Murals you can not miss in Nashville
Nashville is filled with a ton of murals. They even have photo tours you can take! Save your money and use my mural tour guide instead.
What Lifts You
Address: 302 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Candy Hearts Mural
Drippy Lips Mural
Heiroglitches Mural
Ticket wall
I Believe In Nashville Mural
Draper James – Nashville
Neighborhoods worth Exploring in Boston, Massachusetts.
Boston has some very charming neighborhoods Mr. K and I really enjoyed going around and exploring the area. I have to say that while NYC has charming locations Boston is way more “Hilly” so leave your heels in the car! The neighborhoods also have a lot more old cobble streets that give the city that extra charm. Beware that street parking is extremely hard to come by, so expect to spend time searching or bouncing around parking garages.
Beacon Hill
South end
Back Bay
Salem spots not worth spending your time or $$$ at!
The Ouija Board museum. I wanted to LOVE this museum , but it was totally lacking in character and resources. First off it was $10 per a person to go into a room that is the size of a NYC closet and if you are familiar with NYC you get me drift on how small this place was. They had really away boards, but no real information on them. They also did not have an Ouija Board expert or someone who could explain the history of the spooky board game. like I said I wanted to love this museum, but it totally fell flat. Do yourself a favor and save yourself $10 to spend at another location.
The Wand Shop. While you do feel like you are transported into Harry Potter for a moment, it is kind of pointless. Unless you want a wand for your magical spells or to feel like you stepped into a shop in Diagon Alley.
Hocus Pocus Tours! There really isn’t a need to go on a hocus pocus tour unless you are a complete diehard fan of the cult classic. You can find all of the popular film locations here in my E-Book! This way you can go at your convenience and stay as long as you like.
How to Break from the Crowds During Spooky Season in Salem
While Salem is packed with crowds during spooky szn. You can break away from the crowds and explore surrounding areas that are just as rich with history and spooky of course!
Head to Marblehead, MA just 10mins outside of Salem for a bite and some beautiful views. Mr. K and I stopped by Maria's Gourmet for some homemade empanadas. We took our lunch by the harbor to enjoy the beautiful view and our yummy food!
Marblehead is also home to the famous cemetery scene in Hocus Pocus. You know the one where Max gets his nickname “Hollywood” from classmate and bully “ICE”.
Other Towns worth seeing:
Beverly, MA
Newburyport, MA
Rockport, MA
Haunted locations in Salem
Salem is filled with Haunted locations, but the below are the some spooky spots you can visit while you are in Salem to check out the paranormal activity for yourself!
Turner’s Seafood | 43 Church Street Salem MA 01970: This historic location has housed restaurants for years. The dining landmark is incredibly historic. It is said that Alexander Graham Bell first revealed his plans for the telephone here. The location is also believed to be the former home of Bridget Bishop, the first lady executed for witchcraft in the 1692 witch trials. Locals believe her residual energy still lingers. Visitors have reported seeing a woman in a long white gown floating above the Lyceum building’s main staircase. Her image has been seen in windows and mirrors throughout the building.
Wicked Good Books | 215 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970 It is said that in this Salem bookstore that the books are flying off the shelves—literally! Back in 2017 during the construction work on main street in Salem, human remains were found beneath the building. Apparently, the underground tunnel system connected to an underground warehouse in Derby Square is where two runaway slaves are believed to be entombed. The previous owner unaware of this fact knew he had two spirits in his book store. from hearing giggling to even having an on-going game with them. He would put out books and they would throw them off the shelves for him to pick. After hearing the news he realized the two girls entombed where the girls in his basement and made a child section down there for them to enjoy.
Hawthorne Hotel | 18 Washington Square W, Salem, MA 01970
The hotel was built in 1923, it’s believed that the hotel is built on the site of an apple orchard that was owned by Bridget Bishop, the first victim of the Salem Witch Trials. Guests have often reported smelling apples around the hotel as well as seeing an apparition of a woman roaming the halls.vThe most haunted room is believed to be room # 612. Many guests have reported seeing the figure of a woman standing outside the door. Room 325 is also considered to be a paranormal hotspots, with reports of faucets turning on by themselves, lights flickering, and the sound of a baby crying.
Cinema Salem | 1 E India Square Mall, Salem, MA 01970
Employees who work at the cinema say that ghosts regularly haunt the establishment. When it comes to the identity of the spirits, that information is unknown, but the sightings were so rampant that paranormal investigators and psychics were brought in to take a look! Employees have said to witness a man in black sitting in theater 3. They say he is seen wearing Victorian era clothing, with a top hat and coattails.
Ropes Mansion | 318 Essex St, Salem, MA 01970
AKA the home of Allison in Hocus Pocus! Apparently Ropes Mansion is thought to be the most haunted place in all of Salem. The story goes that tuberculosis look the lives of the Ropes family except for Abigail and Elizabeth. Elizabeth eventual feel ill to tuberculosis leaving Abigail as the only person left in the family to care for her. Elizabeth eventually succumb to the disease leaving Abigail devastated. The loss of her family drove her to insanity, Abigail would spend the rest of her life locked away inside the family mansion. Until her untimely death years later when her dress caught fire while tending to the fire. It is said that her husband was so used to hearing her scream in despair, that he paid no mind to her screams.
5 things you need to know before visiting Salem Massachusetts | 2020 Edition
Visiting Salem is on a lot of peoples bucket list especially going during spooky season. Here are a few things you should know before heading there.
First and far most you need at least 2 days and 1 night to really see everything Salem has to offer. Use your first day to go on tours and learn the history of Salem. Day two you can enjoy yourself and explore the locations you learned about the day before.
IMPORTANT: You do not need to stay in Salem. Boston is only 30 minutes away and is an affordable option. When traveling to Salem in October you are looking at $350 and up per a night where if you opt for Boston you can sang a nice hotel for around $150 a night.
Trust me, you need a reservations for EVERYTHING! Book all of your tours and meals in advance. Things get a bit crazy in Salem and the crowds are intense. I knew well in advance that I wanted to go on a ghost tour, but I waited to book it since you know “2020”, big mistake! I almost missed out on the tour due to everything being booked up far in advance. Another mistake was not making lunch and dinner reservations in advance. Mr. K and I also got a bit hungry when we couldn’t get into a diner for lunch on day 1. Take some time the night before or in the morning to plan out your day and to make your dining reservations.
I highly recommend booking your tours for the first day that you are in Salem. This way you can check out all of the things you learn aka haunted locations and or Salem facts the next day. Mr. K and I really enjoyed our ghost tour and learning about the spooky things that happen around town. We only wish that we went on our first day instead of our last day to go to the haunted shops and see the paranormal activity for ourselves!
Try and go on a week day. If you go on a weekend it will be jam packed with people and the closer you get to Halloween or a holiday like Columbus day where schools are closed you will be in for massive crowds. If you do not mind waiting in line to get into shops, museums and restaurants it’s no big deal, but if you are like me and want to be there during the Halloween season, but not into waiting try going on an “off” day! PS all shops, museums and tours are limited in 2020 due to COVID regulations.
All Things Pumpkin in Saratoga Springs, NY
What is there not to love about pumpkin? from pretty patches & farm stands to drool worthy pumpkin spice treats. Here are my recommendations for pumpkin everything in Saratoga Springs, NY.
Hanehan Family Pumpkins Saratoga | 223 County Route 67, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Ellms Family Farm | 448 Charlton Rd, Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Uncommon Grounds | 402 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Warm up with their pumpkin spice latte.
Sweet Mimi's Cafe & Bakery | 47 Phila St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Grab their pumpkin bread and apple crumb cake.
Adirondack Creamery | 217 Edie Rd, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | It might be chilly out, but you can not miss out on pumpkin pie ice cream!
Kru Coffee | 46 Marion Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Kru offers a delicious seasonal pumpkin spice latte.
9 Miles East Farm | 64 Excelsior Ave Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 | Get the pumpkin bar it is so good! They also have mini pumpkin pies and pumpkin bread.
Things to do in Saratoga Springs, NY during Fall | Including Halloween Activities
1. Fall Foliage | Peak Foliage typically the first two weeks of October
Click here for the best Fall Map to use when planning your getaway.
2. Apple & Pumpkin picking
Apple season typically runs from late August until November and Pumpkin picking from Late September until November.
3. Tons of Spooky Activities! (starting in October) Please look ahead of time as covid may cause changes.
4. Take a day trip to Glen Falls
Glen Falls is similar to Saratoga just 30mins north. They have a nice downtown area with shops & restaurants along with a colorful scenic ride.
5. Check out the local Parks. Here are some of my favorite ones
Saratoga Spa State Park | 19 Roosevelt Dr, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Congress Park | 268 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Waterfront Park | 630 Crescent Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
5 Things to do in The Hamptons
The Hamptons is known for being the area of NY where everyone from NYC migrates to once Memorial Day Weekend approaches. While most people go to relax on the beach or party next to a pool there is much more to The Hamptons than just that! I am share 5 different activities you can do while in the hampton’s that do not involve being in your bathing suite.
Parrish Art Museum
279 Montauk Hwy, Water Mill, NY 11976
Tate‘s Bake Shoppe
43 North Sea Road
Southampton, NY
LongHouse Reserve
133 Hands Creek Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937
Shadmoor State Park
The park is located at 900 Montauk Highway
Wölffer Estate Vineyard
139 Sagg Rd, Sagaponack, NY 11962
THE ULTIMATE DC FOODIE SPOTS
It all begins with an idea.
For the past 4 years I’ve gone to D.C. I guess because it’s a change of scenery and not to far from the hustle and bustle of NYC. Throughout those 4 years I’ve gone to TONS of restaurants in the area, but the below spots are my absolute favorite foodie spots.
Who doesn’t like Ramen 🍜?! Well my husband doesn’t, but he still waited 3hours for this ramen spot with me! Now that’s real love people😅the ramen was sooooo good I highly recommend getting a side of dumplings because those are delicious too. Oh and definitely put your name on the list ASAP so you can go explore D.C while you wait for your seat to open up. Also make sure you go to the Ramen Shop NOT the Restaurant – its a bit confusing, but once you get there you’ll see what I mean.
this is the spot in Georgetown is the place to be any day of the week. Grab something from the bakery and just sit outside on the patio and enjoy the afternoon. Everything here is so good from the sandwiches and croissant 🥐down to the delicious Nutella filled brioche donut 🤤
Craving a farm to table brunch? Farmers & Distillers in D.C is definitely a must try spot. But fair warning this place gets booked up fast and is PACKED so make reservations well in advance. Oh and do yourself a favor and order a large blood orange cocktail it’s AH-MAZING!
This gem is definitely one of the the best matcha places I’ve been to outside of LA. They have so many matcha options, BUT the really gem is this location in Union Market! If you’re a matcha feen like me you’ll get your fix at this hot spot.
On to dessert…
Ice cream, ice cream, ice cream!! These two spots are my favorite ice cream spots in Georgetown.
Processed With Darkroom
This ice cream spot is vegan, dairy free AND delicious! Do yourself a favor an get the bubble waffle. It’s worth every sweet calorie. Grab a scoop of your favorite flavor oh and don’t forget the poke sticks they’re probably the best part!
THOMAS SWEET
If you ask the locals what their favorite dessert spot is, without a doubt they’re going to say Thomas Sweet! This is not a hidden gem because it’s literally jam PACKED every hot summer night. Just get in line and don’t think twice about the wait. I mean this place hasn’t been around for over 30 years for no reason. They’re small batch ice cream is DELICIOUS!
Share with me your favorite foodie spots in the comments!