United States

Weston, Missouri: Making the Most of a Weekend Visit

November 10, 2019 by Vanessa 4 Comments

Let me introduce you to one of my favorite towns — Weston, Missouri! This charming town, located northwest of Kansas City and only 20 minutes from Leavenworth, Kansas, has been voted The #1 Best Day Trip by Ingram’s Magazine 15 years running. I love Weston for its abundance of shops and attractions including a brewery, winery, and seasonal entertainment!

During a fall weekend, I spent as much time as I could in Weston soaking up sunny days strolling Main Street shopping unique boutiques. From home decor stores with shelves lined with candles and specialty food items to one of a kind shops stocked with artwork or antique cameras, Weston has it all!

The town was established in Northwest Missouri in 1837 and sits nearby Weston State Park, a must-stop for those who prefer to opt outside and enjoy tree covered trails for walking or biking, overnight camping areas or an off-leash dog park.

The shops are the main attraction in Weston’s historic district. People travel to the area to visit the locally-owned boutiques and artists’ spaces. It’s not uncommon to walk into a shop and find an artist at work on their craft. View the town’s store directory here.

Weston Brewery Company

On our last visit to Weston, we skipped the brewery because we were short on time and the annual Irish Fest was underway — the area was crawling with tourists! I wasn’t going to miss experiencing the brewery and restaurant this time around.

Although we didn’t reserve a tour, which is not necessary but recommended, we did convince a very nice employee to give us a short walk-thru tour of the O’Mally’s 1842 Pub. (Brewery tours are available at 1pm, 3pm & 5pm on Saturdays. Expect a one hour tour of the brewery, underground cellars, the secret 4th cellar, and tasting. Tickets are $5 for anyone over 14, and younger visitors are free.)

Established by German immigrants, Weston Brewing Company has been operating since 1842. The walls are covered in black and white photos of the past. It’s tough not to be in awe of the operation’s historical roots.

Can you see me? This is the hallway that leads into O’Mally’s 1842 Pub, an underground space where they host Celtic bands. You must experience it!

If you love visiting museum and enjoying a craft beer or cocktail, you’ll definitely appreciate visiting the underground pub. Just sitting there while gazing at the stone walls covered in historic memorabilia, I felt like I had transported by to 1842 when the brewery was established.

The cellar pub originally used to make lager beer and was built six stories underground. It was closed during Prohibition, and remains the second oldest brewery west of the Hudson River.

American Bowman Restaurant

After enjoying our refreshing craft beers, we headed back upstairs to the American Bowman Restaurant for a bite to eat for lunch. Although I was a bit disappointed to learn the restaurant was out of Hand Rolled Soft Pretzels (they must have been hoarding them for the Irish Fest the next day?), we thoroughly enjoyed the Sausage Sampler and Irish Eggrolls.

This is the restaurant menu, which looks like a newspaper, and includes a listing of upcoming events and the history of the building.

Tin Kitchen

Noted for some of the best ribs in the Kansas City areas, the Tin Kitchen stays busy from 11am-9pm serving authentic barbecue meats and yummy side dishes. We were able to snag a two-top table within 10 minutes of waiting at the hostess desk, which was surprising since it was in the middle of their Saturday lunch rush.

We dined on barbecue ribs (of course!) and opted for the homemade mac-n-cheese and baked beans for our mouth-watering side dishes. Their meat is slow-smoked for up to 16 hours over pecan-wood. When making the most of a weekend in Weston’s historic district, make sure to leave time for a stop at Tin Kitchen.

We loved the service at Tin Kitchen. The waitress had the kitchen split our lunch order without even having to ask her.

Pirtle Winery

Perhaps you’ve sipped wine in church before, but not like this! Established in 1978, the family-owned Pirtle Winery is inside a former Lutheran Evangelical Church that was built by German immigrants in 1867.

We enjoyed a wine flight in the tasting room, located on the top floor as you enter the outdoor stairs. I was impressed by the award-winning selection of wines. One of the white wines I sampled was poured from a can! (They sell wine by the bottle, but three of the varieties come in 4-packs at $24.95 each.)

I found the stained glass windows inside the Pirtle Winery’s tasting room to be beautiful!

I went outside my comfort zone and selected their famous Blueberry Mead as one of my flight selections. Noted to be “a blend of orange blossom honey and fresh blackberries,” I was impressed with how much I enjoyed its flavor. The selection has earned the family multiple gold medals, and came highly recommended from a local store owner. When in Weston, make sure to stop at the winery!

The Pirtle Winery has been family-owned and operated since 1978.

Shopping

The best reason to visit Weston, Missouri is for the town’s quaint shops. Main Street is lined with independently owned businesses ranging from an antique camera store (the man who works there is the sweetest and he is incredibly knowledgable!) to multiple home interior decorating boutiques. During out recent visit, I made sure to return to Buffalo Ranch Home Furnishings, a store stocked to the brim with holiday decor, home accents, candles, jewelry, and a bunch of other cool stuff you don’t need but totally want!

If you don’t find an open, free parking spot on Main Street, there are a couple lots available in the historic district or you can park on adjacent streets.

Holladay Distillery

Known for its rich history of producing bourbon, Holladay Distillery was established in 1856 by Ben Holladay who originally acquired the Pony Express. Today, it is operated by the McCormick Distilling Company (you’ve heard of the vodka, right?) and is the total experience for booze loving tourists.

The grounds at Holladay Distllery are expansive and stretch as far as your eye can see from the road. Look at that cute pup! Sasha enjoyed relaxing with us outdoors after our tasting room experience.

My only regret is that we didn’t think ahead to reserve our spots on the afternoon tour of the distillery, but that’s another great reason to return to Weston! The highly rated tour experience costs $10 for adults and allows you to “see, smell, taste, and touch real Missouri bourbon being made using the original recipe from 160 years ago.”

In the early 1800s, Ben Holladay purchased gallons of whiskey for 25 cents, and then sold a sample shot for the same price. Today, the distillery is well-known for its 25 cent shots in the tasting room. You can also enjoy the same experience in the “McCormick on Main” tasting room in town.

If you’re looking for a fun weekend of dining, drinking, and shopping in a town with friendly locals and small town charm, add Weston to your road trip itinerary. There is more than enough to do to fill weekend if you take advantage of all of the area’s entertainment options. If you need lodging, Weston has cute bed and breakfasts. We stayed at the spacious Hilton 2 Suites in Leavenworth where we enjoyed generous amenities and our dog was welcomed.

There is always something going on in Weston! View upcoming events. If you’re in the area, also make a point to visit the nearby town of Leavenworth, Kansas just over the bridge and across the state line. Love the historic aspect of a small town? Consider adding Abilene, Kansas, the boyhood home of U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Thinking of visiting Weston, Missouri? Pin the image below to our Pinterest board!

4 Reasons to Visit Four Fights Distilling in Corning, New York

July 10, 2019 by Vanessa Leave a Comment

After a return visit to Upstate New York and the Corning area, I decided to add an adventure we had never included on our itinerary before – a tour of a local distillery! Four Fights Distilling should be a must-stop for any traveler who appreciates locally crafted spirits.

Operating for the last five years from their location in “Extended Corning,” Matt and Donna Bowers craft spirits one small batch at a time. Every hand-sealed, labeled bottled.

We were fortunate enough to have our tasting room experience and tour sponsored by the Bowers and went behind-the-scenes to learn more about the distilling process. Why should you visit? I have 4 great reasons to add a visit to Four Fights Distilling to your travel plans!

1.) You’re supporting a local business. The Bowers are some of the friendliest and hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Matt makes the booze while Donna mixes the drinks! The couple is incredibly welcoming. You’ll appreciate hearing their story of the distillery’s origination and learn how they manage to do it all themselves.

2.) They know their stuff. From the science behind creating the spirits (and there’s a lot to learn) to the branding, the Bowers do an excellent job. During your tour, you’ll learn that Matt’s knowledge of spirits is vast (he’s self-taught!), and that there a lot involved in producing each spirit.

Four Fights Distilling gets their corn from a local farmer and then the mash goes back to a pig farm to complete the cycle. According to Matt, the water in Corning is “limestone water similar to Kentucky enzyme water” aiding in the distilling process.

3.) Four Fights Distilling’s spirits could compete with some of the well known brands on the market. Matt does his homework and continues to push boundaries when developing ideas. While I appreciate a smooth vodka, I was surprised to find that I also like Four Fights’ Bourbon. In fact, upon sipping it I exclaimed, “Wow! I don’t normally care for Bourbon, but that’s one I like!” Everything we tasted was fantastic. Their top sellers continue to be the Four Fights Bourbon, Suite 101 Gin, Emperial Apple Pie, and Emperial Cinamoon.

4.) Learning about the process of creating booze makes you love it that much more. Over the years, the more I discover about the craft of creating something, the more I appreciate it. You’ll never look at a bottle of aged bourbon or distilled vodka the same way either.

Visitors can enjoy sipping on craft cocktails Thursday-Sunday during select hours. (I recommend trying The Corning Mule or Crystal City Cosmo.) Cocktails range from $7-$11 each or you can try a Spirits Flight made of four tasters for $6. Interested in learning more about Four Fights Distilling? Visit their site or follow them on Facebook or Instagram!

Know that you’re going to visit Corning, New York soon? View my complete post highlighting the best of the Crystal City here.

How to Make the Most of a Weekend in Omaha, Nebraska

June 11, 2019 by Vanessa 8 Comments

Want to visit an affordable midwestern city where you never run out of things to do and they are all pretty affordable? Head to Omaha, Nebraska!

Easy to navigate because of its grid system, visitors will appreciate the accessibility of the city and its on-trend downtown scene. Omaha is dotted with historic neighborhoods. We stayed in the Midtown Crossing area located within minutes of the Old Market district, the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, and the Blackstone District (a ultra-hip area for those who appreciate supporting local eateries).

Let me show some of the BEST places to visit while in town!

OMAHA ZOO

This isn’t your typical zoo. The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s exhibits are world famous! It is known for its indoor Desert Dome and North America’s largest indoor rainforest, but if you ask me, one of the ultimate stops within the park is the Antarctic penguin area!

Dress comfortably for the season you’re visiting the zoo. You’ll be doing a lot of walking unless you traverse the park by train or Skyrail.

While walking through the Lied Jungle you will be able to observe over 90 species of animals and towering waterfalls. Crossing a rope swing bridge takes you to a new area of the jungle while winding paths lead you to an abundance of tropical flowers and seating areas. Bring your camera! You’re going to want to capture the bright colors (and sounds!) of the jungle.

When visiting the zoo, you can expect to see plants and animals from all parts of the world. Fun Fact: You can sign up for Backstage Tours that take you behind-the-scenes at the zoo.
Ask about how to gain an all access pass!

I think visitors will need a minimum of three hours to tour the zoo and aquarium, a swift look at many of its best features but certainly not enough time to enjoy the behind-the-scenes opportunities or animal feeding sessions.

The Desert Dome can be seen from the road as you enter into the zoo’s parking lot. It’s mammoth! Get ready to be transported to another climate as you walk red dirt paths to view reptiles, meerkats, bobcats and much more!

Again, you’re going to want to plan your journey since the park features seven indoor exhibits and eight acres of African Safari. My second favorite area to observe the animals was the inside the Cate Giraffe Herd Rooms. A female giraffe was born only weeks before our visit, and we were able to see resting while her mother ate nearby!

Is this the closest you’ve been to a giraffe? Get a closer view by heading inside the giraffe herd rooms or you can even sign up to feed them!

Pro Tip: Secure round-trip tickets for the Skyfari (think ski lift) that takes you above and across the zoo. The slow moving rail system is the perfect way to observe animals in their habitats without fighting the crowds. I don’t recommend taking the tram, which stops way too often along it’s trail and you’ll find yourself sitting and waiting for passengers to board rather than moving on to your next stop. Prefer the train? It winds through the top-half of the park.

If you ride the Skyfari, you get an unobstructed view of the entire park and directly above the African Grasslands.

A steam locomotive features 11 open-air coaches and a caboose, an ideal choice for those who want to see almost the entire zoo without walking it.

You’re going to want make a trip to the zoo in the early morning hours. We scored a great parking spot close to the entrance because we arrived at 9am. However, the lot was beyond capacity by the time we left the park three hours later. And it’s a HUGE parking lot!

If you want to plan your experience prior to arriving at the zoo and aquarium, you can download their free app. You can even purchase your tickets via the app! The park is open year round except on Christmas Day.

THE DURHAM MUSEUM

Dripping with history and filled with interactive exhibits, The Durham Museum is a must-stop during your visit to Omaha. The building was originally opened in 1931 as Union Pacific’s train station but today it is the home of permanent, interactive exhibits highlighting the city’s story.

The Union Station lobby is a photographer’s dream!
If you appreciate taking photos of architecture and design, you’ll easily spend upwards of thirty minutes shooting images of the restored railroad station.

Kids (and adults!) will enjoy walking through restored locomotives and viewing the model trains, pretending to be a shopper in the Buffett Grocery Store, and exploring a life-size tipi when learning about Native American history.

Enjoy diving deep into the history of a location you’re visiting? Step inside the Mutual of Omaha Theater to watch a film detailing the history of Omaha. Prefer to view photography? Don’t miss the museum’s expansive photo gallery and make a special stop at their photography archive open to the public Tuesday-Friday only.

For me, I enjoyed the locomotive exhibits and the history of the steam train the most since I come from a railroad family. Visitors of all ages will appreciate the meticulous restoration of the commuter trains on-site. You’ll feel like you’re a passenger traveling from Omaha to Kansas City while sitting inside train!

Pro Tip: Be sure to save time to visit the soda fountain and candy counter located adjacent to the museum’s main entrance. You’ll love stepping back in time to the early ’30s while enjoying an old-fashioned phosphate or sundae!

The museum is open at Monday 10am-5pm, Tuesday 10am-8pm, Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, and Sunday 1pm-5pm. Admission is $11 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $7 for children ages 3-12. Children under 2 years old are admitted for free. Another bonus? Parking is free on the 10th Street bridge located across from the main entrance. There are two levels for parking, so it shouldn’t be an issue.

DINING

When you think of Omaha, you don’t necessary think of tacos, oysters or duck salad. You’d be wrong! Dining options in Omaha are vast and on any given day you can find meals that appeal to every palette.

When visiting the Blackstone District, a renovated neighborhood near Midtown Crossing, we dined on tacos at Mula, a Mexican Kitchen & Tequileria. If you love tequila, you’ll feel like a kid in a candy store thanks to over 150 tequilas listed on the menu! The staff is well-versed in the history and production of tequila.

We enjoyed the homemade House Guac as an appetizer to accompany our drinks (a Michelada and a Cucumber Margarita). Later, we dined on delicious tacos made with flavorful grilled meats and fresh produce. I highly recommend the Carne Asada Taco and the Baja Fish Taco. (Each taco is sold individually.) Eventually, I ordered a warm plate for freshly fried Churro Bites covered in cinnamon and sugar – so yummy I nearly finished them all on my own!

Pro Tip: Dining with eight or more people? You’ll need a reservation. If you have a party of four or less people, ask for a table near the window for an open air dining experience that allows you to dine while people watching the neighborhood.

When in Omaha, you have to dine on the classic “Blackstone Reuben” sandwich at Crecent Moon. “Originally created at the famous Blackstone Hotel (just a few steps away) with slow cooked corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss and 1000 island dressing, plus a couple of our secret ingredients, grilled on marble rye. This is one Reuben you’ll rave about.”

Another great place to eat is Plank Seafood Provisions, located in the Old Market district. We snuck in just in time for their “Coastal Happy Hour in the Heartland” from 3pm-6:30pm on a Saturday and took advantage of the discounted menu options! Bellied up to the Edison-lit bar for discounted oysters and a plate of loaded fries covered in clam chowder, we sipped on cold wine and beer to our hearts’ delight.

Hours later we found ourselves hungry for dinner! Despite our efforts to find an affordable steak house in the Old Market district that didn’t require a reservation (or that didn’t have an 1.5 hour wait), we were drawn to the outdoor patio at M’s Pub.

Someone waiting for the hostess told us that we needed to book a reservation, but we were sat within minutes without one and happily dined on premium dinner entrees including this warm duck salad drizzled with warm bacon vinaigrette.

Pro Tip: Why wait in line for a table? Opt for patio dining or sit at the full-service bar! Sometimes you actually score faster, better service.

Turner Park located in Midtown Cross near our hotel, Element.

Trust me! You’re going to be glad you visit Omaha, Nebraska. The city welcomes you with open arms and they make it hard to leave. I guess we’ll be returning then!

This post contains sponsored experiences. Since I was planning to travel to the area, I contacted Visit Omaha who sent me on a few adventures!

Want to extend your trip? Head about an hour’s drive to the state’s capital city, Lincoln! Plan your trip using my post including insider pro tips!

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 14 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!