Amy

  • Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Our Favorite Restaurants, Bakeries & Winery

    Where to Eat in Carmel-by-the-Sea: Our Favorite Restaurants, Bakeries & Winery

    Carmel-by-the-Sea may be known for its storybook cottages, coastal views, and charming village streets… but let’s be honest: the food alone is worth the trip. On our most recent Carmel getaway, we ate our way through everything from cozy breakfast patios and fresh seafood shacks to Michelin-starred dining and wine country afternoons. If you’re…

  • Best Things to Do in New Orleans

    Best Things to Do in New Orleans

    There are so many best things to do in New Orleans beyond Bourbon Street that you won’t want to miss. New Orleans is one of those cities that feels alive the second you arrive. Yes, Bourbon Street is iconic — but the real magic of the Crescent City goes way deeper than the French…

  • The Complete New Orleans Cocktail Crawl: 16 Legendary Drinks & Where to Find Them

    The Complete New Orleans Cocktail Crawl: 16 Legendary Drinks & Where to Find Them

    New Orleans didn’t just invent cocktails—it perfected them. From absinthe-soaked classics to frozen drinks that should come with a warning label, this New Orleans cocktail crawl takes you through the city’s most historic bars and iconic drinks, many of which were born just steps from where you’ll sip them today. This crawl is best…

  • The History of King Cake: From Ancient Rome to New Orleans

    The History of King Cake: From Ancient Rome to New Orleans

    The tradition of king cake actually dates back thousands of years. This was long before Mardi Gras beads and parade throws took over New Orleans. Its origins can be traced to Saturnalia, an ancient Roman festival celebrating role reversals, indulgence, and a temporary suspension of social norms. During Saturnalia, Romans baked a cake with…

  • Mister Jiu’s Michelin-Star Restaurant Review

    Mister Jiu’s Michelin-Star Restaurant Review

    Mister Jiu’s is one of San Francisco’s most talked-about restaurants, holding a Michelin star and a prime location in the heart of Chinatown. Known for its modern take on Chinese-American cuisine, it promises an elevated dining experience focused on seasonal ingredients and refined technique. We visited in January 2025 and opted for the tasting…

  • Capitola & Santa Cruz Weekend Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & What to Do

    Capitola & Santa Cruz Weekend Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & What to Do

    If you’re craving an easy coastal getaway with ocean views, great food, and just enough nostalgia, a weekend in Capitola and Santa Cruz is hard to beat. This Capitola & Santa Cruz Weekend Guide will help you plan the perfect trip. We spent two nights soaking up beach time, sipping wine in Capitola Village,…

  • Dog-Friendly Hikes In & Around Yosemite

    Dog-Friendly Hikes In & Around Yosemite

    Traveling to Yosemite with your dog? While Yosemite National Park has stricter pet rules than many destinations, there are still beautiful, memorable ways to explore the area with your pup — both inside the park and on true hiking trails just outside its borders. This guide breaks down exactly where dogs are allowed, what…

  • Balcony Parties on Bourbon Street: Why Cornet Is the Best Mardi Gras Evening Pick

    Balcony Parties on Bourbon Street: Why Cornet Is the Best Mardi Gras Evening Pick

    If you’ve ever dreamed of watching Mardi Gras unfold from above—beads flying, brass bands blaring, and Bourbon Street buzzing below—then a Bourbon Street balcony party belongs at the top of your New Orleans bucket list. After experiencing several balcony setups over the years, we can confidently say that the Cornet balcony party is our…

  • Best Classic Restaurants in New Orleans: Where Creole Dining Lives On

    Best Classic Restaurants in New Orleans: Where Creole Dining Lives On

    New Orleans is one of the few cities where restaurants feel like historic landmarks. If you’re searching for the best classic restaurants in New Orleans, especially those Creole dining icons, look no further. These best classic restaurants in New Orleans | Creole dining icons are where jackets are still required, martinis are still shaken…

  • New Year’s Eve 2026 at Sens Restaurant, San Francisco: An Honest Review

    New Year’s Eve 2026 at Sens Restaurant, San Francisco: An Honest Review

    We attended Sens Restaurant’s New Year’s Eve 2026 party in San Francisco with high expectations. Marketed as one of the city’s top NYE events for several years, the evening promised VIP express entry, a premium open bar, and an upscale celebration. While we enjoyed moments of the night, the experience ultimately fell short of…