These are my favorite kitchen gadgets for 2023! These are great for chefs of all levels and make your life much easier in the kitchen!

Here we are, rounding out the year once again!

I know, I’m coming at you with kitchen gadgets at the busiest time of the year! But we all know that food processors, chef’s knives, the instant pot, stainless steel cookware, and stand mixers are all on sale this time of the year. So if you’re looking to make some improvements to your kitchen game or buy some great tried-and-true gifts for friends or family, I’ve got you covered!

I’ll be honest, this isn’t a list where I talk about a cast iron skillet, immersion blenders, blenders for smoothies, toaster ovens, or my favorite knife. This list is a bit more than that. It’s all the gadgets I personally bought in 2023 and found myself using them multiple times every week. Most of these I would argue I use daily, in all honesty!

And so without further ado let’s hop into the best of the best kitchen gadgets for 2023!

5 must-have kitchen tools for 2023.

6. Popcorn maker.

Okay, I know I promised 5, and this one is a new purchase, but I already find myself using it more often than I ever thought I would.

I finally gave my old silicone microwave popcorn maker the boot, and invested in an air popper! This one had rave reviews on Amazon, and with the price tag that was under $20, I couldn’t refuse. Bonus it has a little caddy on top that will melt your butter while the corn kernels pop.

The only real con I found on this popcorn maker is that the plastic case that goes over the popping element is slightly cheapy plastic. With that said, I would 100% buy this again, and if mine konks out, I’ll repurchase this without hesitation! 

You can purchase it here.

5. Workhorse Wok.

I promise this is the only pan on my list! And It has proven to be a good one. 

I love using my new wok to make stir frys, lomo saltado, and of course my shrimp masala recipe. Cleanup is a breeze, and it even comes with a dome lid. I’ve used it over high heat to quickly saute the ingredients, and the pans still look as good as new even after tons of use!

Remember when I said that I use most of these on a daily basis? This pan definitely gets a workout in my kitchen!

You can purchase it here.

4. Vegetable Chopper Box.

If you’re on TikTok, I’m sure you’ve seen people chop all sorts of things in their chopper boxes. At this point, they’re chopping deli meats with this thing! 

This little box has made prep for onions, carrots, celery, and potatoes, so much easier when I’m making a batch of homemade soup. And it’s great for when I’m craving a Shirazi Salad but don’t have the time to chop up all of the vegetables in perfect bite-sized pieces. The blade slices right through the ingredients with just one good push on the button with the palm of your hands.

The attachments are all bpa-free and dishwasher-safe, so after you’re done chopping, you can simply toss it in the dishwasher to handle the cleanup. Oxo Good Grips is one of my favorite brands for kitchen gadgets and they definitely don’t disappoint on this one. It makes for easy storage because all of the pieces clip on and stay together.

You can purchase it here.

3. Dish Pad.

If you wash and dry as many dishes as I do, this is a great little drying pad for your counter. The  stone dries water in 4 seconds. You can use it to dry fruits and vegetables as well as your handwashed dishes. I find that the dishes dry much faster on this stone pad than on a traditional drying pad.  Storage is also a breeze because the mat folds up and goes right under my kitchen sink when we have guests over.

This is another one of those items on this list that I find myself using everyday. I got this on this years prime day and I’m counting down to the black friday sale so that I can grab another one! This item is pricier than a drying pad. But after using it for almost 6 months, I can say without a doubt that it worth every penny!

You can purchase it here.

2. Cast Iron Bread Baker.

At the beginning of this year, I set out on a new task to make sourdough bread. I know, I’m so behind. I didn’t take up bread making in 2020 like everyone but I definitely jumped on the band wagon three years later. 

When I was still testing my sourdough game in early January, I didn’t know if I was ready to invest in a $300 Challenger Bread Pan. Sure, it’s what all the serious sourdough makers are using, but I can’t justify spending that kind of money on a pan when I wasn’t even able to get my sourdough starter right. Much less any closer to pulling out a semi decent loaf of sourdough bread from my oven.

Enter this much more affordable cast iron for homemade bread. This one costs less than half the price of the Challenger pan and so far it’s been great! I’ve been able to really get into sourdough baking and have made a loaf (or two) a week since my starter has taken off.

You can purchase it here.

1. Rice cooker.

Are you surprised to see this as my number one favorite kitchen gadget of 2023? I honestly thought never in a million years would I invest in a rice cooker. It’s so easy to make rice on the stove. All you really need is a wooden spoon and saucepan. But here I am! Eating my words, and my rice out of a rice cooker!

Whether it’s basmati rice with a little salt, brown rice, cilantro and garlic scented rice, ginger fried rice, or biryani rice with spices, you can make it all in the rice cooker. And dare I say that the rice is just as fluffy, if not fluffier than if I made it on the stove top? Even my mother who has spent all her life making stove top rice had the rice out of my rice cooker and raved about it!  I take that as a win!

Not all rice cookers are created equal though. I did a ton of research before I pulled the trigger on this one and the rave reviews definitely sold me. It comes in both a 5.5 cup and 10 cup measurement. Most days I find that the smaller rice cooker is perfect for our little family of 2. I do think that for a family of 4 or more where rice is a staple ingredient, you may want to opt for the larger size. Though the cooker states a max capacity of 5.5 cups, with certain rice, you can only cook 2 cups at a time.

You can purchase it here.

That completes my list of favorite kitchen gadget for 2023. If there’s something that you bought this year that you’ve loved, feel free to share it with the rest of us below!

It’s you’re planning to a spend a weekend in Boston, I’ve got your Boston Itinerary right here! These are all the restaurants you’ll want to check out, neighborhoods to visit, guided tours, and places to stroll!

This was such a last minute trip! 

My husband had been to Boston, Massachusetts before for a quick conference and came back raving about it. So when we needed a northern destination to check off of our bucket list on the way up to Canada, we flew into Boston Logan International airport for a weekend trip. I’ll be honest, this was a last minute trip so I got several of the recommendations on this list from my good friend and my sister. Both of them had been before and knew what I’d love to see and do!

I had always heard that the best times of the year to visit Boston was between September and November and luckily, the timing worked out perfectly for us. Cool morning and sunny afternoons, we clocked in about 15,000 steps a day and ate our weight in cannoli’s, pizza, and more!

A 2-3 day Boston Itinerary

Tourist Attractions:

• Newbury Street: A shopping area lined with 19th century brownstones. They have tons of high end stores and boutiques. Even if you aren’t planning on buying anything it’s great to walk around and take in the sights!
• Boston Public Library: This is a beautiful work out art! For as long as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to visit Bates Hall with its iconic green lamp room! Then walk across Boston’s Copley Square to the Trinity Church.
• Acorn Street: This is one of the most photographed streets in the city! This row of houses is considered highly prestigious and there are signs everywhere that say it’s a private lane. Visitors are asked to respect it and stay off of the street. But you can always stand at the corner and check it out!
• Charles River Esplanade: Gives you  a beautiful view of the Boston skyline!
• Beacon Hill: A great neighborhood to check out on the way to or from Acorn Street. The old corner bookstore (Beacon Hill Book Store) is beautiful and you could spend hours getting lost in there!
• Boston Commons: You can start walking the Freedom Trail here. The Freedom Trail start in the Boston Common, to the Old North Church in the North End and the Bunker Hill Monument in Charlestown. This is rich in America’s history.
• Boston Public Garden: Make way for Ducklings are located here and they are the cutest! You should also check out the Lagoon Bridge.
• Harvard University: Absolutely stunning college campus located in Cambridge, MA. We weren’t really planning on adding this to our itinerary and since we skipped the Freedom Trails (a dream for a history buff, but we just aren’t) we decided to use the afternoon to Uber into Cambridge. Afterwards, head to the amazing Uyghur restaurant in the food reccs!
• Quincy Market: Historic market located right across from Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Downtown Boston. These are both great place to check out and grab a few souvenirs, clam chowder, and for crowd watching.
• Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum: tickets are $20 for general admission and they do offer a beautiful afternoon tea service at the cafe for an extra cost. Though it is a bit pricey, so definitely budge for this if it’s something you’d enjoy!
• Catch a Red Sox game: if you’re a baseball fan, this is not to be missed. The Boston Red Sox play at Fenway Park during the season.

Recommended Tours:

• Boston Ghosts and Gravestones Trolley Tour: This boards off of 200 Atlantic Ave, right in front of the Marriott. This is steps from the Boston harbor. We had dinner at Regina’s Pizza, grabbed Mike’s then walked over for the tour. Keep in mind that though it is a trolley tour, there are several times you have to hop off and walk (sometimes up hill) to historic landmarks such as the Granary Burying Ground and King’s Chapel Burying Ground. We had a few people on the tour that hopped off and didn’t come back, because of mobility issues. The tour guide carries a little lantern as you walk to burying grounds and honestly, for an all-things-spooky fanatic, this was one of my favorite things to do in Boston! Buy tickets here.
• Boston Duck Tours: This is a great way to see the city if you are short on time on a guided tour without having to leave the duck mobile! The tour guides take your through sites such as the Theater District, Massachusetts State House, Fenway Stadium, and many others before giving you a water tour! We started the tour from New England Aquarium and returned there before walking around the harbor front for a bit.

Where to Eat in Boston:

• Regina’s Pizza: With locations all over the city, we opted for the first and most famous one in North Boston.
  • Located at 11½ Tatcher St. Boston, MA
• Mike’s Pastry: I have an un popular opinion! I didn’t care for Mike’s Pastry. There was so much hype surrounding this dessert shop and honestly, it was kind of meh. Overly sweet, not much flavor to the desserts. But you should still try it for yourself! A quick heads up, they only accept cash!
• Modern Pastry: We didn’t get a chance to try this shop, but I wouldn’t be doing my Boston itinerary justice if I didn’t mention it. Many people try both this and Mike’s and like to pick their favorite!
• Ogawa Coffee: They had the most amazing drip coffee. And my thing is, if you can do drip right, it’s worth checking out!
• Bruegger’s Bagels: For a quick, grab and go breakfast!
• Pressed Cafe: Located in Back Bay, this is a great little breakfast spot. 
  • Located at 105 Huntington Ave. Boston MA 20199.
• Yankee Lobster: A great place to catch some fish and chips, clam chowder, and lobster rolls! Boston is all about the seafood! 
  • Located at 300 Northern Ave, Boston, MA 02210.
• Silk Road Uyghur:A tiny hole-in-the-wall that packs a flavor punch. Serving up pan-fried noodles with spices, this is not to be missed. 
  • Located at 645 Cambridge St, Cambridge, MA 02141
• Tatte Bakery and Cafe: There are locations for this coffee shop all over the city. The shakshuka and the poached eggs on avocado toast along with the pistachio croissant were divine!
  • Located at 70 Charles Street Boston, MA 02114 (this is the Beacon Hill location but there are others in Back Bay, South Boston, Fenway, and several others)

Of course, these are just some of the many things to do in Boston, so if I missed your favorite, feel free to leave it in the comments below 🙂

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• Fall Things to do in Woodstock, VT
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• 19 Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World
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Fall is the best time to visit Woodstock, Vermont! The leaves are changing colors, festivities are in full swing, the air is crisp, and the town looks like something out of a movie! Throw in a classic New England bed and breakfast, and you’re all set. Here’s my list of things to do in Woodstock Vermont!

It’s my favorite time of the year again – fall!

And there’s nothing like leaf-peeping in New England. The fall foliage in Stowe and Woodstock is unreal. It’s something out of a magazine. It’s something that I highly recommend for anyone who loves autumn as much as I do. Crisp yellows, burnt oranges, and if you’re lucky, a full-on fire engine red. 

Being from Texas means that we don’t get to experience a real autumn here. The leaves don’t really change colors. They’re usually bright green one day and brown the next. Pumpkins don’t show up on front porches until a week before Halloween because it’s honestly too hot and they would melt.

That’s not the only reason I love Vermont though! They have some of the highest quality fresh produce, maple syrup, and dairy, so you know everything you’re going to eat is going to be farm fresh and delicious. And all I’m really trying to say is that Woodstock is the perfect fall weekend trip to make with your beau. It’s laid back and oh, so perfect for the season. 

Here’s everything you need to do, when to go, and what to know for your fall Vermont trip!

What to do during Fall in Woodstock, VT.

• Ride the Green Mountain Railroad: located ~45 minutes outside of Woodstock, this is a great way to see all the fall foliage! Guests of the Green Mountain Railroad enjoy a 2-hour trip through Vermont’s scenic countryside during September and October. Overlook mountain, rivers, and wildlife from the windows of the rail cars. They also offer a 4-course dinner train.
• Middle Covered Bridge: When I think of Woodstock, this is the first image that comes to mind. The quintessential perfect covered bridge. Be prepared though, there’s almost always a crowd here.
• Visit Farmhouse Pottery: A lot of the props I purchase for the blog are from here, so I spent the better part of the afternoon in this store and couldn’t pass up the chance to add this to my list of things to do in Woodstock. I walked away with a few things, but the best part is that they offer to ship the items to your door – perfect if you’ve only brought a carry-on!
• Wander Around Pleasant Street: Lots of colorful attractions are located here. Take a peak inside a few shops. Grab a bite to eat; it’s the perfect way to spend a lazy Saturday morning. There’s a little park towards the end where the Woodstock Inn is located and there are often vendors set up in the park setting knick knacks and such.
  • TIP: come early and be prepared to walk around! If you get here early, you’re more likely to get a good parking spot – without having to drive around for a while. Plan to be on foot for the rest of your stay in downtown because the spots are almost always full.
• Check out the Woodstock Inn & Resort: During the holidays, this place is fully decked out with festive flowers and lots of pumpkins. Unfortunately, we made it the week before all the flowers were replaced with yellows and oranges. But nonetheless, this is a sight to see on your stroll.
• Sleepy Hollow Farm: The most beautiful farm! Keep in mind that the farm is private property, and though they don’t mind visitors stopping by, you don’t want to go past the barriers they have set up. They have cameras everywhere, and I would encourage everyone to respect the private property signs! 
  • TIP: A lot of the images you see online are a bit misleading as they’re taken much further down the driveway of the farm. I don’t recommend doing this unless you’ve obtained special permission to do so!
  • 3429 Cloudland Rd South, Woodstock, VT 05091
• Billings Farm & Museum: This place is on the way to the Sleepy Hollow Farm. It’s a classic creamery with tons of animals. It’s a great place to take the kids if you’ve got the little ones with you! They also have an ice cream shop on the premises.
• FH Gillingham & Sons: Located near the main street. This is a classic Vermont General Store in Woodstock’s downtown that sells a little bit of everything! From pottery to kitchen utensils, cider, pumpkin butter, and so much more.
• Jenne Road Farm: This farm is located a little outside of Woodstock, located in Reading. It’s a bit more difficult to find, but here you’ll see cows roaming the land and an iconic red barn with mills!
  • TIP: This farm is located at a higher elevation. Meaning that if it’s a particularly cloudy or foggy morning, you may want to get here later in the day. That way your pictures aren’t just a bunch of fog!
  • 1279-1163, Jenne Rd, Reading, VT 05062
• Taftsville Covered Bridge: just a place to stop for a quick picture; it’s a red covered bridge. Keep in mind there isn’t much parking here, so you’ll want to steer off the road or maybe opt to just drive under the bridge instead.
• Woodstock Farmers Market: Don’t be fooled by the name – this is not your typical farmers market lined with vendors! This is more of a grocery store. But it’s a lot of goods from local farmers in the area and locally sourced ingredients. This place is close by to Farmhouse Pottery and has prepared snacks, hot cider, and everything else. Visitors often make a pit stop in here to grab a warm drink, a sandwich, or souvenirs!
• Sugarbush Farm: A cute little family-owned farm with acres and acres of land. Taste Vermont cheddar, maple syrup, and so much more. The employees are all so nice here, and they even have a maple syrup museum. It gave me Stars Hollow museum vibes (if you know, you know) but it was still cute! Make sure you stop by the gift shop to pick up maple syrup. We loved the flavor of their dark amber maple syrup.
• Quechee Gorge Trail: a 2.7-mile (that’s roundtrip) hike with beautiful views. This is located inside Quechee Start Park and is a great way to see the fall foliage in the early morning hours! Stop by the Skinny Pancake afterward for a nice, hearty breakfast!
  • TIP: Even if you decide not to hike the trail, I do suggest stopping at the viewing point at the top to take a picture. The gorge looks stunning with all the fall foliage and definitely a must-do on my list of things to do in Woodstock.
• Take the scenic route to Stowe: Depending on how much the leaves have changed color, you might want to consider taking the scenic route to Stowe (if you’re headed there.) This does add ~40 minutes to the drive time than if you were to take the highway, but depending on the time of year, it might be worth it! Otherwise, hop on the I-89N and make your way into Stowe.

Where to eat in Woodstock, VT

• Mon Vert Cafe: We loved this place; there was just so much on the menu to enjoy! They offer bakery items, breakfast, lunch, and a wide assortment of hot and cold drinks. Try the fall foliage latte – it’s sweetened with real maple syrup, and it’s so warm and cozy!
  • 28 Central St, Woodstock, VT 05091
• Worthy Kitchen: Make sure to make reservations; this place is always packed. They’ve got burgers, mac and cheese, and farm-fresh eats on the menu.
  • 442 Woodstock Rd, Woodstock, VT 05091
• The Skinny Pancake: Located not far from the Quechee Start Park, this is a great place to stop by and grab breakfast on your way into Woodstock.
  • 7161 Woodstock Rd, Quechee, VT 05001

I hope this gets you in the mood for fall.

I’m ready for pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters, and spooky season!

If you like this post, you may also want to check out:

• Fall in Stowe, VT
• Girls Trip to NY
• Road Trip: Seattle to LA
• A Weekend in Chicago
• Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter

My Istanbul Guide covers everything you need to see, do, and eat while you’re in Istanbul, Turkey! We’ve got the Galata Tower, Sultanahmet Square, a cruise on the Bosphorus, the Spice Bazaar, Hagia Sophia, and so much more! Plus all the roasted corn, simit, and chocolate-covered cheesecake that your heart desires!

It took me way longer to get this Istanbul travel guide up than I’d hoped.

But I’ve got a full list of everything you need to do, see, and eat while you’re there. Whether you’re traveling through Turkey with a stopover in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya, and beyond or just making a quick trip to Istanbul on the way to or back from Santorini, Mykonos, Rome, or the Amalfi Coast. Let this be your guide to Istanbul! Istanbul is a destination everyone needs to add to their bucket list. It’s beautiful, relatively affordable, and rich in history.

And I’ll be the first one to tell you that I had horrible anxiety thinking about planning transportation for this trip. It ended up being almost effortless, and I want to share everything you need to know in this Istanbul guide.

Turkish words to know:

It wouldn’t be an Istanbul guide without a few words to help you communicate. While most Turks did speak enough English for basic communication, it was helpful to have Google Translate on our phones. Ordering food at a restaurant isn’t a problem because you can always point to the item and get the point across. However, asking for directions is a whole other story!

Merhaba (Mar-habbah) – Hello

Teşekkürler (teh-shuk-relar) – Thank you

Güle güle (Guley Guley) – Bye bye

What is the best time of the year to visit Istanbul?

• Peak Season: June through August is peak season for visitors. Hotel rates are much higher at this time, and the crowds are thicker too. Expect long lines outside the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and trams packed to the brim!
• Low Season (aka best time to go): Going between March-May and September-November proves to be the best time to go. I find somewhere in April or May to be the sweet spot. Where the weather is beautiful, and the crowds are thinner. That means less waiting and more doing!

Istanbul Guide | Important things to know:

• As an American, you need a visa! I was baffled when I read this! No one ever mentioned needing a visa for Istanbul. I assumed, for Americans, that a visa was granted on arrival like it is for a lot of countries, but that’s not the case. Luckily, you can obtain one in as little as 30 minutes online. And luckily, I saw this two weeks before our trip and didn’t even need to pay the rush fee on that. IVisa gives you a visa in 30 minutes to 24 hours.
• Airport Taxi prices are regulated. There’s a set price for how much a driver can charge you for a trip from Istanbul airport to, say, Sultanahmet (it was around 350TL when we went.) Now, there are grades of taxis represented by color – orange, turquoise, and black. The black taxi will cost you more than 1.5x the price of an orange taxi.
• Uber’s are illegal in Istanbul! But there is a loophole to getting a prescheduled transfer. Anees found a great company called Welcome Pickups. You can schedule your transfer to/from the airport or any other place. The price is slightly higher than an airport taxi. However, you can request a driver that speaks English fluently. Which ended up making things much, much more comfortable. The taxi ride is about an hour to get from the new airport to Sultanahmet, so you’ll want to be comfortable after a long day of travel!
• Get yourself an Istanbulkart! This is an all-around public transportation boarding pass used for the metro, trams, ferries, and buses. You can purchase one at the airport or at the tram station.  And you don’t need individual cards for each person. A family can easily share an Istanbulkart. And it is refillable, so add 50-100 TL to start. And recharge the card right at the tram station machines when you’ve run out. While you’re at it, familiarize yourself with the T1 line (Kabataş.) It’s the one you’ll take to Sultanahmet (Where the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are located), the Spice Market, and so many other places.
• If you think you’re going to travel by taxi and see the whole city peak season, you’re wrong. The traffic in Istanbul is the actual definition of insane. So though the taxi might not be expensive to get around, it’s actually not the smartest way to travel. The Istanbulkart allows you to take the trams, which get you from one side of the city to the other in no time!

Where to stay in Istanbul

I highly recommend staying in Sultanahmet. In all my research before the trip, this place made the most sense to me for our itinerary. Sultanahmet is where the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square, Basilica Cistern, and so many other attractions are located. Not to mention, it’s a stop on the T1 line, so it makes getting to and from places almost effortless.

Hotel Recommendations:

• Soho House Istanbul: is located further from the Sultanahmet District but is a beautiful hotel.
• AJWA: Located 8 minutes from the Blue Mosque, 17 minutes from Hagia Sophia
• Seven Hills: Great view of Hagia Sophia; this place also has a killer traditional turkish breakfast served on the rooftop (more on that below.) The rooms are done up in traditional Turkish design.
• Bosphorus Four Seasons: Extremely pricy, as expected, but stunning! This hotel has an iconic door to the Bosphorus Strait, and it is worth checking out even if you wouldn’t stay here.
• Sura Design Hotel & Studio: Up-to-date rooms. There are actually two Sura hotels located directly across from each other in the same lane. The good thing about staying here is that you can enjoy the included breakfast buffet from either hotel, use the gym, and the hammam at either location as well. So it’s like getting a full set of amenities from two hotels instead of one! We stayed in the new Sura Design studio and wished we had opted for the old one. Though not as updated, it is definitely better in other aspects.
  • Divan Yolu Cad. Ticarethane Sok. No 43 Sultanahmet, Fatih, Istanbul, 34110, Turkey

Istanbul Guide | What to do:

• Galata Tower: One of my favorite tourist attractions! I could’ve stayed and stared at the tower for hours and looked at it from every angle! It’s stunning and feels like something out of a Disney movie. 11/10 recommend it.
  • Karaköy: A great area to check out with colorful umbrella-lined streets near the Galata Tower.
• Hagia Sophia: This used to be a church before it was a mosque. It’s located on the opposite side of the Hagia Sophia, with Sultanahmet Square in the middle. 
  • TIP:  go right after sunrise so that you can see the magnificence of this place without the crowds. We went right after Fajr prayers at sunrise, which was so peaceful.
• Blue Mosque: This is the only mosque in all of Istanbul with 6 minarets. It was built, from what I’ve read, sometime between 1609-1616 AD. The mosque is open to visitors at 8:30 AM and closes about 30 minutes before each prayer time (that’s 5 times a day.) Entrance is free, but donations are encouraged.
  • TIP: Women should cover their arms, legs, and hair when entering. They are very strict about this and will pull you out of the line and hand you garments. I even saw them pull a guy to the side and ask him to cover his legs because they considered his shorts too short.
• Basilica Cistern: We were looking forward to checking this out (my husband had just finished reading the Dan Brown book), but unfortunately, it was closed for renovations when we went.
• Bosphorus Cruise at Sunset: We loved taking a cruise and learned so much! The crew served delicious Turkish delicacies while we cruised on the Bosphorus. They pointed out notable places along both the Asian side of the city and the Europe side of Istanbul. Definitely an activity I recommend doing!
• Ortakoy Mosque: It will be bursting with crowds, but I highly recommend seeing it at sunset.
• Grand Bazaar: A place to browse, check out the lamp shops, handmade rugs and carpets, ceramics, leather goods, handmade jewelry, and so much more! Whatever you do, don’t forget to haggle – they expect it!
• Spice Bazaar: The Grand Bazaar is fun, but the Spice Bazaar is where the snacks are at! Although in all seriousness, don’t accept any snacks or teas unless you plan on making a purchase. I’ve seen store owners get a little upset with customers when the snacking is in session, but nothing has been bought!
• Umbrella Street: This is located close to the colorful houses on Kiremit Street, right next to the Rainbow Stairs at Incir Agaci Kahvesi in Hoca Tahsin. They had the doors closed to deter people from coming in, so keep your eyes peeled!
• Check out the colorful houses on Kiremit Street: That pretty much says it all! Once we ate lunch at Forno, we kept walking uphill towards Kiremit Street to check out the colorful houses along the street.
• Balat: This was originally a Jewish neighborhood that is now a hipster hangout with the best cafes and more! It’s the spot that‘s most popular with Instagrammers. While you’re there, check out Fener, it’s a college town and its cobblestone-lined old town perfection

Where and what to eat in Istanbul

• Grab breakfast on the rooftop of a restaurant near the Hagia Sophia The Seven Hills hotel has an amazing Turkish breakfast that will keep you full until dinner! You can munch on all sorts of delicious food, feed the gulls, and take all the pictures you can fit on your phone here.
• Donerci Sahin Usta Located in a little lane right outside the Grand Bazaar. This place had the most delicious Doner from our entire trip!
  • Mollafenari, Kılıçcılar Sk. No:5, 34120 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Mivan Restaurant This was definitely my favorite dinner spot from the trip. Located right next door to the Ajwa hotel, it had some of the best Mezze, grilled kabob dishes, and much more!
• Forno This place had the best Turkish Pide! It’s a little hole-in-the-wall place run by a family, I suspect. We enjoyed the beef pide and the lahmacun, which is a Turkish flatbread topped with ground lamb or beef, onions, tomatoes, and spices.
  • Vodina Caddesi, Fener Kireçhane Sk. No:13/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Hafiz Mustafa Saffron tres leches, baklava, Turkish delight, Turkish coffee, and Turkish tea! This is where you need to be if you need a quick pick-me-up.
  • There are a ton of these in the city. We went to the one in Sultanahmet and the one at the College stop on the T1.
• Hanzade Terrace Restaurant I had the best butter mushrooms here! They were loaded with garlic and cheese, and I honestly think that alone makes this a must-try. Throw in the sunset view overlooking the Bosphorus, and you’re set!
  • Emin Sinan, Piyer Loti Cd. No:35, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Sehzade Cag Kebap This place came up quite a few times while I was researching for our trip. I honestly didn’t think the kebap was amazing, but the lentil soup definitely was! Don’t be alarmed when you see 4 things on the menu – that’s honestly it!
  • Hoca Paşa, Hoca Paşa Sk. No:6 D:4, 34110 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Have a Simit it’s a cross between a bagel and a pretzel. It‘s sold on almost every street corner! You can have it on its own, with cream cheese, or with Nutella. And it is the perfect grab-and-go breakfast item.
• Fresh pomegranate and orange juice from street vendors There are a few right outside the Grand Bazaar and almost everywhere, to be honest. These are pasteurized juices, so if you’re pregnant or nursing, you may want to skip them. I asked for it to be made without ice; it was so refreshing on a warm afternoon!
• Tandoori Chai Istanbul Shout out to my sister’s friend, Meeta, for recommending this place (and a few others you see here on this list!) If you’re looking for a real cup of chai – not the stuff you get from Sbux, please and thank you. This is where you need to go! It was great to enjoy a cup after the pide we had.
  • Tandoori Chai, Balat, Vodina Cd. no: 94/A, 34087 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey
• Viyana Kehvesi Galata Located right across from the Galata Tower (seriously, it has the most killer view), this place is a must for any Istanbul guide! You’ll see locals and tourists coming in to grab a coffee but also for that delicious chocolate-covered slice of burnt basque cheesecake. I honestly wish hadn’t waited to go here till the end because I wanted another slice immediately afterward!

And that’s a wrap on the Istanbul guide. I’m hoping we can do a stopover in Antalya or Cappadocia the next time we’re in Europe.

As always, if you’ve been or have recommendations on where to eat, stay, and play in Istanbul, please share in the comments below; I’d love to know!

If you like this, you might also like:

• Exploring Cinque Terre
• Positano Travel Diary
• 3-Day Rome Itinerary
• What to do in Venice
• 10-Day West Coast Trip

This is the perfect 3 or 5 day Santorini Itinerary! With everything you need to see in Oia, Fira, Imerovigli and so much more! Hike, take a caldera cruise, head down to Ammoudi Bay, and eat some of the best Greek food! If you plan to visit Santorini, you’re going to want to read this itinerary!

Santorini, Greece!

I can’t even begin to tell you how long visiting the Greek islands has been on my bucket list. After Italy, Greece was the next European destination that my husband and I have always wanted to visit. We went right at the tail end of June. That definitely meant that tourist season was kicking off in full swing! 

I will say that every Greek island – Naxos, Paros, Milos, Santorini, Mykonos, etc. has a completely different feel. Though Mykonos was absolutely beautiful, it was also a lot more fast-paced with a LOT more partying. Santorini was way more my vibe than Mykonos. It has a much more laid back feel, and I definitely see why so many people choose this destination for their honeymoon!

Greek words to know:

Though we didn’t come across any local Greeks that didn’t speak enough English for basic communication, it’s always nice to be able to greet someone in their own language! So here are a few easy words to learn:

• Kalimera (Kaaali May-Rah) – Good Morning
• Kalispera (Kaali Spay-Rah) – Good Afternoon/Evening
• Efharisto (Ef-far-Eestho) – Thank you!

What is the best time to visit the Greek Islands?

If you’re looking to go island hopping or stay on one island for the entirety of your trip, here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re planning on what time of year you want to visit:

• Peak Season: Starting mid June, all of July till the end of August
• Low Season (aka best time to go): Beginning of September through October. Some people do suggest going in May and April. However, I would think the water would be significantly colder and the evenings would be on the chillier side, especially if you’re staying in Oia.

Getting to Santorini:

• By Ferry: There are ferries that run from between the greek islands so it’s a great way to go island hopping! Check with the hotel you are staying at to see if they offer free transfers to and from the ferry or the airport terminals.
• By Airplane: Santorini Airport is another way to get to Santorini. I planned our Santorini itinerary so that we’d take a ferry from Mykonos to Santorini. Then take a flight back to Athens.

Things to know when you’re planning a Santorini Itinerary:

• Where to stay Fira (aka Thera) is where most of the affordable accommodations are located. You’ll be able to find something in an array of budgets. Oia is at the tip of Santorini and has limited accommodations but it boasts spactacular caldera views. Limited spacing + beautiful views definitely equals a higher price tag. Limited accommodations also means that you’ll need to book your trip further in advance. Plus, a luxury hotel with a sunset view will undoubtedly be more sought after. We stayed at a moderately priced hotel (it definitely wasn’t the most expensive.) I booked out hotel 4½ months ahead of our trip. I checked back a month later and they they were completely sold out for our dates but then. Keep in mind a lot of these cliff view or caldera (volcano) view hotels only have 10-12 rooms to begin with, so in this case, the early bird definitely gets the worm.
• Just because you stay in Fira doesn’t mean you can’t venture out! Plenty of people add a day trip to Oia on their Santorini Itinerary, instead of spending the big bucks on hotels in Oia. The trip is easily doable within 60-90 minutes depending on how busy the roads are. You can rent a vehicle or take the bus. Peak season and peak hours (like if you’re heading to Oia for the sunset) will take you longer. My recommendations are to plan for that!
• Cruise ships dock in Fira, not Oia So unlike the issue we ran into in Mykonos where the cruise ships and ferries docked right there, Oia doesn’t have that problem. So that means that most of the morning hours in Oia are relatively calm. It’s usually around midday that the cruise ship crowds and the day adventurers from Thera descend on Oia. If you can budget to stay in Oia, I do believe it’s worth it to be able to have those hours to yourself before the crowds thicken.
• There is a bus that runs between the towns If renting a car isn’t your thing and you still want to day trip to other towns, the bus is a great way to get there. For roughly ~2 euros/trip you can easily go between towns. Anees stopped by a coffee shop early one morning to pick up cappuccinos for us and met a guy that took the first bus into Oia from Thera for the day. Keep in mind the the buses will be packed during the midday hours as most people will want to travel between towns around that time, so the guy was smart to get into Oia nice and early!

Things to Know about Oia

• How to pronounce Oia: Oia is pronounced EEE-YAH.
• There are no taxis in Oia! Wait, I take that back, there are no vehicles allowed in Oia! Visitors can take a taxi up to the post office and then you’re on foot from there. If you day trip from Fira, don’t worry, there are parking lots near the post office where you can park your car and explore Oia by foot.
• There are a LOT of stairs in Oia Cliffside I can’t tell you how many older couples I saw struggling to get to their hotels. There are a ton of steps down the cliffside of Oia. If your hotel is located on the cliffs, you’ll need to walk up and down the steps to get to and from Oia Town unless you plan on hunkering down and not leaving. Keep in mind that the steps are often slippery and uneven. Just something to consider if you do have relating mobility issues.
• Wander right after sunrise! It’s so peaceful in Oia right after sunrise. It’s quiet and sleepy and the views are waiting for you without any lines. If you’re looking to get that perfect picture with the domes in the background, this is the time to get it! Waking up before everyone else was one of my favorite highlights from this trip. You’ll definitely see a few brides in their wedding attire or couples taking pictures with professional photographers but the lines are no where near as long as they are around midday.
• Make dinner accommodations in advance Add making dinner reservations to the list of things to do when you start making your Santorini Itinerary for the trip. If it’s peak season, you’ll want to make your dinner reservations for any restaurants you really want to eat at well in advance. One thing I found a bit interesting is that the restaurants in Ammoudi actually charge a 10-20 Euro fee/per person for booking. This is of course reimbursed to you on your bill when you eat there, but it is something to keep in mind.
• The walkways are always crowded Once it’s 10 am the crowds are out and about! The walkways on Oia are quite thin and the crowds are wild during peak season. And remember, we’re all on foot. So if you’re trying to make it to a reservation, leave plenty of time to get there.

Beaches to add to your Santorini Itinerary:

• Red Beach: A very narrow strip of a beach that will undoubtedly be very crowded if it’s peak season when you visit. If you do head to this beach, don’t plan on spending the day there, it’s just not that kind of beach.
• White Beach: Whatever you do, don’t try to drive here. This is a beach that’s only accessible by a boat taxi. You can take the taxi right from Red Beach and it runs every 30 minutes so getting back and forth is easy.
• Black Sand Beach: There is more than one beach in Santorini that has black sand. Perissa Beach is the one I heard the most about when I talked with locals. It’s a beach covered in black sand and black pebbles.
• Ammoudi Bay: If you’re looking for a sandy beach, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for a place to go put your feet in the water, there’s definitely a place to do that here. Add this to the days itinerary for when you plan on dining down in Ammoudi Bay!  This was one of my husbands favorite experiences to be able to go swim in the beautiful aqua and deep blue waters of the Aegean Sea. Highly recommend adding to your Santorini Itinerary!

Where we stayed:

We stayed at the Oia Mare Villas Hotel. The rooms have an amazing cave-like feel to them and many of them come with a private hot tub. Keep in mind that getting there does mean going down A LOT of steps. And the first day that we got there, I was shocked. The hotel does provide transfers to and from the port/airport, and a porter that will meet you at the top and carry your luggage down to the hotel for you. Breakfast was included and the staff was extremely friendly and very helpful. They definitely went above and beyond during our stay and especially when it came to booking a quad for a day trip we wanted to make to Fira. 

Things to do in Santorini:

• Check out the Blue Domes of Oia (Church of Agios Spyridonas) Come early if you can! During the day, there was always a lineup here. However in the morning there’s usually only a few people around. There are a lot of private homes located close by, so I do suggest being quiet!
• Castle of Oia: This is a renaissance-era castle that people flock to in the evenings to watch the sunset in Santorini. Keep in mind that you’ll need to plan ahead and arrive at leave 60 minutes before the sunset to grab a good spot. If you plan on passing this area around sunset, just don’t! People are blocking every side of the walkway and it’s near impossible to get by. Nonetheless, it is a must-do for your Santorini Itinerary!
• Kastro Oia Houses:The instagram famous iconic orange buildings in Santorini. 
  • PRO TIP: Come early! This place is packed during the day and the only time you’ll be able to snag a picture without someone photobombing is early in the morning.
• Ammoudi Bay: Is a small port tucked below Oia. They have 4-5 seafood restaurants along the water and you’ll definitely want to make a reservation for them if you plan on going during sunset. Though the sunset isn’t visible from any of these restaurants, diners flock to them to taste the delicious fresh catch from the sea including the iconic octopuses that hang out to dry along the water. 
  • Many boat tours of the volcano and the hot springs actually start down by the water. 
  • There are 300 steps that start at the Kastro Houses that you can take down to get here. 
  • Keep in mind it does get very hot midday, so I recommend going before or well past noon. Bring a big bottle of water with you!
  • You can also hitch a ride down from a donkey. However, this isn’t something we did. 
  • Wear good shoes! The donkey’s do create quite a mess up and down the stairs so close-toed shoes with a grip on the bottom are preferable.
  • PRO TIP: If you don’t want to walk the steps back up after dining at the restaurants in Ammoudi, ask your waiter to hail a taxi a few minutes before you plan to leave. We asked two separate restaurants on two different occasions to do this, and they both were happy to help. The taxi fair was ~20 Euros up to the top if I remember correctly, but it definitely beats going up 300 stairs after a big meal!
• Wander Nikolaou Nomikou: This is the main street in Oia. It’s very busy starting around 10 am but there are tons of cute shops and instagram-worthy photo spots everywhere!
• Take a catamaran cruise and visit the hot springs: there are options to take a private, semi-private, or a group catamaran cruise to visit the hot springs and view the volcano. Sunset cruises usually depart around 3 pm and end shortly after sunset.
• Hike from Oia to Fira: if you’re going during the summer months, I can’t stress enough that you need to start earlier in the day so that it doesn’t get too hot on the trail. This is a 6.2 mile hike that will take you anywhere from 2-5 hours to complete depending on your fitness level.
  • I suggest stopping in Imerovigli on the way there to check out Skaros Rock.
  • If hiking isn’t your thing, you can drive to the same stops you plan to make along the way to Fira.
• Check out Skaros Rock in Imerovigli: this is a fortress that was build in the 15th century. Great views of the Caldera.
• Visit the Three Bells of Fira: The only bells you’ll see in Fira! These are located along the cliffs on the western side of Santorini. Getting that iconic picture can be a little difficult though. The path is a bit hidden and you’ll need to look for a signs along the walking path that point up and to the left.  Don’t be surprised when the viewpoint my picture is across from a parking lot. 

Where to Eat in Santorini:

I’m going to split this up into two parts – Oia and Thera so that you can grab just what you need for your Santorini Itinerary.

Oia:

• Ammoudi Fish Tavern: Zucchini blossoms, shrimp appys, and freshly grilled fish. There’s no denying that Ammodi Fish Tavern is one of the nicest seafood joints in Ammoudi Bay! Make sure to ask a waiter to hail you a taxi if you want to skip taking the steps back up to the top of Oia.
  • Ammoudi Fish Tavern, Ammoudi Bay, Santorini, Oia, Ammoudi 847 02, Greece
• Sunset Ammoudi By Paraskevas: This was the second place we went to down in Ammoudi Bay and if I had to pick for next time, I’d skip this one. The prices are somewhat similar to the Ammoudi Fish Tavern, however, the customer service, and the food quality just isn’t as great, in my opinion.
  • Sunset Ammoudi by Paraskevas, Ammoudi Bay, Oía 847 00, Greece
• Skala Restaurant: This was one of those restaurants that didn’t live up to the hype for me. The interior was a bit meh but the food was decent. I really enjoyed the vegetarian moussaka here but I’d skip the spanakopita next time – not the best!
  • Skala Oia 847 02, Greece
• Lolita’s Gelato: When the temps are up, a gelato a day is a must! I tried the pistachio gelato here and countless other flavors.
  • Lolita’s Gelato, Oía 847 02, Greece
• Skiza Cafe:This place has takeaway coffee, dessert, and is a great little spot for breakfast.
  • Skiza Cafe, Οία, Thira 847 02, Greece
• Paradox: If you’re looking to take a break from Greek food, this is the place to check out. After being in Greece for 10 days, I needed to veer for just a second so I can appreciate all that Greece has to offer. This place has great Thai food and we especially enjoyed the shrimp satay stir fry!
  • Paradox Main Street, Oía 847 02, Greece
• Karma: A really unique restaurant situated close to the post office. This place has a really unique vibe. We tried the fava beans here, the tomato fritters, and a whole fish which was absolutely magnificent!
  • Nik. Nomikou 11, Oía 847 02, Greece
• ROKA: One of the best dinner’s we had on our whole trip! The fried gruyere cheese crusted with almonds served with pepper honey was really good, so was the chocolate hazelnut tart, and black truffle mushroom risotto!
  • Be sure to make reservations, this place is HOT! You’ll be allowed to a stay a maximum of 2 hours on a reservation.
  • Roka, m.Mpotsari 6, Oía 847 02, Greece
• Pitogyros: A simple place to grab a gyro! They have chicken, pork, and even a vegetarian option loaded with lots of French fries and a cabbage slaw.
  • Pitogryos Oia 847 02, Greece
• Piatsa Souvlaki Grill House: Another gyros and souvlaki place right by the bus stop to Fira. 
  • Vegetarian friends, this one has a vegetarian gyros made with meatless meat and it was delicious!
  •  Piatsa Souvlaki Grill House Oia, Bus Terminal, Oía 847 02, Greece

Fira:

These are the restaurants that came up the most during my research. I’ve only been to two of these! 

• Greek Bites
• Argo Restaurant
• Metaxi Mas: I hear this is a cheese lovers paradise!
• The Athenian House (Imerovigli)
• Falafeland: We stopped by for a quick wrap here and it was really good. But a fair warning, when they say spicy, they mean SPICY!
  • Δανεζη Μιχαηλ, Thira 847 00, Greece
• The Family Bakery: try the Trigona here. It’s a honey coated crispy shell filled with cream and crushed pistachios. Sadly, they were out when we went!
  • Επαρχ. Οδ. Φηρων – Ορμου Περισσης, Μεγαλοχωρι, Σαντορινη 847 00, Greece
• Svoranos Bakery: Try the cheese and spinach pie here

And that brings my Santorini Itinerary to a close! We had the best time on the Greek Islands this year! As always, if you’ve been and have recommendations, please feel free to leave them in the comments below!

The perfect 3-Day Mykonos Itinerary! If you’re headed to the Cyclades for a summer vacation, I have a full list of all the things you have to do, see, and EAT in Mykonos! Enjoy the crystal clear waters, the iconic windmills, the white painted paths of Mykonos Town, beautiful sunsets, and all the souvlaki you can eat!

Mykonos!

Greece in the summertime is a dream! If you think Little Venice is beautiful in the pictures you’ve seen of Mykonos, it’s definitely just as beautiful in person. With plenty to see and do, like enjoying the nightlife, all the delicious food, the sun, beach life, it’s no surprise that Greece is one of the hottest tourist destinations in the summer. 

I’m not kidding when I say there’s something to see EVERYWHERE. Turn around from the water to look at those iconic Windmills. Visiting the Greek islands has long been on my bucket list. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve sat and just stared at pictures of Greece on Pinterest. It was a vacation that we planned and canceled several times because of the pandemic. 

So was it worth the wait?

Absolutely! 

Mykonos is beautiful. However, there are a few things that I learned and I’m hoping if you’re looking to put together a Mykonos Itinerary for yourself, you’ll keep these things in mind!

Words to know:

Though we didn’t come across any local Greeks that didn’t speak enough English for basic communication, it’s always nice to be able to greet someone in their own language. Here are a few words you might find helpful.

• Kalimera (Kaaali May-Rah) – Good Morning
• Kalispera (Kaali Spay-Rah) – Good Afternoon/Evening
• Efharisto (Ef-far-Eestho) – Thank you!

Best time to go to the Greek Islands:

If you’re looking to plan an extremely relaxing, avoid heading to Mykonos, Santorini, Delos, Milos, and all the other Greek Islands during peak season! When making a Mykonos Itinerary, the most important thing to consider is the time of year to head there.

• Peak Season: Mid June, all of July till the end of August
• Low Season (aka best time to go): Beginning of September through October. Some people do suggest going in May and April as well however, I would think the water would be significantly cold and the evening would be downright chilly!

Things to Know and Best Tips for Making a Mykonos Itinerary:

• Avoid being in Mykonos on days when cruise ships dock! I can’t tell you how crazy it gets when cruise ships dock in Mykonos for day trips. Its a madhouse! There were mornings when we went into sleepy Mykonos Town and we would see the cruise ships pulling up with passengers disembarking for a guided tour. Honestly, I wish someone had warned us about this when I was putting together my Mykonos Itinerary. Swarms of people descent on the little paths. They don’t walk in a single file line, they don’t make way for others in fear of losing their group. They’ll happily block the sunset view at the restaurant you’ve booked months in advance. All this to say, look up cruise ship schedules and avoid days that they’ll be docking if possible.
• Mykonos is extremely WINDY! If you haven’t seen the millions of TikToks with people being blown away, consider this your official warning! We were there for 3 days and most of 2 of the 3 days have extreme winds – especially down by Little Venice.
• Book Hotels Early! There are only so many hotels on Mykonos, so if you want your pick of the lot, I highly suggest booking your hotels at least 5-6 months in advance. I know, that’s quite a bit in advance! 
• Wander right after sunrise! You’ll almost never see the iconic alley of Mykonos Town empty during peak season except early in the morning! Most of the pictures you see where they’re empty were taken around 7 am in the morning! There might be a few bags of trash sitting out, but you’ll never see it like this unless you go early!
• Make dinner and ferry reservations in advance too! Don’t wait until you get to the island to book for dinner. And don’t even think you’ll get seated during dinner hour peak season at a restaurant without reservations! Add making dinner reservations to the list of things to do when you start making your Mykonos Itinerary for the trip. You’ll also want to book ferry trips to other islands in advance. During peak season, you probably won’t be able to get one if you wait till the last minute. Make a roughly plan on what you want to do each day and purchase tickets for any trips to and from Athens, important archaeological sites, other islands, or ancient ruins well in advance.
• Taxis! There are only so many taxis on the island. So you’ll want to either stay close to Mykonos Town, take the bus to the beaches and surrounding areas, bring good walking shoes, rent a car through your hotel or a local agency, or be patient when waiting for a taxi. Our hotel staff told us there are about 10 taxis on the entire island! But if you rent a vehicle, be careful! People drive crazy there.
• Even if you rent a car, there’s a lot of walking! There are only a few parking lots in Mykonos so when you’re putting together your Mykonos Itinerary, make sure to plan ahead with good shoes!

Where we stayed:

We stayed at the Myconian Kyma Hotel. It was about a 12 minute walk from the center of Mykonos Town by foot and mostly downhill heading there. Breakfast was included in our hotel and the staff was extremely friendly! We loved it here and would definitely add them to our Mykonos Itinerary if we were to visit again.

Mykonos Beaches:

All of the beaches below are driving distance from Mykonos Town. You’ll need to rent a vehicle, take the bus, private transfer, or a taxi to most if not all of these beaches. But it’s worth adding at least one of these to your Mykonos Itinerary!

• Psarou Beach:11 minutes by car from Mykonos Towncenter
  • One of the trendiest beaches in Mykonos. Buses depart from the Fabrica bus station. You’ll get off at the Platis Gialos bus station and the beach is approximately a 10 minute walk from there.
  • Beach beds were 25 EUR/day when we went. The closer to the waters edge you are, the higher the price tag.
• Super Paradise Beach: 19 minutes by car from Mykonos Town center
• Ornos Beach: 9 minutes by car from Mykonos Town center
• Paraga Beach: 15 minutes by car from Mykonos Town center
• Elia Beach: 24 minutes by car from Mykonos Town center

What to do in Mykonos:

• Visit the many, many beaches/beach clubs.
• Wander Matoyianni Street: Most picturesque place in Mykonos. Streets are filled with white buildings in blue trim (visit early in the morning to beat the crowds.) Peruse the souvenir shops here. There’s so much to see!
• I Love Mykonos Stairs: Just a really cute set of stairs with “I love Mykonos’ written on them. They can be difficult to find so click the link below for the exact coordinates!
  • Cooridinates to the I LOVE Mykonos Stairs
• #Happiness Store: The cutest little store in Mykonos Town right in the center where the two paths split! It’s almost always crowded here so come early if you want to grab a picture!
• Take a Greek cooking class or go olive oil tasting!
• Watch the sunset at 180º Sunset Bar: Keep in mind the the price tag is steep for this one! There is a minimum spending limit per person here and it varies based on terrace/deck that you select! You’ll also want to book this in advance if you’re planning on coming here for peak season.
  • Book on their website here: 180º Sunset Bar
• Old Port of Mykonos: We came to the Old Port of Mykonos late afternoon for some people watching, gelato eating, and then strolled around for a bit before having an early dinner. There are tons of restaurants linedup on the Old Port for you to enjoy. We tried Captains Food for Sharing and loved it. Come early if you’d like a seat outside.
  • Mykonos Old Port, Unnamed Road, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Agios Nikolaos Church: located down by the Old Port of Mykonos, it’s one of the only blue domed places in Mykonos!
• Wander around Little Venice: walk down and just explore. Take pictures, grab ice cream from I Scream on the way, take a seat and people watch for a bit.
• Sunset at Windmills of Mykonos: I didn’t realize how close the windmills were when I was planning our trip. But they are right there across from Little Venice. During the evening the parking lot (located next to the Kato Mili windmills) is extremely full and you’ll see people lining up to take pictures at the windmills.
  • Flour Mills of Mykonos, Mikonos 846 00, Greece 

Where to eat in Mykonos:

• Nice n Easy Restaurant: Right on the water by Little Venice. This restaurant has some delicious things to try. I personally loved the vegan gyros! They were tasty and so filling. If you go during peak season and want to sit by the water, I highly recommend making reservations in advance. This place does have plenty of seating (though not by the water) so you may still be able to get a table if you didn’t book in advance.
  • nice n easy, Little Venice, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Kastros Restaurant: Okay! It can be VERY difficult to get reservations here, and even though I tried to book a month in advance, I was unsuccessful. Here’s what worked: dinner reservations start at 7:30 pm, so if you go in around 6:15, they will seat you if there’s space available. There were plenty of tables in the main restaurant near the water but the seaview window seats were already full. The hostess at the front gave us a table for dinner so long as we left by 7:30. However, before ordering, another gentlemen (the manager?) came by and let us know that we were welcome stay as long as we’d like. If you’re first you might even be able to snag a table seaview window seat. However, those are reserved starting at 7:30 and you’ll have to empty out before that because the waiters do start to hover.
  • We absolutely loved the salmon and the sea bass here!
  • Opens at 9 am, and if you’re wanting to sit outside in the iconic alleyway, you might have more luck with a frappe during breakfast than a dinner here.
  • Kastro’s Restaurant, Agion Anargyron 1, P.O.Box 69 Paraportiani Church, Little venice, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Lalala: A cute little bar, breakfast eatery, and coffee shop! We stopped in one hot afternoon for a cold pick me up and the cold Freddo cappuccino that the bartender made us did not disappoint. Note that a Freddo cappuccino does have quite a bit of caffeine so maybe don’t have one too late in the day if you’re sensitive to caffeine.
  • Panachrantou 15, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Pepper Souvlaki: You’re obviously going to want to try the chicken souvlaki or the vegetarian souvlaki here! If you’re like me and love planning out your meals in advance.
  •  check out the menu here
  • 18 Kouzi Georgouli, Mykonos Town, Greece, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Mamalouka Restaurant: We didn’t eat here as online reviews were mixed. However, the place is beautiful if you prefer the ambiance over the food.
  • Mamalouka – Eat Local, Κουζή Γεωργούλη 53, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Niko’s Taverna: Another one that was on our list and we simply couldn’t get to!
  • Niko’s Taverna, Porta, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Pasta Fresca Barkia: They make the pasta fresh in house so definitely worth checking out. We booked online for lunch right when they opened at 1pm and got a nice seat outside.
  • Κουζή 15, Georgouli, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• Captain’s Food for Sharing: Located on the Old Port of Mykonos. It’s a great place for people watching and for grabbing lunch or dinner. I don’t know what it was but literally everywhere we ate, they had the best Greek Potatoes – and this place was no exception! The staff here is extremely family and I think it’s family-run. If I remember correctly, one of the owners is American. Keep in mind that this restaurant doesn’t take reservations, however, they assured me that you can almost always catch a table here with a quick 10-15 minute wait at most! 
  • Captain’s – Food for Sharing, Mykonos Waterfront, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• I Scream: The mango sorbet and the yogurt strawberry ice cream were seriously top 10 best ice cream’s I’ve ever had! The yogurt strawberry ice cream seriously tasted like a strawberry cheesecake. I think I had ice cream from here every single day that we were in Mykonos.
  • 20 Street Fabrica Sq, Xenias, Mikonos 846 00, Greece
• D’Angelo Restaurant: This is one of the first restaurants you pass on the way to Little Venice if you’re coming from the Fabrika bus stop. It close to the ice cream shop above and has both indoor and outdoor seating. Keep in mind that this restaurant does get busy; I highly recommend making reservations.
  • D’Angelo’s also has a bar and a coffee shop right across the road from the restaurant as well.
  • Axioti, Mikonos 846 00, Greece

And that’s all I’ve got for Mykonos! I hope this helps you if you’re planning a trip or gives you something to daydream about and add to your bucket list!

As always, if you’ve been to Mykonos and have suggestions of where to eat, what to do, and how to have fun, feel free to leave them in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this, you might also like:

• Exploring Cinque Terre
• What to do in Venice and a Stopover in Florence
• Naples, Capri, and Positano Travel Diary
• 3-Day Rome Travel Itinerary
• Maui in a Heartbeat

How to host an impromptu game night and make it a success! These easy tips are sure to make things a breeze for the host to set up and so much fun for everyone attending!

This post is sponsored by Kroger.

One of our favorite things to do on the weekend is game night with our friends.

I’ll be honest; It’s usually very last minute. With a trip to the grocery store in between work to pick up snacks, even then, I usually forget something! Sometimes (read: most times) hubby and I are scrambling to set things up minutes before the doorbell goes off. Needless to say, it’s totally hectic and it certainly puts a damper on the whole thing for the hosts. Everyone else seems to have a great time, but I’m usually left wishing I hadn’t opted to host this time around.

I find when things are that way, I often want to shy away from playing host. I’ll give myself excuses– it’s been a long week. I’d rather binge-watch a show. Even though game night is one of our favorite activities because when it’s not stressful, it’s lots of laughs and a great time.

But after hosting some successful (and some not so successful game nights) I’ve learned that the stress-free, impromptu game nights where I take some of the pressure off myself are so much more enjoyable than the ones spent scrambling or even days preparing for ahead of time.

So today, I’m sharing 5 tricks that make hosting an impromptu game night a whole lot easier and so much more fun!

1. Get plenty of snacks; and make it a variety!

You want to make sure there’s something for everyone. I like to start my cart by adding a veggie tray and some fresh berries or even grapes. Everyone has that one friend that dives for the fresh stuff and you definitely want to have healthy + colorful things to snack on in between all the other stuff.

2. Small bites are so much easier to eat while you play.

My go-to is a chip and dip board. It’s easy to arrange, easy to eat, and colorful to look at. And remember, you’re playing games so you want to think finger foods! Something that’s easy to grab between gameplays. And a chip and dip board lets you do just that. You can put it out on the table and gamers can go back as needed for a bite or two without having to stop the game entirely to eat. Game rules include no double-dipping!

Here are my typical chip and dip board ingredients:

• Private Selection Blue Corn Tortilla Chips
• Private Selection Mexican Street Corn Dip
• Simple Truth Spicy Guacamole
• Private Selection Restaurant Style Salsa
• Private Selection Taqueria-Style Corn Tortilla Chips
• Private Selection Aged Cheddar and Jalapeño Dip
• Veggie Tray
• Fresh berries or grapes

If you’re looking for more homemade small bite snacks, here’s a few reader favorites:

• Firecracker Chicken Meatballs
• Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip
• Greek Spinach Puffs
• How to Make an Epic Cheeseboard
• Creamy Greek Whipped Feta Dip

3. Order your snacks via Kroger Delivery to keep things stress-free!

This is my biggest tip.

You can easily set up Kroger Delivery in the morning or at lunchtime in between the chaos of the day and then just sit back and wait for it to show up at your door. Sometimes I’ll even throw in household essentials that I may be running low on, like a roll of paper towels or paper plates along with the snacks and fresh produce.

4. Arrange snacks so that it looks appealing!

Once the delivery is at your door, It’s as simple as setting it up. I may be making my life a lot easier by having my groceries delivered to the door, but I certainly still want my guests to feel like I put in the effort to pamper them. I like to remove the chips from the bags, arrange them on a board. I’ll also pop the dips into nice bowls and arrange them neatly. If you have a trio dip dish and a big salad bowl for the chips, that will work too!

Pro tip: adding a small garnish like chopped cilantro or sliced jalapeños to dip bowls totally makes it look like you put in the effort to host! If you’re putting out a cheeseboard, make sure to slice a few pieces off of the wedges so people aren’t hesitant to get it going.

5. Last but not least, make sure you have a good variety of games!

This really depends on the crowd. Are your guests board game people? Or do they prefer cards or poker? We usually like to keep a couple of board games on hand but we’ll also have a deck of cards handy, along with other card games, and a game or two that inspires thought-provoking conversation! These sorts of games tend to work really well, especially if you’ve got guests attending that may not know each other too well and you’re looking for an ice breaker game or if you’ve got a large group getting together where board games aren’t really an option.

I hope this inspires you to have an easy-on-the-host game night for your friends or family soon!

This post is sponsored by our friends over at Kroger. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

It’s that time of the year where we count down the top 12 recipes of 2021 on Little Spice Jar! From appetizers to mains (lots and lots of mains) to desserts. You guys liked a bit of everything this year!

I have to confess, this is one of my favorite posts of the year! Where I get to look back and check out what it is that you guys liked the most this year!

Usually, it’s soups, pastas, and tons of main dishes. But this year, we’ve got an appetizer, not one, but two desserts, and of course, healthy mix of pastas, and even some main dishes!

And I’m so glad the day to share the top 12 recipes of 2021 is finally here! So without further ado, let’s get started!

12. Classic Banana Pudding: Homemade banana pudding is a southern classic! This easy dessert recipe is perfect for potlucks, picnics, barbecues, during the holidays and so much more. Made with a vanilla-scented pudding, fresh banana slices, and vanilla wafers!

11. Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon: Crispy Rice Spicy Salmon recipe is the perfect two-bite appetizer or main course. Pan-fried sushi rice cakes topped with smashed avocado and spicy salmon, so easy and so delicious!

10. Weeknight Salmon Sushi Bowls: Easy salmon sushi bowls loaded with all your favorite sushi toppings. This salmon sushi bowl can be made with smoked, leftover, or broiled salmon! Easily customizable and filling!

9. Creamy Paprika Chicken Pasta: Creamy, extra delicious Paprika Chicken Pasta! Seasoned and seared chicken breasts served with an easy, mostly-pantry-staple pasta recipe! You can serve this with steamed veggies for a quick weeknight-friendly meal!

8. How to Make Perfect Basmati Rice: Learn how to make perfect basmati rice just like your favorite Indian restaurant! This fluffy, fragrant rice is easy to achieve at home with my method.

7. Simply Cozy Homemade SpaghettiOs: Homemade SpaghettiOs are the ultimate comfort food! Made with just a handful of simple pantry ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes and can be a side or a full meal!

6. Italian Orange Cake: Bright citrusy Italian orange cake is made with seasonal fresh oranges! We’ve got whole oranges inside the batter and deliciously sweet candied oranges on top! The perfect way to celebrate this beautiful citrus fruit!

5. Quick Homestyle Chicken and Gravy: Homestyle chicken with gravy and mashed potatoes is the ultimate weeknight-friendly comfort food. Made with simple ingredients easily found in most kitchens. This chicken with gravy recipe requires minimal prep work. Season the chicken and cook both the chicken and gravy in one pan!

4. Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme: Better than drive-thru! Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme is easily customizable with your favorite toppings! Use ground beef, turkey, ground chicken, or meatless crumbles! You can also swap the meat for refried beans and stuff it with just about anything you like!

3. Chicken Lazone: Creamy chicken Lazone is a one skillet, 30-minute, weeknight-friendly dinner recipe that is sure to please the pickiest eater! Serve over pasta, rice, caulirice, or fresh bread to soak up that golden delicious sauce!

2. Salisbury Steak Meatballs with Gravy: Mouthwatering and cozy Salisbury Steak Meatballs are a twist on the traditional recipe. I love making these tender meatballs and serving them with a hearty onion + mushroom gravy over mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or buttered egg noodles.

1.Weekend Braised Beef Ragú: A simple weekend braised beef ragù that is perfect for a warming Sunday supper. Just set it up and let it slowly simmer all day until the meat is fall-apart tender. It’s seriously the most comforting meal!

I’ll also like to take a second to mention my favorites! I loved the white chicken chili and the palak paneer recipe from this year. If you’ve made any recipes from the blog this year, I’d love to hear yours as well.

Thanks so much for taking the time to read the blog this year!

Wishing you a happy, healthy New Year! Here’s to a brighter 2022!

October is one of the best months to visit Stowe, Vermont for leaf-peeping, drinking apple cider, and staying in a quintessential New England Bed and Breakfast! Here are all the fun things to do in Fall in Stowe!

Leaf peeking makes my heart so happy!

The fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont is just unreal. I’ve had this trip planned in my head for years now because Vermont is one of the most beautiful destinations in the fall. Unfortunately, we had to put our trip on hold last year with everything that was going on in the world. But this year we got the chance to experience a beautiful array of fun reds, oranges, and yellows painted in the sky. It’s a laidback adventure that’s perfect to do right before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season starts.

And I absolutely love it when there’s a chill in the air! A warm cider in hand and a cozy sweater and I’m all set for fall foliage!

When is peak foliage season in Stowe, Vermont? 

It can vary quite a bit! There are plenty of websites that have predictors if you’re planning a trip. It’s most helpful to look at last year’s peak foliage dates when booking a fall foliage trip to Stowe or Woodstock and using that to plan your trip. Here is a website that will give you an idea of what dates were best for leaf-peeping last year. I find that anywhere between October 5th-20th tends to get you decent colors!

How far in advance do you recommend booking a fall foliage trip?

We booked our trip 4 months in advance and it proved to be considered late! One of the hotels we were hoping to stay at was already booked solid for our dates. Stowe and Woodstock Vermont are the hottest fall destinations so if you’re serious about making the trip, ideally you should book 6 months in advance. Affordable accommodations seem to get snatched up very quickly! 

Where to stay in Stowe, Vermont:

• Edson Hill: We LOVED Edson Hill! This beautiful inn is situated a bit away from the Stowe Village but still close enough. They only have 22 rooms, some of which are in the Manor House (we booked last minute, so ours was in the Manor which is shared with two other guests.) But they had wonderul private bathrooms (with heated floors!) Breakfast is included and parking is also free. They always bring you baked goods before your meal, like fresh blueberry muffins or pumpkin bread! Edson Hill has a restaurant on-site that offers stunning views and amazing dining options! This place is on the pricier side for sure but we definitely enjoyed out fall in stowe experience here!
• Trapp Family Lodge: In the 1950s the von Trapp family (yes, from The Sound of Music) opened their doors to their lodge. This property is still owned and operated by the von Trapp family. Though this isn’t my cup of tea, it definitely would be great for someone who is a fan of the movie! You can also tour the lodge if you didn’t want to stay here!
• Field Guide Lodge: This is a beautifully decorated upscale hotel. They offer complimentary breakfast and parking. They also have a restaurant on site. We really wanted to say here for our trip, but unfortunately, when we went to make bookings, they were already sold out for the entire month of October! 

What to do during Fall in Stowe

• Ben & Jerry’s Factory: We stopped by the ice cream factory in Waterbury. Unfortunately, tours were on hold (due to Covid) but we still enjoyed stopping by for a cone of ice cream and checking out the B&J Flavor Graveyard! 
• Visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill: A great place to take a stroll, grab a hot or cold apple cider, and don’t forget – warm apple cider donuts! We stopped by just before lunch and grabbed a salad and a wrap from the Luncheonette (on the property) before heading in for some maple-flavor goodies, donuts, and cider! I tried the maple vinaigrette on my salad and lunch and am sad I didn’t think to buy some for home! Don’t make the same mistake I did.
• Stowe Gondola Skyride: For around $32 take the gondola starts in Stowe and takes you up to the top of Mount Mansfield. Gondola rides operate from Mid July-Mid October. But it’s best to check the website to see if they’re operating that day. If it’s particularly bad weather, they do just down the Gondola for the day.
• Golden Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge): Legend has it that this covered bridge is haunted. People have reported hearing footsteps and strange noises. I obviously had to go here!
• Stroll the Stowe Village: Plenty to see here! Make sure to stop by The Country Store if you’re into kitchen goods. Shaw’s General Stowe and Stowe Merchantile both of souvenirs and such! There are also a few antique stores and I highly suggest dropping by if you’re into that sort of thing.
• Stowe Community Church: This is a beautiful church situated in Stowe Village but it’s best to see it from a distance! To get the best views, route your GPS to Salon Salon.
  • 232 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
• Stowe Recreation Path: Great outdoor 5.5 mile long trail for walking or biking. There are little parks all along Stowe where you can park and get on the path. We stopped by the Corn Maze and even got to feed a few goats when we were out on our stroll!
• Auto Toll Road: We didn’t end up doing the auto toll road as we heard mixed reviews, but it wouldn’t be fair if I didn’t mention it. This is said to be one of Vermont’s more scenic drives! It’s just as it sounds – you zigzag through colored trees to the top of Mt. Mansfield. Last I checked, I believe it’s about $26 for the car + $9.50 per person. We opted for the Gondola but either option is great to enjoy fall foliage colors!
• Smugglers Notch State Park: Lots of places to hike here! You can also drive the narrow windy route and enjoy the scenery from your car. We opted to do the drive as we started quite late in the day and wouldn’t have the full two hours to hike. But Sterling Pond is a beautiful hike, if you’re interested!
  • 6443 Mountain Road Stowe, VT 05672
• Check out Grand View Farm! I can’t remember where I heard about this, but it’s a 100+ year old red barn with stunning fall foliage in the backdrop. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it on Google Maps! We spent quite some time trying to locate it and it did not disappoint. I have since then submitted it as a location on Google so it’s easy for you to find! So here’s the location:
  • 3019 Stowe Hollow Rd, Stowe, VT 05672

Where to eat in Stowe, Vermont:

My number one tip when booking restaurants is to look at menus online and make reservations well in advance! It’s very unlikely you’ll get seated at most of these restaurants with less than an hour of wait time. If you can, call and book a table in advance!

• The Bench: This place was high on my list! But unfortunately, we were there during the days when they were closed. I highly, highly recommend this place based on the reviews. And I plan to go the next time we’re in Stowe!
• Idletyme Brewing Company: Tons of delicious food to try! We especially loved the Smoked Gouda soup and the Vermont Cheddar Fritters! We were also looking forward to trying the fish and chips/fishwich but unfortunately, they had sold out for the night!
• Plate: I called a month before leaving to make reservations, and reservations I did not get. I was on the waitlist but even then, I wasn’t able to get in. This place makes California-inspired cuisine and is located in Stowe Village. Call ahead of time to score reservations for sure!
• Piecasso: Delicious pizza! We loved our Margherita pizza here!
• The Matterhorn: They serve up burgers, pizza, and sushi so great if you can’t decide what you want to have! The food was delicious, but unfortunately, we had one of the worst experiences with our server, which kind of dampened the whole dinner experience here. They do have beautiful outdoor seating near the river so great for lunch or dinner.
• Butler’s Pantry: If you only get one thing, get the pancakes! They are absolutely amazing! I wish I could eat more than one portion because I would’ve gotten the cheddar and jalapeno ones too! They don’t take reservations but if you show up around 7:50 in the morning, you should get seated immediately! You can also join the waitlist on Yelp ahead of time.
• Black Cap Coffee & Beer: Located right next door to Butler’s Pantry, they have delicious coffee, pastries, and breakfast items. We found most people that weren’t able to get seated at Butler’s Pantry, went here for breakfast!
• Stowe Sandwich Company: A great place to grab breakfast or lunch. We bought sandwiches and soup and took it with us on the Gondola Skyride and enjoyed lunch on the top of Mt. Mansfield.
• Stowe Bee Bakery: a great place to grab a quick coffee, breakfast, or a pastry!

There is so much to eat, see, and do in Stowe, Vermont! I hope this inspires you to plan a trip to check out some of the best fall foliage Vermont has to offer!

Check out some of my other adventures!

• Fall in Woodstock, VT
• Girls Trip to NYC
• 19 Tips for Visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter
• Exploring Cinque Terre (Italy)
• 10 Day West Coast Trip from Seattle to LA

We made a girl’s trip to New York in the summer, ate all the food and did all the things! Here’s a shortlist of all the things to eat, see, and do for a quick weekend getaway to NYC!

We had been planning this Girl’s trip to New York for what seemed like months beforehand. And since all three of us are big foodies, we ended up doing a food tour of NYC more than anything else!

I’ve added a few places on our list that we didn’t get to (ran out of stomach space!) They were on my shortlist and came up more than times in my research than I can count on one hand. I hope that the next time we go back, we cross the few that we couldn’t sample this time!

Where to stay

This can be highly subjective; I suggest staying somewhere central to where most of your activities are. We left the hotel up to our interior designer friend because we knew she’d find a swanky place with character – perfect for a girl’s trip to New York.

If you’re interested, we stayed at the Refinery Hotel. It ended up being very central for us. Refinery isn’t too far from Times Square, but it’s far enough to where we didn’t hear the crowds. Overall a great hotel, and the morning coffee was so good!

Where to Eat in New York

Breakfast and Pastries:

• Tompkins Bagels – Get the French toast bagel here with strawberry cream cheese, it’s sooo good!
  • 165 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
• Russ & Daughters – This is your typical Jewish breakfast spot. They have housemate latkes, babka, bagels, and challah. No place to sit, so a grab and go place!
  • 179 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
• Dominque Ansel Bakery – The home of the cronut! They have a Monthly cronut flavor that I suggest you reserve online for pickup. We weren’t able to reserve them so we missed out; don’t make the same mistake we did!
  • 189 Spring St, New York, NY 10012
• Clinton St. Baking Co & Restaurant – A sitdown brunchy place. Located in the Lower East Side. I recommend making reservations. We got lucky, getting there right before they opened and were able to get a table but we were the last ones without a reservation to be seated. It filled up really quick! They also have a go-to place next door for breads and pastries.
  • 4 Clinton St, New York, NY 10002
• Supermoon Bakehouse – Croissants, donuts, and cruffins. Crowned NYC best bakery, so make sure to get there at least 30 minutes before it opens. The line was 1 ½ long when we went.
  • 120 Rivington St, New York, NY 10002
• Doughnut Plant –  We didn’t make it here but I saw this on multiple lists and definitely planning on going on my next visit.
  • 379 Grand St, New York, NY 10002
• Fabrique Bakery – Swedish bakery chain with the most delicious cardamom buns! I also got their sourdough bread to bring home and it was still fresh two days later; we absolutely loved it.
  • 348 W 14th St, New York, NY 10014

Coffee Shops to Visit:

• Laughing Man Coffee Company – Greenwich Village (coffee shop owned by Hugh Jackman.) Supports coffee farm communities.
  • 184 Duane St, New York, NY 10013
• Devocion – Colombian Coffee Shop that roasts the beans in store on display to view! Beautiful interior and the guava croissant at latte is to die for!
  • 69 Grand St, Brooklyn, NY 11249
• The Chai Spot – Cute spot to just chill and grab chai with traditional Pakistani style seating. Heads up; if you plan on sitting indoors, they require reservations (aug 2021.) Outdoor seating is first come first serve.
  • 156 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Lunch and Dinner in NYC:

• Joe’s Pizza – They have these all over the city! We went to the one in Time Square as it’s closest to where we stayed.
  • 35 Broadway, New York, NY 10018
• Thai Villa – Amazing Pad Kra Prao and the Soft Shell Crab Mango Salad are both so delicious!
  • 5 E 19th St, New York, NY 10003
• Il Cortile – The perfect little Italian restaurant! I suggest making a reservation ahead of time so you don’t end up on the waitlist. We sat outside for an early dinner and it was the perfect end to our first day!
  • 125 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013
• The Smith –  Best Mac and cheese! The portions are on the larger side so it’s perfect to split with someone.
  • 1150 Broadway, New York, NY 10001
• Red Hook Lobster Pound – Lobster rolls on butter toasted buns made by Maine implants!
  • 284 Van Brunt St, Brooklyn, NY 11231

Activities to do in New York

• Chelsea Market – lots of food options (food hall) with a cool local flea market with jewelry/soaps/art! Lots to eat here, so make sure you come hungry!
  • 75 9th Ave, New York, NY 10011
• The High Line – Elevated greenway located right by the Chelsea Market (so you can pair these activities together.) There isn’t much shade, so I suggest going before noon or after 4 pm in the summertime because it gets HOT! 
  • TIP: Reserve a time online if you go during covid on a weekend. No reservations needed for weekdays!
• Top of the Rock – Observatory on top of Rockefeller Center, really nice views of the city, recommend if you’ve never done this before. There is a ticket for this.
  • 30 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10112
• Flatiron Building: Iconic, triangular 22-story, 285 ft tall. Landmark building.
  • 175 5th Ave, New York, NY 10010
  • TIP: If you plan to go here, try Thai Villa for dinner, it’s really close by and super yummy!
• Brooklyn Bridge – best views of the city. The whole walk will take you about 45 minutes if you stop and take pictures along the way. Avoid crowds by going early! Stick to your side when walking and keep your eyes peeled for bicycles – there are a TON!
  • Brooklyn Bridge, New York, NY 10038
• Visit Dumbo – the most photographed/famous street in NYC.
  • 39-21 Washington St, Brooklyn, NY 11201
• Museums – 
  • Museum of Modern Art (Free on Friday from 4-8pm)
    • 11 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art- Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday. Open 10am-5pm on other days. 
    • 1000 5th Ave, New York, NY 10028
• Central Park – Start at Plaza Hotel on 59th St.
  • Check out the Bethesda Fountain and the Belvedere Castle (both pictured.)
  • TIP: There are a few different picnic delivery services that deliver a premade basket for 2-4 people to a prearranged Central Park location or for pick up. This is something that would be a memorable experience for a girl’s trip to New York or with a significant other! Check out PerfectPicnicNYC if you’re interested.
• The Mysterious Bookshop – This might not be everyones cup of tea, but this is the place to be if you’re someone who enjoys mystery or thriller books. It’s the cutest little bookshop, one worth getting lost in!
  • 58 Warren St New York, New York 
• Friends Apartment – This is the location for the corner street of the friends apartment. Fun to check out if you happen to be in the area.
  • 90 Bedford St, New York, NY 10014
• Seinfeld Tom’s Restaurant –  If you’re a Seinfeld fan! Hubby and I went 9 years ago on our last trip so I didn’t go this time. Note: the inside of the restaurant doesn’t look the same, it’s more for a photo opp of the outside.
  • 2880 Broadway, New York ,NY, 10025

Tips for Riding the NYC Subway

• Chances are you’ll be doing a lot of hopping on and off the subway. I suggest buying the 7-day Unlimited Metrocard. If you ride the subway a total of 12 times or more, the card pays for itself! If you prefer to do single ride tickets, some subway stations now accept Apple Pay right where you’d swipe your metrocard, so you don’t have to stop by the card kiosk.
• Google Maps will be your best friend. I found Google Maps to be highly reliable and we only ended up getting lost once (our own fault!) Citymapper is another app that helps people navigate.
• Understanding Uptown, Midtown, and Downtown.
  • Uptown is north of 59th St.
  • Midtown is between 59th St. and 14th St.
  • Downtown is anything south of 14th St.

And that’s all I’ve got! It was a quick trip, but we still managed to fit in a bunch of things (and so so much food!)

Feel free to leave any suggestions for things to do or where to eat that you recommend! I’m sure we’re going to be making another girl’s trip to New York in the future, so I’d love to hear more suggestions for next time!