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Location : Point Lobos Natural Preserve, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. Parking : $10 (free roadside available) Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 6.7 miles Elevation Gain : 714 ft Difficulty : Easy Trails traversed : South Plateau Trail > Sand Hill Trail > Cypress Grove Trail > North Shore Trail > Cabin Trail > Granite Point Trail > Carmel Meadow Trail Post-hike pit stop suggestion : Allegro Pizzeria, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA. This is yet another premium hike close to the Bay Area along the Carmel coast. With lush flora and fauna all along the trail, and dramatic cypress trees bordering the rugged cliffs, the views on this hike are some of the most breathtaking ones you will see in all of California. If you arrive early in the day (before 9am), free parking is also available alongside the highway. Parking within the park costs $10. There is ample parking within the park, at various vista points. Restrooms are available near the park entrance as well as at various parking lots. The Point Lobo loop trail can start and end at any one of these parking lots, or from the park entrance. The network of trails listed above starts at the park entrance, gradually climbs upwards for the first half a mile, after which it is almost flat in its entirety. It does get rocky in a few areas with exposed roots along the trail which can cause one to trip easily. Due to this, sturdy hiking boots are highly recommended. The first vista point you will come across is beautiful and serene Hidden Beach. Although you will pass a few other beaches along the loop, this beach is the easiest to access and the least rocky. Hidden Beach The most famous vista in this park is the emerald water of China Cove. If starting your hike from the park entrance, you will reach this point within the first two miles of the hike. The color of the water depends on the angle of the suns rays, with the water being most vibrant mid morning to noon. This is also the time you are most likely to see elephant seals lazing on the beach in the cove. Emerald waters of China Cove Seals sunbathing at China Cove The route takes you to some of the other highlights of the park, including Bird Island, cypress grove and Whaler beach. The views are stunning at every bend, be it of wildflowers covered in early morning dew, or seals sunbathing on the beach, or waves crashing against the rugged cliffs, or divers practicing their skill around a kelp forest at Whaler Beach. When you reach Whalers Cove, turn right on Carmel Meadow Trail which will take you back to the park entrance. Below are some vistas captured during this hike: A quick family click at Cypress Grove Bird island Wildflower bathed in early morning dew.

Location : Sign Hill, South San Francisco, CA Parking : Neighborhood parking (free) Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 1.5 miles Elevation Gain : 550 ft Difficulty : Moderate Trails traversed : Letters Trail > Eucalyptus Loop Trail > Seubert Trail > Ridge Trail > Letters Trail Pets Allowed? : Yes "South San Francisco The Industrial City" sign I had seen the big sign "South San Francisco Industrial City" numerous times on a hill while driving on Highway 101, past the SFO airport. Imagine my surprise when I found out that there is a trail that takes you around those letters, and this hill and the letters are seeped in Bay Area history! Did you know the sign has been around since 1929? The letters are affixed on what is appropriately called "Sign Hill", a portion of the San Bruno hillside, situated behind a residential neighborhood in South San Francisco. This signage was first created to attract various industries to San Francisco, which soon became home to many industrial plants, including cement and steel plants, meat packers and shipbuilders. The sign was strategically placed so it was visible from the main thoroughfares in those days, which were El Camino Real and Bayshore Highway (Hwy 101), as well as from the train and the nearby Mills Field airfield (now San Francisco International Airport ). Due to its almost 100 year old history, this hill was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996. Plaque signifying the historic importance of Sign Hill Birds eye view of SFO airport from the trail. I did this hike on a weekday evening, to watch the sunset. At that time, the trail was fully deserted, and I saw no one for as long as I was there, which added to the tranquility of the place. This hill is less than 5 miles from SFO airport, and makes for a perfect outing when you have time to kill before picking up someone from the airport, or after dropping them off. Absolutely no one on the trail, other than me! The hike itself is short, but steep, providing excellent views of the Peninsula and beyond. Due to its steep downhill, sturdy hiking boots and trekking poles are highly recommended. Parking is on city streets, specifically along the intersection of Poplar Ave and Rocca Ave. The trailhead begins at the dead end of Poplar Ave, next to/behind the last house on the street. A few wooden steps lead to the start of the hike on Letters Trail. If you turn right on Letters Trail, the inclination is very steep, but will take you to the letters faster. I started my hike by going left on Letters Trail, so the climb was more gradual, and I got to enjoy the views longer this way. This place is great to catch the last rays of the sun! As you start on Letters Trail, you will notice a number of wooden steps leading up the hill. Taking the stairs will cut the length of the hike in half. But beware that the steps get bigger and steeper as you climb up and it requires some level of fitness to make it to the top. Having read other reviews, I avoided the stairs, and continued on Letters Trail until it became Seubert Trail and intersected with Eucalyptus Loop trail. This is a 0.3 mile loop, with overgrown grass making the trail extremely narrow, but with an abundance of wildflowers on either side. Wildflowers along Eucalyptus Loop Trail The trail loops around behind some houses before it reunites with Seubert Trail. Continue on Seubert Trail as it ascends towards the top of the hill. A few switchbacks towards the top, along with great scenery, make the climb easier. This picture shows the switchbacks on Seubert Trail At the top, Seubert Trail intersects with Ridge Trail, where the inclination is gradual to non-existent. Turn right on Ridge Trail and make your way towards the cell phone towers. Catch your breath and enjoy the views of the Peninsula, because the trail starts going steeply downhill from this point. You will be thankful for your hiking boots and trekking poles. There are a couple of strategically placed benches to take in the views or watch planes take off and land at SFO airport in the distance. View from the top. Lupines had started to bloom along Ridge Trail in late January. The famous letters (for which you are doing this hike) lie between Ridge Trail at the top and Letters Trail at the bottom. There are a few offshoot trails from Ridge Trail which take you to the top of the letters. The letters themselves are 48-65ft long and are steep enough that you can slide down on them! Maybe carrying a sled or a garbage can lid will make the slide more fun! Can you recognize the giant letters? "R", "Y", "T" and "A" Posing with letter "C", to show the enormity of it. As you come towards the end of Ridge Trail, turn a sharp right onto Letters Trail. You can now view the giant letters from below. The views never fail to impress all along this trail. Homes along the San Bruno hillside. Continue along Letters Trail which traverses down steeply, all the way back to your parked car. In summary, this was a quick, short hike, which provided an excellent workout within an hour. I would recommend doing this mini adventure at least once, just for the panoramic views and to visit Bay Area history.

Location : The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park, Aptos, CA Parking : $8 Trail type : Out and Back Trail Length : 8.6 miles Elevation Gain : 800ft Difficulty : Moderate Trails traversed : Aptos Creek Fire Road > Loma Prieta > Bridge Creek Trail > Maple Falls Post hike grub suggestion : Parish Publick House, Aptos, CA This is one of the most fun hikes I have done in the Bay Area, mostly because there are so many creek crossings that the trail becomes an obstacle course towards the end of the hike. We went on a crisp winter morning and found ourselves in the midst of autumn colors and falling leaves all along the trail. The hike takes you through a peaceful redwood forest ending at Maple Falls. Colorful fallen leaves along the trail The trail is located in Nisene Marks State Park in Aptos. Once you enter the park and pay the entrance fee, continue driving on the fire road all the way till the road ends at George's Picnic Area. You will find ample parking here if you arrive early in the day. After parking your car, cross the iron gates and follow the Aptos Creek Fire Road trail for about 1.25 miles, until you reach Loma Prieta trail. Continue on Loma Prieta trail for about 0.7 miles, until it intersects Bridge Creek Trail. Bridge Creek Trail will take you all the way to the falls. Most of Bridge Creek Trail runs by the side of the creek and will require crossing the creek at many points. When we went in December of 2020, it was a dry season and water level was low. We could skip over stones without getting our feet wet. The creek level maybe higher during a wet winter. So come prepared with an extra pair of socks and clothes you dont mind getting wet in. The thick, dense redwood forest offers complete shade all along the trail and the ground is carpeted with fallen leaves which cushion your footsteps. The occasional rays of sun streaming through the redwoods, bathe you in warm light every once in a while. After multiple creek crossings and climbing over fallen tree trunks and large boulder the trail finally leads you to the beautiful falls. A tall fallen tree trunk adds character to the falls and challenges adventurous hikers to a balancing act. This is a good spot to refuel and for some final photo ops before retracing your steps back to the parking lot. Maple Falls Maple leaves at Maple Falls

Location : Albany Bulb, East Shore State Park, Albany, CA. Parking : Free Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 2-3 miles Elevation Gain : 26 ft Difficulty : Easy Trails traversed : Albany Waterfront Trail Dogs Allowed ? Yes Pro Tip : Wear sturdy shoes. Go during sunset. Post Hike Grub Stop : Daryoush Persian Restaurant , Berkeley, CA. Albany Bulb is an area slightly northwest of Berkeley, a former construction debris landfill and an adventure playground for artists, muralists and sculptors. A number of hiking trails weave through the 31 acres of this East Shore State Park, providing magnificent views of the SF skyline, the Bay Bridge and the Golden Gate Bridge. From mid April to mid May, the park is ablaze with a variety of wildflowers, the red Valerian being the most prolific amongst them. The area is very peaceful, with quirky art installations scattered throughout the park. Parking : I noticed atleast 3 different parking lots along Buchanan St and its side streets. There was ample parking when we arrived on a Friday evening at 7:30pm. There are restrooms available at the entrance of the park. The Trail: Albany Waterfront Trail runs the entire length of Albany Bulb with many small offshoots interconnecting various parts of the trail. In all, I calculated 3.5 miles of almost flat, easy trail throughout the park. Follow the trail map in All Trails to chart your course. Since the entire area is a construction debris landfill, there are a number of rebars sticking out of the ground, so watch your step. The Waterfront Trail starts from Buchanan St and runs towards the water. There is a small beach with picnic tables which provide spectacular views of the SF skyline and the two bridges on either side. This is an excellent spot to end your hike - with a picnic basket and unbeatable views. Depending on the tide, you can go out all the way to the waters edge along the waterfront trail. Sturdy shoes will come in handy to walk over the uneven walkway created on the water with rocks and broken concrete. The Red Valerian flowers bloom across the entirety of Albany Bulb. They grow in clumps alongside the trail, displaying vibrant pink, red and sometimes even white flowers. Since they grow on the side of the trail, they are not in danger of being trampled by the Instagram selfie seekers. Although they look gorgeous, they are non-native plants from the Mediterranean, and spread easily if not curtailed. Nevertheless, their colorful display is a treat to the eyes. Other than the wildflowers seen during Spring, there are "Burning Man"esque art installations all along the trail, ranging from colorful graffiti to metal sculpture of a gigantic woman with her arms held out as though welcoming you to admire the view behind her. Numerous benches surrounded by wildflowers, are strategically placed along the trail, offering spectacular Bay views. Notice the torsoless manniquins hung on the tree - yet another quirky art installation. Also along the trail are two swings offering similar stunning views of the Bay and beyond. When you have had admired the views and explored the art installations to your hearts content, use the AllTrails map to find your way back to your car. Post Hike Grub Stop : Berkeley, which is the town South of Albany has a number of restaurants to fit any budget. When we did this hike (or rather a stroll), we decided to try Persian food at Daryoush restaurant close to the Berkeley campus. Parking is roadside or at the Berkeley crescent at the end of the street ($2/hr). Service was friendly and quick, and food was mild, yet tasty. L to R : Doogh (salty yogurt drink, like salt lassi), veggie kabob with special lentils and saffron rice, ghormeh sabzi (spinach curry) with basmati rice.

Chicago is infamous for many things, and deep dish pizza is towards the top of that list. When we visited Chicago in the spring of 2022, one of our family goals was to try out as many of the popular deep dish pizza restaurants that the city had to offer. In 5 days we tried 5 different places, and I came home 5 pounds heavier! Below is our rating of the 5 most popular Chicago pizzerias. To rate our pizzas, we ensured we ordered the same kind (vegetarian) of pie at each location. The rating is based on our family of 3's opinion on crust, sauce and toppings. #5 Lou Malnati's Lou Malnati's came highly recommended by locals and the internet alike. This pizza parlor has a number of locations throughout the city. We visited the newest location on Michigan Ave. Wait time was over an hour on a Thursday evening. Although they don't have any reservations, we were able to put our name down on a wait list and pre-order our pizza, as each pie takes 45 mins - 1 hr to make. We ordered the Deep Dish Veggies, which had Mozzarella cheese, topped with a mixture of mushroom, onion & green pepper and vine-ripened tomato sauce. We were utterly disappointed when we took our first bite - the crust and the tomato sauce lacked any flavor, and the toppings were nothing great. The cheese felt too salty at times, and it was an overall bland pizza. We were especially disappointed by the minimal amount of sauce on top of the pizza, which made it lack the classic Chicago deep dish look. This particular pizza didn't knock it out of the park for us. Dont be fooled by the look of it! #4 Pizano's We visited this pizzeria based on a recommendation that it is Oprah's favorite. Pizano's was started by Lou Malnati's half-brother, Rudy. The location we went to the one on Madison Ave is very close to the Bean and the Millennium Park. Though it was busy and crowded, we were seated immediately. The vegetarian pie we had ordered came out after the usual 45 minutes wait. It was not piled high with toppings, but the crust was decent and so was the tomato sauce. It was an overall okayish experience, and nothing stellar. Oprah's favorite! #3 Uno's Uno's was our very first exposure to deep dish pizza in the Bay Area in the early 90s. We absolutely loved their pies and frequented their Cupertino and Fremont locations often. We were extremely disappointed when Uno's closed all their locations throughout California in the early 2000s. Since then, we have never been able to find a deep dish pizza establishment in the Bay Area on par with Uno's. So Uno's topped our must-visit list when we planned our trip to Chicago. We were thrilled that the only location, and the oldest, was located just a block away from our hotel, on Ohio Ave. Uno's is the oldest deep dish pizzeria in Chicago, founded in 1943. Like most deep dish restaurants, Uno's let us pre-order our pizza when we put our name on the waitlist to be seated, so we did not have to wait as long for our food upon arrival. The biggest difference we noticed with the Uno's pizza was the crust. It had a distinctive cornmeal crust that was a bit harder to cut into but made the pizza great for picking up and eating with your hands. We loved the flavor of the crust as well as the sauce, and thought that they had a great cheese to sauce to toppings ratio. Overall, we were reminded of why we loved this restaurant so much and were thoroughly satisfied with our experience. That crispy cornmeal crust was so flavorful! #2 Giordano's Giordanos came in second place by a very slim margin. While most of the locals and tour guides we spoke to all chose Lou Malnati's as their top pizza, we fell in love with it's rival restaurant. We went to the Giordano's location on Navy Pier and were quickly seated after a short wait. All of the waiters wore shirts seeming to reference Giordano's infamous cheese pull, and they were not wrong. Giordano's vegetarian pizza had the most vegetables included by far. And the heaping serving of vegetables was met with equally as much cheese that stretched on and on. Their sauce was flavorful but could have used a bit more, given how much cheese and toppings there were. The crust was not the cornmeal style that we had fallen in love with but still complimented the pizza well. Definitely a huge step up from it's supposed competitor, Lou Malnati's. Look at that cheese pull!! And the #1 best Deep Dish pizzeria in Chicago is....... Pequod's!! Pequod's and Giordanos were our top two pizzas and it was extremely difficult for us to agree on a winner between them, but Pequod's ultimately triumphed. Pequod is located in Lincoln Park, a bit further from the downtown tourist attractions, but definitely worth the trip out there. A popular location amongst locals, we knew that we had to try this place to round out our pizza tasting tour. Out of all of the places we tried, Pequods was definitely the smallest restaurant and the only one that wasn't a chain. The menu listed it's deep dish pizza under the title of "pan pizza" and all of the pizzas were "build your own" as you started with a cheese deep dish and added additional toppings to it. What set Pequod's apart from the rest was its crust. A cornmeal crust with caramelized cheese on the top of it, paired beautifully with the flavorful sauce and toppings. The sauce was delicious and the cheese had a great stretch and flavor to it. If you have the time and love deep dish, Pequod's is worth the trip for any tourist. Very generous toppings!

When folks think of a weekend getaway, cities like Las Vegas, or Chicago, or even New Orleans come to mind. But very few think of Nashville in Tennessee. When we visited Nashville, little did we expect to see what we did. It is like the Las Vegas of the South - a total party town, with high end restaurants and bars, and honky tonk music blaring out of every establishment, and tourists and party-goers walking the street of Broadway at every hour of the day and night. Also known as Music City, it is a vibrant and historic city located in the heart of Tennessee. Known for its deep roots in country music, Nashville is home to many famous music venues such as the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. In addition to its musical and historical attractions, Nashville offers a diverse food scene, outdoor activities and shopping. While visiting St. Louis for my daughter's graduation, we decided to do a quick weekend trip to Nashville. Though there are many sights to see in this city, we found that 2 days were enough to cover the major attractions. We had an incredible time exploring Nashville and we're confident you will too. So pack your bags and book your trip to Music City. You won't regret it. Day 1: After leaving St. Louis at 6am, we arrived in downtown Nashville by 11am. Most of the daytime and nighttime activities in Nashville take place on Broadway Street, a road bursting with honky tonks that blast live country music all throughout the day. Many of the honky tonks and bars along Broadway are owned by famous country music artists and are great places to grab some food or a drink during the daytime and listen to local country musicians play their music. These honky tonks turn into crazy crowded clubs in the evenings, playing an assortment of music. Most of them are multi-level establishments, with a live country music band on the ground floor and pop and hip hop music on the upper levels. Many of them also have rooftop dance floors that offer great views of the city during the day or night. Nashville is a hotspot for bachelorette parties and 21st birthday celebrations, as it was common to see large groups of women in matching shirts and cowboy boots enjoying the music and the drinks. Party-goers in cowboy boots If you plan on hitting up any of the clubs late at night, our resident partier said that Jason Aldean's, Luke Bryant's, and Florida Georgia Line's clubs are the most fun and play the best music. Also, none of the clubs on Broadway charge a cover! >> Got a question about Nashville that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. After arriving at Broadway, we grabbed lunch at Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa Cantina . Casa Rosa is a popular spot for drinks and TexMex food during the day, and turns into a club at night like most honky tonks. They are known for their unique pink decor and Instagrammable wall art that attracts most female tourists and partygoers. We thoroughly enjoyed our meal as they had great vegetarian food. At Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa Cantina After lunch, we began our audio walking tour that you could download to your phone for $7. It was around 2 hours long and took us all along Broadway and the surrounding streets, explaining the history behind this country music capital. Our walking tour had us stop at Goo Goo Chocolate Co , the creators of Nashville's signature candy the Goo Goo Cluster. It is a cluster of nougat, caramel, nuts, and milk chocolate that will satisfy any sweet tooth. A Go0 Goo Cluster As a part of our walking tour, we walked along the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge which spans the Cumberland River and is one of the longest pedestrian bridges in the world. We had intended to return here in the evening to see the city night lights but we ended up getting rained out. View of downtown Nashville from John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring different honky tonks on Broadway and enjoying the various types of country and bluegrass music. Busy Broadway Street, the hub of this party town In the evening we left Broadway and headed towards the Parthenon, located a few miles away in midtown near the Vanderbilt campus. It is a full-scale replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and was built in 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial Exposition. We weren't able to go inside the building but it was incredibly beautiful to see from the outside. The "American" Parthenon Day 2: We spent all of the next morning exploring the Country Music Hall of Fame. Located right next to Broadway St, this museum of country music is a must-see in Nashville. The admission tickets and audio guide are definitely worth the price as even our family who doesn't listen to any country music thoroughly enjoyed the museum. The audio guide takes about 2 hours and provides a very informative history of country music in Nashville, beginning with the early country music pioneers of the 1800s spanning all the way to the country pop stars of today. After the museum, we grabbed lunch at Justin Timberlake's 12/30 Restaurant. He is one of the few non-country artists to own a restaurant on Broadway and his food did not disappoint. The Twelve Thirty Club is a multilevel establishment with a casual honky tonk on the ground floor, an upscale Supper Club on the second floor, and a classy cocktail bar on the rooftop. There is also a members-only lounge on one of the levels. Due to this venue's popularity, we were only able to get lunch reservations at the honky tonk and were thoroughly impressed by the food and the music. Right next to the Twelve Thirty Club, is Assembly Food Hall, 3 story building with a variety of restaurants and cuisines. The most popular place to grab a bite in Nashville is Hattie B's, located right next to Assembly Food Hall. This restaurant is infamous for their Nashville Hot Chicken and has multiple locations in and around the city of Nashville with the Broadway location being the most popular. While we didn't have time to eat there on this trip, my daughter had eaten there on a previous trip to Nashville and said that it took about 45 minutes in line to order and an additional 15 to receive her food, but she claimed it was well worth it! Our last stop was at the Grand Ole Opry. Not being country music fans, we skipped buying tickets for the concert happening that day, as we didnt recognize any of the artists. There is also a behind-the-scenes stage tour offered when there are no shows taking place. We took advantage of some great photo ops in front of this concert venue, checked it off our "to see" list, and started our 4-hour drive back to St.Louis. In conclusion, Nashville is a city that truly has something for everyone - from music lovers to history buffs to foodies. I hope this guide has inspired you to plan your own trip to Music City and experience all it has to offer.

When you hear 'New York City", you immediately think of skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty and a city where you can party all night. NYC is truly all this and much more. Freshly returned from a 3 week trip to New York City, I have curated some top attractions which can be covered during a 4-day weekend trip. I have also purposely omitted some of the popular sites such as Statue of Liberty Tour, Times Square and Empire State Building tour, as I have assumed that you, the reader, has already visited NYC atleast once in the past. >> Got a question about this New York City Itinerary that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Where To Stay: Any hotel in Midtown Manhattan is a great option, as it is centrally located to all the sights and sounds the City has to offer. A word of caution that most NYC hotel rooms are extremely small and cramped compared to other parts of the United States. We stayed at the Marriott on 37th Street and 6th Avenue, and although it was within walking distance to Times Square, Broadway shows, Empire State Building and the subway, the Deluxe King room we had booked was extremely cramped for the two of us. Day 1 (Brooklyn, midtown and downtown Manhattan) : Brooklyn Bridge Walking Tour : We love doing guided walking tours in any big city we visit. It is a great way to hear about the history of the place from a local, and at the same time, get tips on fun things to do and places to eat in the area. Our goto walking tour company is Free Tours By Foot , as they offer dozens of tours at popular destinations and the best part is, you decide how much you want to pay the guide at the end of the tour. They offer multiple walking tours in NYC, at various times of the day. If you want the flexibility of time, then they also have an audio tour option at minimal cost ($3). The Brooklyn Bridge tour we signed up for, was almost 3 hours long, took us over the Brooklyn Bridge with the guide providing an indepth history lesson about the bridge, followed by a visit to the DUMBO and historic Brooklyn Heights. I highly recommend this tour, as it is an easy way to explore Brooklyn for an otherwise novice NYC sightseer. Julianas : Two of the most famous pizzerias in Brooklyn are Julianas and Grimaldis, once owned by the same pizza proprietor. Both serve NY style thin crust, coal oven pies. We had visited Grimaldis on a prior visit and decided to check out Julianas, based on our tour guides recommendation. At lunch hour, expect a long wait to be seated. The restaurant is small and cramped, but has a European vibe to it, with the waitstaff talking loudly in Italian. The personal pizza we ordered (they dont serve by the slice) did not disappoint, with its flavorful crust, generous sauce and toppings. The pizzeria's location close to the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo makes it very accessible via subway. Rockefeller Center Walking Tour : After lunch, if you are up for some more walking, take the subway to midtown Manhattan to start an audio walking tour of the Rockefeller Center. There are a number of audio tours available for The Rock, but the one we chose, and loved, was the free tour by Gesso. The tour starts outside the NBC studios on Avenue Of The Americas and points out all the delightful details that are nestled throughout the Rockefeller Center and surrounding areas. The recording is about 50 minutes long, but we took almost two hours to stop and admire the sculptures and artwork described in the tour. We had missed noticing so many facets of 30 Rock in our prior visits to NYC! Baar Baar : This Indian Gastropub/restaurant came well recommended by friends in the Bay Area, so we had to give it a try for dinner. The restaurant is located off the usual tourist thoroughfare, in Lower Manhattan, but it is easily accessible by subway. The interiors are spacious and modern giving the entire place a fun vibe. Being NY Restaurant week, we decided to try their special prix-fixe menu which consisted of 4 courses. From the amuse buche to dessert, everything was flavorful and fresh, and the right portion for 1 person. The service was top notch and our waiter was constantly checking in with us and did not let a water glass go half empty. Just a delightful experience, all around. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that the chef is the same as the one in Rooh in the Bay Area. This restaurant definitely deserves a Michelin star (or two). As you can see, I highly recommend this place the next time you are in Lower Manhattan. Staten Island Ferry : One of the best "free things" to do in New York is to ride the Staten Island Ferry to enjoy views of Lower Manhattan from the water. The ferry runs every 30 minutes from the Battery Park terminal and takes riders to St.George Ferry terminal on Staten Island, and back, all for no cost. Along the way, it passes Liberty Island and gives the riders unparalleled sweeping views of Lower Manhattan skyline. We timed our ride to coincide with sunset and were rewarded with spectacular views of Lady Liberty, Ellis Island and One World Trade Center, against the setting sun. NY Ferry : For the ride back to Manhattan, we decided to forgo Staten Island Ferry, but instead hopped a ride on the NY Ferry, which would take us along the West Side of Manhattan and provide views of Midtown Manhattan, not seen from the Staten Island Ferry. The ferry ride cost us a menial $2.75. This was a great decision, as it was already nighttime and all the buildings were lit up, and we got a front row seat view of the Manhattan skyline in all its nighttime glory. We disembarked at Midtown West ferry terminal and headed back to our hotel. Day 2 (Downtown Manhattan): Greenwich village Food Tour : Greenwich Village is an iconic and charming neighborhood in New York City, famous for NYU, and its eclectic food scene. To unlock the secret food haven of this historic district, we ventured on a DIY food tour while strolling through its quaint streets. More details can be found here. SoHo Walking Tour : SoHo (an acronym for South of Houston) is New York City's prime shopping district. Prior to that, it was a famous artsy neighborhood of the 60s and 70s and still features many art galleries, although the high end couture houses are fast replacing these galleries. We followed another audio tour on the history of SoHo. The free audio tour, download once again from the Gesso app , uncovers hidden details and stories only longtime SoHo residents can tell. Streets of Soho Oculus: An easy subway ride from SoHo takes you to World Trade Center and the Oculus. The Oculus is a transportation hub and shopping mall built alongside the World Trade Center, and easily identified by its white steel wing shaped tips reaching towards the sky. Although there is no building in New York with such an artistic focus, the Oculus is much detested by most New Yorkers as it looks out of place and does not provide much curb appeal to the New York skyline, despite its high cost and construction delays. From the outside, it looks like a dragon bowing its head. However, the inside of the building provides the effect of being inside a giant whale. Just for all the controversy the Oculus has created, it is worth a visit, prior to, or after your visit to One World Trade Center. Can you see the dragon bending down??? The inside of the Oculus looks like the inside of a giant whale One World Trade Center : One World Trade Center, formerly known as The Freedom Tower, is the tallest building in the United States, and the sixth tallest in the world. An architectural marvel, a visit to the One World observatory on its 102nd floor is an absolute must for any NYC tourist. Tickets get sold out very fast, especially for the sunset time slots, so plan on purchasing them a few days in advance. We timed our visit to witness the sun setting over New Jersey, across the Hudson River. Day 3 (Upper and Midtown Manhattan): Central Park Bike Ride : Central Park, in Uptown Manhattan, is the most visited park in the United States, and the most filmed location in the world. A cool way to explore the sights and sounds of over 800 acres of Central Park is by bike. We hopped on a guided bike tour of Central Park, with Unlimited Biking , who first set us up with bikes and helmet in their uptown location, just a block from Central Park. The guide was very informative and narrated the history and geology of Central Park, along with titbits of the buildings adjacent to the park. At a leisurely pace, the bike tour took about 2 hours to complete and provided us insights of this iconic New York landmark. Central Park Lake Broadway Shows : No trip to the Big Apple is complete without seeing one of its Broadway Shows. There are a number of famous shows for the picking, based on your interest. We decided to do a Saturday Matinee as we wanted to save the evening hours to watch the sunset. Our show of choice was Moulin Rouge, at the historic Al Hirschfield theater. We were so glad with our selection, as it was a spectacular show! The costumes, stage settings, acting and singing were top notch. All the original songs were interwoven with a medley of pop songs from Lady Gaga to Aha to The Police, making it extremely entertaining. This may be THE BEST Broadway show we’ve seen so far. Summit One Vanderbilt : A short walk from Broadway/Times Square takes you to Summit One. Located 1000ft over the Grand Central Station, Summit One Vandervilt is the newest and most stunning observation deck in the city, offering 3 levels of unique and immersive viewing experience. The ticket price is a bit steep, especially if you opt for a blue hour time slot, but the entire experience is well worth the price. Sunset times get booked very fast, so plan on purchasing the tickets a few days in advance. The immersive experience is divided into 3 rooms. The first room is covered in mirrors from floor to ceiling giving the entire room an optical illusion. The second room is filled with giant sized silver balloons. The third floor is the open air deck with amazing view of the Chrysler building, Empire State Building and beyond. This high rise experience is the best value in town and you wont regret going. Day 4 (Bronx and New Jersey): NY Botanical Garden : The lush, 250 acre NYBG is a train ride away in the borough of Bronx. If you can time your trip accordingly, NYBG is free for all visitors on Wednesdays. Plan to spend atleast half a day, once it opens at 10am. Best time of the year to visit the Botanical Garden is in late Spring, when flowers are in full bloom, or during the fall, when the park is bursting with fall colors. Bronx Zoo : The Bronx Zoo is the largest metropolitan zoo in the United States. Just like NYBG, it offers free admission to all visitors on Wednesdays. However, you need to purchase a free timed entry ticket on their website on the Monday prior. Since the zoo is adjacent to NYBG, it would be wise to combine your NYBG visit with the Zoo. The zoo opens at 10am and needs atleast half a day to see some of the main exhibits. Hamilton Park : End your trip to New York City with the best views that will make you want to come back to this man made marvel again and again. When the sun has set, make your way across the Hudson River to Jersey City in New Jersey, and to Historic Hamilton Park. This Victorian Age Park was once the location of the famous Alexander Burr - Alexander Hamilton duel, in which Hamilton was wounded and later succumbed to his wounds. There are plaques marking this historic event throughout the park. The half mile long promenade offers, without a doubt, THE BEST views of the Manhattan skyline. You can easily spend hours oogling at the view across the Hudson River, and envying the homeowners living along the promenade who wake up to this stunning view. In my opinion, the only other city that can rival the Manhattan skyline is Hong Kong. I hope this 4-day Itinerary will help you plan your next trip to NYC. If you have additional days to spare, I highly recommend a day trip to view the abundance of waterfalls in the Poconos in Pennsylvania. You can read all about it in my blog here. Hit me up on Instagram @SolaraStills, if you have any questions about this write-up.

The Windy City took our breath away when we returned to it after 22 years and realized how much it has changed since! From the architecture to the Bean to the Riverwalk, we fell in love with this city and it has become one of our top recommendations of cities to visit in the US. Where To Stay The most common areas to stay in downtown Chicago is the Loop and the Magnificent Mile. We decided to stay at a Hilton Garden Inn in the Magnificent Mile as it was the most central to all the attractions we wanted to check out. We did not have a car while in Chicago as it was more convenient to walk or Uber than to try to drive through Chicago traffic and find parking. What To Do Our first stop in Chicago was the Bahai Temple , 20 miles north of downtown Chicago. The stunning architecture of Chicago's Bahai temple takes your breath away every which way you look. It is the oldest Bahai temple in the world and took 40 years to build. The intricate details and carvings throughout the temple rival those of ancient India. A must see while visiting Chicago. Chicago is famously known for the Sears Tower (now called the Willis Tower) but the views that this building boasts now has competition from the Hancock Building . While it is not as tall as the Sears Tower, it's 94th floor observation deck still offers beautiful views of the Chicago skyline. Located in the Magnificent Mile, it has become an incredibly popular spot to view the sunset and the city night lights. Tickets for the observation of the Sears Tower and Hancock Tower are comparable in price and they both offer similar views of Chicago from merely 2 miles apart. We chose to visit the Hancock Tower as we had seen the Sears Tower over 20 years ago and the Hancock Tower was closer to our hotel on the Magnificent Mile. Aside from the observation deck, Hancock tower also has a mini ride called TILT, which tilts passengers outside 30 degrees, and they have a full bar called BAR 94. Sunset over the Windy City As the lights turn on... While the city has changed immensely since we last visited 22 years ago, we were the most impressed with the Chicago Riverwalk. There is a beautiful path that allows you to walk right along the banks of the river for a few miles. There are numerous cafes and restaurants along the side of the river, and there are guided boat tours available as well. The most popular boat tour for tourists and locals alike is the Chicago Architecture Boat Tour. There are many companies that offer this tour, and most have good reviews and travel the same route so choose whichever company offers you the best deal. Our tour was with the Chicago Lakefront Cruises company and it was a 1.5 hr guided tour on a two-level boat along the Chicago River. We were enthralled by our guides commentary and loved learning about the unique Chicago architecture. Definitely a must-do in Chicago. Aside from the architecture boat tour, there are many free walking tours available in Chicago as well. We did the Chicago Gangsters & Crime Walking Tour as well as the Chicago Loop & Millennium Park Walking Tour . The gangster tour took us along the Magnificent Mile and explained the history of Chicago's mafia gangs and how they influenced the growth of the city. The Loop tour explained all the significant buildings and landmarks in the downtown loop area and ended at the Bean. We liked the loop tour more as it was more engaging and provided a history that interested us more. Yet another premier Chicago tourist attraction is Navy Pier, located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It is a popular shopping and eating destination, with an iconic ferris wheel that comes alive at night. The view of the Chicago skyline from the wheel is beyond spectacular. Besides the ferris wheel there are other carnival rides and games that are geared towards families with young children. We were thankful for the indoor aspect of the shopping and eating, as the pier can get especially windy, due to its location on the waters edge. During the summer, the pier hosts a fireworks show on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 9pm and 10pm, respectively. View of Chicago skyline from the ferris wheel Of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without visiting the Bean . Officially known as Cloud Gate, the Bean was created by Anish Kapoor and was completed in 2006. Its made of stainless steel plates welded together and polished to get rid of any seams. It beautifully reflects the Chicago skyline and is worth the visit. To avoid the massive crowds, try visiting early in the morning before 10am. If you visit, don't forget to walk underneath the bean for a cool view. Most of Chicago's notable celebrities are all alumni of The Second City, a popular improv and sketch comedy venue. While the stars of the show are relatively unknown actors, we wouldnt be surprised to see them on Saturday Night Live or with their own standup special on Netflix in the coming years. Where To Shop The most popular place for shopping in Chicago is Magnificent Mile. Located along Michigan Ave, it ranges from various mid-range to high-end stores. It's a great place for window shopping or actual shopping depending on your budget ;). Along Magnificent Mile you can also find the Chicago Starbucks Reserve. There is usually a long line to get into this multi-level roastery, with different kinds of coffee-related food and drinks served on each floor. A lesser-known but equally cool place to go shopping in Chicago is the Macy's located in the Marshal Field & Co Building on State Street. It takes up an entire city block and is the biggest Macy's in the world, with over 2 million sq ft of shopping space, and is known as the first department store ever created. The best part of this store is the Tiffany mosaic ceiling located in the center of the store. Covered in over 6,000 sq ft of TIffany glass, it is the largest glass mosaic of its kind. What To Eat Chicago is known for its infamous deep dish pizza and it did not disappoint. For a full rundown of our deep dish rankings read my other post about the 5 top pizzerias, but our top two must-eat picks were Giordano's and Pequod's. Aside from deep dish, Chicago is also famous for Garrett's Popcorn. You can find a Garrett's Popcorn store on almost every street corner and it is renowned for its "Garrett Mix" a blend of cheddar cheese and caramel popcorn that is served fresh. We thought this popcorn was overrated and overpriced, as it did not stand out from the popcorn mixes we get at Costco at home. "Garrett Mix" a blend of cheddar cheese and caramel popcorn We also tried a few chain bakeries in Chicago, Goddess and the Baker and Stan's Donuts. Goddess and the Baker had two locations in Chicago, one of which was down the street from our hotel. They are known for their creative coffees and lattes, using glitter and fun flavors to make their lattes unique and colorful. The line was out the door when we arrived, and the coffees and pastries were well worth the wait. Stan's Donuts is another popular chain with locations across the country. We went to the original Chicago Stan's Donuts and it did not disappoint. They had a variety of cake donuts and we loved the chocolate glazed one that was not overly sweet. They also had a few fun flavors of gelato, and we enjoyed the mango flavor. While hotdogs are considered a classic American food, Chicagoans have managed to put their own twist on it. A Chicago-style hotdog consists of an all beef hotdog on a poppy seed bun, topped with chopped onions, dill pickle, tomato wedges, pickled sport peppers and a neon green pickle relish. Though it can be found all over the city, one of the most famous places to get a Chicago style hotdog is Portillo's , an Illinois chain that is famous for its Italian beef sandwiches, chocolate cake, and of course their popular hotdog. The meat eater of our family has always been a hotdog fan at heart and did not regret this impromptu stop. Our final must-eat in Chicago is Eataly . A multi-level building full of Italian cafes, restaurants, and marketplaces, it has everything needed to satisfy your Italian cravings. We had breakfast and dinner there and bought fresh baked bread from their bakery. Some of the restaurants were casual counters where you could quickly pick up food on the go, while there were also some sit-down restaurants that tend to have longer waits around dinner time. We were satisfied with every meal we had there and loved the variety of selection, especially for vegetarians. Hope these travel tips come in handy the next time you are in Chicago!

Location : Southern New Mexico Parking : Park at trailhead Trail type : Loop Trail Length : 4.7 miles rt Elevation Gain : 52 ft Difficulty : Easy at first, gets strenuous after climbing multiple sand dunes. Trails traversed : Alkali Flat Trail AllTrails Link : https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/new-mexico/alkali-flat-trail?search=true Pro Tip : Download AllTrails trail map beforehand, as there is no wifi in the park. Wear ankle high hiking boots to decrease the amount of "sand" getting inside your shoes. Located 3 hrs south of Albuquerque and an hour north of Las Cruces in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is one of those places you will never forget and something you will talk about for years to come. As the name suggests it constitutes miles and miles of white dunes, which are made up of - not snow, not sand, but gypsum crystals! It is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and its simplistic white beauty will just take your breath away! These gypsum minerals once lay at the bottom of an ancient lake, which has now dried up, leaving behind these white crystals for us to marvel. You can find more information about the formation of White Sands National Park here. >> Got a question about White Sands NP that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. There are numerous trails of varying difficulty in the park. We chose Alkali Flat Trail as it was the best rated on AllTrails, and hiking on dunes was a different experience from our other hiking trips. This National Park offers some excellent backdrops for photo shoots. Parking: There is ample parking at trailhead. You will have to pay National Park fee to enter the park, or flash your America The Beautiful Pass for free entry. Restrooms are available at the parking lot. Black rainclouds contrast well against the white dunes The Trail : Alkali Flat Trailhead is located at the end of the 8 mile Dunes Drive - the only road accessible by car, so it is easy to find. Once you start hiking, the only way to identify the trail is by red markers found every few yards. So I highly recommend downloading the AllTrails map before entering the park, as you can easily miss the trail markers. The red trail markers Obviously, the trail is not shaded, and can get very torturous on a hot day. So carry with you lots of food and water, protect yourself with a hat and sunscreen, and select a day when the temperatures are mild. Feb through May is windy season with sand and dust storms common during the day. A dust storm in the distance Summer months can be excruciatingly hot. Fall and winter months are best to attempt this hike. We visited the park during the last week of December and the temperatures were mild and perfect. Try to time your hike to end around sunset, as the landscape is just gorgeous during the blue hour. The landscape turns spectacular at sunset. Then red rocks of the San Andreas mountain range in the distance, contrast well against the white dunes at sunset. The trail takes you over numerous dunes, each looking almost exactly like the other. We did the loop in the clockwise direction, and the "sand" was packed for the most part, except while climbing over dunes. Dont try to skip the dunes to find a flatter route, as you can easily miss the trail marker. Up and down the dunes we went on a mild December morning After the first mile, the crowds thin out and you will have the undisturbed, pristine sand dunes all to yourself. As you reach the 2 mile mark, the landscape changes dramatically, and the trail transform into flat, hard land. The loop turns around at the missile launch site with warnings to stay away from the site. There is little to no vegetation seen along the trail, except for some desert hardy bushes which make great photo ops against the white backdrop. Desert vegetation The trail loops around, takes you over newer sand dunes before landing you back at the trailhead. Photo opportunities abound in this park In summary, this is one of the most unique hikes I have done and a memorable and fun one at that. I highly recommend visiting White Sands National Park the next time you are in New Mexico or in Western Texas. >> Got a question about White Sands NP that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Shoes filled with gypsum by the end of the hike

Welcome to my travel blog for a girls trip to Austin, Texas! Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is the perfect destination for a fun and exciting getaway with your best girlfriends. From its delicious food and bars scene to its outdoor activities, Austin offers something for everyone. This 3-day itinerary is packed with fun and exciting things to do, from indulging in some retail therapy, bar hopping, to exploring the outdoors and relaxing with your best friend(s), without the need for renting a car. So grab your girls (in my case it was my 20-something daughter) and get ready to have the ultimate girls trip in Austin! >> Got a question about Austin that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. Where To Stay I love Embassy Suites, primarily for its made-to-order breakfast. Along with all rooms being suites, I enjoy the evening reception/happy hour, where all drinks and snacks are on the house. In Austin, another reason we chose the Embassy Suites was its convenient location on South Congress Avenue. The hotel is within walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and bars, making it easy for us to explore the area without needing a car. Plus, public transportation options like buses and ride-sharing services were easily accessible from the hotel. Evening Reception menu at Embassy Suites Austin Day 1 Texas Capitol Building A visit to the Texas State Capitol building in Austin is a must-see for any trip to this vibrant city. It is less than a mile from Embassy Suites, and is an easy walk along South Congress. The historic building, which serves as the seat of government for the state of Texas, is an impressive architectural masterpiece that is sure to leave a lasting impression. One of the highlights of our visit to the Capitol was a tour of the inside of the building. Guided tours are offered Monday through Friday and last approximately 45 minutes. You'll learn about the history of the building and the state of Texas, as well as get a glimpse of the legislative chambers and other important rooms. The tour also provides an opportunity to see some of the beautiful artwork and sculptures that decorate the interior of the building. The central dome of the Capitol Building. Note the Texas 5-point star at the center. Taquero Mucho Once we were done exploring the Capitol, we made our way to Taquero Mucho for lunch. This restaurant, made popular for its pink theme on TikTok and Instagram, is an easy 1 mile walk from the Capitol building. Austin is known for its vibrant and diverse food scene, and the city's taco culture is a big part of that. Many taqueros in Austin have their own unique twist on traditional Mexican tacos, and Taquero Mucho is one such restaurant with a pink theme. EVERYTHING, and I mean, EVERYTHING is pink here - the chairs, tables, the walls, their tortillas, and even their restroom! For drinks, we had a Paloma and Mango Mami. The latter was especially unique, as it came with a tamarind stick to suck on in between sips. We also ordered Queso Flamendo, which was as yummy as it was cheesy, and came with pink tortillas! The vegetarian enchiladas were equally delicious, but by then, we were already stuffed. The restaurant also has numerous photo ops, beckoning the selfie-seekers amongst us. The all-pink Taquero Mucho. Even the tortillas were pink! And so was the restroom! Auditorium Shores Auditorium Shores is a public park in Austin located along the shores of Lady Bird Lake. The park features a large open lawn, a stage for live performances, and a dog park. Less than a mile away from the hotel, it has great views of the Austin skyline and perfect spot to watch the city lights come up as the sun goes down. View of the skyline from Auditorium shores Zilker Park Trail Of Lights If you visit Austin during the holidays, like we did, Zilker Park Trail Of Lights is not to be missed. This is an annual event held in December, featuring a 2-mile long trail illuminated by holiday lights, as well as live music, food vendors, and other entertainment. The Trail of Lights has been a Austin tradition for over 50 years, and is a popular event for families and visitors during the holiday season. The number of displays in the park is truly overwhelming, and we had seen nothing of this magnitude in the SF Bay Area, where we reside. Whataburger Whataburger is a fast food restaurant chain that was founded in 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas. The chain is known for its signature "Whataburger" sandwich, which is made with a large beef patty served on a five-inch toasted bun. Having heard so much about it in California, daughter dearest and the meat eater amongst us had to give it a shot. Her verdict - it is almost close to In-N-Out burger, and is worth all the hype. As for the vegetarians, there was little to no option for us, other than a shake and fries. Whataburger sandwich Day 2 Bike at Lady Bird Park After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we started our second day in Austin with some physical activity. Just outside Embassy Suites is ATX Metrobike station, where we rented bikes by the hour. We decided to bike down 10-mile Lady Bird Lake Trail, which runs right next to the hotel. The trail is a popular spot for hiking, biking, running and walking, and offers stunning views of the Austin skyline and the Texas Hill Country. The trail is mostly flat and paved, making it accessible for people of all fitness levels. The trail was so well maintained throughout and made for a very enjoyable and fun morning out. The beautiful Austin skyline all along the biking trail Lunch at Torchys The bike ride helped build a good appetite for lunch, and so we headed to the popular Torchy's Tacos. Torchy's Tacos is a popular taco restaurant chain that originated in Austin. The flagship location on South Congress Avenue is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. The menu features a variety of creative and delicious taco options. We had the Trailer Park, which was a fried chicken taco, and the airstream salad. The salad was, by far, the most delicious salad I have had in a long, long time. Just thinking about it as I write this blog makes my mouth water. The restaurant has a quirky and playful decor, which adds to the fun and lively atmosphere. Sunset at Congress Ave Bridge Start the fun evening by walking up to Congress Avenue bridge, which is right across from the hotel, to view the sunset, with the city's skyline in the background and the natural beauty of the lake. The bridge is home to the largest urban bat colony in North America and during the summer months, hundreds of Mexican Free-tailed Bats can be seen emerging from the bridge at sunset to hunt for insects. The best place to view the sunset from the bridge is from the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, the pedestrian walkway that runs along the north side of the lake, under the bridge. Visitors can also take a boat tour to see the bats and the sunset. There are several boat tour companies that operate on the lake, which offer guided tours of the bat colony. The emergence of the bats is dependent on the season and the weather. When we went in December, we were unable to witness this spectacle. Bar Hopping at Sixth Street After sunset, make your way down South Congress towards Sixth Street, which is known for its bar scene and nightlife. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from. Some popular bars on Sixth Street include The Jackalope, Handlebar, and The Blackheart. The street is closed off to traffic on weekends and during special events, making it a great place to walk around and explore. Before hitting Sixth Street, we also visited the "Secret Bar" in the W, and the Edge Rooftop bar at JW Marriott. Day 3 Murals Begin Day 3 with what Austin is famous for - murals! Austin is home to a vibrant mural scene, with many street art pieces scattered throughout the city. Most of the popular mural locations lie in the South Congress Avenue and East 6th Street area. They are created by local artists and reflect the city's diverse culture and history. Some notable murals in Austin include the "Greetings from Austin" mural and the Tau Ceti mural across from the JW Marriott hotel. South Congress Shopping As you explore the murals along South Congress, combine it with some retail therapy. South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, is lined with unique boutiques, vintage shops, and specialty stores that offer a wide variety of clothing, accessories, home decor, and more. Some of the popular shops on South Congress include ByGeorge, Uncommon Objects, and Feathers Boutique. The area is also known for its art galleries, antique shops and thrift stores. Along with shopping, South Congress is also known for its food trucks, street performers, and live music. Lunch at ABA SoCo is also home to a number of popular restaurants, cafes and bars. The mot popular restaurant of them all is ABA, a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. The menu features a variety of dishes inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean, including mezze, grilled meats, and seafood, with a focus on Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails. The interior of the restaurant is designed to evoke the feeling of dining in a Mediterranean courtyard, with a mix of modern and traditional elements. Being one of the most popular restaurants in town, reservations are highly recommended. We booked our table more than a week in advance. Top L : Aba special hummus platter - to die for! Top R: Unplugged mocktail Bottom L : Entrance to the restaurant Bottom R: Green falafel hot mezze Shopping at 2nd Street District The 2nd Street District in Austin, Texas is a popular shopping destination known for its unique boutiques, specialty stores, and local businesses. The area is located in downtown Austin, less than half a mile from the hotel, and stretches from Congress Avenue to Nueces Street. Some popular shops in the 2nd Street District include ByGeorge - A luxury fashion and lifestyle store, The Little Market - A shop that features handmade goods and gifts created by local artisans and Allens Boots - A store that specializes in cowboy boots and western wear. The 2nd Street District also features a variety of restaurants, bars and cafes, making it a great place to spend an afternoon or evening. If you have more time... Based on the time of year you visit Austin, and if you have a car to drive around, do check out : graffiti art at the HOPE Outdoor Gallery Austin Museum of Art or the Blanton Museum of Art Live music at venues such as the Continental Club or the Cactus Cafe The natural beauty of Mount Bonnell Community swimming at Barton Springs Keep in mind that Austin is also home to a number of festivals and events throughout the year, such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Texas Book Festival, which can offer a wealth of additional things to see and do in the city. >> Got a question about Austin that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @ SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. As our girls trip to Austin comes to an end, we can't help but feel grateful for the memories we've made and the bond we've strengthened. The city's natural beauty and friendly locals made it easy to fall in love with it. We can't wait to come back and explore more of what this wonderful city has to offer. Austin, you've stolen a piece of our hearts, and we'll be back for more. To all the readers out there, we highly recommend a girls trip to Austin, it's a perfect destination for a fun and memorable getaway with your besties. Until next time Austin, cheers to new adventures and lasting memories. Keep Austin Weird!!

Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant metropolis where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern skyscrapers, is a city that demands to be explored. With its iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and rich cultural tapestry, it’s no wonder that many travelers find themselves captivated by its charm. We recently had the opportunity to spend two unforgettable nights in this dynamic city, staying in an Airbnb with breathtaking views of the Petronas Towers. Here's a glimpse into our whirlwind adventure. KL Travel Tips Best Time To Go Kuala Lumpur's tropical climate means it's generally warm and humid year-round. June to August offers relatively dry weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions. When we went in mid-June, temperatures hovered around the mid 90s, which was considered average for the city! Rainy season is between March to May and September to November. Visa As of this time of writing (July 2024), US citizens dont require a visa to visit Malaysia.  Upon arrival, immigration officials will stamp your passport with a social visit pass, granting you permission to stay for up to a period of 90 days. Getting Around Although ride share apps and services like Grab, are extremely popular in KL, if you are short on time, and want a personalized experience, I highly recommend hiring your own personal driver. With a private driver, you can customize your itinerary, avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation or dealing with traffic, and learn about the city from a local perspective. We hired Kamini Pall Kukreja after reading various recommendations online, and we were so happy that we did! Not only is she an efficient and excellent driver, she is a great local guide and knows about everything KL and Malaysia. She planned out our trip itinerary perfectly and was also flexible for last minute changes. A single mom and a caregiver, she is a genuinely nice person through and through. Contact her via FaceBook from the link above, or via WhatsApp at +60 11-1510 7211. You will not be disappointed! Our highly efficient driver and tour guide, Kamini Currency The Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available throughout Kuala Lumpur and major cities, making it easy to withdraw cash. Where To Stay Our stay at an Airbnb  overlooking the Petronas Towers was nothing short of spectacular. Waking up to that iconic skyline in morning was a dream come true. It was an amazing suite with a full panoramic view of the KLCC Twin Towers and the KL skyline. Day or Night. Access to two infinity pools with the same panoramic view, an ATM and a convenience store in the ground floor and 24x7 security made this AirBnB quite a steal for the price we paid! Night view of KL skyline from our suite View of the towers from our bedroom View of the KL skyline from the infinity pool of our AirBnB Day 1: Night lights of Kuala Lumpur After arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in the afternoon, and checking in to our AirBnB, we spent the evening enjoying the lighted sights of the city. The city's skyline, adorned with twinkling lights, is a breathtaking sight. We visited the Petronas Twin Towers to witness the mesmerizing synchronized dancing fountains set against the backdrop of the iconic towers. The vibrant colors and choreographed water jets created a captivating spectacle. Musical fountains light up the night at Petronas Towers  We then headed to the KL Tower, to capture stunning panoramic views of the illuminated city. Whether you're a photography enthusiast or simply looking for a romantic evening, these night-time activities are sure to create unforgettable memories. KL Tower - the thrid tallest in Malaysia Day 2: A Towering Start We started our second day with a visit to the Petronas Twin Towers. We had booked our tickets in advance, on the advice of our trusted driver and guide. The tower visit took us to the Skybridge, connecting the two towers at the 41st and 42nd floors, as well as to the observation deck on the 86th floor. The panoramic views from up there of the surrounding towers and landscape are simply awe-inspiring. The iconic photo op! Views from inside Petronas Towers Afterwards, we stopped at Suria KLCC mall next door for a quick breakfast. Imagine our surprise to see so many Indian food options in the food court! We had a scrumptious dosa breakfast at Saravana Bhavan before we continued with our city tour. Breakfast at Suriya Mall Our next stop was the incredible Batu Caves . This Hindu shrine is a must-visit for any traveler. Climbing the 272 steps to the main cave is quite an adventure, but the reward is worth it. The massive statue of Lord Murugan and the stunning cave temple are truly awe-inspiring.  While the monkeys are a fun part of the experience, be cautious with your belongings as they can be quite mischievous! The worlds largest Murugan statue at Batu Caves The inside of Batu Caves On the way to Chinatown, we made a quick stop at the Royal Palace. The Istana Negara is the official residence of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King of Malaysia), a majestic building showcasing Islamic architecture with its golden domes. Unfortunately, it's not open to the public. The Royal Palace For a taste of Malaysian culture and spirituality, we visited the Thean Hou Temple. Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, this six-tiered temple is a stunning example of Chinese architecture. Its intricate carvings, vibrant colors, and commanding hilltop location make it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The temple also provides panoramic views of the city, making it a popular spot for photography.  Thean Hou Temple With a quick stop in Little India for lunch at A2B, we headed for some retail therapy to KL Central Market. Housed in a historic building, this vibrant market offers a treasure trove of Malaysian handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and more. You can find everything from intricate batik clothing and colorful songket fabrics to delicate pewterware and traditional wooden carvings. The market also features stalls selling local delicacies and spices, perfect for bringing home a taste of Malaysia.  We spent hours browsing through the stalls, bargaining for unique treasures. KL Central Market Next, we immersed ourselves in the city's history at Independence Square. The iconic flagpole and the Royal Selangor Club are impressive sights. It's a great place to learn about Malaysia's journey to independence. Independence Square As the day wound down, we took a leisurely stroll along the River of Life. The illuminated fountains and light projections create a magical atmosphere. It's a perfect way to end a busy day. River of Life Conclusion Two nights in Kuala Lumpur might seem short, but it's enough to get a taste of this incredible city. From towering skyscrapers to ancient temples, Kuala Lumpur offers something for everyone. With its vibrant culture, delicious food, and friendly people, it's a city that will leave a lasting impression.

New Mexico stays true to its state motto, "The Land Of Enchantment", with stunning desert landscapes, breathtaking snowcapped mountains, bubbling hot springs, and remarkable national monuments. It is a state which was recently added to my travel todo list, after having seen the numerous geological sights to visit, during what I call the "COVID web-surfing era of 2020-2022". When I planned a weeklong road trip in late December of 2022, my family couldn't comprehend why we had to visit New Mexico of all the places, for the holidays, and why we would need to spend a week there. By the end of our trip, they were pleasantly surprised at how much they liked and enjoyed this underrated state. We realized that this "Land of Enchantment" has something for everyone - whether you are a bird lover, a hiking enthusiast, a lover of US history, a foodie, a shopper extraordinaire, or just someone looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, New Mexico has it all. For this trip, we flew in and out of Albuquerque, and drove all around the state. Below is a list of places we found most interesting and which we highly recommend for any first timer to New Mexico. However, the list of things to see and do in NM is just not limited to the ones below. We hope to visit the Badlands, Four Corners, Gila Cave Dwellings and many more sights we were unable to cover, on our next trip to this enchanting land. >> Got a question about New Mexico that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending. 1. Ojo Caliente Mineral Springs Did you know that the state of New Mexico is a hot bed for hot springs, thanks to the geothermal activity throughout the state? There are two kinds of hot springs - the natural kind, set in a natural surrounding, amidst forests and cliffs, and the "cultivated" kind, which are part of a resort or a spa. With either, it is a great way to unwind and release all the stress of everyday life. We visited one of the most popular hot springs resort in New Mexico, Ojo Caliente, which is about an hours drive from Santa Fe. Set at the foot of beautiful red cliffs, the resort offers 9 different mineral pools/baths, each with its own unique healing property. You can opt to either spend a night at the resort and enjoy the pools and the spa and massage services, or buy a day pass and spend the entire day and night at Ojo Caliente. So many hot spring "pools" to choose from at Ojo Caliente 2. Taos Pueblo Located about an hour and 45 minutes from Santa Fe, in the town of Taos, Taos Pueblo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a living Native American community that’s been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years. Currently, about 150 Taos Pueblo people live in the walled city. The land consists of ceremonial buildings and multi-story adobe dwellings, and is a great example of the living culture of the Pueblo Indian people. There is a free 30 minutes walking tour that comes with the ticket price, where the guide narrates the history and the cultural life and development of this region. This is the largest Pueblo of its kind and well worth the visit. Top : View of the multi-storied adobe dwellings. Bottom: San Geronimo Catholic Church grounds 3. Bandelier National Monument Bandelier National Monument in northern New Mexico, is about an hours drive from Santa Fe. The area has numerous, well preserved, cliff dwellings of ancient Pueblo tribe of Native Americans from 1100AD. There are some really great hikes, and the best are the ones that take you through the entire dwelling areas and then to the Alcove House (to get to it, you’ll have to climb up 3 tall wooden ladders, and a few short ones). I highly recommend doing the Alcove House, but be warned, if you’re not good with heights, then you may want to view from the ground. This is a unique outdoor activity to consider if you are in Northern New Mexico. The holes in the cliff are all ancient cave dwellings Can you spot the steep ladder leading to the cave (Alcove House)? Ladders setup to explore the caves in the cliffs. 4. Old Town Santa Fe Old Town Santa Fe is filled with so many charming, Insta-worthy places along with a great mix of culture, history, food and views of adobe style architecture. Founded in the early 1600s this "City Different" is where Spanish and Native American culture meet the Wild West. Top L : Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi; Top R: The colorful corridor of The Museum Of Contemporary Native Art Bottom L: The Moorish architecture of the Scottish Rites Temple; Bottom R: Farolito lights lined Inn at Loretta 5. White Sands National Park Located 3 hrs south of Albuquerque and an hour north of Las Cruces in New Mexico, White Sands National Park is one of those places you will never forget and something you will talk about for years to come. As the name suggests it constitutes miles and miles of white dunes, which are made up of - not snow, not sand, but gypsum crystals! It is the largest gypsum dune field in the world and its simplistic white beauty will just take your breath away! These gypsum minerals once lay at the bottom of an ancient lake, which has now dried up, leaving behind these white crystals for us to marvel. We hiked the almost 5 mile Alkali Flats Trail, climbing sand dunes upon sand dunes until our hearts were content with the the white majestic beauty. My blog here contains more info about the hike as well as additional pictures of the scenery. 6. Bosque Del Alpache National Wildlife Refuge During our trip, we were fortunate enough to witness the thrilling sunset fly-ins of snow geese and sandhill cranes at the picturesque Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Thousands of birds winter here, enjoying the warmer climate and the beautiful setting of the refuge. It was a truly magnificent sight, when half hour before sunset, thousands of sandhill cranes and snow geese came swooping down, cackling so loud that you could hear them a mile away! We had never seen anything like it before!! This is a must-see place when you are in New Mexico. Sandhill cranes returning home for the night Sandhill cranes in flight The sun sets over the Refuge A flock of Sandhill cranes 7. Carlsbad Caverns When I mentioned Carlsbad Caverns to my family, they groaned in unison as we had seen enough cavers with stalactites and stalagmites in our past travels. But their complaints fell on deaf ears and we made the 3 hour road trip from Las Cruces to the Caverns, while passing through the town of El Paso, Tx. It is highly recommended to book your timed entry to the Caverns online, as it is a popular tourist destination. The only restaurant closeby is The Cactus Cafe, in the town of Whites. So plan ahead to grab food at the cafe before or after your tour. You have an option to take an elevator to the bottom of the cavern or hike down a steep path, about 1.25 miles long, until you reach the Big Room, the main attraction in the Cavern. I strongly recommend the latter, as you pass many beautiful formations along the way, which you will miss if you take the elevator. Once you reach the Big Room, another 1.25 mile pathway leads you to some of the most incredible cave formations you will ever see, some of which began forming four million years ago! Carlsbad Caverns is the motherlode of all caverns, just by the sheer vastness of the place. There are so many chambers to enter, with each taking you into an entirely different world. Based on the time of year you visit, you can also signup for the Kings Chamber Tour and Bat Flight Tour. The start of the steep downhill climb to the caverns A mirror reflection of the stalactites 8. Old Town Albuquerque Albuquerque's Old Town is the historic heart of the city. With its Southwestern charm, good food, historic architecture, it has something for everyone. You can spend hours in the Main Plaza, browsing through numerous galleries with Southwestern art, cute boutiques and souvenir stores peddling Native Indian wares or spend the entire day visiting the numerous museums in Old Town. With many restaurants and bars to choose from, we found Little Anitas to have a good vegetarian selection of New Mexican cuisine. Many "Breaking Bad" photo ops in Old Town The quaint alleyways of Old Town Albuquerque >> Got a question about New Mexico that you need answered quickly? DM me on Instagram @SolaraStills and I’ll be happy to help! I only accept DMs from followers, so hit the follow button before sending.