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The Ultimate Aussie Adventure: Exploring Sydney, NSW

Sydney. Australia

An adventure to the Land Down Unda - where the ozone is non-existent and the coffee is superbly strong. Hello, happiness. Let’s stay here for a while, shall we?

Here are all of my top tips for a trip to Sydney, NSW - 

Neighborhoods - let’s get a lay of the land from city center moving East including the Northern Beaches:

  1. Barangaroo - 

  • This is a new area of Sydney that includes the Darling Harbour and King Street Wharf. We rented a boat from here and had the most fabulous evening cruising the Sydney Harbour at sunset. Happy hour (aperol spritz hour) at Bungalow 8 before departure. 10/10 recommendation. What a dream.

  • Sydney Food Tour of Barangaroo - we ate our way across this part of town visiting Bourke Street Bakery for a sausage roll and Flat White, Rivareno for gelato, and walked our way to the Rocks for a pint to round out the afternoon.

  • The architecture in Barangaroo is modern and sleek in design which creates a wonderful environment to explore. 

  • Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce were staying at the Crown while we were in town so (of course) we had to go check out the area… hi, it’s me, I’m the problem it’s me.

2. Circular Quay / The Rocks - aka “the city/CBD)

  • This area is well known as the “touristy spot”. Including the iconic views of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Opera House, the circular quay area has everything a visitor needs. The main cruise port is right by the ferry wharf so visitors from all over the world disembark on adventures throughout Oceania from this location. 

  • Circular Quay offers ferry service to each bay across Sydney and the northern beaches. There is a tap and go system for payment which makes public transport accessible for last minute rides across the city. One of my favorite activities is taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach (20 minutes) for a half day excursion. The viewpoint from the water is a must see and the ferry is an inexpensive and fun way to experience. 

  • The Rocks is the oldest and most historic part of Sydney. Filled with history and great pubs, The Rocks is a perfect area for an afternoon stroll.

  • Hotels: The Four Seasons (beautiful pool), The Marriott (fantastic, walkable location) , The Intercontinental (stunning rooftop with unreal views of the harbour)

  • Pubs: The Glenmore (rooftop), The Lord Nelson Hotel (Sydney’s oldest pub), the Orient Hotel

  • Bonza Bike Tour throughout the Rocks and Circular Quay area - we had a hilarious experience in the rain. We started biking and the storm came minutes after departure. Without end in sight, we had to turn around mid Sydney Harbour Bridge to find shelter… we made it to hot flat whites at Fine Foods Cafe and explored the QVB for some indoor activities to round out the rainy day.

  • Restaurants: Mr Wong for dinner, Fine Food Store for coffee/lunch

  • Queen Victoria Building, fantastic area of shopping down in the city, walkable

3. Potts Point 

  • This location is a great place to stay if you are looking for a connection point between the city (Circular Quay and the Rocks) and the Eastern Suburbs/Bondi Beach. I once stayed in an airbnb in Potts Point which was a perfect choice for a walkable area to shops and restaurants while also a short Uber away from the city center and east to Bondi Beach. Kings Cross area is also right there so walking between neighborhoods from here is easy. One of my favorite places I have stayed during my time in Sydney. Just make sure your unit has air conditioning - this was a key missing step in our search process.

  • Restaurants: The Apollo (highly suggest making a reservation ahead of time), Savoey in Darlinghurst (easy walk from Potts Point through Kings Cross),  Boccone Kings Cross

Coffeeee

  • Gypsy Espresso, Potts Point Providore, Coffee Tea & Me - you really can not go wrong with any cafe as I loved them all throughout this area

4. Wooloomooloo

  • Another connection point between the city center and eastern part of Sydney with a beautiful wharf - stunning area for a fabulous lunch with a view

  • Restaurants: Otto’s Ristorante

5. Paddington/Woollahra

  • My friends and I stayed in an airbnb right on Oxford Street (main shopping street) and it was fantastic for access to Centennial Park, shopping, and pubs.  Paddington is a highly liveable area that offers a neighborhood feel.

  • Restaurants/Pubs: The Paddington, The Light Brigade (rooftop), Barbetta, Paddo Inn, Jackie’s, Village Inn Pub, the London 

  • Shopping: Oxford Street, William Street, Incu, Assembly Label, Country Road

6. Double Bay

  • Bills Restaurant, Matteo, Royal Oak Bar

  • Intercontinental Double Bay Hotel

7. Rose Bay 

  • Boat House Restaurant -

stunning views and Aperol Spritz plss… sign me up!

  • Rose Bay Sea Plane- the best surprise day. Pinch me kinda of experience… flying over the Sydney Harbour Bridge - how is this real life?! I had dreamt of going in a Sea Plane and this was the happiest day.

8. Watsons Bay

The far East side of Sydney with the extraordinary South Head- known for the sheer ocean cliffs and Hornby Lighthouse, Watsons Bay is something special.

  • The ferry is a great transportation option over to Watsons Bay for a Spritz at the Watsons Bay Hotel or a quick bite at Doyles fish and chips. Two of my favorite spots here in Sydney.

  • Parsley Bay for a quick swim on the way to the Watsons Bay Hotel… 10/10

9. Bondi Beach - the famous! We stayed in an airbnb on Curlewis Street and found it to be the most walkable and enjoyable beachy experience. Bondi is a great place to stay for access to the ocean, tons of great restaurants and shopping. This area is well known so often has more tourists and can become very crowded on the weekends. Although, there is a reason it is so packed - there is no place like a Sydney beach! The Coastal Walk is another must-do for sweeping views of Bondi.

Helloooo sunshine and sushi

  • A few of my favorite spots in Bondi -

    • Bondi Icebergs for sunset happy hour, Totti’s for the Italian bread and sharable plates, GetSashimi for the best beach side salmon nigiri, Lox Stock and Barrel, Orchard St Cafe, Harry’s for breakfast spots.

10. Manly Beach - to the Northern beaches! Taking the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly is one of my favorite things to do for a half day adventure in Sydney. Manly Beach offers a coastal walk as well which will lead you to Shelley Beach. There is a restaurant called the Boat House at Shelly Beach that is a must. Little Legends Cafe is great spot for a quick coffee before starting the walk to Shelley Beach. The area is filled with great shopping and happy cafes. You can’t go wrong anywhere you stop along the way.

If you venture over to Shelly Beach, there is a staircase on the far side that leads up to a great hike. The views are exceptional and worth exploring.

Places to see outside of Sydney - Blue Mountains National Park and Royal National Park. Both only about 1.5 hour outside of the city, the two national parks offer the must serene and stunning outdoor adventure days. Featherdale Zoo is on the way to the Blue Mountains and is a must stop for all the tourists just living to see a kangaroo and a koala (aka, me).

Sydney is one of my top happy places - filled with people I adore and the most beautiful balance of beaches, city, adventure and relaxation, there is everything you need here. Let’s go back soooon?!

Cheers, mate xx

 
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3 Days in Banff National Park: A Bucket-List Weekend Itinerary

Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, Calgary

Welcome to the Canadian Rockies and a blog post that is basically a journal entry. I just turned 25 and September has been a dreamy month - from visiting people who make my heart feel full in Sea Island and Little Rock, to my best friends visiting me in Dallas to experience more belly laughter in one weekend than I have all month, to flying off to Canada to celebrate my mom- life is a wonderful gift and I am deeply grateful. I am also experiencing a bit of unsettled fear - my job feels unstable and uncertain, my world has infinite possibilities yet I feel paralyzed by the decision making. Journaling, meditating, movement, and connection help but there is something so personal and real about being 25, living in a studio apartment and feeling lost before I close my eyes at night. Am I in the right career, right city, am I doing the right things, enough, too much? I think we all are experiencing some type of similar questions swirling around in our thoughts sometimes and that is okay. Let’s go see the world and give ourselves some grace.

Maybe, just maybe, there is a perfect plan for each of us and we are going to exceed our wildest dreams.

Maybe we surprise ourselves with the courage it takes to make change, book the ticket.

We flew into Calgary late on Thursday night and woke up early Friday morning for a full day of excitement. A weekend in Canada for mom’s birthday - a perfect 3 days to explore, connect, and recharge. We laughed so hard we cried, we ate so well we could not help but do a happy dance at the table, and we explored lands so beautiful we were left speechless.

Friday morning: let the fun begin! We headed back to the Calgary airport for the rental car pick up. I am so glad I was able to reserve one ahead of time as this is a busy summer season and there were only 2 cars available the day before arriving. I took the day off while Madeline had morning meetings- mom and I took the opportunity to map out the day over a Calgary coffee in the sunshine.

First stop: Canmore. Second stop: Banff. Third stop: Lake Louise. && we are off. 

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Just an hour and 15 minutes outside of Calgary, the tiny town of Canmore is sure to capture your heart. We drove through but soon realized we needed to walk the streets and shop away. We had our 2nd coffee of the day at Eclipse - a local shop with multiple locations around town. I recommend the location on main street as it gives great views and people watching. The patio is quaint and inviting. Book stores, tourist shops, and galleries are scattered around main street and the people in Canmore were so welcoming. Needless to say, we had a hard time leaving. After walking the main street and enjoying the lovely town, we headed back to the car for another 20 minute drive to Banff.

Banff: the dream town in Alberta. The one you have probably heard quite a bit about. Well, what they say is true, you must go. This whole road trip is packed with views, shops, and food that will fuel your soul. We were ready for lunch and UNA Pizza + Wine bar came highly recommended to us (there is also a Calgary location). The patio was bustling with laughter and the weather was too good not to join in. Ordering aperol spritz, veggie pizza, a garden salad, and the bolognese rigatoni, we had the time of our lives. The flavors within each dish made it so much more than your everyday pizza joint. A must try. 10/10 recommend.

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We explored the town and even had to stop in the Banff Sweet Shoppe for some extra road trip snacks. There are tons of shops and restaurants which could allow for a whole week stay just in Banff. Off to our next location though… Lake Louise.

With it being mom’s birthday, I knew we needed a stunning surprise - the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was calling. 45 minutes outside of Banff, this location is so exceptional I can not believe I was living in a real scene. We were giddy as we pulled up to the Fairmont as it towers over the teal lake - a fairytale. Arriving at 2:50pm (just before 3pm check in time), we were able to have a crowd free experience and connect with the hotel concierge before the buses of travelers arrived. 

Quick hike recommendations from the Fairmont Lake Louise: 

  • Little BeeHive Hike - 90 minute hike with the sun facing East, Lake Agnes Tea House and Junction Trail on the way back   

  • Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail and Lakeshore Trail Hike (buses and Fairmont guest shuttles run daily)

  • Takakkaw Falls Hike (about 30 minutes to base of falls)

  • Emerald Lake Lodge Trail Hike (40 minute drive from Fairmont)

I knew our weekend would go by very quickly so I wanted to make sure we made the most of our time together at Lake Louise. After checking in and dropping our things in the room (and some time to scream when we saw the views, of course), we ran straight to the Boat House for an afternoon canoe. I must be dreaming. This water, this moment, the laughter, the joy, even the weather was showing off for us. When you are a guest at the Fairmont, there is a discounted price and priority line for canoe rentals. Opting in for the hour-long rental (30 minutes or hour options), we all 3 hopped in and paddled across the lake. 10000 selfies, pictures, videos later - we were still not ready to go in. The staff at the Boat House were so entertained by our dancing, they let us go back out there for an extended lap - one last moment of soaking in all the beauty.

The Fairmont back patio has live music in the evenings so we sat to enjoy the sunset before heading in for dinner. The shock that this feeling and sight is real has still not set in just yet.  

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Mom’s birthday calls for a cheese fondue dinner. There are 6 restaurants within the Fairmont which all offer unique dining experiences.

Wallister Stube’s set fondue dinner menu was calling our names… hellooo Swiss Chalet in the Canadian Rockies. Adore you.

Cozy dining room, chilled pinot grigio, unreal cheese fondue, filet, and chocolate fondue for dessert -

let’s stay a while.

Day 2 at Lake Louise: an adventure begins. We woke up early and headed to the breakfast buffet at Louiza. This morning was rainy but the sunrise still showed through and the light reflecting off the mountains was extraordinary. Had to take a quick moment outside to soak it up before sitting down to eggs benedict, coffee, orange juice, french toast, fresh fruit, and all the pastries a girl could dream of. Yep, I am happy.

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At check in, we reserved the early shuttle to Moraine Lake leaving the hotel lobby at 9am. The amazing staff at Louiza will even give you a coffee and pastry bag to-go for all of the days exploring ahead… I love it here. 

Moraine Lake is a 20 minute drive from Lake Louise and no personal vehicles are allowed inside the park limits. Therefore, make sure to reserve a bus or the guest shuttle at the Fairmont before visiting. Our return shuttle was booked for 11:40 am so we had 2 hours and 40 minutes to hike the lake before heading back. Moraine Rockpile Trail offers 180 degree views of the lake and is considered an easy to moderate hike - it did not take us long and was incredibly enjoyable for all 3 of us. The surprise we experienced at the top was pretty special - Moraine Lake is famous for a reason. The blues, the reflections, the never ending beauty - exceptional. I have no words. We finished up the morning with the Moraine Lakeshore Trail around the shore of the water. A lil change in perspective… wow. 

There is a small gift shop and coffee shop at Moraine Lake so if you need anything at all, they got you.

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The 11:40am shuttle was right on time and we were off. Back to the Fairmont just in time for afternoon tea time at Fairview. Every room and corner of the Fairmont is filled with windows offering the most amazing views… it never gets old. A champagne toast and Earl Gray, pls.

Tea cakes, pastries, and scones for dayssss.

We enjoyed the afternoon at the hotel then hit the road for Takakkaw Falls - the second tallest falls in all of Canada. This waterfall is an easy 30 minute drive from Lake Louise but the last 10 minutes are switchbacks… I am so glad we had a rental car as it really made the trip. The flexibility to drive throughout the widespread region is fantastic. 

There is a trail hike that takes you to the bottom of the falls in about 20-30 minutes.

Driving another 30 minutes to Emerald Lake is a MUST. It was pouring rain as we sang in the car but then we arrived to a sunshine covered rainbow over Emerald Lake. Again, the colors of this place are so vibrant and pure magic.

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We stopped at Emerald Lake Lodge for a quick break and walked the Emerald Lake Lodge Trail. Absolutely stunning. A true highlight. This might just be one of my favorite moments of the whole trip.

Back on the road again for Calgary - we wanted to try for the 6am flight back to Dallas so what better place to stay than in the terminal. The Marriott Calgary can be seen from the tarmac - that is just how close it is. The perfect way to close out our weekend. Road trip snacks, carpool karaoke, and we were back in Calgary 3 hours later. Exhausted and smiling.

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Banff National Park is a dream come true. A perfect weekend trip that was made possible in the most exceptional way all because of the rental car, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the stunning views and weather, but really the best part… the company. I am so grateful to have built-in best friends for life in my mom, sister and my brother (we missed you all weekend, Conner).

I have to say, one of my favorite parts of leaving each weekend is coming home. My sometimes messy studio apartment, my Aussie coffee date whose healing love is a dream come true, and the friends who make this city feel like home for the first time in 2 years. The challenging job that allows me to fly around the world, the questions that every 20 something is asking, and the joyful, daily little chaos that often clouds my list making head and color coded calendar. The gym that brings the community I have always wanted to build, the routine that fuels my mind, body, soul. I think this is what it means to live on purpose. To go far deeper than the human eye can see, to explore, be kind to strangers and believe in the softness of the world. Refusing to hide but rather be fully seen. Following dreams that might feel silly to begin but dancing in the beauty of being open and untethered. Feeling lost in the decision making and job applications, thankful beyond words for tiny moments that become the big memories. Simply refusing to live narrowed. We are all the same. Cling to courage.

We can not control what happens, only how we respond. Let’s go make this world a little bit better, in small ways or big, just where your feet are.

Overwhelmed with gratitude. This world is so beautiful, painful, joyful, filled with so much love.

Book the ticket to Calgary and rent the car. You will never regret it.

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Weekend Across the Pacific: Sydney, Australia

Ticket to OZ

A last minute ticket to SYD and we are off to explore Oceania. This was the longest weekend trip yet but so worth the travel time. Here is everything I did while in Sydney for 2 days.

I had the opportunity to fly American Airlines Flagship First on the 777 to and from Sydney - an absolute DREAM. A moment for this seat, this menu, this adventure. Unreal.

Checking in: The Intercontinental Sydney - a perfect location being walking distance to the Harbour Bridge, Sydney Opera House and the Rocks. This location was also great for easy access to transportation across the city as the trains/buses are fantastic. There is a rooftop with the most breathtaking view - sunset cocktail hour is calling.

I connected from DFW to LAX then landed in SYD at 6am on Friday morning. I took the day to explore the different neighborhoods- grabbed a coffee in Watson’s Bay, drove through Rose Bay, Double Bay, and rounded out the morning with a walk through the city and Circular Quay to see the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Fan girling!

After settling in, I met up with friends for a stunning lunch at Ottos in Wooloomooloo Finger Wharf. I then explored the area before heading back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

Dinner at Totti’s in Bondi with new and old friends alike. My heart is full.

Day 2: A productive morning lead to an exciting afternoon of adventure. I took the ferry from Circular Quay to Manly Beach which was the loveliest, new experience and delivered the best views from the water. A quick coffee at Barrel One then walked my way to Shelly Beach. I stopped at the Boat House for lunch and enjoyed Manly before heading back in to the city.

My Aussie, Georgia friends then met me for dinner at Lola’s Italian Bar in Bondi for the happiest reunion. 10/10 recommend flying 17 hours to see your people.

Walking around Bondi, I made the boys smile for a photo with Chargrill Charlie’s as I have heard it is a local favorite - on the list to try next trip.

Day 3: 8am flight back to LAX from SYD… I love it here and I can not wait to come back.

What an experience. What a weekend. Let’s do it again sometime??

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Ticket to London: Weekend in the United Kingdom

London, England

This quick getaway was one of my dreams. Starting my job a year ago, a business class ticket to London was a top bucket list opportunity for me. Here’s to chasing dreams and flying standby!

DFW-LHR, seat 10A, champagne & an ice cream sundae at 35,000ft

Landed and had my Love Actually moment at the arrivals gate at London Heathrow - giddy with excitement and ready to explore one of my favorite cities. Heathrow is located about an hour outside of the city center but there are plenty of transportation options - we chose an Uber to Covent Garden to check in to the Middle Eight Hotel. Fantastic, walkable location.

Off for a day of joy! My mama was in the CLT airport and I called to tell her that I got a boarding pass to London. The fellow Weekend Warrior that she is- she hopped on the next flight to LHR. My Queen. This is a dream. What an exceptional gift to have a mom who is also your biggest cheerleader, fearless leader, best friend. She is all I ever hope to be in my life. Time with her is soul filling. I am infinitely grateful for this moment. Shall we have a shopping date at Harrods??

Double decker red buses, the London Eye, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace- we ran around London to do it all. Stopping at Harrods for lunch and shopping, this time together could not be more fun.

From the Middle Eight Hotel we walked to the Seven Dials Market- great stop for dinner with the warm and welcoming atmosphere. I also highly recommend Dishoom - the BEST Indian food but reservations are a must. There are locations all around the city… 10/10.

Day 2 -

Coffee and pastries at Gail’s Bakery then off to Borough Market. The train system is fantastic in London and we had such a fun time navigating the tunnels. We were making spontaneous stops along the way without a true plan on the horizon.

Quick stop for shopping at Zara then off to Tea Time at the Milestone Hotel. A must do when in the UK!

We spent the afternoon exploring the palace gardens and spending quality time together. I have no words to describe how much this trip means me to. Never wanting it to end, we rounded out the trip with dinner & a show - Les Miserable here we come.

2 business class tickets in the LHR airport - we were cleared, handed boarding passes, and I danced the whole time. Goodness, we have fun.

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South Africa Weekend: 10 Photos to Inspire You to Book the Ticket

Weekends in South Africa: Safari Chic

South Africa stole my heart. Cape Town, Gondwana Game Reserve, the people, the animals, the landscape. A dream.

Table Mountain Hike, Cape Town - This hike was an absolute highlight for me. There is a cafe on the top so a coffee in hand and the cable car back down to the city - a slice of Heaven. The cable car does run both ways so if hiking is not in the cards for you, take the ride up so the breathtaking views of Cape Town.

Checking In: I flew to Cape Town a few days before meeting my group to make this my first solo adventure. This was my first time flying alone and checking in to a hotel internationally without a companion. The Twelve Apostles was the perfect place to choose - the stunning accommodations and welcoming staff made me feel right at home. Solo travel can be intimidating and I can not explain how I felt before walking down to breakfast the first morning - I had never eaten in a restaurant alone and I found this idea incredibly daunting. The moment I sat down, I knew I found my new favorite activity- don’t forget to take yourself on dates! The confidence boost and joy that came from sipping coffee, looking over the view of Twelve Apostles Mountain range, following only my own thoughts, ideas, and needs is a powerful experience. Highly recommend.

Boulders Penguin Colony: Penguins waddling down the beach… I am there.

Gondwana Game Reserve: Located only a few hours drive outside of Cape Town, Gondwana provides an ideal safari experience when visiting South Africa. I stayed in the Kwena Lodge and the eco accommodations combined with the exceptionally knowledgable staff, this safari was a dream come true.

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The Marathon: This Weekend in Austin, TX

A Day Trip for the Austin Marathon

When I heard that my Georgia boys were coming to Texas, I knew I needed to make a day trip this weekend. Surprising them all, I boarded a plane for a quick trip to see them conquer the Austin Marathon.

Checking in: The Fairmont Austin

With a view over the city and access to the Gold Lounge, the Fairmont has it all. What a wonderful getaway for the night.

Saturday was spent cheering on the boys and exploring downtown Austin around the race. We ran around trying to find the runners at mile markers around the city. Stopping at the Capital building and coffee shops along the way. The evening was celebrated on Sixth Street and Rainey Street - the highlights of Austin.

An extraordinary accomplishment for the boys! Book the ticket, get on the plane, surprise your friends, show up for the people you love- you’ll never regret it.

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Weekend with the Girls: New York City

City that Never Sleeps

A girls weekend in the city that never sleeps is always a good idea. After work, I hopped on a flight to LGA to visit two of my favorite people in the world, Alyssa & Sarah. NYC, here we come.

Day 1: WeWork in Soho and shopping… After staying in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, we woke up early to take the L train over to Manhattan. Of course, we had to make a stop along the way for coffee & croissants at La Bicyclette Brooklyn Bakery. Gooood morning, New York!

After spending the day exploring Soho, we rounded out the evening with drinks at Westlight.

The perfect location for a pre-dinner cocktail overlooking the city. The views and vibes are unmatched.

Day 2: Brunch at Ruby’s East Village - avo toast at an Aussie cafe is the perfect way to start any morning. The girls are back together and wandering around Manhattan together was just what we needed. Quick stop at Bua Bar for drinks & off to the Comedy Cellar. The show was sold out and we had not bought tickets ahead of time but there is always a standby line… well worth the wait!

After a weekend like this, I always find myself reflecting on how grateful I am for good people. Quality conversation. Belly laughs and the ability to fly to see people who inspire me. I think friendship is simply reminding people of who they already are. Filling the kitchen with music, grilled cheese, and dancing. Walks to cute coffee shops, asking people about how they are truly doing, listening, learning, discovering what is meant for us - this is soul fulfilling. Don’t forget the stop at Magnolia Bakery for banana pudding and the Bodega ranch water.

Love this city & the humans that live here. I am so proud of my friends. LGA-DFW with a happy heart… be back soon nyc.

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A Day in Vancouver: This Weekend in Canada

Vancouver, BC

Friday at 5pm - we headed to the airport. Our flight was boarding at 6pm & that should have been the first sign for me to arrive a bit earlier… running through the airport always makes the journey more interesting. Come along with us as we do indeed make it to Vancouver, Canada this weekend.

4.5 hours from DFW to YVR - we have arrived! We landed at 9:30pm and drove a short 30 minutes to Coal Harbour. We checked in to our Airbnb and planned our exciting adventure ahead.

Here are some of my tips for first timers in Vancouver -

Coal Harbour is a fantastic location to stay in - offering a wide variety options between hotels and Airbnbs.

Vancouver is a walkable city and we found the connection between different parts of town to be quite easy to navigate.

  1. Early morning walk to Coal Harbour to watch the Sea Planes take off - I stood in owe for over an hour just watching the planes with the most beautiful backdrop. The harbour meets the mountains in a stunning fashion.

2. Bike or Walk the Stanley Park Sea Wall - we spent Saturday afternoon exploring the park and it did not disappoint.

The walk to the lighthouse is well worth it for the views of Lion’s Gate Bridge and Grouse Mountain.

3. Brunch at Medina Cafe - worth the wait on a Saturday morning! The restaurant is known for its after brunch dessert waffles while the whole place buzzes with weekenders. We ordered a feast.

4. Take the ferry to Granville Island Public Market - although you can drive there, the ferry offers such a fun adventure. For $5 each way, the time out on the water was one of my highlights. I always enjoy seeing a city from a new perspective and this is a great way to create a different viewpoint.

Open 7 days a week, Granville Island Public Market is the place to be on a Saturday! The whole market was filled with happy shoppers and vendors who were passionate about their products. Every food option under the sun is available right there within the walls of Granville Island Public Market. Same time next Saturday??

5. Happy Hour in Yaletown - Homer St Cafe & Bar

We took the ferry from Granville Island to Yaletown - walking from the port to Homer St Cafe & Bar. Everyday from 2:30pm-5:30pm, Homer St offers $2 off cocktails and an extensive food menu. We ordered espresso tinis, wine by the bottle, burger & fries, charcuterie board, and oysters. Highly recommend the atmosphere along with the overall experience at Homer St Cafe & Bar.

6. Cocktail Hour before dinner in Maple Tree Square - The Diamond: the staff has great recommendations on their beautifully crafted cocktail menu. I tried something new and outside the comfort zone - perfect place for cocktails before heading to dinner. The Diamond is also a short walk from the Vancouver steam clock in Gastown.

7. Dinner at Miku in Gastown

The best pieces of sushi I have never had. Enough said. Order from their local menu (ABURI OSHI SUSHI) and it will be the most wonderful experience. The Salmon Oshi was my personal favorite.

Our weekend trip to Vancouver was short & sweet. One of my new favorite cities as the combination of outdoorsy adventure meets city life. If we had more time, skiing is only a 40 minute drive from downtown and Canada is known to have some of the best in the world. I have added new bucketlist destinations and activities throughout Canada to my list.

The weekend was such a wonderful change in perspective and coming home felt like something to celebrate. Celebrating the big moments within a trip while also celebrating the quiet moment when you walk through the door of your studio apartment and remember how beautiful the Sunday night routine can also be. Grateful for these weekends and the adventure, growth, joy they bring.

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Saturdays in South America: Weekend in Santiago, Chile

A Weekend in Chile

10pm flight out of DFW to Santiago, Chile on Thursday after work. We’ve got Friday off - let’s go girls!

After the overnight flight, we landed in Santiago bright and early Friday morning. First stop: checking in to The Ritz Carlton, Santiago in the beautiful El Golf neighborhood. The Christmas lights and hot chocolate bar were the perfect warm welcome to Chile.

Our first full day in Chile! We started with a coffee and croissant from the Argentinian staple: La Panera Rosa. We then headed in to the center of town for a free walking tour and a cable car ride that is worth the wait.

Pretty much every major city around the world offers free walking tours, and it has been a constant favorite during our travels. Don’t forget the sunscreen and plenty of water, though, when you land in the opposite season and it’s peak summertime. And as always when traveling, stay vigilant when it comes to your belongings in the city’s downtown.

Also, if you happen to know a Spanish speaker, take them with you! My trip would have been far more complicated without one in our group.

We made a stop at Cafe Haiti and discussed the post-lunch coffee culture. This is a place to gather for all Santiago residents to have coffee and conversation after their lunch break - this is known as “Sobremesa.” The cafe offers only coffee, nothing else. The environment is simple, with standing room only, and designed for connection and culture building. The people of Chile choose to go somewhere each day based on the atmosphere, not based on what is served.

Fantastic coffee culture and conversation - sign me up!

We then headed to the stock exchange in an area where the architecture is Eurocentric and French-inspired in design. Many of the buildings have had to be rebuilt repeatedly after the many earthquakes that have hit Santiago. We saw the Supreme Court, Parliament, Santa Lucía Hill, Plaza de Armas, Museum of Pre-Columbian Art, Metropolitan Cathedral, and La Moneda (the Presidential Palace at Plaza de la Constitución). The tour ended in Barrio Lastarria, and while we only briefly stopped for a quick coffee break at 38 41 Coffee Roasters, there are dozens of great spots to eat and drink your heart out throughout the neighborhood.

With the little energy we had left from a long day post-redeye, we walked through energetic Bellavista to the Funicular stop at Pío Nono. The Funicular up to the mountaintop park on San Cristóbal Hill and Teleférico all the way down to the stop closest to the Costanera Mall building - one of the tallest in South America - will give you unmatched views of the entire city. It was a highlight for sure!

We rounded out our first day by taking the metro back to Plaza Perú for dinner at Tiramisú. A place of fantastic atmosphere and known as a go-to place in Santiago.

Day 2: It is Saturday and we are off for a whole day of adventure!

We booked a full day excursion on Viator to explore Valparaíso and Viña del Mar from Santiago. We were picked up at the Ritz Carlton at 8am and drove 2 hours through the Chilean countryside to Viña del Mar. The Reloj de Flores, fish markets (+ sea lions) and seaside town were a must-see, along with the Moai from Easter Island. We had the opportunity to learn more in depth history behind the pre-Columbian cultures that use to live in Chile.

Next, we were off to Valparaíso - the art town that stole our hearts. The steep hills (thank you, Funicular round 2!) and colorful wall murals made for a memorable day walking through the winding streets. Lots of pictures on the famous Pasaje Bavestrello staircase! Making our way back to Santiago, we stopped at the Casablanca Winery to enjoy some Chilean wine - the perfect follow-up to our seafood lunch.

Ending the night back in Santiago, we tried out a steakhouse called Carnal after failing in our quest for the perfect sunset rooftop view. Had we known, we would have made the oh-so-necessary reservation at the W hotel’s rooftop bar, Red2One, or Tramonto Bar and Terrace, for one (probably overpriced) sunset cocktail.

Sunday

was for relaxing and taking in the final moments in Chile (not to mention one last sobremesa at Patio Bellavista) before catching the redeye flight back to Dallas.

Take the Friday off. Sit in the airport and wish for a seat on the plane. Plan and dream for BIG things and go make them happen. Life is always worth it. 3 days, a new country, an exhale because you are alongside 2 women who make you laugh like no other- that is what it is all about.

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This Weekend: A Buddy Pass to Vail, CO

Vail, Colorado

Friday after work: where to next?

Vail is always a good idea. Hellooo ski season

DFW to Eagle County airport - the cutest and nicest airport I have been to in a while! The location of this airport is also fantastic and makes this quick weekend ski trip more easily accessible. We hopped in an Uber for about an hour drive to Avon, Beaver Creek.

&& we’re are off!

Checking in: The Westin Riverfront in Avon, Vail Valley. This hotel is ski in and ski out later in the season and was a perfect location for us. Located about 15 minutes outside of Vail Village, the area is quiet and quaint. The hotel offers ski valet and a shuttle that runs every 20 minutes to Vail and Beaver Creek. After checking in, renting skis and settling in, we choose to shuttle to Vail Village for an evening adventure.

The Christmas lights and snow finally made it feel like the holiday season. I was beyond giddy to be here and find Vail to be the perfect holiday getaway. We wandered the village squares and ended up at Pepi’s for some pre-dinner cocktails. The atmosphere and Apres Ski culture were unbeatable. Highly recommend a Friday night at Pepi’s.

Next stop: Alpenrose for dinner.

If you are looking for the warmest atmosphere and best food in Vail, look no further than Alpenrose. Everything from the appetizers, entrees, desserts, and drinks are perfectly in line with a German ski lodge adventure.

Saturday in Vail

8am: We grabbed a quick coffee and our skis and headed to the mountain! The location of the hotel allows easy access to multiple resorts, but for our 1 day, we choose to ski Vail. On the shuttle and off we go!

We got lift tickets and headed up the mountain for a whole day of skiing - stopping for lunch at the Arrabelle.

I finished off the ski day with some hot chocolate at Gorsuch. The boutique offers a full coffee bar and fireplaces right off the lifts in Vail… what a great way to end the day!

Ski boots off and hot chocolate in hand… ahh the good life.

We headed straight to the center of Vail Village for Apres Ski!

Sunday was for Christmas Markets around Vail and heading back to Dallas. The shortest yet sweetest trip.

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This Weekend: the Miami HEAT

Weekend in Miami

Quick weekend adventure to Miami for the HEAT game, Sunday beach day, and Dolphins game.

I arrived to Miami early on Saturday morning for days filled with fast adventure and lots of sports. Had to make a stop at the 1 Hotel South Beach for their rooftop pool and sushi bar before heading to the Miami Heat game that evening.

Sunday was a quick beach day then the Miami Dolphins game - what an adventure! A day at the Biltmore Hotel pool and Sunday brunch. Shopping on Miracle Mile and lunch at an Aussie Cafe.

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Oktoberfest: 24 Hours in Munich, Germany

24 Hours in Munich, Germany

Talk about an adventure! A true bucketlist weekend. 5pm Friday flight out of Charlotte and I was off to the final weekend of Oktoberfest.

Saturday morning at 7am, we landed in Munich for the 24 hours of fun to begin. We checked in and headed out for a quick coffee and breakfast. Then, off to Oktoberfest! We were wasting no time. The 3 week, 420,000 square foot festival was open and the kegs had been tapped.

Before arriving to the Oktoberfest gates, I wanted to guarantee the full experience. So, a dirndl was a must. Along the path to the main gates at Theresienwiese, there are multiple shops with tons of adorable dirndl options. Try them all on, have yourself a little fashion show.

The metro in Munich is fantastic and easily accessible. We stayed in Munich City Center, just a short walk away from Bavaria Park / Theresienwiese. The key here is to book ahead if you are looking for Beer Tent reservations and/or a specific hotel. As for me, the booking happened day-of sooo the options were limited. Although, the adventure was still seamless and extraordinary.

The uncertainty is always worth it in the end.

With no set plans but no lack of giddy excitement, we arrived to the festival around 11am. No tickets need to be purchased to enter the gates and the beer tents start serving at 9am. If you do not have reservations and are looking to grab a seat within a tent, be prepared to arrive to Oktoberfest closer to 7am to begin queuing.

Pick a tent, stay all day, or (the way we did it), walk around and take in all in!

Winzerer Fahndl, Hofbrau Festhalle, Schottenhamel, Lowenbrau-Festhalle, Fischer Vroni, Schutzen-Festzelt, Augustiner-Festhalle, Weinzelt, Pschorr-Braurosl, and so many more. The options are endless!

When it was time for lunch, the tents began to fill up even faster than before. Time to leave the park and explore Munich!

We took the metro in to the city for a traditional German dining experience at Hofbräuhaus.

This also allowed for time to walk through Munich and enjoy the city itself, outside of Oktoberfest.

After lunch and some time to walk throughout Munich, we headed back to Oktoberfest for the evening parties. The tents fill up past capacity and lines begin to form. Somehow, we ended up gaining access to the Paulaner tent for the night. The music and the party is never ending! The mixture of traditional German Schlager and global hits is perfection. About every 30 minutes, there is even a specific cheers song called Ein Prosit.

Get ready to sing your heart out and dance on the tables.

Oktoberfest is a must add to your BucketList.

5am flight to London the next morning to catch my flight back to Dallas. A whirlwind of a weekend but wow, worth it!

No set plans, so much uncertainty, and also so much joy. Even if you only have one day, take the flight. There is too much fun out there to let the fear of being tired keep you at home. Guten tag!

Where to next weekend?!

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Checking in: Edgewood Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe Weekend, Nevada & California

A weekend in Tahoe with the fam!

From Atlanta to Salt Lake City, then Reno and a drive to Tahoe, the adventure to the bluest, freshwater lake in the Sierra Nevada Mountains begins.

Pictures that will make you want to book a ticket to Reno, NV right now —

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Weekend with the Aggies: College Station, TX

Road Trip to College Station, TX

Just a four hour drive away from Dallas, we packed the car and headed to College Station… aka, Aggieland.

Crossing enemy lines for this Georgia girl— but I was thrilled to experience this weekend surrounded by some of my favorite people. The Aggies know how to do a football weekend and we were in for a treat.

The traditions, the people, the culture of Texas A&M is unbeatable. What an amazing 2 days to soak up all that Aggieland has to offer.

A&M campus, North gate, Kyle Field. Same time next weekend? whooop.

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Hikes to Highlight: The Best of the Best

Top 6: Hiking Around the World

Some of my favorite hikes from around the world, where I have experienced the beauty of nature and wonder of feeling small in this vast world. Raise the altitude, get to hiking.

  1. Mt Cook, New Zealand

2. Perito Moreno Glacier Trek + Laguna de Los Tres, Patagonia, Argentina

3. Angel’s Landing, Zion National Park

4. Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa

5. Mt Batur, Bali

6. Ponte de Piedade, Portugal

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A Portuguese Road Trip: Lagos, Lisbon, Porto

Lagos, Lisbon, Porto

A spontaneous flight to Lisbon to check off a new country!


We landed in Lisbon and headed for the beach… next stop: Lagos! The most fun and welcoming beach town.

After the beach, we headed North to Porto for wine, pastel de nata, and city life.

Back to Lisbon for a quick afternoon then flight back home. An incredibility beautiful place, filled with happy people, new friends, the most exceptional beaches, and food culture to remember.

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The Grand Slam Tour: US Open

New York City

Labor Day weekend spent in the city that never sleeps.

Friday afternoon, I headed to DFW for a flight to LGA. New York City is all of the magic and wonder of a concrete jungle. This weekend in particular, my 2nd tournament within the goal of the Tennis Grand Slam tour was to be achieved.

Hello Rafael Nadal!

After meeting up with friends from around the world, we walked to Seaport from our hotel in the Financial District for dinner at Sunday in Brooklyn. We spent time walking along the East River with unparalleled views of the city's iconic skyline.

Saturday morning was spent at an Aussie cafe…

flat white and avo toast, of course!

Then Ground Zero. 911 memorial & museum. This place will never cease to shift perspective and honor every human, near & far, affected that day. I found myself emotional as we walked through the extraordinary, underground museum. Every message left by the passengers, crew, firefighters, and all team members alike were never ones of hate - instead, they were all messages of love. The life-changing reality that love actually is everywhere. The note to self to tell them you love them. & never take a single moment on this journey for granted.

A must visit when in New York City.

Next Stop: Penn Station train to Queens - US Open here we come!

I suggest getting there hours before your match time: With countless food vendors, shopping, and miles of different courts around the grounds, there is much to explore. Our journey from Manhattan to Queens took around an hour and the Rafael Nadal match was to start at 7pm. We caught the Subway to Penn Station at 4:45pm, arrived to the Metts- Willets Point stop just in time for a quick dinner + look around the shops before running to our seats. There is so much to enjoy around the grounds so I highly suggest more time to take in all the excitement. So much fun to be had!

With a Honey Deuce in hand, we watched Rafael Nadal dominate over Richard Gasquet in the Arthur Ashe Statium. A once in a lifetime type of match.

The evening was rounded out with exploring the lit up grounds while laughing with people I love. A very quick trip that I wish could have lasted longer.

Up next: Roland Garros or Australian Open?

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A Beautiful Balance: Day in Dallas, Day in Beverly Hills

A Day in LA

What a weekend. From home cooked meals with two Australian boys in the kitchen, to home town hot spots, and 1 night solo adventures, I was loving every minute of it.

On Friday, I started off the weekend with breakfast deliveries and pure joy. I realized that I was missing my people and craving a day alongside them. This day was everything I needed, plus more. After work, we headed to nearby Fort Worth for dinner and dancing.

The line at Joe T Garcias is daunting but oh so worth it. The patio. Worth it. The line moves quickly and the experience will do all the talking. Margarita pls!

Low quality photo, high quality company. If you want to have the best day, bring some boys from Sydney to the Stockyards. Howdy cowboy.

In the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, we stopped at Hotel Drover first before heading to the nearby dance halls. Hotel Drover is a must when visiting Fort Worth. The experience is effortless and extraordinary.

6am Saturday morning: the airport was calling! I spontaneously decided that while I had a free day, I would travel West to the city of dreams. Philiz coffee, Urth Cafe, and Rodeo Drive, oh my!

Upon landing at the busiest of airports, LAX, I rented a car and hit the road to La Cienega Boulevard. This was an essential step in the journey as carpool karaoke was a must and the city is easily navigated when having your own set of wheels… Go for the convertible. California Dreamin.

Hotel check in at the SLS and off to explore the city - just a girl with no plans & a cup of coffee… the opportunities are endless!

I next visited the outdoor garden at the Beverly Hills hotel & slowly made my way to Venice beach.

LA is a bucket list destination where the laid-back culture meets glamour.

My time in LA would not have been complete without rounding out the day on Rodeo Drive.

This weekend balanced the beauty of being surrounded by life long friendship with the solo travel experience. Memories of comfort and growth. There is nothing like the feeling of being understood, loved, and moving forward knowing you are never alone. There is also so much power in discomfort, facing fears, accomplishing big things, and having solo dance parties along the way.

Cheers to LA for the day and spending time at home with people who fill my soul. Same time next weekend?

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Weekends by the Water: The French Riviera

Nice, Monte Carlo, Eze, Cannes

Ah the French Riviera. Let’s summer in the Med.

With a full list of cities to explore, my sister and I flew in to Nice, France to experience a Mediterranean summer on the French coastline. This happened to be the same weekend as the Iron Man races in Nice. A very inspiring surprise for our entertainment. The beach paths were packed and the city was lit up with excitement.

Naturally, my first stop in France must always be a croissant. A baby espresso in hand, we were ready to go.

Nice has everything you need to create the perfect weekend getaway. With the beautiful beaches, radiant sunshine, and cuisine culture, this city is calling your name. How’s next Friday?

For our first day, walking the city center and side streets was top on our list.

The antique stores and flea market make the mornings in town a must. Flowers, fresh food, and jazz music by the sea… I am there!

We spent the remainder of the afternoon swimming at La Reserve Beach and then the Ruhl Plage, sipping orange mango smoothies and soaking up the sun. Quality time with my sister in one of the most world-class destinations.

The world is a small place and for that, I am infinitely grateful. We ran in to friends from Sydney, Australia and headed in town for dinner. Sipping Aperol Spritz and dining in the bustling city center, we laughed and shared stories from the years we spent on opposite ends of the world.

Good people remind us who we are, how to live on purpose, and think lightly of good. Being with this community of friends and strangers alike, reminded me how much light, love, and adventure there is - all around the world. How to celebrate and live in such a way that illuminates beautiful reality.

I just adore the Australians.

Up Next: Day Trips from Nice —

Early the next morning, the train station was filled with passengers awaiting the next route to Monte Carlo, Monaco. The city filled with art, casinos, luxury, and design.

Madeline and I walked the coast of the smallest country in the world while marveling at the extensive glamour that is Monaco. Experiencing the absolute finest things in life, we shopped, visited art museums, and ended the afternoon at La Note Bleue… my iced coffee was delivered on a silver platter in a wine glass. This is Monte Carlo.

Stops in the village of Èze and Cannes, we rounded out the weekend in pure style. The most breathetaking beaches I have ever seen that certainly live up to and even surpass the expectations. I understand why travelers from around the globe flock to these destinations, year round.

History and architecture meets luxury and summer style. The French Riviera does not disappoint.

The vibrance of this place is welcoming, warm, and worth the travel.

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3 Days, 3 New States: A Weekend in North Dakota

Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota

Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota. So much more than imagined.

I boarded a flight on Friday night from DFW to Bismarck, North Dakota. A place I never knew I would adore.

As a summer intern, my brother, Conner, moved to Park River, ND for 3 months. I knew this was the perfect opportunity to see a new state and explore The Badlands with my one of my favorite people in the world.

North Dakota is neighbored by Montana so naturally, Conner picked me up from my late night flight & we headed to check off another state. The two hour drive brought us to the small town of Glendive, MT for the evening.

On Saturday, we headed to Theodore National Park in Western North Dakota to hike, explore, see bison and prairie dogs.

We then made our way to Medora and oh my goodness this musical. The Medora Musical is the place to be! Conner and I feasted at the PitchFork Steak Fondue dinner and walked over to the show. The joy and fun that we had can never be put in to words. Making the effort for people, especially the ones you love, is always worth it. The gift shop is also a 10/10, highly recommend.

The beauty of this state is one I am completely blown away by. I never knew I would visit ND but I am so glad that I did. Some might be quick to label North Dakota as a “fly over state”, but I see now the importance of going to places that few have ever thought of as top destinations. The world has so much beauty to offer, even in the hidden and off the beaten path places. Sometimes, the extraordinary is not on social media or magazines. Sometimes, it is just right outside your brother’s window.

Go see your people. See the wonder in their eyes in the exceptional places they get to call home.

Having to leave on Sunday morning is always the hardest part. Packed up in Medora & Conner dropped me back in Bismarck. I made a stop over in Minnesota to complete my 3 states in 3 days & off I went, back home to Texas.

Thanks for the meaningful moments & short but exceptional trip, North Dakota.

xoxo, Darby Day

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