Girls Weekend in New Orleans | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Someone once told me to stop thinking of New Orleans as a city in the South and to start thinking of it as a place all on its own. The minute I stopped trying to categorize New Orleans I truly developed an appreciation, and even a love for the city. There are few places in America with as much character or uniqueness. It's not everyones cup of tea, but New Orleans can be a wonderful place for that perfect getaway you need. 

A couple years back I created A Weekend in New Orleans | The Ultimate Travel Guide. Despite the fact that it is now severely outdated, it is STILL my most popular post on this blog. After getting to know the city even more, I thought it was about time to give you an updated travel guide, specifically for a girls weekend!

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone | Central

Airport | Louis Armstrong International (MSY)

Transportation Airport to French Quarter | $33

Transportation Streetcar | $3 day pass

Average Hotel Price Per Night | $90 - $350 

Average Meal Price | $22

French Quarter 

FRIDAY

6PM Fly into Louis Armstrong International Airport. From there take either a taxi or an Uber into the French Quarter. Both will set you back $33, however if you opt for a taxi note that an added rate of $14 is added per additional passenger. 

7PM After checking into your hotel, make your way through the French Quarter to Chartres House for a bite to eat. The French Quarter is notorious for expensive restaurants and bars. Chartres House is a are rare gem that is both tasty and reasonably priced. Try the Spinach and Artichoke Dip, it won't disappoint! 

9PM Enjoy the magic of the French Quarter! Whether you decide to explore Bourbon Street or opt for something a little quieter like one of the many courtyard spaces, theres plenty to do, all you have to do is walk around and explore for yourself!

12AM Need to fuel that late night craving? Don't worry, Cafe Du Monde is open 24/7! Going late at night means you'll miss the crowds! The line is usually out the door during the morning breakfast rush.

Buckner Mansion in the Garden District 

SATURDAY 

9AM Its time for a cup of coffee. Take the St. Charles Streetcar to the Garden District and hop off at Jackson Avenue. Remember, the streetcars only take exact change so have your $3 ready! It'll give you a roundtrip ticket for the day. Walk down Jackson Avenue, stopping to take pictures at Buckner Mansion, before reaching Magazine Street. At the corner of Jackson and Magazine you'll find one of the best places in the world for donuts, and that isn't an exaggeration! District Donuts is a donut lovers dream! Try one of their specialty donuts of the day and pair it with a cup of cold brew. 

District Donuts Sliders and Brew

10AM Head north of Magazine Street and explore the beautiful Garden District. You'll pass several walking tours while exploring the Garden District, but I've found it's easier to walk at your own pace.  Download this Self Guided Walking Tour to make sure you don't miss a thing! Some of my personal favorites include Buckner Mansion (the American Horror Story Coven House) and Lafayette Cemetery No. 1.

1PM So you're probably a little hungry by this point. End your Garden District trip with lunch at Atchafalaya, a local favorite! Head back to the French Quarter after you've finished exploring the beauty of the Garden District. 

Lafayette Cemetery No. 1

7PM Tonight is all about jazz. You are in New Orleans after all! Grab a bite to eat at Paladar 511, a favorite for pizza, before walking over to Frenchman Street for some of the best jazz in New Orleans. The most difficult decision will be choosing with jazz club to step in to! There are dozens! Spend the night listening to the sounds of New Orleans. 

SUNDAY

9AM Sadly, it's your last day in New Orleans. End your trip with a bang by going to a local favorite for breakfast, St. Roch Market. Here, everyone in your party can get what they want. From grits to avocado toast or breakfast burritos, St. Roch Market has been serving up local produce since 2015. Don't forget that cup of coffee either. Coast Roast Coffee at St. Roch Market is some of the best in the city! 

St. Roch Market

If you have any time to spare, head back to your hotel by foot! The journey from St. Roch Market to the French Quarter gives you a taste of real New Orleans, colorful, magical, and always unique! The city of New Orleans is full of history and character. The mix of French, Spanish, and Caribbean history makes this city like no other.

What are some of your favorite spots for a Girls getaway? Leave your suggestions below, and make sure to reach out to me if you have any questions. Happy traveling!

xoxo

Bath & the English Southwest | A Weekend Travel Guide

Beautiful, romantic, charming. A visit to Bath, England is as extraordinary as turning the first page of a Jane Austen novel. Settled into the rolling English countryside, Bath is frozen in a time more magical than our own.

Today, I want to share with you a quick guide for three action packed days in one of England's most magical places: Bath and the English Southwest. 

FROM LONDON TO BATH | DAY 1

Morning

Grab breakfast and head to Paddington Station. From there, catch a train from London to Bath Spa (approx. 1 hour and 30 minutes). Bath is a city like no other. Take time to check into your lodging before heading into town for a little sightseeing!

Afternoon

Boston Tea Party may sound like a funny name for a café, but it is one of the most beloved restaurants in the Southwest! Grab lunch at the location on Alfred Street. While BTP has a spectacular lunch, their breakfast is what they are known for (and is served all day)!

A few blocks east is the Royal Crescent, a series of townhomes built in the mid to late 18^th century. Most are still privately owned, however plaques commemorating notable individuals can be found outside some of these homes.

Use the rest of the afternoon to explore Bath. The city of Bath became a World Heritage Site in 1987, and rightly so. Its beautiful Georgian architecture mixed with ancient Roman infrastructure is breathtaking. If you want to spend the extra money, visit the Roman Baths or take a peek inside Bath Abbey. If you are looking for the best free way to see the city, take the hike up to Alexandra Park for the best views Bath has to offer.

Evening

Bath may be a touristy city, but the locals know a thing or two about hidden secrets. Tucked away on a quiet residential street you’ll find Woods Restaurant, a classic choice for the locals. After you've had a delicious meal, make sure to charge all cameras and grab a bottled water or two before tomorrow!

BATH, THE COTSWOLDS, AND STONEHENGE | DAY 2

Morning & Afternoon
Rise and shine! Get ready for an amazing adventure through the Cotswolds! Grab quick pastry from one of the many cafes in the area and head to the Best Western Abbey Hotel to begin your Mad Max Tour! From there you’ll be transported to some of England’s most amazing places such as Castle Combe, Lacock Village, Avebury Stone Circle, and Stonehenge! This is an all day tour and includes a stop in Lacock so you can grab a delicious pub lunch. Don’t forget that the price of admission into Stonehenge, as well as the pub lunch, are NOT included in the tour cost.

Evening

Take the evening to relax. Grab a casual dinner from The Raven, a family owned pub with some exceptional pies (the meat kind). If you are into books, browse around Topping & Company Booksellers after your meal. Open late, this quaint bookshop is filled to the brim with classics you are bound to love. 

 BRISTOL | DAY 3 

Morning

Hop on a train from Bath Spa to Bristol Temple Meads (approx. 15 minutes). Bristol may be a city you have only heard of in passing, but its rich history mixed with modern culture has made it a place like no other. Take the number 8 bus to Clifton for an awe-inspiring view of Bristol’s most famous landmark, the CliftonSuspension Bridge. Browse around CliftonVillage to get a sense of Bristol’s pride in local produce and products.

Afternoon

Cake for lunch? Well why not! Slowly begin walking downhill towards the City Centre and Park Street, passing the University of Bristol, this author's alma mater, along the way. Winston Churchill was the university's most famous chancellor! When you’ve reached the bottom of Park Street, pop into the Tea Birds for the most delicious, and most reasonably priced, afternoon tea in Bristol.

Just across the way are College Green and Bristol Cathedral. At almost 900 years old, Bristol Cathedral has been a staple on the Bristol skyline for centuries. Admission is free so spend some time learning about the Cathedral’s history.

Next stop is Bristol’s famous harbour! Walk through Millennium Square and take a Bristol Ferry to the ss Great Britain. The largest ship of its time, the ss Great Britain is a truly remarkable example of Victorian engineering. You can explore 3 decks, read all about the ship’s history, and (if you are brave enough) climb the rigging during the summer months! Tell the front desk staff I say hello; I was lucky enough to be a member of the crew for over a year!

Bristol is famous for its rolling hills. Take cross-harbour ferry directly to the other side and head back up Park Street. Make a left on Charlotte Street and walk until you reach the park called Brandon Hill. Grab a seat near Cabot Tower for a truly remarkable sunset. You may even spy a hot air balloon or two.

Evening | Late Night

After a day of exploring Bristol, enjoy the foodie scene and nightlife this city has to offer.

Have a delicious meal of tapas and wine at El Puerto near Queen’s Square.

For a pint or two afterwards, venture to King’s Street for an array of traditional pubs that date back to the 17^th century:

- The King William Ale House for a pint and some conversation.

- The Llandoger Trow for some debatable literary history.

- The Old Duke for amazing blues, jazz, and a little bit of dancing.

Take a taxi, the 8 or 9 buses, or even walk back to Bristol Temple Meads. The last train to Bath Spa leaves just after 11pm.

BACK TO LONDON | DAY 4

You may have fallen in love with the sights, the culture, and maybe even the food. Alas, it is time to pack up and head back home! Garb a quick breakfast at The Cosy Club near Bath Spa station and catch a train back to London Paddington. Remember, the journey takes an hour and a half, so plan accordingly!

I hope you enjoyed this quick and easy guide! The English Southwest is one of my favorite places in the world and I was lucky enough to call it home for two years. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

xoxo

How To Spend a Day in Galveston, Texas

Unless you live in Texas, not many people consider Galveston as a tourist destination. With its mirky waters and extreme heat it can often be overlooked as a place to vacation to. I was recently given the opportunity to spend the perfect day in Galveston with the Galveston Convention and Visitor Bureau where I was introduced to some amazing thing Galveston has to offer - some I didn't even know about! I learned a lot about this amazing historic city, and would suggest a trip to anyone traveling to the Houston area! So if you do end up in Galveston, here is how to spend the perfect day!

MORNING

Galveston has numerous beaches along the historic seawall, however Stewart Beach stands out more than the rest. Name one of the top ten family beaches in 2013, Stewart Beach is clean, has great parking, and is home to one of the Bucket Brigade Tours. Start the day off at Lifeguard Station 6 with  a few marine biologists learning all about beach wildlife. The Bucket Brigade's mission is educate the public on the nature on Galveston beaches, and rightly so! There is so much you can do to help save this ecosystem. This 45 minute tour takes you from the sand dunes to the water where you may discover something new and exciting!

After the Bucket Brigade Tour, make the short drive down to Pier 21. Here you can catch a Dolphin Sightseeing Tour with Galveston Water Adventures! Not only are you going to see dozens of dolphins, you'll also get an up close look at a variety of amazing ships! First stop is the SS Selma, one of only 12 concrete ships ever made. Although she lays in ruin she is still a popular spot for fishing.

Turn your head slightly to the east and you'll see one of the busiest ship channels in the country. The Houston ship channel sees a constant stream of cargo ships moving through, even the dolphins like to play with these big bad boys! On the way back to land you'll see another surprising ship to call Galveston home. The USS Cavalla is a WWII submarine best known for sinking a Japanese aircraft carrier. Lastly, you'll cruise by a few CRUISE ships. If you listen carefully you can hear the music onboard carry across the water.

AFTERNOON
By this time you've probably worked up an appetite. Pier 21 is full of fun seafood spots, but one of the most iconic is Fisherman's Wharf. Originally a shrimp factory, the restaurant developed over time into a fantastic seafood dining experience.

After that, leave your car at Pier 21 and walk a few blocks down to Post Office Street. Less crowded than the Strand, Post Office Street has a vibe unique to Galveston. From there you can explore the Grand 1894 Opera House.

Named the "official opera house of Texas", the Grand has survived every hurricane since its birth. This extravagant building is really like taking a step back in time. As it is not a attraction known to many you'll have the chance to explore this historic building all by yourself.

As a native Houstonian, I thought I had seen everything there was to see in Galveston. The Galveston Convention and Visitors Bureau proved me wrong! Although I was offered these activities free of charge, all opinions are my own. I HIGHLY suggest spending an afternoon in gorgeous Galveston if you're ever down this way!

xoxo

A Weekend in Chicago | The Ultimate Travel Guide

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone | Central

Average Summer Temperature | High 81F - Low 58F

Average Winter Temperature | High 47F - Low 18F

Major Airports | Chicago Midway & O'Hare International

Transportation | Divvy Bikes, $9.95 for a 24-hour pass

Average Hotel Price Per Night | $130 - $250

Average Meal Price | $17

HISTORY
+ Many different Native American tribes inhabited the area, however the Potawatomi's were the prominent tribe during the 17th century when fur trading and exploration began reaching west.
+ The first US settlement was established in 1803 called Fort Daerborn.
+ Chicago was incorporated in 1833.
+ Chicago became a major trading port on Lake Michigan, and by 1854 the population was 30,000.
+ In 1871 the Great Fire of Chicago destroyed one third of the city, leaving thousands of residents homeless. However, Chicago was rebuilt and by 1930 the population was over three million.

LANDMARKS & SIGHTS
Millennium Park | Ice skating, music, and relaxation.
Navy Pier | Restaurants and rides overlooking Lake Michigan.
Lincoln Park Zoo | A free zoo!
Tribune Tower | Collection of world landmarks incorporated into the design. Fragments of the Alamo, the Taj Mahal, and the Great Pyramid can be found here.
Chicago Cultural Center | A free cultural center with impressive architecture.
Skydeck Chicago | Views of Chicago from above. 

WHERE TO EAT 
Portillo's $
Sublime Sushi $$
Giordano's $$
The Purple Pig $$$
Bottlefork $$$

THE MOST INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS
The Bean
Buckingham Fountain
Lake Michigan 

MAP 

Bristol, England | The Ultimate Travel Guide

Bristol will always hold a special place in my heart.

It is where I studied, worked, and fell in love. Although I have moved back to Texas, I will always consider Bristol to be one of my homes.

Less than two hours away from London by train, and just 15 minutes past Bath, Bristol is a fantastic destination. The city is just big enough to allow the freedom of exploring without getting completely overwhelmed. If you have the chance to visit, I highly suggest you do!

QUICK FACTS

Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time Zone

Average Summer Temperature | 16 - 20 degrees Celsius // 60 - 68 degrees Fahrenheit

Average Winter Temperature | 3 - 7 degrees Celsius // 37 - 44 degrees Fahrenheit 

Transportation | First Great Western Bus, 3 pounds for a day pass

Main Train Stations | Bristol Temple Meads, approx 1 mile away from City Centre
Bristol Parkway, approx 8 miles away from City Centre

Average Hotel Price Per Night | $100 (£67)

Average Meal Price |  £12 - 18

Average Drink Price | £3 - 6

HISTORY
+ The earliest settlements in Bristol date back to the Middle Paleolithic period.
+ The city of Bristol itself was given Royal Charter in 1155.
+ Bristol was strategically founded a few miles inland to protect the city from attack by water. The only way to access Bristol's port was up the Avon River, which posses the second highest tidal ranges in the world.
+ In medieval England, Bristol was the second largest port in the country, trading with Ireland and Iceland frequently.
+ In 1497 John Cabot sailed from Bristol on the Matthew, and discovered Newfoundland. (side note: I actually lived on the same street John Cabot lived, St. Nicholas Street)
+ Bristol, along with Liverpool, were the major English ports associated with the Triangular Trade.
+ During the 19th century Bristol saw the effects of the industrial revolution. The creations by Victorian engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel can be seen across the city today, ranging from the Clifton Suspension Bridge to the ss Great Briatin.
+ Bristol was the fifth most bombed city in the UK during World War II.
+ Today you may recognize Bristol from shows such as Skins, and Wolf Hall.

LANDMARKS AND SIGHTS
Clifton Suspension Bridge
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Designed by I.K. Brunel, Clifton Suspension Bridge is Bristol's most iconic landmark.

Cabot Tower
Location | My Post
Admission - Free
Built in celebration of the 400th anniversary of John Cabot's discovery of Newfoundland, this late 19th century tower provides a 360 degree view of Bristol.

Arnos Vale Cemetery 
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Established in 1837, Arnos Vale is hoem to over 300,000 souls. The overgrown and rugged cemetery is perfect for a quiet and peaceful walk.

St. Mary Redcliffe
Website | Location
Admission - Free
One of England's most beautiful Gothic buildings.

MUSEUMS 
The ss Great Britain
Website | Location
Admission - 13.75 (ticket valid for one year)
Designed by I. K. Brunel, the ss Great Britain is one of the world's most important ships. Launched in 1843, she spent almost 100 years as a passenger and cargo ship, before being left for ruin in the Falkland Islands. In 1970 she was brought back to Bristol and now sits in the exact spot where she was built.

M Shed
Website | Location
Admission - Free
Interested in getting to know Bristol a little better? The M Shed is a museum that showcase's Bristol's unique history. From Roman settlements to medieval voyages to WWII, this museum covers it all.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
Website | Location
Admission - Free
From dinosaurs to modern art, Bristol Museum and Art Gallery has it all! This museum if perfect for an afternoon with no plans. There's so much to see, you might just have to take two trips to see it all!

Red Lodge Museum
Website | Location
Admission - Free
The Red Lodge Museum is the perfect example of a Tudor house. One of Bristol's oldest homes, the Red Lodge Museum hosted Queen Elizabeth I during her visit to Bristol 400 years ago.

WHERE TO EAT
Breakfast | Boston Tea Party
Lunch | The Burger Joint
Afternoon Tea | The Tea Birds
Dinner | El Puerto

THE MOST INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS
Stokes Croft 
Harbourside
Brandon Hill
Bristol Cathedral 

Just having a stroll around Bristol Cathedral. #Bristol #England #Cathedral

A photo posted by S a r a D a v i s (@sararosedavis) on May 16, 2014 at 9:33am PDT

A Weekend in New Orleans | The Ultimate Travel Guide

QUICK FACTS
Time Zone | Central

Average Summer Temperature | High 90F - Low 72F
Average Winter Temperature | High 63F - Low 48F

Major Airport | Louis Armstrong International

Transportation | Street Car, Day Pass $3 (exact change only)

Average Hotel Price Per Night | $110 - 350
(either in or within walking distance of the French Quarter)

Average Meal Price | $12

HISTORY
+ New Orleans was founded in 1718.
+ In 1762 Spain bought Louisiana from France.
+ The French city of New Orleans was largely destroyed in a fire, most standing buildings today are of Spanish architecture.
+ In 1803 New Orleans was sold to America during the Louisiana Purchase.
+ New Orleans has been directly hit by 5 major hurricanes in the last 110 years.

LANDMARKS & SIGHTS

Frenchmen Street | Live jazz and drinks

Garden District Mansions | Southern architecture and calm atmosphere

National WWII Museum | Interactive and informative
St. Louis Cathedral | Beautiful and unique
Woldenberg Park | Views of the Mississippi
Layfayette Cemetery No. 1 | Sorrowful and interesting
Lafitte's Blacksmith Shop Bar | The oldest bar in America (allegedly)

WHERE TO EAT
See my post Good Eats | New Orleans 
Breakfast | Cafe du Monde $
Lunch | The Green Goddess $$
Dinner | Chartres House $$

THE MOST INSTAGRAM WORTHY SPOTS
Buckner Mansion | Garden District
Jackson Square | French Quarter
Street Cars | Canal Street

Your next supreme. #AmericanHorrorStory #NewOrleans #OfGoldenRoses

A photo posted by S a r a D a v i s (@sararosedavis) on May 30, 2015 at 8:40am PDT

A LITTLE BIT OF MAP LOVE 

Author's note 2017: I have created an up to date travel guide to New Orleans. Make sure to check out that guide here!

Off the Beaten Track in England's Small Cities

Last week I introduced you to some of my favorite off the beaten track spots in England's major cities. Things can get overwhelming when visiting London or Manchester so having a few less touristy attractions to visit is always a good idea.

However, when visiting a smaller city in England I find it quite hard to figure out what exactly to do. Yes, most English cities are beautiful in itself and don't need much planning, but what is there to do once you've walked up and down the city's high street? Go to their cathedral? Sometimes I find myself MORE overwhelmed when planning trips to smaller cities because you have to do more research on what is worth seeing.

Most of the attractions on this list were found by complete accident. Towards the end of my time in England I found myself planning less and less and just going with the flow. However, if you do want to visit some of England's smaller cities here are a few off the beaten track attractions definitely worth visiting.

TEWKESBURY | WAR OF THE ROSES BATTLE TRAIL

Tewkesbury is possibly one of my favorite places in all of England. Big statement I know, but Tewkesbury is so untouched, so unique, so wonderful. I booked a room in a Tudor-era inn for one night. I ended up having the time of my life. My favorite part of the trip was following the War of the Roses Battle Trail map. The Battle of Tewkesbury was one of the most important battles during the Wars of the Roses and today you can explore the trail which leads you through battlefields, over rivers, and to a 15th century pub. 

CHEDDAR | JACOB'S LADDER 

Cheddar may be famous for being the home of Cheddar cheese, however there is more to do in this tiny village than expected! Explore the caves, have an afternoon tea, even get a selfie with Britain's oldest complete skeleton! Any trip to Cheddar is not complete without a hike up Jacob's Ladder. 274 up the side of a gorge, Jacob's Ladder give's you amazing views of Britain's largest gorge and the village of Cheddar itself. 

WORCESTER | PRINCE ARTHUR'S TOMB

Worcester (a city I will never be able to pronounce correctly) is home to not one royal grave, but two. King John, famous for agreeing to the Magna Carta, is buried just before the high alter in this beautiful cathedral. However, my trip to Worcester was to visit a different royal grave. Prince Arthur's grave to be exact. For anyone with an interest in early Tudor history, Prince Arthur's tomb is beautifully decorated with Tudor symbolism and should be appreciated for it's significance in the history of England.

AVEBURY | AVEBURY HENGE

Stonehenge is cool. If you're visiting England for the first time, Stonehenge is a must. However, the stones are protected (and rightly so) due to years and years of poor preservation. The stones just can't handle the amount of visitors who go on a daily basis. Not too far away lies a very similar stone circle with no admission price, no barriers, and barely any crowds. If you are looking for a more up close and personal experience with a mysterious ancient rock formation, look no further than Avebury!

Happy Monday!
xoxo