Travel

Discovering Lincoln, Nebraska in a Weekend

May 28, 2019 by Vanessa 8 Comments

People in Nebraska pride themselves on being “Nebraska Nice” and from the welcoming treatment I received in Lincoln, I certainly felt like I was amongst friends. Lincoln may be known for it’s historic and award-winning collegiate football team, but I’ll always remember it as the town where I had a super fun time – and the best pasta I ever tasted!

I’m a Kansan and I had never visited Nebraska! I was overdue for a trip, and when I saw that an uber hip hotel called Graduate Lincoln was located downtown, I was convinced. To discover Lincoln, you simply must show up and take it all in — and we did!

The dynamic city, known as Nebraska’s capital and the home of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, completely surprised me. I mistakenly assumed that I would find a cool hotel surrounded by a common college town with typical restaurants and bars. Nope! The city I experienced included hospitable people ready to lay out the red carpet. Whether someone is looking to dine on local cuisine or jam out to ’80s music while playing pinball in the Haymarket District, whatever you’re looking to do, Lincoln has it!

LODGING

I chose to stay at a boutique hotel Graduate Lincoln for the vibes (and it is centrally located in the city’s historic district dotted with restaurants, bars, and retail stores). Also located close to the UNL’s campus, the hotel focuses its design and ambiance entirely around its location — all things collegiate and cool drip from every inch of the hotel’s aesthetic. Everything inside Graduate Lincoln from the wallpaper to the bedding is meant to be nostalgic; to remind you of your glory days as your college/younger self.

As they say, “good ol hay days are had here (nights too),” the hotel is prides itself on “where your intellectual curiosity meets your favorite place to stay.”

The room keys feature iconic Nebraska cultural references from native Johnny Carson to the Kool-Aid Man. “Talent alone won’t make you a success. Neither will being in the right place at the right time, unless you are ready. Are you ready?” – Johnny Carson.

Another bonus of staying at Graduate Lincoln? The love dogs! Whatever the cost of the room, it was worth not having to board our pup who was welcomed in all parts of the hotel from the lobby near to the Top Golf Suites located adjacent to their tiki bar, John J’s.

Anyone want to pet me? Sasha felt right at home in the lobby while we played arcade games like Frogger.

And you know I did my homework! I knew that John J’s was known for serving great food and the ultimate tiki cocktail meant to be drank by two people (I mostly drank it – thank you very much!). So, the scene on Sunday early afternoon was set. I sipped on my rum punch to the backdrop of the local cover band Kelly Oh Brian while my dog dined at my feet on bacon provided by the waitress. Everyone was feeling delightful!

Our room was average in size but not in character. The walls were covered in historical maps, hilarious quotes, and references to the Midwest. The cabinet included a small refrigerator and a Keurig® was placed inside our bedside table which doubled as a hollowed out vintage TV.

Graduate Lincoln has several amenities on-site ranging from old school arcade games in the lobby to an indoor pool and tables games. Street parking isn’t much of an option for guests, so I recommend self parking in the neighboring garage that costs $15/night or $17 for valet parking. (We purchased the room package that included two breakfast tickets, which totaled around $139 plus taxes.) Pro Tip: Eat breakfast at the hotel’s cafe! I was quite impressed with the quality food and the healthy options included on the menu. My avocado toast was covered in a layers of gorgeous farm to table ingredients.

When in Nebraska, I had to drink a craft beer from the area! I would have loved to have participated in the Lincoln Beer Week tour during our visit, but since we were short on time we opted for buying IPAs like this one from Omaha’s Brickway Brewery.

Other options for hotel lodging in Lincoln include The Cornhusker Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Hyatt Place Hotel, Settle Inn, and the Hilton Garden Inn, but I highly recommend staying at Graduate Lincoln for the ambiance, stellar service and unique amenities.

DINING & DOWNTOWN ENTERTAINMENT

Short on time, we immediately asked locals which Haymarket District restaurants included dog-friendly patios and then we headed out to get a taste of the area! Our first stop led us to Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill where we relaxed on the shaded patio and drank Empyrean Ales best IPAs and seasonal favorites during their happy hour. Pro Tip: Take advantage of beer and drink discounts from 3pm-6pm. $2 off drafts, $2 off appetizers (the beer battered onion rings are to die for).

Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill is located directly across from boutique shops, an art gallery, and not far from the visitor’s center. Empyrean’s beers are always rotating so be sure to ask your server about their current seasonal options.

Lincoln is carving a path for craft breweries in Nebraska. Several are nationally recognized like Zipline Brewing, Boiler Brewing Company, White Elm, and Backswing Brewing. I loved Empyrean Brewing’s (this photo), and the fact that they offer a beer school once a month so guests can explore different types of brews with the head brewmaster is pretty cool.

After returning our dog back to the hotel room, we sought out another patio to enjoy a drink before dinner. We were pleased with the expansive views and comfy rooftop setting at Barry’s Bar and Grill. To the backdrop of country music, we people watched and drank cold, domestic beers while seated in adirondack chairs.

The quintessential college bar, Barry’s is flooded with Husker fans during the school year.

As we grew hungry for dinner, we scoped at a “secret” restaurant The Other Room located in a cobblestone alley. Locals informed us that the eatery and craft cocktail bar is like a speakeasy and “if the light above the door is green, they’re open and open to seating guests. Otherwise, come back another time.” Unfortunately, they were not open when we checked it out, but I’ll be sure to revisit the area just to try it out next time. Instead, we dined at Vincenzio’s Italioano Ristorante, a family owned authentic restaurant serving Italian entrees. Pro Tip: Always ask the server, “What entree from the menu do you like to eat when not working?” Our server’s answer? “Get the Cavatappi Con Broccolo Al Forno. It’s like crack. Everyone loves it!” It was hands down the BEST pasta dish I’ve ever eaten. The dish was served dripping in cheesy, white sauce and baked with a crust of more cheese and breadcrumbs.

I highly recommend sitting on the patio and enjoying a large bowl of pasta served with warm crusty bread at Vincenzo’s. The menu is affordably priced and the food is worth every penny.

Voted one of Lincoln’s best restaurants, their menu also includes an extensive wine list.

Soon after dining, we walked the Haymarket District to Versus Arcade Bar. Open to only adults 21+, the basement arcade is stuff to the gills with all the retro games you remember from pinball to Frogger to ice ball. Don’t have a roll of quarters? You can buy them from the bartender who serves up a long list of fancy cocktails and basic beers. Pro Tip: Make sure you visit the bathroom to check out the “scenery.”

A couple of the pinball machines had free plays left on them for some reason – bonus!

Not much for the bar scene? The city has a number of daytime entertainment options. For football fans, there is no better place to watch the game then at the University of Nebraska. Even if you’re not a die-hard Husker fan, you should treat yourself to a self-guided tour of Memorial Stadium, and be sure to check the Game-Day Experience Room that takes fans on a multimedia tour of a Husker game day and tunnel walk. Located indoors near the trophy room, attendees can also view The Traditionas Lobby Kiosk to learn about former and current NFL players who were one-time Cornhuskers. Want to tour the stadium? Enter the northeast side of the stadium to enter the stadium and prepare to be amazed!

You can park on this side of the building for free and enter to here to experience see the interior displays and ask questions of the staff.

This is the only sneak peak I’m going to show you because you need to check out the stadium for yourself!

Lucky for me, it was the weekend which meant one thing…I had to hit the farmers market in the Haymarket Historic District! Wear comfy shoes and be ready to walk in all directions of the downtown area because it’s a BIG market. Local vendors sell everything from beautiful bouquets of flowers to homegrown vegetables. But leave the dog at the hotel because pets are not allowed! Pro Tip: Park in one of the city owned parking garages for free the first hour or pay $1.25/hr afterward. Prefer meter parking? Expect to pay $1.25/hr enforced Monday thru Saturday 8am-6pm.

Don’t forget to bring your own bag to carry with you as you shop!

This market is only two blocks from Graduate Lincoln and other downtown hotels.

There is something charming about a town that celebrates its local artists by allowing them to paint murals around the city, and Lincoln is no different.

Street art often stops me in my tracks. What about you?

“Serving Hands”
This sculpture located near the downtown area is one of several six-feet-tall fiberglass installations on display through October 2019 by Lincoln Area Youth of Christ.

I promise you’ll love your visit to Lincoln. And because I’m so sure you’ll love the people and the city, I’m going to leave you with the ultimate tip for any visitor. Pro Tip: Make sure to stop at the Lincoln Visitor’s Center (7th and P Street) and ask Betty (or any one of the other amazing employees) your questions about the city. Not only will she give you insider tips but she’ll even take your photo with the infamous bobblehead “Lincoln” before sending you on your way with brochures in hand.

Perhaps you’ve already visited Lincoln, Nebraska? Leave me your tourism tips in the comments below!

48 Hours in Austin, Texas

February 25, 2019 by Vanessa 18 Comments

When someone asks me, “Hey, do you want to go to Austin with me?” I don’t hesitate. Would you?

The live music capital of the United States is one of my all-time favorite destinations because of its unapologetic and unique culture. Locals don’t try to be anything other than their fashion-forward, on-trend natural-selves. They city beckons travelers looking to explore a high-energy city that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts by day and band-chasing, craft cocktail sipping visitors by night. Austin is just my brand of city.

With a population pushing almost 1 million, the city’s neighborhoods are distinctly different much like the people who live there. I prefer to explore the downtown district since it is a hub for live music clubs and within walking distance of food trucks and restaurants. If you consider yourself a bit against-the-grain or counter culture, then Austin will feel like a home away from home.

View of downtown Austin from our hotel room on the 16th floor.

ACCOMODATIONS

The downtown area is crowded with high-rise hotels. We chose to stay at the Sheraton at Austin adjacent to East 11th Street, a gateway into the center of the city. Having booked our room only a couple days before our visit, I was impressed with the accommodations. (Note: Visitors can expect to pay a pretty penny during festival weeks and will need to reserve a room well in advance.) Fortunately, we stayed in the city during the off-season and were able to find a room (and request a skyline view) without issue.

Upon check-in, I made sure to update my registration with my Marriott Rewards member information that upgraded our stay to include free Wi-Fi. The room came fully stocked with standard hotel amenities plus a view extras including a soft, cotton robe and quality bath towels. Although the room included a refrigerator, it did not include the promised microwave, an extra some travelers appreciate. I thought the room was quiet (I don’t mind the woosh-woosh white noise from the elevator) and the bed was super soft and comfortable.

Ask for the 16th floor for the best view of the city. The room was spacious!

The hotel features a library lounge, The Yard (a downstairs restaurant and bar), heated indoor pool and crystal clear hot tub, as well as an outdoor entertainment area complete with an Airstream trailer and chairs to stretch out and enjoy the Texas sunshine. Travelers seeking a grab-and-go breakfast or coffee will appreciate the on-site Starbucks cafe in the lobby. To be clear, we didn’t eat at the hotel’s restaurant The Yard because we wanted to save our appetite for a day of visiting downtown food trucks, an absolute must when in Austin!

By the way, valet and parking garage parking is available at the hotel. Although we expected to pay $30 a day for parking garage access, we didn’t pay a dime upon checkout. Bonus!

We enjoyed a Texas craft beer from the Library.

The Sheraton has two pools, and this heated one is located outdoors adjacent to The Yard.

A fun place to relax in the morning is the Sheraton’s outdoor courtyard. Grab a Starbucks coffee in the lobby and enjoy the scenery outdoors.

NAVIGATING THE CITY

A car is a necessity if you’re planning on traveling to the outskirts of the downtown area to explore parks or shopping districts and don’t want to use public transportation. To navigate from the airport, one could use an airport shuttle to their hotel and then rely on the use of rental, electric JUMP scooters or bikes in the downtown area. Of course, walking the downtown district is an option but I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and stopping mid-route for a breather since you’ll likely want to traverse different pockets of the urban area. The rental electric bikes and scooters are meant for short distances.

Renting a Jump bike is as easy as downloading the app and scanning the bike’s QR code.

Available across the city, Jump electric scooters are best used for A-B, short distances. Once you use the app to scan the bike’s QR code, you will discover how much charge is left on the bike for your use.

Now, more about those speedy, on-demand scooters and bikes! They are everywhere. There’s no need to try to find a “rental station” to check one out using the JUMP app since people simply abandon them anywhere and everywhere they want. In fact, it’s almost overwhelming how many scooters you see standing (and fallen over) on the side of the road. Renting a scooter is 15 cents a minute so they make a smart option for someone who just wants to head to and from a bar or explore the city a bit. The Uber app recommends wearing a helmet (and you might want to because they are a bit unstable), but no one does. Ride at your own risk and have a blast!

FOOD SCENE

Consider yourself a “foodie” who likes to taste a variety of ethnic cuisines? Austin is the mecca for an authentic, chef-prepared food truck scene. You can’t walk too far before spotting a food truck or ten! Sometimes hidden behind another business, some of the city’s best food trucks, like Via 313 Pizza are nestled in the backyard of another business like Craft Pride. It is tucked away but deserves to be found!

Via 313 Pizza located behind Craft Pride on Rainey Street features free music most days of the week.

We also enjoyed walking up to a grouping of trucks that included Tex-Mex standards, pizza by the slice, smokey barbecue dinners, gourmet hotdogs, and Mediterranean faire. Honestly, I could’ve watched the cook at Ditty Dog prepare hotdogs with layers of toppings all night. She moved at lightening speed adding cream cheese, crumbled chips, and sauces to each order. ::Excuse me while I wipe drool from my face::

Interested in hunting down the Austin food truck scene? I recommend using Eater Austin to plan your meals and read up on the city’s favorites.

Next door to the Diggity Dog, we had to try a slice of pizza as well!

Looking for award-winning cuisine? Welcome to Austin! Whether you’re on the search for fresh seafood or an artfully stacked sandwich, the city’s kitchens are putting out delicious meals. Check out a few online resources prior to your visit. The sheer number of restaurants is overwhelming. Resources like Thrillist, Eater Austin or Yelp Austin are good places to start.

Note: Austin is known for its Sunday brunch specials. Keep this in mind when doing your research. Many restaurants serve bottomless mimosas and craft cocktails with a deep menu of breakfast options. I appreciated the fully-loaded, mouthwatering tacos from Torchy’s Tacos and the Taco Joint. I ate two breakfasts in one day just because I couldn’t resist the food options!

At Torchy’s Tacos, order at the counter and they will bring your delicious tacos to you at the table.

Not sure what to order? The employees are super friendly and will give you advice on what most people enjoy from the breakfast taco menu.

Taco Joint – Order a variety of tacos! Sauces are complimentary.

Paperboy – Signature breakfast menu items.

Our first dinner downtown was spent at Moonshine Grill — talk about historic vibes! Located on the corner of 3rd Street and Red River Street, the building dates back to 1852. Originally a trading mercantile used by visitors traveling across Texas, the restaurant’s ambiance harkens back to its early days. Stone walls, wood accents, and historic photographs set the vibe. Instead of waiting at least an hour for a table on a Saturday evening, we stalked the open seating in the bar area and quickly nabbed two vacated chairs.

Because it was National Margarita Day during our visit, I ordered a salty margarita made with Pepe Zevada Tequila Resposado. It was phenomenal! Later, I asked the bartender the same question I recommend all travelers ask, “If it were your shift meal, what would you order from the menu?” Having served in restaurants for years, I appreciate knowing what meal the staff wants to eat, not necessarily the special for the evening of what the manager wants pushed to patrons. We dined at the dimly lit bar on savory chicken sandwiches and copious amounts of steak fries. The meals are huge!

CRAFT BEER SCENE

Always a sucker for a hazy IPA or locally-crafted lager, I did my research before visiting Austin to find what the locals consider the best craft brewery in town. Craft Pride and Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden were mentioned favorably numerous times, and since our hotel was a short drive from the Rainey Street District, we had to try them.

Craft Pride is a Texas-only beer bar with 54 taps, and it’s adjacent side room includes single cans and bottles of even more beer! To access the bonus beer room and patio, exit the main tasting room and follow the signs. While I appreciated learning more about the brews from the bartender, I wanted to spend the most time drinking leisurely and listening to bluegrass music outdoors. Visitors will fall in love with the permanent food truck, Via 313 Pizza, open every day in the rear of Craft Pride. Have you ever tried Detroit-style pizza? They serve authentic square pies that are thicker than New York style pizza but less carbolicious than Chicago-style pizza. It is delicious and even better with a cold beer to wash it down! I recommend ordering The Carnivore loaded with two kinds of pepperoni, ham, Italian sausage, and bacon.

Look at all those glorious taps! Ask for a sample.

The outdoor patio scene is vibrant in Austin – in every neighborhood! The warm weather beckons townies and tourists to the Rainey Street’s Banger’s Sausage and Beer Garden. I went for the beer (they have 100 taps!) but stayed for the people watching. Known for Austin’s largest tap wall, visitors order their beer using a number that corresponds to their brew of choice. I appreciated that our bartended, one of a half dozen or so, was patient and took as much time as we needed to order. The choices were overwhelming.

Banger’s patio is extensive and wraps around the courtyard out of sight of this photo.

You’ll enjoy the outdoor patio that stretches wide and up close to Rainey Streets main drag as it is the perfect vantage point to watch visitors celebrating sunshine, tasty beer, and delicious eats. Order a bierwurst sandwich and enjoy the scene from your perch sitting high above the bustling sidewalk.

Simple food is good food. Order a bierwurst (or two) on white bread and add the sauces of your choice.

NEIGHBORHOODS

While I haven’t been to every Austin neighborhood, I can speak to what it’s like to experience the downtown district, Rainey Street, and some of the surrounding suburbs. Keep in mind that Austin is a big city. I recommend planning your excursions.

Not all Rainey Street bars or restaurants have long lines outside of them, but it does make for great people gawking…I mean, watching. Most patios are considered dog-friendly.

The downtown area has numerous big name hotels intersected by high-end restaurants and live music bars. A tourist attraction, Dirty 6th (6th Avenue) is dotted with high-energy bars boasting everything from happy hour specials to pulsating live music every night of the week. In my opinion, I’ve outgrown the hard rock, punk rock vibe scene and would much rather have a great meal coupled by relaxing, live music. No matter your preference, you can find the vibe you’re looking for along downtown Austin’s streets.

If I had a dollar for every mural in Austin…

Adjacent to the Sheraton hotel in downtown Austin, you’ll find many preserved historic homes not open to visitors.

Don’t forget to swing by the capital building to snap a few pictures. Street parking is limited.

My favorite shopping district is South Congress. Lined with eclectic clothing boutiques, home good stores, and locally owned restaurants, the area is several blocks long. Street parking is available but you’ll need to reverse into your spot. Because I was traveling light, I brought home a few tiny gifts for myself including a Anthony Bourdain drink coaster. I strongly encourage you to take an hour out of your Austin stay to peruse the retail shopping on South Congress.

I’m going to have to put this restaurant on my brunch list next trip to the city.

Willing to wait hours to dine on Texas bbq? Bring your own chair and a six-pack of your favorite beer while you wait in line at Franklin Barbecue, a popular local joint. Rumor has it that visitors wait over two hours to dine there. We didn’t, but I suppose that’s because we were already full from a day of eating. The restaurant is located in a humble suburban neighbor not far from downtown Austin.

OUTDOOR FUN

Love to exercise and explore? Austin is an active community! We saw hundreds of people enjoying the weekend’s sunny weather at Zilker Park. The area was dotted with runners, scooter riders, bikers, kayakers on the water, and dog walkers along the Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail.

Residents and tourists enjoy the area because beautiful trees and the river help it feel like they’ve escaped the bustling city.

Don’t forget to bring your swimming suit so you can take a dip in the city’s crown jewel, the Barton Springs Pool. Visitors and locals flock to the banks of the area to picnic, sunbathe, read a book while relaxing or play outdoor games with friends. Note: Starting during the spring (later in March), visitors must pay an admission fee to take a swim but if you’d rather avoid the price, you can enjoy a small waterfall area for free near the edge of the pool. Ask the customer service attendant for details.

This photo was taken in early March and people were swimming in the water! Lifeguards watched swimmers do laps up and down the waterway.

We enjoyed our time in the city. You’re guaranteed to love Austin! In fact, you’ll love it so much you’ll probably start planning your next visit while you’re still there. I’ve barely scratched the surface of all that Austin offers for fun. Have a fun suggestion to add? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.

Happy travels, friends!

Things to Do in Corning, New York

January 13, 2019 by Vanessa 15 Comments

Corning, New York’s downtown area reminds me of one of those quaint towns used as a backdrop to a Hallmark holiday movie. Known as the Gaffer District, the picturesque area is lined with small boutiques, unique restaurants and independently owned businesses along Market Street. I love the town for its charm but more importantly because it’s walkability – you can stroll up and down the streets and shop the historic district until your heart’s content. I would know – I visit Corning twice a year!

The Upstate New York town is built around a clock tower, an eye-catching stone pillar erected in 1883 by Erastus Corning. The town’s history can also be seen its turn of the century architecture and narrow alleyways. During the summer, the district is adorned by hanging flower baskets and visitors often find themselves sipping craft beer or coffee on outdoor patios. When winter arrives, Centerway Square attracts families who bring their children to visit Santa and enjoy the enormous holiday tree.

So, how could you spend your time in Corning? Whether you’ve only got an hour or an entire weekend, there is so much to explore! (Scheduled Market Street entertainment depends on the season so be sure to check with the Corning’s Gaffer District page). I know that you’re going to love your visit to one of my all-time favorite towns and what HuffingtonPost.com called “11 of America’s Best Small Towns, Perfect for a Long Weekend Trip.”

SHOPPING

The Gaffer District has well over 50 places to shop ranging from gift shops that carry one-of-a-kind items to brand name clothing at discount stores such as Bass Factory Outlet or Van Heusen Factory Outlet. I love shopping in Corning because each store has something that appeals to me or would make the ideal gift for someone else. Whether you’re on the hunt for new clothes or colorful glass vase (Corning, New York is the home of the Corning Glass Museum), you will leave Market Street with a gem of a gift!

To view a complete list of stores, view here.

DINING

I don’t know about you, but when I go shopping I build up an appetite! Thankfully, the restaurants on Market Street are amazing! Some of my must-stop favorites include Aniello’s Pizzeria (order a New York style slice of pie or a bubbly hot sub sandwich) or Market Street Brewing for a cold craft beer and a Black and Bleu Burger. During our last trip, I went to Carey’s Brew House for a cold one and next door to Capn’ Morgan’s Sports Bar & Grill for the most delicious hot wings. When visiting Market Street, you have more options than you can imagine for dining from reservation only dinner restaurants to whimsical ice cream shops. If you have a sweet tooth, I highly recommend Dippity Do Dahs for ice cream or The Source at Factory No. 2 for locally-made, artisan chocolates and a coffee.

To view a complete list of restaurants, click here.

MUSEUMS

When in Corning, you have two options for visiting museums and I’ve experienced both so I can recommend each one: The Corning Glass Museum and The Rockwell Museum.

People travel from across the country to see live glass blowing demonstrations at The Corning Glass Museum and walk the gallery to see their exhibitions. Corning, aka “The Crystal City” is known as the premier city for glass production and glasscutting because of Steuben Glass, which became part of Corning Glass Works in 1919. Look at your glass measuring cups in your kitchen or dishware. They may be from Corning Glass Works!

The Rockwell Museum houses artwork featuring the great American West. In addition, the museum showcases a mix of contemporary Native American art with traditional bronze sculptures and landscape paintings. Traveling with your family? This is a great stop to enjoy kid-friendly spaces for learning.

AWARDS

Voted “America’s Best Small Towns for Christmas” by CountryLiving.com, Corning has also earned recognition from TripAdvisor.com for “2016 Certificate of Excellence” and “Top 100 Events in North America – GlassFest” by the American Bus Association.

After speaking to a Visitor’s Center employee, I learned that there are a multitude of events including wine festivals. Corning is part of the Finger Lakes region, which is home to over 100 wineries! Plan your visit. You shouldn’t leave the region without planning a wine tour.

There you have it! I hope that you found this post a helpful resource for planning your trip to Corning, New York! I continue to find new stores and restaurants to try when I return twice a year. Without a doubt, visiting this little historical town will surprise you with its shopping, dining and museum options. Don’t forget to tell me what you enjoy most about traveling to Upstate New York in the comments below!

How to Enjoy Your Layover When You’re Stuck at the Airport

December 8, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

It’s happened to all of us. We’ve had a l-o-n-g layover at an airport and there was nothing we could do about it but sit it out. Your layover doesn’t have to be boring!

I’ve spent hours stuck in Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Minneapolis and many other airports long enough to know that if you follow the below recommendations, your time will fly by. In the meantime, enjoy yourself!

VISIT THE DUTY-FREE STORE

Let’s be clear. I’m not suggesting you spend a ton of money at the duty-free store. Instead, try on a new fragrance, volunteer for a make-up demonstration or men’s facial or try a sample of the gourmet chocolates they’re peddling. When you exit the store, you’ll feel refreshed (and smell divine!).

SHOP THE BOOKSTORE

Some bookstores are larger than others depending on the airport you’re visiting, but even the tiniest convenience store has entire shelves filled with reading material. I’ve spent up to 30 minutes or more just flipping through magazines and reading the latest headlines. Even better, purchase reading material to take back to your gate!

EAT LOCAL FOOD YOU’VE NEVER TRIED

You know the old saying, “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Stuck in New Orleans? Try crawfish. Spending hours in Chicago? Dine on a hotdog with a cold local beer to wash it down. Waiting in Atlanta? Eat the fried chicken.

TAKE IN THE ARTWORK

Even the crummiest airports make an effort to put up wall displays of locals artists’ work or historical timelines. I appreciate learning about the Detroit’s water fountains or Wichita’s aviation history.

PEOPLE WATCHING

Instead of just sitting at your gate seat mindlessly watching people as they pass, consider imagining their lives. Who are these people? Where might they be going? Why might they be acting that way? Imagine their stories. Take it to another level and play this “game” with someone you’re stuck at an airport with and you’ll find they’ve concocted a different story for each person.

CHEER UP CHALLENGE

Tired of sitting? Take a stroll through the major traffic areas of the airport with one goal – to smile at strangers. I coined the name of this activity after a layover in Chicago at Christmas time. I began to notice that people were stuck in their thoughts and their faces showed their emotions. They were stressed, bored or rushed. The goal of this activity is to smile at a stranger when you make eye contact with them. If they smile back, that’s one point for you (and a warm fuzzy for them!). If they don’t smile back, at least someone smiled at them. A total win-win.

USE YOUR AIRLINE CLUB PASS

If you have an airline club pass burning a hole in your pocket, use it! Even if you only have an hour or two to spend in the VIP Lounge, it’s worth it. Enjoy the complimentary food, drinks (grab a wine glass or beer!) and relax in plush chairs while you recharge your batteries….literally.

GET YOUR EXERCISE

After hours of sitting on a plane and at your gate, get your blood flowing by taking a long walk through the airport. Of course, you may have to wheel your carry-on bag behind you. Commit to walking the full length of the concourse and back without using the moving sidewalk because we all know that’s totally cheating.

MAKE A FRIEND

Not everyone is cranky at airports. Not all people are weirdos. I’ve met perfectly nice people from my hometown while sitting in airports in other states. Now, that’s a trip! Pun intended. See someone who needs to charge their phone and is looking for a station? Move over a seat and offer the charging portal next to you. Be nice. You’ll make an instant friend. It’s that simple.

Tulsa, Oklahoma: A Must-See City

October 4, 2018 by Vanessa 4 Comments

Have you ever visited Tulsa, Oklahoma? If you’ve never been, you’re missing out! If given the opportunity to take in the city, I recommend making time to tour their world renowned art museums and galleries, enjoy the local restaurants and breweries, and get outside to enjoy the city’s newest park. Again, don’t assume it’s another midwestern city. It has so much to offer for every traveler. It’s a must-see city!

ART

Philbrook Museum of Art

Having passed up an opportunity to visit the museum a couple years ago, I wasn’t going to miss my opportunity this time to tour the world class museum. Originally built by the Phillips family (as in the super wealthy oil family that owned Phillips 66), the 72-room mansion on 23 acres of grounds were constructed with the plan to eventually gift it as an art center for Tulsa. What a gift to the city!

Look closely. You’ll find markers like this one on the grounds that honor those who had a hand in building it.

The museum’s interior and gardens were kept nearly the same as they were when the Phillips family lived there. As you walk through all three levels of the museum, you can’t help but imagine the wealthy family entertaining friends in the parlor while the organist played, a room which now houses European paintings. I found myself gazing longingly at two Picasso paintings (that’s me below in awe of his work). Having never seen a Picasso, I was surprised how close to it (and all the other work in the museum) I could get to it. No velvet ropes. No security personnel. Just me and two Picasso paintings. It was amazing!

I was admiring a Picasso, and I was left without words.

While on a self-guided tour of the museum, we admired all types of original artwork from African art to Contemporary works and Native American artifacts to American artwork. The museum has it all! If you’re moving quickly through the rooms, you can probably see the museum’s interior in a little over an hour. However, if you don’t view the garden behind the Philbrook, then you may regret it later. Actually, while the artwork was breathtaking, the outdoor sitting areas and garden were my favorite space on the grounds. We spent about 2 hours in the museum and the gardens, so I recommend dedicating more time to your visit so you can enjoy it all.

Plan for extra time when visiting the museum to give yourself the chance to truly appreciate the immense art collection. Not all rooms provide benches for sitting, but each room’s artwork is worthy of your attention.

Despite the other small groups of tourists and two groups of high school students, we were easily able to navigate our way through perfectly pruned shrubs and around meticulously manicured flowers. I’m from the midwest so I thought I’d recognize all of the botanicals on the grounds, but I saw many types of flowers and shrubs that I had never seen previously.

View of the gardens from the museum’s back patio.

I know we’ll return to the museum again, but next time we’ll plan our visit during one of the museum’s movie nights hosted on the Film Lawn. All I can say is that you need to see the Philbrook for yourself. The artwork, the history, and the grounds are fascinating and worthy of your visit. Learn more about the Philbook Museum of Art and view its hours here.

Spectacular stained glass windows adorn the museum.

We visited the museum during its 80th anniversary so we took the chance to play vinyl 80s records. The station was located outside of the main galleries and near the gift store.

THE OUTDOORS

The Gathering Place

Before we arrived in Tulsa, we knew we were going to enjoy the outdoors at Tulsa’s newest park, The Gathering Place. Built entirely from $400 million in donations, the park’s 66 acres was constructed to attract a diverse cross-section of people, hence the name “A Park for Everyone.”

You can enter the interior of the park from all sides, which are well marked with signage.

Others cities should take note of Tulsa’s beautiful park project. It’s vast acreage spans includes areas built entirely for kids (or adults at heart!), an outdoor music venue for concert-loving crowds, and is dotted with state-of-the-art sports equipment. Not feeling athletic? No problem! Many areas of the park offer moments for relaxing and serenity. Read my complete review of the park and see bonus photos here.

BREWERIES

If you’ve viewed my Instagram, then you’ve seen what a craft beer fan I’ve become over the last year. Somehow in 48 hours, we drank at 5 breweries (and one German biergarten).

Hungry for dinner and a beer, we made our way to Growler City in Tulsa Hills, a center for big name retail stores and restaurants. The bar/restaurant has a 3 menu that includes 100 draft beers! It’s a feast for the eyes. Luckily, the menu is categorized by types of beer and if unsure what you want to order, the bartender is quick to give you sample or three. Go there for the beer, not so much for the food.

We spent Saturday on a self-guided brewery tour. Having done some research, we knew which breweries served beers that we would enjoy and had the vibe we wanted. Our first stop took us to Cabin Boys Brewery “Crafted for the Community” situated in a blue-color factory neighborhood outside the city’s downtown area.

The tasting room pales in size to the brewery space, but we easily found two seats at the bar and were served quickly by their friendly staff. Honestly, I could have had multiple beers there but we had other breweries to try and so after several competitive games of Connect 4, we packed it in and made our way to the next stop.

Marshall Brewing Company Tap Room was our next brewery visit, a brewery that is considered the first production craft brewery in Tulsa and one that has seen steady growth since its launch.

The two-tiered tap room is a newly renovated space in the heart of the city’s blue collar district. If you’re looking for a spacious tap room with TVs in nearly every corner so you can watch the game and fun game spaces, this is a must-stop.

This photo was take just before I narrowly lost a game on shuffleboard. I blame the tilted table.

Don’t miss the hops wall that allows visitors to inhale that true hoppy smell!

Our last brewery tour stop took us to a another new tap called Nothing’s Left Brewing Company, a one time old school gas station. Our visit took place during the brewery’s grand opening weekend, and it was so worth the visit! Brewing since 2015, their craft beer menu has something for every beer drinker. I was so pleased with my go-to brew Yabba Dabba Brew, which tasted like Fruity Pebbles cereal (it sounds insane but it was delicious!), that a bomber (22 oz.) to bring home to Kansas. Bonus? The brewery also includes a pup-friendly patio!

Side Note: If you’re not a fan of craft beers, you may enjoy Fassler Hall located in the Blue Dome District. Constructed to resemble a German beer hall that includes an outdoor biergarten, weekend goers can order a German beer served in a glass stein or take advantage of their elaborate bottomless Bloody Mary bar. They also serve a full menu of standard bar food but up the ante by offering German sausages and sides.

The Blue Dome District is made up of locally owned art galleries, restaurants, and bars. A little rough on the edges, it is still worth the visit. In this downtown Tulsa neighborhood, brick exposed buildings are covered in hand painted murals and visitors will enjoy the variety of entertainment options.

I recommend stopping at Andolini’s Pizzeria, if you’re looking for a quick slice of New York style pizza or a decadent serving of homemade gelato.

Tulsa, Oklahoma is a city with a vibrant arts community, beautiful outdoorsy area, and a place that offers countless options for any foodie. Traveling from the north, be sure to swing by The Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma. Read about our visit there.

I was traveling with a part-time pilot instructor, so of course we also pulled the car over to check out The Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Plantetarium. Aviation aficionados will fall hard for the museum’s gallery of notable pilots and the restored antique planes. Make sure to nab a volunteer to take you inside the MD-80.

Tulsa, Oklahoma’s “The Gathering Place:” A Park for Everyone

September 24, 2018 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

On a recent trip to Tulsa, Oklahoma we made it a priority to visit the city’s latest project “The Gathering Place,” a riverfront park built entirely from donation dollars. The mission for the park’s construction was to build a park that not only beautified the area but attracted diverse populations to positively interact with one another while enjoying the outdoors. Tulsa nailed it.

The entirely free park sits on 66 acres near downtown Tulsa. Thanks to 80 corporate and philanthropic organizations, The Gathering Place was built with $400 million in donations starting in September 2014. The park opened to the public two years later.

We arrived just after the park opened (regular hours are 9am-10pm) and found a parking spot just outside the Chapman Adventure Playground, an interactive area devoted to children (and adults). Soon after our arrival we found ourselves immersed in the fun of the park. Every inch of the park provides a sensory experience!

Within the Adventure Playground there are areas devoted to testing your strength (and desire for fun) and teaching areas with interactive stations about nature. At one point, my boyfriend and I became so excited wandering around discovering new areas that we lost each other!

Speaking of the park’s vast size, I would recommend picking up a map or viewing the website prior to entering the park. Volunteers walking the park can give you one as well. If you don’t want to spend time climbing wooden fortresses or swinging from ginormous chairs next to giddy children, you should visit the other areas built with just adults in mind such as Peggy’s Pond or the restaurants.

You can climb to the top of multiple towers and look out on the park!

Looking out toward Peggy’s Pond. A relaxing space for adults to sit who are not with children.

As an adult, I think there’s something completely freeing and almost rebellious about living like a kid again. I took advantage of the opportunity to cross a suspended rope bridge that connected wooden castles, walked through the Mist Mountain, and explored the Sensory Garden with careless abandon and complete curiousity. Without any concern from time, I allowed myself to giggle inside a mirror maze and trample along the path beside man-made waterfalls. It was worth every moment.

Despite my crippling fear of heights, I crossed this rope suspension bridge! To be totally frank…I ran!

Parents toting children will enjoy interacting with their families and taking photos. We saw dozens of families snapping photos of kids playing joyfully at Swing Hill and areas like Slide Vale and Willow Beach. The backdrops for group photos are limitless.

Playing in the interactive water feature area of the park, one is easily reminded what it feels like to be a kid again.

After we took full advantage of the play areas, we walked to a glass enclosed, two-story ONEOK Boathouse located on Peggy’s Pond. Those interested in enjoying the water can check out paddle boats, kayaks and canoes from the lower level of the building. Although it wasn’t open yet, a fine dining restaurant called Vista at The Boathouse will offer affordable meals for all ages and provides alfresco patio seating on the second level.

You can check out canoes and kayaks free of charge at The Boathouse.

Later, we meandered our way to the oversized chairs on the dock of Peggy’s Pond. I could easily see myself enjoying a coffee while reading from this tranquil spot, if I had more time. While serene and beautiful, I wished we were there at night to view the daily light show that takes place at 9pm. The park’s designers have meticulously added rows of lights to illuminate the shore after dusk.

Bringing your pup? Dog owners should bear in mind that pups are not allowed inside the park unless it’s Wednesday. However, we several dozen dog owners walking along the trail along the Arkansas River just outside of the park. The concrete sidewalks are wide enough to allow for cyclists, runners, and dog walkers to co-exist easily.

Of course, dogs must be on a leash. Areas that don’t allow dogs are well marked.

At some point when we return to Tulsa, we’ll visit the park again since we didn’t see the entire area even after two hours. For me, I love that the park requires you to relinquish all sense of adult responsibilities and instantly gives you the feeling of pure freedom that comes from acting like a a kid again.

Interested in visiting? Plan your next trip here. If you have any questions about navigating the park or what else you can expect from your visit to The Gathering Place, ask me in the comments section below!

Want to see bonus photos and videos of the park? Check out my Instagram!

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