elevated dining experience at a furniture store is what any RH Restaurant will have! Amongst all of the glitz and glamour of the Restoration Hardware stores, Restoration Hardware has opened several RH Restaurants across the United States and in England at the storefronts. Over the past year, I have had the opportunity to dine at not one, not two, but THREE RH Restaurants: Dallas, Texas; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Indianapolis, Indiana. One of the things that has struck me about the RH Restaurants is that they are super similar from city to city. However, that concept is far from the truth. Now, I am sharing my take on each restaurant.

***A special thank you GS-JJ for sponsoring this blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee wouldn’t be where it is today!*** 

*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.*

I’ve Tried 4 RH Restaurants: Here’s My Take!

About RH Restaurants:

RH Restaurant is the signature elegant dining experience that multiple Restoration Hardware storefronts offer to shoppers and diners, alike. Truly, guests get to experience the sheer opulence of the storefront while enjoying a fine dining experience and/or a lovely glass of wine. The restaurant is a bit on the pricier side, yet it offers a truly great experience in an opulent setting for what you get. RH Restaurants are located all across the United States and a few in England, including beyond the four cities where I’ve happened to dine at one. Some of their other cities besides Dallas, Charlotte, and Indianapolis that have a RH Restaurant include: Nashville, New York City, Newport Beach, Chicago, and Minneapolis (see the full list and make a reservation here). Personally, I think that everyone should dine at an RH Restaurant at some point in their lifetime!

Dress Code:

While there isn’t a specified dress code, RH Restaurants encourage casual elegant. With casual elegant meaning that diners should avoid athletic wear, beach wear, loungewear, and overly casual clothing. Business casual or dressy casual attire is rather strongly encouraged within reason. Think business casual, but jeans are accepted!

To personalize your elegance, consider adding sophisticated accessories to your outfit. Custom Patches are a must-try.

Whether it’s a subtle monogram on the cuffs of a smart casual suit or a unique pattern on otherwise acceptable jeans, these subtle touches can elevate your outfit. These subtle touches complement the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance without appearing forced. Customization is also incredibly convenient; you can get your own patches in a short time, easily adding a personal touch to your dinner outfit and adding a touch of flair to your elegant and sophisticated look.

My RH Restaurant Experiences By City:

Dallas, Texas (3133 Knox Street)

Dallas’s RH Restaurant is located on the rooftop of the Restoration Hardware storefront in the heart of the city’s shopping district. This RH Restaurant was my first-ever RH Restaurant experience, too! One of the things that immediately struck me as I walked through the Restoration Hardware storefront’s doors up to the rooftop for my dining experience was how literally opulent it is. I truly felt like royalty walking up those grand steps into the gorgeously elegant dining room! Filled with windows alllll around overlooking downtown Dallas made this location a truly magical first RH dining experience!

See more about my experience in Dallas, Texas, including lodging and at RH Restaurant, here.

 

Charlotte, North Carolina (6903 Phillips Place Court)

Less than a week after my first-ever dining experience at the RH Restaurant in Dallas, I made my way to the next one in Charlotte. We ended up doing a brunch and the menus were pretty similar from Dallas to Charlotte. The entrance into the RH Restaurant was pretty similar and super magical and opulent, however, the interiors of each storefront were different between the two cities. Like the Dallas location, the Charlotte RH Restaurant was also on the rooftop and boasted several gorgeous views of the Charlotte skyline (though there weren’t as many tall buildings in view as there were in Dallas). The interiors of both the Dallas and Charlotte dining rooms were pretty similar too, making it for an elegant experience that was quite familiar!

See more about my travels to Charlotte, North Carolina, including lodging and my experience at RH Restaurant here and here.


 

Indianapolis, Indiana (4501 North Michigan Road)

The Indianapolis RH Restaurant is situated on a previously family-owned estate that Restoration Hardware bought out and restored to its true glory. Unlike the Dallas and Charlotte RH Restaurants that are located on the rooftop, Indianapolis’s RH Restaurant dining room is at the mansion’s first floor dining room and has a complimentary Wine Bar/Cafe for shoppers and diners. We ended up having to wait a bit upon checking in for our reservation and grabbed some drinks at the Wine Bar/Cafe and felt like true royalty. Once we were seated, the RH Restaurant experience was great as per usual. And, afterwards, we ended up touring the estate and Restoration Hardware storefront where the RH Restaurant is located. Truly I was BLOWN AWAY! The Indianapolis RH Restaurant is indeed a RH Restaurant location like no other!

See more on my travels to Indianapolis, Indiana, including lodging and RH Restaurant, here and here.


 

Raleigh, North Carolina (4120 Lassiter Mill Road)

The RH Rooftop at RH Raleigh is located in the heart of North Hills Shopping District – a popular upscale shopping and dining district (see my guide on Shopping + Dining at North Hills here!). Just like the Dallas and Charlotte locations, Raleigh’s RH Rooftop location is located on the third floor of the RH Raleigh shop and gallery. While the RH Rooftop reminded me of both the Dallas and Charlotte locations in terms of its interiors and layout, I felt that the staff focused more on providing guests with a fancy and fun time out on the town. Truly, I felt that the RH Rooftop location in Raleigh went above and beyond and as if we were treated like royalty!

See more on my travels to and lodging in Raleigh, North Carolina here!


 

Wrap-Up:

Truly, RH Restaurants offer such an elevated dining atmosphere and overall experience. I adore getting to visit them in different cities (and hope that the Washington, DC area gets its *very own* RH Restaurant, too!!). While the dining experience at any RH Restaurant does include a hefty price tag, I do find it worth the experience on occasion when traveling or wanting to try something different. Not only are the vibes and taste impeccable, but you’ll be able to make lasting memories, too!

XOXO – Katie <3

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12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

While I was in Ireland on my *first-ever* solo trip back in April 2024 to Ireland (read more about my experiences at the following: Cork County, Cliffs of Moher, Trinity College, Glendalough, Belfast, and Giant’s Causeway), I *just knew* that I wanted to see Kylemore Abbey located in the unique Irish region of Connemara while I was there without hopping in a car to drive on the opposite side of the road (see a list of car-free day trips here). Initially, I was planning to do an overnight in Galway – a coastal town – but opted not to as I loved the hustle and bustle of Dublin. BUT – many tour operators did not go to Kylemore Abbey from Dublin in April which can be an off-season travel month. Nevertheless, I persisted and found a way to make it to Kylemore Abbey!!

*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.

12 Hours in Connemara, Ireland

I was *truly* fascinated and IN AWE with the entire region of Connemara, Ireland: the home of Kylemore Abbey. Needless to say, I am SOOO glad that it made it to Connemara while in the Emerald Isle, as I was blown away by its unique scenery and beauty. I had NEVER seen anything like Connemara before!

About:

Kylemore Abbey is located in Ireland’s distinct Connemara region. 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 (more on that below!).

As for Kylemore Abbey, was built by Mitchell and Margaret Henry in the late 1800s and are responsible for restoration of Connemara’s economy which has since provided several jobs and economic stability to the region and its people. Since 1920, Kylemore Abbey has become a Benedictine Abbey: home to the Benedictine nuns who retreated there during World War 1 and have been there ever since. Today, the first floor of Kylemore Abbey is open to visitors alongside its gorgeous Victorian Walled Gardens, a chapel, and lakeside grounds.

Tour Operator:

Lally Tours was the ONLY tour operator that offered an option for people to visit Kylemore Abbey and Connemara from Dublin in early April. The tour started off with complimentary bus tickets to/from Dublin and Galway and then a pickup/drop off adjacent to the Galway bus station for my Connemara tour. The tour via Lally Tours was excellent and offered great views and facts of Connemara.

Where We Went:

Killary Fjord – Ireland’s only fjord! I had never seen a fjord until visiting Killary Fjord. My tour bus offered a brief stop at Killary Fjord located in Northern Connemara to enjoy its gorgeous scenery!

Kylemore Abbey – The main point of interest and stop of the tour (although my tour did offer an option in lieu of Kylemore Abbey at Connemara National Park). I had a few highlights at Kylemore Abbey while there. First off, I LOVED getting to tour the first floor interiors of Kylemore Abbey, which are a grand millennial’s paradise (!!!!) and see ALLL of the late 1800’s styles on the mannequins and within its interiors. The hand-painted and uniquely designed wallpaper is gorgeous and is always a highlight for me. Second, I adored the Victorian Walled Gardens, despite it being an ultra-windy day and lots of the flowers not being at their peak bloom yet alongside the lovely lakeside walk to the Abbey’s chapel to say a prayer. The nature is seriously lovely here and perfect for some lovely strolls. And, last but not least, I still CANNOT stop thinking about that delicious salmon quiche I had at the onsite restaurant – ONE of the best lunches I’ve ever had! Kylemore Abbey was truly an amazing experience for me and a major high of my entire Ireland adventure.

Connemara – The scenery and landscape in Connemara is like no other! Connemara is such a unique place and I had never seen any place like it!! While it was a super windy day when I visited, I opted to take most of the scenic Connemara photos on the bus route from the window of my seat.

Wrap-Up:

Being transparent, I went into this tour with the intention of visiting Kylemore Abbey. However, I left this tour with a whole new perspective and knowledge base of a unique region of Ireland I never knew existed til I stepped foot on the bus that took me there! Connemara is a beautiful region with such distinct character historically and economically and scenery wise. I am excited to visit again as I was indeed BLOWN AWAY!

XOXO – Katie <3

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