Just above Camden, in Lincolnville, Maine, thrives a winery with the most beautiful vineyard and venue that offers the best tasting, pairing, and tour experiences. Every Sunday during the summer months, Cellardoor Wineryoffers a free wine tasting and cuisine pairing experience that is simply delightful. Through collaboration with Fiore, a local artisan olive oil and vinegar company, these two businesses create a culinary experience that is both delicious and entertaining.
After indulging in this delectable tasting, the most spry and fashionable lady will take you on a tour of the property to include the history of this winery as well as its expansion over the years. She is full of energy and whit that keeps you entertained the entire time. You will end the tour in the cellar where she explains the importance of winemaking techniques and how they affect the taste of each bottle.
Once you give your thanks to this kind lady, browse their shop then stroll through the vineyard at the base of the hill. You could also enjoy a glass of pinot noir on the back patio with a gorgeous view of the green rolling hills and wildflowers that Maine is so well known for during the summer season.
I stumbled upon this winery while searching for things to do near Camden, Maine. Never did I suspect that this experience would become one of the highlights of my coastal Maine road trip, but it surely did, and I highly encourage you to visit.
Happy Travels,
Katie
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Located in Utuado, Puerto Rico is a breathtaking, extremely random landscape. At the bottom of the winding mountains, there’s a mass of white stone with a river running through it called Canon Blanco (White Canyon.) Although the drive is about 1 hour and 40 minutes from San Juan, this is a sight that is really cool to witness.
Getting There
The road to Canon Blanco winds around mountains and can be narrow at times. I do not recall terrible potholes like other areas of Puerto Rico are known for, just a few steep climbs. Although Google maps took us most of the way there, we missed the entrance at first and had to turn around. You take a sharp turn to the left down a steep hill that has a sign for Canon Blanco camp grounds.
If you keep going past the camping area and over a cement bridge, you are headed the right way. The path is only wide enough for one car at a time. To see the best of the canyon, park on the side of the road by the sign labeled “El Sofa” and walk the path in the grass that leads to the river. It doesn’t look like much at first, but keep walking to the right, and you will see the massive white stones with gushing waters that lead to a beautiful green mountain. We climbed the canyon, but the water rushes fiercely so be sure not to fall in.
Since you are already there, driving a little further and parking in an even larger dirt area will bring you to a picturesque scene that is worth experiencing. Here you will find a few houses, a duck pond, wildflowers, chickens, and even goats on the mountain if you look up. We tried to get to the canyon from this area at first, but it was too steep for us. Be sure not to go past the duck pond by car. It just gets steeper and leads to private houses. Our curious habits made us go back down the steep path backwards, so just don’t do it.
Everyone knows that good food is key to a good vacation. I lived in San Juan for 2 years, and recently went back to visit. My favorite restaurants have changed over time, and I’m going to share some hidden gems with you that are worth a visit!
This fun little spot is worth a visit for great breakfast! Now located in Ocean Park, Condado, and Santurce, Pinky’s is popular with tourists and locals alike! Frothy lattes and fresh fruit smoothies also make Pinky’s a great place to catch up with friends. Because space is limited and waiting for seating can take a while, you can always choose to take your bagel or breakfast sandwich to-go and head to the beach! Their newest location at La Marqueta in Condado will allow you to enjoy breakfast with a view of the Ocean if you go after 11am.
A fun atmosphere, oceanview, and great music make this food court in Condado worth checking out. The food is a little overpriced for the quantity in my opinion, but the atmosphere makes it worth trying at least once.
Famous for some of the most incredible coffees and massive portions, this café in Isla Verde is one of a kind. Except, actually they just opened a second location in Miami, but for good reason. From glitter lattes to mocha frappes with waffles on top, Bistro’s coffees are mind-blowing! Many people love the brunch here, so go early, sit at the coffee bar, or make a reservation. The menu is so big that it is easier just to find a picture you like on their Instagram or Google page and show it to your server.
We celebrated my birthday dinner here last-minute, and I was so glad we did! This small restaurant offers delicious Puerto Rican cuisine in an intimate atmosphere. I got the stuffed chicken, and it was incredible. The menu varies from chicken to steak and seafood to satisfy any preferences in your party.
If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening, head over to Distrito T Mobil on a weekend for tasty food, bright lights, and live music. Denko was undoubtedly the best Asian cuisine I found on the island. Most dishes can be split by ordering 2 meats and one side like noodles or rice, but they also offer single dishes as well.
Although on the pricier side, this restaurant is where you will find delicious homemade pasta and Italian dishes. I ordered the roast veal, and am still thinking about it to this day! They offer the traditional 5-course Italian menu, but you are welcome to order a la carte however you wish.
@boccasanturce
I hope this helps you find some delicious food while visiting Puerto Rico.
Click HERE for my favorite things to do while vacationing in Puerto Rico!
Happy Travels,
Katie
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Tucked away in the mountains of Orocovis, Puerto Rico sits the longest zipline in the Americas and the 2nd longest zipline in the world. This activity is one for the books, and it is also about the closest you’ll ever get to actually flying. The Monster line is not like other ziplining experiences, as you…
If you’re looking for a great time with friends or even with the community, Foxy is your place. Each week, Foxy offers a great environment and fun activities. Some of the best nights are Fire & Wine, every Saturday night, and “Movies in the Courtyard” every third Friday of the month. Other entertainment held weekly at Foxy includes acoustic night, poetry slams, and knitting/stitching/crocheting. Try to visit Monday-Friday from 5pm-8pm to take advantage of their $2 lattes and Lone Stars. The best thing about Foxy is that it stays open later than most coffee shops around town. My favorite combo is a latte with a cookie dough brownie!
If you’re looking for beautiful Savannah scenery, Mirabelle is magical. Grab a seat outdoors, in front of the café, and watch the horse carriages and Olde Savannah Trolleys stroll by the magnificent Cathedral of St. John the Baptist. Mirabelle’s prides itself in authentic Liege Belgian waffles, while offering a sweet twist to the tradition called the “Georgia Peach.” They also offer sandwiches, Panini, salads, and pastries, but I’ve only tried their coffee and waffles, which I give two thumbs up!
Savannah Coffee Roasters is ideal for so many reasons. It’s spacious for big groups, it offers gluten-free dessert options, and its seating arrangements are great for studying. As far as entertainment, Savannah Coffee Roasters has tons of board games that you can check out and play with friends from 4pm to close. They also offer chess tournaments, improv theatre, and high tea.
Fairly new to the area, Shuga Girl’s is all over Instagram, and for good reason! This coffee and sweets shop is beautiful inside with blush pinks, golds, and a nice 20’s vibe. Their coffee is one of the best that I’ve tried in the area. It’s not as dark of a roast and requires less cream and sugar. They also have crepes and pastries that are sure to couple nicely with your hot or iced coffee.
If you want an atmosphere that brings joy to your heart, Bitty & Beau’s is the place for you. This coffee shop is completely staffed by employees who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their tagline is “Not broken,” which proves 100% true once you meet these amazing baristas. Although it looks small from the front, the shop actually goes pretty far back, offering plenty of seating. It is located right behind city market, making it a great location for a little break between sightseeing. One helpful suggestion that I have is to ensure you bring your credit card. So the baristas can focus on customer service and coffee brewing, this shop only accepts card payments.
Way Station is about 20 minutes from downtown Savannah in a suburb called Richmond Hill. This little shop made it to the coffee list because it actually has, in my opinion, the best tasting coffee along with Shuga Girl’s. The atmosphere is spacious, light and airy, which is perfect for studying or visiting with friends. They often have fun events geared toward children or supporting local businesses. So before you go, check their Facebook page to see if they are offering anything that day.
Savannah Guide Free Printable PDF
I’ve made a printout of my favorite coffee shops that I hope is helpful for your Savannah travels. The atmosphere winners are in no particular order as all are welcoming and enjoyable.
Enter your email below to receive the Savannah Coffee Shop Guide in the confirmation message.
Hey everyone! I made a tour guide filled with all my favorite things on Tybee Island that I think you will love too! I’ve created an itinerary and even found a great vacation home to stay in while you are there. Zac and I stayed in this rental, in exchange for a review, photos, and a virtual tour, with friends over spring break and loved it!
Enter your email to receive a free PDF Guide to Tybee Island that includes activities, accommodations, restaurants, and cost!
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
Tybee Airbnb Option
We also loved this Tybee Vacation Rental that was perfect for large groups! Here is a quick video that shows the inside. It is 2 stories and has 7 beds. We easily fit 4 cars in the gravel driveway!
Savannah is known for its nostalgic cobblestone streets, old buildings, and carriage rides. Once you’ve walked River Street, strolled Forsyth Park, and toured the giant Cathedral, what’s next?
Here’s a few things to do in Savannah that are beyond the normal tourist sights:
Here’s a fun one. AR Workshop is actually a franchise, but Heather Nelson just opened one up on Liberty Street in Downtown Savannah. This studio offers workshops for all types of handiwork, including chunky knit blankets, plank art, wood clock centerpieces, and several other crafts that will make you feel like a Pinterest queen. You can go right to the AR Workshop Savannah website and look at their calendar to sign up. If you’re hosting a bachelorette or birthday party in Savannah, AR offers private events as well.
Although it’s at their Wilmington Island location, the Sav Bee Co. Hive Tour is definitely worth the drive. The Savannah Bee Company raises their own bees in hives right outside their shop and are happy to let interested visitors take a look. The tour is $10 and comes with an educational preface about the science of bees and honey making, which I found very interesting. You will put on your trendy beekeeper hat and see where the magic is made. If bee tours aren’t your thing or you want to hang around a little longer, Sav Bee Co. also offers mead tastings (fermented honey-yum!) for $10.
Ever wanted to learn to ballroom dance? This one’s for you! Butterfly Ballroom offers dance lessons from 8pm-9pm and a free dance afterwards for only $10 per person. Bring your significant other and learn a few moves so you can look like you know what you’re doing at the next wedding you attend. This event is nothing fancy, it’s a jeans kind of atmosphere and super laid back. They also offer different levels so you can improve no matter what stage of dancing you are in.
Savannah Coffee Roasters not only has an appealing design and large facility, they also offer some pretty unique activities. Also located on Liberty Street, Sav Coffee Roasters has Libertea High Tea every Wednesday and Saturday at 11am,12pm,1pm, and 2pm. This elegant setup is the perfect way to capture the old southern style Savannah. It’s $20 per person and includes items like cream puffs, macarons, chocolate éclair, fruit tartlets, etc., but the menu varies.
Another interesting event hosted by Sav Coffee Roasters is a Murder Mystery Dinner every Friday evening at 6:30pm. Their improv theatre actors known as The Odd Lot Team will provide an entirely improvised murder while you enjoy a three-course dinner. This event Is $40 and can be reserved online.
If you’re looking for a more casual experience, check out Sav Coffee Roaster’s Game Menu that’s completely free, just buy a coffee or dessert because they’re delicious. From easy games like Uno to strategic games like Pandemic or Catan, they have it all! You can check out a game with your driver’s license, grab some friends and a table, and play all night. There’s no windows in the back, so you can really get lost in the competition. My friends and I unknowingly played Catan from 4pm to about 8:30pm. We were shocked to see that it was dark when we walked outside.
Ok, this one is definitely unique, but let me preface it with a few disclaimers. It’s cheap– like $20 bucks, while most Savannah tours are $30 and up. You literally sit in the back of an old hearse (breathing in the fumes and all) with raised seats so you can see out of the top. It’s spooky, it’s hokey, it’s an experience. Like all tours, your guide makes or breaks the tour. Our poor guy broke it, but we heard the one right before ours was amazing! He was wearing bone necklaces and drumming skeleton bones together around the hearse to “ward off bad voodoo” and all that good stuff. He has a long, gray beard if you want to try to specifically request him, but I don’t know if that’s possible. This experience is on the unique list because you ride in a hearse. That’s pretty cool, right? Just realize you are paying $20, and the tour guide will determine the intensity of it all.
Hey everyone! I am doing some market research and am launching a giveaway to say THANK YOU for participating! The random winner will receive a $50 gift card from Hotels.com to use on the destination of your choice!
The winner can ALSO request a free itinerary from yours truly to the destination they choose to visit with the gift card.
The best itineraries will probably be from places I’ve already explored, which are:
U.S.A:
•Pasadena, L.A., and San Fransisco, California •Spokane, Washington •Washington D.C. • Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota •Savannah, Tybee, Atlanta, Helen, Elijay, Blue Ridge, Georgia •Orlando, St. Petersburg, Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Sarasota, Destin, Panama City, Daytona, and Cocoa Beach, Florida •Charleston and Hilton Head South Carolina •Williamsburg,Virginia •Cape May, New Jersey
Abroad:
•Cozumel, Melaque, Guadalajara, Mexico •St. Thomas and St. Maartin, B.V.I •Rome, Venice, and Tuscany, Italy •Paris, France •Brussels and Brugge, Belgium • Bacharach, Boppard, Beilstein, Edam, Burg Eltz Castle, Hohenzollern Castle, and Black Forrest, Germany • Delft, Keukenhof Gardens, and Haarlem, Netherlands
*If you choose another place, I will still do research and make you an itinerary, but it will be based on other online information*
Here’s how to enter:
*Find my giveaway post that is a picture of me looking way too excited on a beach*
Savannah, Georgia has much to offer when it comes to delicious cuisine and nightlife. Restaurants vary from super fancy to casual and fun. They even have plenty of coffee shops perfect for getting work done or taking a load off from sightseeing. Having so many options can really get overwhelming. I will be in this city for 1 year and know that there’s no way I’ll be able to experience everything. So, to narrow the list, I asked a few locals about their favorite places to eat, drink, and explore in hopes to give you some guidance while you visit this lovely city.
I created a Printable Savannah Tour Guide featuring all the local favorites that Savannah residents recommended. Enter your email below to receive the guide in the subscription confirmation!
Being stationed in Savannah, Georgia has been so much fun this year! The city is lively, beautiful, and full of community. As an Army and Coast Guard town, Savannah businesses are so generous to show their gratitude in forms of discounts and even free tickets! Here are a few of our favorite things to do in Savannah as a military family:
Ft. Pulaski
As a national state park, Fort Pulaski is free to all military and their dependents. Tours are offered every few hours and cannon demonstrations are given on the weekends. The cannons are actually really fun to watch! Volunteers dress in Civil War attire and put on a full show.
This is one of the most in-tact forts in the southeast. It was defeated fairly quickly by the Union Army with their superior rifle cannon. When it later became a prisoner-of-war camp, the troops rebuilt the bombed portion so it’s almost perfect now.
Fort Pulaski could take 1 to 3 hours to explore. If you decide to participate in a tour, it will be longer, but more insightful than just looking around on your own. If you decide to visit in the summer, take the trail to the left of the parking lot and check out the Cockspur Island “beach.” It’s basically a channel, but many people fish and watch cargo ships sail by. We like to play Frisbee or soccer on this beach because there’s no sunbathers to accidentally hit!
Tybee Island Lighthouse Museum
At the north shore of Tybee, the famous lighthouse stands tall, proud, and ready for you to climb. Until the late 1900s, this museum was an active Coast Guard station, which is why Coast Guard families get one free ticket. For example, when I went, my husband was not with me so they gave me the free ticket. This museum closes at 5pm, so plan accordingly. Give yourself about 1 hour to 1.5 hours to climb the lighthouse, view the old lighthouse keeper living quarters, and explore the Tybee museum across the street. You’ll enjoy learning about the history of Tybee’s “hay-day,” but I’m pretty sure kids will just care about climbing the lighthouse.
Savannah Theatre at 222 Bull Street
The Savannah Theatre keeps a donation running that allows all active duty military and their dependents to enjoy their performances for free! If you are in town for Christmas, come see their famous annual “Christmas Tradition” show. It’s so festive and will really get you into the Christmas spirit! They will be performing Mama Mia at the beginning of next year, which is sure to be a hit as well.
Be sure to take advantage of this opportunity, even if you are visiting for a short time. These are regular $37 tickets, and their performers are incredible.
Hunter Army Airfield MWR and Ticket and Leisure Office
The closest base to Savannah is Hunter Army Airfield. Ft. Stewart is a bigger base, but it’s a good 50 minutes from Savannah. The MWR at Hunter Army has paddle boards, canoes, boats, and even RV spots to rent. Stop by the Ticket and Leisure Office, which is located at the Exchange, to get a list of several discounted tickets to local attractions. Savannah boat and trolley tours were the ones that stood out the most to me, but they have many more that may appeal to you!
Telephone:
(912) 315-9554/9354
Season:
All year
Directions:
HAAF Outdoor Equipment Rental/Checkout Centers Bldg 8454, Stratofortress Road, Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA 31409-5000
I hope you enjoy your visit in Savannah! If you have any questions, feel free to DM me on Instagram: @katiewentthere
A few weeks ago, my husband and I decided to take advantage of the 2018 Military Salute Disney tickets. I hope this post will fill you in on a few military opportunities concerning Walt Disney World Orlando. Feel free to view the table of contents below and scroll straight to the information you are searching for.
Although it changes every year, Disney has 5- day park hopper tickets available to active duty military for $246. They also offer 4-Day tickets for $226, but what’s $20 more at this point? That’s the price of a 2-day base ticket at the gate. 2018 is also the first year that Disney offers this deal to DOD civilians as well.
One military member or DOD civilian can activate 6 tickets. People accompanying the service member do not have to be dependents. You can purchase these tickets at the travel and leisure office at many of the military installations, although our base in Savannah only had 2 passes left when we bought ours. You purchase the vouchers on base and exchange them for a Disney pass at the ticket booth of the first park you visit.
The tickets will expire on December 19th of the year they were purchased. For example, we only bought our tickets a month ago, but they will expire this December 19, 2018. So, if you want to go next year, 2019, you have to wait until January to purchase them. There are no longer black-out dates for military salute tickets, so you can split up the days and use them however you want within the year.
When to Go
If you can, try to go during October, January, or February when most kids are in school. Weekdays are an amazing time to go because, 1. Resort stays are cheaper, and 2. The park is much less crowded. We went to Epcot on Friday, and it did not get crowded until 1pm. You may be able to ride everything in the park and explore every country by 2pm like we did.
Try to get to the park at least 30 minutes before it opens to go ahead and knock out your favorite rides while the lines are low. Even on Sunday, we were able to ride most attractions at Magic Kingdom before noon. I’m not sure why. I’m guessing because it’s tough to get out the door early with little ones, but I don’t have any yet so that’s just a guess.
Eating at Disney
Food prices are not terrible at Disney food kiosks. It’s the drinks that get you. Bring bottled water and refill it at fountains all over the park. In Magic Kingdom, go to Sleepy Hollow Refreshments in Liberty Square before 12:00 and enjoy a ham, egg, and cheese waffle sandwich for $8.99.
Here is a budget eating schedule option while at the Disney Parks:
Breakfast before the park (eggs, cereal, muffins, fruit, etc.)
Light Lunch in the park and a shared coffee or coke for some extra energy (trust me, you’ll need it)
Snacks in your backpack (tuna pouches and crackers, trail mix, fruit, granola)
Late Dinner after you shut down the park at any restaurant still open on the way back to the hotel. Weird tip, the Speedway gas station when you leave the Magic Kingdom parking lot has a 24/7 food bar with hot sandwiches, salads, etc.
It is not necessary to avoid all food at the park of course, as most kiosk food is only like $10-$15. We just found that it was much easier to get on rides during times that everyone else was eating
Saving so much on park tickets and lodging may allow you to splurge a little on special dinners or character events. Contact Sarah Lawrence to book any extra fun activities that you would like to do while at Disney World. You can enjoy a dinner-date at the happiest place on earth, and end the evening watching fireworks together. You may could even pack a wrinkle free dress in your backpack to change into for cute pictures. Or if you are staying on Disney property, you can just go get ready at the resort and come back.
Lodging for Disney Parks
Disney has several resorts to choose from. They vary from luxury resorts all the way to Fort Wilderness campgrounds. Shades of Green is a resort especially for U.S. military and their families as well as DOD civilians. From the looks of their website, Shades of Green is pretty booked for the rest of the year so be sure to plan ahead if you want to go in 2019.
During the holidays, prices jump up to about double, except if you book nights during the week. Weekday prices are very affordable and worth it for the dining options, transportation, character fun, and no parking fees ($25/day)! Prices are different per night depending on your military rank. E-1 though E-6 is the cheapest and officers and DOD civilians have the highest rates. I’ve noticed that the availability calendar is a little difficult to navigate, so it is probably easier to call about available dates.
They offer a food package deal, which can include breakfast and/or dinner at their Garden Buffet into your nightly rate, but I’m not sure if it is useful as most mealtimes will be spent at the parks. If Shades of Green is booked, the Disney Animation Resort, Movie Resort, and Sports Resort are often around the same price. But once again, plan ahead for next year. If you are a loyal Marriott Member like myself, Marriottalso has a Westin on Disney property that will shuttle you to Epcot and Magic Kingdom and is included in Extra Magic Hours.
Orlando does have hotels that are cheaper than staying on Disney’s property, but the convenience factor is a major benefit of lodging with Disney. Parking adds up for one thing. We spent $75 alone in parking while staying off the Disney property. Also, Disney resort visitors get the privilege of EMC (Extra Magic Hours), as mentioned above for the Westin, at certain parks. Check the days you are going and see which parks you can go early or state late in.
One military and DOD perk that many don’t know about isArmed Forces Vacation Club. They offer condos and hotels from well-known companies like Wyndham Resorts for a super low price. There are several hotels in Kissimmee, Florida for $349 for 7 nights. Our favorite resort for the parks is Club Whyndam Cypress Palms that is only a 15 minute drive from Magic Kingdom. The only catch is that each stay is usually Friday-Friday or Sunday-Sunday, so you have to be willing to take a full week of leave or just forfeit a few nights. But for just $50 a night, you may just want to book the week and stay for 4 nights or so. This option is great if you are going to Orlando with a larger group as most of these resorts offer 2 bedrooms, a pullout couch, and a full kitchen.
Staying at Disney or at a hotel with breakfast and a Disney shuttle would be my first two recommendations, followed by Armed Forces Vacation Club.
Best T-Shirts for Cute Disney Pictures
My favorite company for great Disney tees isLLama Wrangler . I found this company on Instagram and immediately reached out. I have scoured Etsy and just cannot find tees that I really like. However, Llama Wrangler’s owner and designer, Adam, puts his passion for Disney and art in each of his designs. Just like the Mickey faces are hidden all over Disney World for you to seek out during your trip, the LLama Wranglerlogo is hidden in each t-shirt design, which I think is super fun and creative. My favorite design is the Up Movie themed Adventure shirt as Up is my and my husband’s favorite love story.
You can use my discount code: “KatieLovesLlamaTees” at checkout for 15% off of your entire order.
I reached out to work with Llama Wrangler as I loved the designs they offered. These shirts were gifted to me in exchange for my honest review.
I hope this post helped you in planning your next Disney World adventure. Honestly if you live within driving distance, I can’t think of an easier vacation for military families than Orlando theme parks. They are a blast, easy to plan, and incredibly affordable.
Happy Travels,
Processing…
Success! You're on the list.
Whoops! There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. Please reload the page and try again.
![LRM_EXPORT_3962117488371_20181104_200559297[1]](https://katiewentthere.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/lrm_export_3962117488371_20181104_2005592971.jpeg)
Katie Went There 