Katie's Bliss

South of France Itinerary With Kids: 10 Day Guide

Katie — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:02:46 +0000

Our South of France itinerary with kids! My husband and I took our 3-year-old and 5-year-old boys to the French Riviera for ten days and had the absolute time of our lives. This was our first time traveling overseas with our kids and, as everyone knows, trips with little ones can be unpredictable—but they did amazing. They surprised us with how well they adapted to being on the go and away from their usual routine at home.

We spent five days along the magical Côte d’Azur, based in an Airbnb in Antibes, before driving into the countryside of Provence. There, we stayed in a renovated 18th-century château and spent four full days wandering through small villages, exploring wineries, and soaking in a completely different pace of life. We really tried to do a mix of everything—beach clubs, a yacht day, long, easy lunches, a few bucket-list dinners, a visit to a medieval castle, and enough downtime that it never felt like we were rushing from one thing to the next. I planned the itinerary myself and was honestly shocked at how smoothly everything flowed together.

Is France Kid-Friendly?

You don’t really need to plan specific “kid activities” in the South of France because it’s such a family-centered place. Everywhere we went, there were families with young kids—at beach clubs, in little boutiques, even at nicer restaurants in the evenings. My husband and I have always loved France and visited many times before kids, but experiencing it with little ones was something completely different in the best way. We felt so welcomed everywhere we went.

I’m sharing our full day-by-day South of France itinerary with kids in case it’s helpful if you’re planning your own Riviera + Provence trip or just looking for ideas to piece together your own version. I highly, highly recommend it.

Trip Overview: 10 Days in the South of France With Kids
Days 1–2: Traveling to Nice and Arriving in Antibes
Day 3: Exploring Antibes and a Beach Club Day
Day 4: Cannes and La Guérite Beach Club
Day 5: Yacht Charter Around the Lérins Islands
Day 6: A Slow Morning in Antibes and an Evening in Nice
Day 7: Driving to Provence and Checking Into Château de Fonscolombe
Day 8: Exploring Lourmarin and Château La Coste
Day 9: Ansouis, Château de la Gaude, and Cucuron
Day 10: L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, Gordes, and Our Final Day in Provence
Day 11: Departing France

10 Day South of France Itinerary With Kids

DAY 1
DEPART FOR FRANCE

We flew Delta and honestly had such a great experience from start to finish. Our route was Nashville → Atlanta → Nice. There are several daily flights from Nashville to Atlanta, but we intentionally chose one that got us in about 4 hours early before our international leg—just to give ourselves a buffer in case anything went wrong. Thankfully, everything went totally smoothly with zero delays.

Our flight to Nice left at 10:30pm, which was well past the boys’ bedtime, but they rallied and stayed in good spirits the entire time. As soon as the in-flight dinner service wrapped up, we got them settled into their sleep setups and within about an hour they were both completely out. They slept for a solid 7 hours of the 8.5-hour flight… absolute miracle status. Hallelujah.

We landed at noon the following day and made our way through customs in under 30 minutes. All our bags made it and we went to get our rental car from airport rental facility. From there we drove 30 minutes to Antibes.

DAY 2
ARRIVE IN NICE + CHECK IN TO ACCOMMODATIONS IN ANTIBES

There are so many beautiful hotel and rental options in Antibes, but we ended up choosing an Airbnb in Old Town because we wanted something that felt easy and grounded with kids… somewhere we could just walk everywhere and not feel like we were constantly loading into a car.

I also really wanted the ability to do simple things like making breakfast and quick lunches for the boys instead of eating every meal out. Our Airbnb honestly exceeded expectations. It was an old carriage house right in the heart of Old Town, but so thoughtfully renovated. We had laundry, a huge kitchen with everything we needed, and a gorgeous walled courtyard that became the perfect little safe play space for the boys.

Two things to note: the stairs inside are very steep, so I wouldn’t recommend it for anyone with mobility concerns or little ones who aren’t confident on stairs yet. Also, there’s no parking in Old Town since cars aren’t allowed. We had to be a little strategic with our rental car—keeping up with street parking renewals to avoid tickets. There was decent street parking nearby plus a paid lot about a 2-minute walk away, but it did get busy at times so we occasionally had to circle and wait. Not a dealbreaker at all, just something to be aware of.

I’d definitely recommend not over-scheduling your first afternoon and evening. Plan to just settle in, wander Old Town on foot, and grab a super casual dinner followed by gelato so you can ease into the rhythm of the town.

DINNER RESERVATION: Chez Jules, Old Town Antibes
If you can, try to sit outside on the street—it genuinely feels like you’re in a movie.

DAY 3
EXPLORE ANTIBES + BEACH CLUB DAY

We started the morning just wandering the streets of Old Town and the famed Marché Provençal– Antibes open-air farmers’ market that’s open daily. We grabbed coffee and pastries, and then headed to Plage de la Gravette to let the boys dip their toes in the water and take in the bay. By lunchtime, my younger sister’s flight had landed and she’d made her way to us in Antibes. We had plenty of space in our Airbnb and I was so happy that she could join us for the first few days of our trip.

For the afternoon, we headed to the Cap d’Antibes Beach Hotel (you can Uber or drive—about a short ride away). We reserved sunbeds at the beach club (everything is PINK and very Barbie!), ordered lunch from the beachside restaurant and spent the rest of the day there swimming, relaxing, and letting the kids play. There’s a small beach area with crystal-clear water, plus a heated pool, which was absolutely perfect for the kids.

DINNER RESERVATION: The Grill at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, Cap d’Antibes
This was our big “wow” dinner of the trip. Everything about this property feels special—from the setting to the service to the views. Dining here is definitely a splurge, but in my opinion completely worth it for a bucket-list experience.

They also had a surprisingly expansive kids’ menu—my oldest ordered the salmon and didn’t leave a bite behind. Make sure to build in time before or after dinner to walk around and take photos along the rocks and the iconic pathway up to the hotel (if security allows). I had read that the famous photo path is often restricted to hotel guests, but on the night we went, restaurant guests were able to take photos there, which was a nice treat.

COCKTAIL BAR: Absinthe Bar, Old Town Antibes

If you still have energy for a post-dinner drink, I highly recommend the Absinthe Bar in Old Town Antibes. My husband took on bedtime duty with the kids so my sister and I could sneak away for a little girls’ night out, and it ended up being one of my favorite evenings of the trip.

The bar is tucked away in a historic stone cellar beneath the streets of Old Town, and walking down into it feels like discovering a secret speakeasy you would never find on your own. One of the highlights was the live string band playing throughout the evening. It gave the whole place this old-world, almost cinematic feel that fit perfectly with the setting. Between the music, the candlelit stone walls, and everyone packed into this underground space, it felt like we’d stumbled into a scene from a movie. We stayed much longer than we planned, laughed until our cheeks hurt, and walked back through the quiet streets of Antibes feeling like we’d gotten the perfect little taste of nightlife without needing a full night out.

DAY 4
EXPLORE CANNES + AFTERNOON BEACH PARTY AT LA GUÉRITE

We spent the morning in Cannes just walking around and soaking it in. We reserved beach chairs at Vilebrequin La Plage, one of the many beach clubs and restaurants located along Boulevard de la Croisette. FYI we just walked in without a reservation and had no issues getting chairs. The beach was so clean and had the softest whitest sand. I ended up walking to a nearby tourist shop to buy the boys some cheap beach toys so they could play. We ordered some fruit and a light lunch for the kids directly to our chairs.

Around 3PM, we headed to the port in Port Pierre Canto in Cannes to catch our boat transfer for our 3:30PM reservation at La Guérite, the famous island beach club restaurant. From the moment you arrive at the port, it already feels like part of the experience—check in, hop on the boat shuttle, and take a short ride over to Île Sainte-Marguerite where you’ll dock and find the restaurant tucked into the rocks. Heads’ up there is a 25€ fee per adult to ride the boat shuttle, but kids are free.

La Guérite is lively, loud, and very much a party atmosphere, especially if you book the 3:30PM seating, which we did purposely. Within 30 minutes of being seated, everyone around us was dancing on their chairs and tables and waving their white napkins to the DJ playing ABBA. There were multiple other families with children and everyone was just having a ball. We told our boys this is your one chance to dance on a table so get after it. It was just such great energy and SO MUCH FUN. We literally could not stop smiling and dancing. The food is simple Mediterranean and definitely hit the spot, but honestly the setting and energy are what you’re really there for.

DINNER RESERVATION: COYA, Monte-Carlo
We actually planned this as a date night since my sister was in town with us, so we snuck away for a night in Monte-Carlo. In hindsight, it was a little ambitious after such a lively afternoon, but life is too short not to rally for a night in Monte-Carlo.

The drive from Antibes to Monte-Carlo was about an hour and super easy. Dinner at COYA was fantastic. Imagine really creative cocktails and shareable tapas. Afterward, we walked around the Casino de Monte-Carlo and checked out all the insane supercars parked outside, which honestly felt like its own attraction.

DAY 5
FULL-DAY YACHT CHARTER

We booked our yacht through Click&Boat and did a full day (11AM–5PM), and I genuinely think this was my favorite day of our entire South of France itinerary with kids.

Our captain took us around the Lérins Islands just off the coast of Cannes. We anchored near Île Saint-Honorat and stayed there for almost three hours just swimming, floating, and exploring the little coves. The water was unbelievably calm and that perfect crystal blue you dream about.

One of the most fun surprises was the “food boats” that come straight to you—basically floating mini food trucks that circulate between yachts all day. We ordered pizza for lunch and ice cream for dessert, and there were also boats serving sushi, cocktails, and seafood. It felt unreal.

DINNER RESERVATION: La Môme, Cannes
This was our second date night and probably my favorite meal of the trip. The vibe was just so good—lively but still chic.

I got talked into ordering the seabass carpaccio special without realizing it was $250, but honestly… I can’t even be mad because it was incredible. My husband had lobster pasta and I had truffle pasta, and everything was 10/10.

DAY 6
MORNING RESET IN ANTIBES + EVENING IN NICE

By this point we were definitely starting to feel the pace of the trip, so we kept the morning really low-key. We went back to Plage de la Gravette so the boys could play in the sand and walked around town.

We also stopped at the carousel in Port Vauban, which was such a sweet little moment. For lunch, we grabbed pita wraps from Pitadine Antibes and ate back at the Airbnb, easy and perfect for a reset day.

Around 3PM we drove to Nice. We had a 5PM dinner reservation, so we spent about an hour walking through Old Town Nice beforehand. Honestly, Nice felt a bit overwhelming after Antibes. It has a lot of charm, but on a much bigger, busier scale. I was happy we saw it, but also didn’t feel the need to spend a ton of time there.

DINNER RESERVATION: Le Plongeoir, Nice
This is the iconic cliffside restaurant you see everywhere online, and it really is just as stunning in person. The setting is unreal.

The menu was a bit more limited than I expected, and while everything we ordered was good, nothing was especially memorable food-wise. That said, the atmosphere alone made it completely worth it, the views and experience were the highlight here.

DAY 7
DEPART ANTIBES FOR PROVENCE

If you didn’t rent a car for the first part of the trip, today is when you’ll want one so you can head into the countryside region of Provence. We checked out of our Airbnb by 10AM and made the drive in about 2.5 hours, including two toddler potty breaks and a snack stop that definitely saved us.

Pulling into Château de Fonscolombe felt like stepping straight into a fairytale. The property is a beautifully restored 18th-century estate surrounded by vineyards, towering trees, and perfectly manicured gardens. It has that quiet, romantic “old world France” feel, but still feels warm and approachable rather than overly formal.

There are plenty of château-style hotels in Provence, but what really sold us was their Family Suites. They offer two separate rooms connected by a galley-style walk-in closet, which was perfect for us. I know some families are totally fine all sharing a room, but we really value having a little separation at night after full days with the kids.

After getting settled, we headed straight to the pool where we swam, ordered lunch, and eased into Provence life before heading into Aix-en-Provence for a casual dinner.

DINNER RESERVATION: La Rotonde, Aix-en-Provence
I had the most incredible burger here—honestly not what I expected to rave about in France, but it was that good. The restaurant sits right in the center of town, so make sure you take a stroll after dinner when everything is glowing and lively.

DAY 8
EXPLORE PROVENCE

After breakfast at the hotel, we drove to the charming village of Lourmarin, home to the beautiful Château de Lourmarin. This 11th-century medieval fortress was later transformed in the 15th century and is now open for self-guided visits.

Our boys were very determined about wanting to see a “real castle” in France, and this absolutely delivered. It’s not overly large, which made it perfect with kids, and you can easily see everything in under 30 minutes. They also had a sweet little scavenger hunt that kept the boys engaged the entire time—honestly one of the best kid-friendly touches we came across.

Next, we headed to Château La Coste, an organic wine estate known for its sculpture park and multiple restaurants spread across the property. It was a hot day, so we skipped the art walk and went straight to lunch at L’Italien. We shared pizzas, the boys cooled off with lemonade, and my husband and I enjoyed a bottle of rosé while everything slowed down in that perfect Provence way.

Afterward, we went back to the hotel to swim and reset before dinner.

DINNER RESERVATION: L’Insolite, Lourmarin
Lourmarin completely stole our hearts. It’s one of those villages where everything feels effortlessly charming—stone streets, small shops, and people dining outside under string lights with live music drifting somewhere in the background. Dinner here felt relaxed but still special, and the whole atmosphere was just pure Provence magic.

DAY 9
EXPLORE PROVENCE

After breakfast, we drove to the village of Ansouis to wander its cobblestone streets and visit Église Saint-Martin d’Ansouis, a 13th-century medieval church tucked into the heart of the village. We also made a quick and very worthwhile stop at Pâtisserie Volpert for something sweet—definitely don’t skip this if you’re nearby.

From there, we continued to Château de la Gaude, a beautifully restored 18th-century estate that now operates as a hotel, winery, and art space. This property was stunning in every direction, and the boys especially loved the hedge maze—they could’ve run through it for an hour if we let them.

We had considered lunch here as well, which would be a great option, but we were feeling a bit tired, so we went back to the hotel for something light and spent the afternoon relaxing and letting the kids play in the château’s playroom, which was FANTASTIC and had so many different toys including an entire costume rack. Julian insisted on wearing his “knights armor” every evening.

DINNER RESERVATION: Restaurant Au Lavoir Cucuron, Cucuron
We originally had reservations elsewhere, but last minute decided to try walking into Au Lavoir instead—and I’m so glad we did. This might have been our most authentically French dining experience of the entire trip.

The restaurant is incredibly small and intimate, with just a handful of tables. You’re basically eating in the kitchen with the chef, who also happens to be your server and host. There’s no rush, no fuss—just beautifully simple food and a very personal, home-style approach to dining that makes the whole experience feel special in a completely different way.

DAY 10
EXPLORE PROVENCE

For our last full day, we tried to pack in a mix of exploring and slowing down. We drove about an hour to L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, a town known for its antique shops and famous weekend market. Since we visited on a weekday, the market wasn’t running, but there were still plenty of boutiques open and it was a great place to wander and shop at an easy pace.

Next, we headed to Gordes.

Gordes is one of those hilltop villages that feels almost unreal when you first see it. The stone buildings spill down the hillside in layers, overlooking sweeping views of the valley below. It’s incredibly photogenic, but also just has this quiet, lived-in beauty when you walk through the narrow streets. Even with the crowds, it still manages to feel special and worth the stop.

LUNCH RESERVATION: La Bastide de Pierres, Gordes
We made lunch our “main event” of the day and this was such a good call. The restaurant sits right in the heart of Gordes with a classic Provençal feel—linen tablecloths, outdoor seating, and that slow, lingering lunch atmosphere. It’s the kind of place where you don’t feel rushed at all, even if you sit there for hours.

After exploring the village, we hopped back in our car and drove about 10 minutes to Abbaye de Sénanque, a working Cistercian monastery dating back to the 12th century known for its stunning lavender fields. The lavender wasn’t in full bloom yet, but the setting was still incredibly beautiful and a perfect spot to take some photos.

By 3PM the kids were done for the day, so we started making our way back to Château de Fonscolombe, but made sure to drive through the village of Roussillon along the way. Roussillon is famous for its dramatic ochre cliffs and warm, rust-colored buildings that make the entire village feel like it’s glowing in shades of red, orange, and gold. We didn’t stop for a full visit this time since the boys were over it, but even passing through was a treat.

Shortly after we got back, I received a DM from Audrey, a local photographer offering a complimentary family shoot. I told her we were leaving the next morning, but if she happened to be nearby and available, we’d love to meet at the hotel. It honestly felt like perfect timing—she was free and only about 30 minutes away.

Within an hour, we were outside the château doing photos, and even though the boys were in full overtired silly mode, she was amazing with them and somehow captured the sweetest moments. It turned into one of those unexpected highlights we’ll always be so glad we said yes to.

That evening, we had our final dinner at the hotel restaurant. We ordered the boys’ meals first so they could eat quickly and head off to the château playroom just a minute away. Once they were settled and playing, my husband and I actually got to enjoy a quiet dinner together—such a rare luxury and the perfect way to end our time in the South of France.

South of France Itinerary With Kids

The post South of France Itinerary With Kids: 10 Day Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Dubai Travel Guide | 2 Day Itinerary

Katie — Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:28:26 +0000

Oh beautiful Dubai! Our time in the most populous city in the United Arab Emirates was short and sweet, but oh so worth the visit. We spent two full days in Dubai over the course of our honeymoon. We had a short half-day stopover while en route to Tanzania, which I’ll be honest was spent entirely napping and showering at the Shangri-La Hotel. Then again nearly two weeks later for two nights, following our stay at this incredible resort in the desert outside of Abu-Dhabi.

If you’re planning a trip overseas to Africa or Asia, I would highly encourage making a stopover in Dubai if your schedule allows. Not only is it a great way to break up long flights and exhausting travel, Dubai is an incredibly fun city that’s very friendly to Western tourists. There’s so much to do and it’s very easy to get around! English is also widely spoken in Dubai.

Dubai Travel Guide 2 Day Itinerary

Dubai has always been on our bucket lists and our honeymoon was the perfect excuse to finally visit. It’s an ultra-modern city that feels like something from out of the future. Right away we were completely wowed by the towering skyscrapers and innovative architecture. Dubai is also located on the coast of the United Arab Emirates and has warm weather year round, so it’s a great destination to hit the beach and get some sun. There’s tons of luxury shopping and many sight-seeing opportunities.

Here’s a recap of everything we did along with a few more suggestions for planning your trip!

HOW TO GET THERE

We flew to Dubai via Emirates and had a great experience. Emirates is the only airline that has direct flights to Dubai from the United States so if you don’t want to deal with layovers, it’s your best bet! The service was incredible and if you have the budget to treat-yo-self I would highly recommend business class seats. We splurged for our honeymoon and it was an experience we’ll never forget! Going back to economy on our next trip is going to be toughhhh.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Cheetah Print Long Sleeve Shirt | Black Leggings | Gray Sneakers | Leather Backpack

WHAT TO WEAR

Dubai has gorgeous warm sunny weather all year long, however summer can get unbearably hot. During the “colder” months (November-April) temps average in the 70s and 80s making it the perfect place to escape if you live in a cold climate.

Is there a dress code in Dubai? Do women need to be be covered? I got these questions a lot while we there and to be totally honest, we felt there was very little pressure to dress any differently than we would at home during the summer. It appeared as if tourists could dress however they please i.e. in shorts, tanks, etc. without any fear of breaking a rule or being reprimanded. Dubai is a very International city and you’ll people of all colors and cultural background. At the Dubai Mall we noticed women wearing everything from burqas to mini dresses.

We visited Dubai in mid-January and the weather was sunny and in the low 70s. I personally opted to dress somewhat modestly when we were outside of our hotel, mostly for my own comfort and desire to be respectful of locals. I packed a lot of midi and maxi dresses and always had a light sweater with me (it got breezy in the evenings.) My husband wore lightweight linen pants and a mix of t-shirts and button downs.

MIDI & MAXI DRESSES

The only place where we wore our swimsuits was at our hotel and from what we could tell all types of bikinis and swimwear was accepted!

SWIMWEAR

OUTFIT DETAILS // Sun Hat | Tiger Stripe Bikini Top | Tiger Stripe Bikini Bottoms

WHERE TO STAY

We had a lovely stay at the Shangri-La Hotel Dubai. Since our time in the city was so short we purposely booked this hotel because of it’s convenient location downtown and quick 10 minute drive from the airport. The Shangri-La is gorgeous and immaculately maintained– as you’d expect from a luxury hotel.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Red Gown | Chanel Bag | Nude Heeled Sandals | Watch

I’ve never experienced such an easy quick check in and been made to feel immediately more at home as I did when we arrived at the Shangri-La. The service was incredible and any question we had was answered with such care and detail.

We utilized the concierge for nearly all of our dinner reservations and had the front door bellman call us taxis for wherever we needed to go. There was a line of taxis always nearby so we never had to wait more than a minute for a ride!

We loved our luxe room overlooking the city. The view was incredible and we could even see the famous Burj Khalifa!

^^ the incredible view from the rooftop of the Shangri-La Hotel, Dubai

OUTFIT DETAILS // One Shoulder Satin Gown | Rainbow Statement Earrings | Chanel Bag | Nude Heeled Sandals | Watch

Even though our time at the Shangri-La was short, we did get to utilize many of the hotel’s amenities like the spa and pool. Nick had an incredible full body scrub and I visited the in-hotel salon for a pedicure and blowout. Highly recommend checking out both if you decide to stay at the hotel. The level of service was on another tier compared to what you’d get at a US salon or spa. Can we also talk about the pool deck view?

DUBAI SIGHTSEEING & ACTIVITIES

Heading to Dubai? Here are so some landmarks and activities to add to your must-visit list!

Burj Khalifa- 160-floor tower with an observation deck and restaurant. Highly recommend making a reservation for high tea at Atmosphere– the tower’s famous bar and restaurant located on the 122nd floor.

The Dubai Mall- huge shopping and activity complex. There are 1200+ stores, an aquarium, ice rink, theme park and more. It’s impossible to see everything in one day but it’s worth a walk through even if you don’t plan on buying anything!

The Dubai Fountain- located within the Dubai Mall complex with choreographed shows everyday!

Palm Jumeirah- Dubai’s man-made palm-shaped island that’s home to many luxury hotels like the Atlantis and sunny beaches.

Dubai Creek- this area of the city is where to go if you want to get a feel for “old” Dubai. Here you can shop at traditional gold, spice and textile souk marketplaces and visit the Dubai Museum.

Dubai Miracle Garden- 72,000 meter garden with incredible floral sculptures of animals, Disney characters, landmarks and more.

Dubai Desert- located just 20 minutes outside of Dubai you’ll find rolling dunes of sand as far as the eye can see. There are a plethora of tour companies that offer desert excursions like off-roading, camel rides, sandboarding and more.

Madinat Jumeirah- a shopping and hotel complex located right along the water that has a mix of traditional souk marketplaces and upscale eateries.

DUBAI RESTAURANTS

Atmosphere at the Burj Khalifa- famous bar and restaurant located on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa. Offers daily high tea service!

White Beach- Super chic beach club and restaurant that just opened within the Atlantis resort complex on Palm Jumeirah. We sat outside and had the freshest seafood for lunch. The food was delicious and we loved the atmosphere!

Sea Fu- High-end Japanese beach-front restaurant within the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach. Major Nobu vibes! I’m usually not a fan of Asian cuisine but we loved our dinner here. The sushi options and black cod entree were amazing!

ZOCO- hip Mexican restaurant where you can dine on alllll the tacos, margaritas and guacamole. This is just what we were craving the last night of our trip and our meal was incredible! The fish tacos I had were better than any I’ve ever ordered from a restaurant in New York.

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United Arab Emirates Travel Guide | 5 Day Desert Itinerary

Katie — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 19:25:49 +0000

The second half of our honeymoon took us back to the sunny United Arab Emirates, where we spent five days in the desert at the dreamiest resort. While the first portion of our trip was very adventurous (as you’d expect from a safari) our time out in the desert was super low key and relaxing. It was a nice change!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ruffled Midi Dress | Statement Earrings | Beaded Bracelet | Waist Belt

Typically on trips Nick and I go fast and furious trying to cram in as many activities and sightseeing as possible. We love traveling that way, but we decided for our honeymoon that now was an opportunity to bring the speed down a notch and actually just chill.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie White Dress | Statement Earrings | Layered Necklace | Woven Tote | Sunglasses

United Arab Emirates Travel Guide | 5 Day Desert Itinerary

And that’s exactly what we did! Nick actually planned this entire part of our honeymoon himself and did an excellent job. I was so impressed! We stayed at Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara and loved it. Truly one of the most beautiful hotel properties I’ve ever experienced. I felt like I was in a real life Aladdin!

It takes about 3 hours to drive to Qasr Al Sarab from Dubai (1.5 if you’re coming from Abu Dhabi.) We set up a private car shuttle through the hotel concierge that picked us up from the Dubai airport after we landed back from Tanzania. It was a really easy drive– Nick and I both slept nearly the entire way. The roads and highways in the United Arab Emirates are all brand new and so smooth. Once we reached the desert the views from the car window were incredible too! All rolling dunes of sand.

We splurged on a One Bedroom Pool Villa Room because we figured why not? It was gorgeous and felt like our own little luxury cottage out in the middle of the desert. The highlight was definitely the heated infinity pool right outside our bedroom door!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Ribbed Swimsuit | Sun Hat | Beaded Bracelet | Sunglasses

Qasr Al Sarab truly looks like an Arabian castle or a medieval fortress. The property is huge. It’s the type of resort where you eat, sleep and do all your activities right on site. You’re so far out in the middle of the desert that it’s very much a private oasis feel. It’s very much the type of destination to go to if you’re looking to escape and relax.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Floral Maxi Dress | Statement Earrings | Woven Tote | Gold Necklace

That said, it is a big resort with hundreds of rooms. If you prefer a hotel with a small private boutique vibe this isn’t the place to go. The other guests were about an equal mix of couples and families. So yes this resort is kid-friendly! I was actually kinda jealous of all the cool activities and the club they have for kids on site.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink One Shoulder Swimsuit (just $18!) | Headband | Sunglasses

OUTFIT DETAILS // Orange Swimsuit | Sun Hat | Sunglasses

We spent the four days that we were there mainly posted up by the main resort pool or in our villa. One morning we did a sunrise dune excursion where we were driven out into the desert by a guide to enjoy Arabian coffee while watching the sun come up.

Every evening we would head to the main resort buildings where the property’s 5 restaurants are located for cocktails and dinner. We tried somewhere new every night and overall were pleased with the food. I wouldn’t say any of the meals were out-of-this-world memorable, but everything was very good. Breakfast was included in our room rate so we only paid extra for lunch and dinner.

The service at Qasr Al Sarab was incredible too. All the staff was incredibly attentive as you’d expect from a 5 star resort.

So what was the weather like? January is winter in the United Arab Emirates, which means sunny skies and 75 degree temperatures. If you’re planning a trip, here are a few more outfits ideas! I included one of Nick’s go-to honeymoon looks as well

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Maxi Skirt | V-Neck Metallic Cami | Heeled Sandals | Statement Earrings | Beaded Bracelet

OUTFIT DETAILS // Lilly Pulitzer Silk Dress | Beaded Bracelet | Headband | Sunglasses

OUTFIT DETAILS // Belted Swimsuit | Patterned Skirt | Platform Sandals | Woven Tote | Sunglasses

NICK’S OUTFIT // Linen Shirt | Linen Pants (he ordered these in 3 colors) | Espadrilles

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Quebec City Winter Travel Guide

Katie — Sat, 14 Dec 2019 18:23:34 +0000

So nice I had to visit twice! I loved my first trip to Quebec City so much that I decided to return again this time with Nick and my grandparents.

Nick and I typically travel as a couple, but we decided to invite my Gram and Pop Pop to join us for a little holiday adventure. In their younger years they spent a lot of time in Europe and LOVED traveling, but they sadly can’t make it overseas anymore as the distance is just too far. We’ve always wanted to do something special for them and thought this would be the perfect opportunity to give them a little taste of the Europe culture and charm they love a bit closer to home.

For those unfamiliar with Quebec City, it’s the capital city of the Canadian province of Quebec where French is the official language. The city itself dates back to 1608 and to this day still maintains its colonial roots. Quaint cafes, cobblestone streets, an intact fortress and the tall ramparts that surround historic Old Quebec all contribute to making visitors feel like they’ve stepped back in time in France.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Gold Pleated Midi Skirt | Faux Fur Coat | Black Turtleneck (similar fully stocked style) | Embellished Headband (similar budget-friendly style) | Similar Black Heels

QUEBEC CITY WINTER TRAVEL GUIDE

Y’all know how much I LOVE France so I had a feeling that Nick would adore Quebec City. Since we all had the best time, I’m hoping this will become an annual December trip.

what to pack

If you’re visiting Quebec City in the winter you’ll want to pack your warmest clothing like chunky sweaters, leggings and fleece vests + pullovers. Don’t forget about winter accessories either! You will also need a hat that covers your ears, a scarf for your neck and a pair of gloves.

WINTER PARKAS

Oddly on this trip the temperatures were similar to what I’m used to in New York in December (30s) however my trip last year during the same timeframe was painfully cold. I’m talking single digit temperatures with wind and snow. I wore multiple layers of clothing under my Canada Goose coat and I was still freezing. I would recommend checking the weather the week before your trip and planning accordingly.

SNOW BOOTS

Quebec City gets a lot of snow in the winter so you’’ll also want to bring boots that are suitable for the elements. This is my favorite pair that I wore on both of my trips! I also included a few more recommendations below.

COLD WEATHER ACCESSORIES

SWEATERS & PANTS

HOW TO GET THERE

Depending on where you are coming from, I would recommend flying into Québec City Jean Lesage International Airport. It’s about a 20 minute drive from Old Quebec, very well-run and easy to navigate. U.S. airports should take note…

We flew direct from Newark airport to Quebec City on United Airlines. The flight was just 1 hour 9 minutes!!! I believe Air Canada has direct flights to Quebec City from the New York area as well.

If you don’t mind a road trip, you can also drive to Quebec City. We have friends who have done this and they said it took them about 8 hours to get there from New Jersey.

Sightseeing & winter activities

We decided to take a slower pace on this trip because 1) I had already visited last year (you can read my Quebec City December Travel Guide here) and 2) we were with my grandparents and wanted the experience to be enjoyable for them. I think they would’ve been on the first flight home if we’d tried to do everything fast and furious like how Nick and I usually are on our trips LOL.

You’ll notice we visited a few of the same restaurants and attractions that I included in my first travel guide, however there are a bunch of new spots that I happily got to check off my Quebec City bucket list.

HOLIDAY SIGHTSEEING:
German Christmas Market (Address: Place et Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville)
European-style holiday market that’s walking distance from the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac hotel

Old Port Christmas Market (Address: 160 Quai Saint-André at the Old Port Market building)
Another well-known Quebec City holiday market that’s full of European charm

Boutique de Noel de Quebec (Address: 47 Rue De Buade)
Festive boutique where you can shop for Christmas decor & ornaments. Across the street from the German Christmas Market at Place et Jardins de l’Hôtel-de-Ville!

QUEBEC CITY SIGHTSEEING:
Quartier Petit Champlain (quaint historic shopping district)
The Funicular (photogenic cable car ride down to Quartier Petit Champplain)
Quebec City boardwalk
Rue Sous le Fort (street for good photo opp)
Place Royale (pretty street & cobblestone square)
Notre-Dame-des-Victoires (oldest stone church in North America located in Place Royale)
Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville (shopping + German Christmas Market)
Rue Christie (cute colorful street)
Rue Couillard (cute street)
Rue du Sault-au-Matelot (cute street)
Pierre-Dugua-De Mons Terrace (for good city view photo)
Place D’Youville (cute area + ice skating rink)
Grande Allée and the Parliament Building (bars, restaurants + good area for walking around)

QUEBEC CITY WINTER ACTIVITIES

Dogsledding
I really wanted to surprise Nick and my grandpa with an adventurous new experience, so I booked a half day dogsledding excursion. There are a number of places to dogsled near Quebec City, but since I wasn’t sure of the best one so I asked the concierge at our hotel for help. I told the concierge we wanted to go somewhere that was 1) not a far drive and 2) would be easy and not too intense since my Pop Pop is 80 (but 50 at heart :P)

They recommended Expedition Mi-Loup Dog Sledding on nearby Île d’Orléans– a small island in the middle of the St. Lawrence River just 15 minutes from Old Quebec. The concierge set everything up for me including the car transfer to/from Expedition Mi-Loup. All in I believe I paid around $100 per person.

We had the BEST time. Expedition Mi-Loup provides snow pants, boots, jackets and gloves so all you need to do is wear a warm outfit and bring your own hat. I would also recommend sunglasses since the sun glare against the snow can be very bright.

The actual dogsledding lasted about one hour. After a ten minute briefing on safety and how to steer the sled, we were paired with our sled dog teams. There are two people per sled– one person stands on the back to steer and the other person sits in the sled. Then halfway through the course you’ll stop and switch places so both people get a chance to steer.

We did a group excursion so there were about 16 other people (paired 2 people per sled) sledding at the same time as us. Expedition Mi-Loup had all the sleds set up in advance and you basically just follow the leader. Since we had three people, my Pop Pop actually got to pair with one of the Expedition Mi-Loup guides in the front sled dog team and lead our entire group. Nick and I were right behind them second in line.

It was a little intimidating at first because the dogs are so excited to run and you take off quite fast, but once you get going it’s actually really fun and relaxing. These dogs LIVE for this job and love being outside in the snow. You really don’t have to do much because they know the trail by heart. The scenery was beautiful as well!

The fun didn’t end after our trail ride. After thanking our pooch team for a good run, we spent the next 30 minutes playing with about 15 HUSKY PUPPIES. I didn’t want to leave! Dogsledding was fun and all, but the puppy time was definitely the highlight for me.

If you’re visiting Quebec City during the winter months and are looking to do something adventurous and out of your comfort zone, I’d definitely recommend dogsledding. We had a blast!

More Winter Activities:
Quebec City Winter Carnival (annual week-long event held in late January or early February)
Visit an ice hotel (Quebec City’s Hôtel de Glace opens every year in January)
Go to a thermal spa (I would love to visit nearby StrØm Spa Nordique or Sibéria Station Spa on a future trip!)
Skiing/Snowboarding/Snowtubing
Snowshoeing
Ride the Au 1884 slide (toboggan) on the Quebec City boardwalk
Ice skating
Ice fishing

restaurants & bars

Quebec City has a great food and drink scene! Here are some of the restaurants and bars I recommend.

QUEBEC CITY RESTAURANTS & BARS
Lapin Sauté- Adorable cozy spot in the heart of Quartier Petit Champlain that’s equally great for lunch or dinner
Café La Maison Smith- Casual cafe for lunch or a hot chocolate/coffee breakBar 1608
Bar 1608- Epic wine and cheese bar in the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel with an amazing view of Quebec City and the St. Lawrence River. The cheese and charcuterie boards are incredible!
Bistro Le Sam- Another chic spot in the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac hotel that’s part restaurant and part lounge. I had dinner here on my last trip and lunch on this trip and both meals were fantastic!
La Grolla- Casual cozy traditional fondue restaurant. Highly recommend for a memorable AND tasty dining experience.
Chez Muffy at the Auberge Saint-Antoine- Farm-to-table restaurant serving innovative local cuisine in the Saint-Antoine hotel. We had a lovely dinner here!
Pub de L’Oncle Antoine- Cozy no-frills old stone pub in Quartier Petit Champlain. Great spot to stop for a beer!

^ Lunch at Lapin Saute restaurant

^ Fondue at La Grolla

^ Cozy ambience at Chez Muffy

^ Incredible drinks and charcuterie at Bar 1608

^ Lunch at Bistro Le Sam

^ Beer break at Pub de L’Oncle Antoine

If you’re looking for more Quebec City restaurant and foodie ideas, here are some additional spots that were recommended to me by followers and friends. Hopefully on a future trip I’ll be able to check these off my list!

MORE QUEBEC CITY RESTAURANTS + BARS

Le Continental (fine dining restaurant in Fairmont Le Château Frontenac)
Auberge St. Antoine + Bar Artefact (hotel bar with fireplace + good hot chocolate)
L’Affair est Ketchup (quirky local dining spot featured on Anthony Bourdain’s “Parts Unknown”)
Chic Shack (casual burger spot)
Bistro Sous le Fort (traditional French food)
Gaël Vidricaire (pastries + hot chocolate)
Bar Ste-Angèle (drinks + live jazz)

OUTFIT DETAILS // Wide Sleeve Turtleneck Sweater | Black Tote | Leggings | Over the Knee Boots | Aviator Sunglasses

hotels

We actually decided to book the same hotel I did for my trip last year: the gorgeous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. I’ve never stayed somewhere that’s reminded me so much of Hogwarts castle! It’s by far the largest and most visually stunning hotel in Old Quebec City.

Having the chance to stay at Le Château Frontenac is an experience in itself and I would highly recommend it! The service level is a 10/10, rooms are super chic and cozy, there are multiple restaurants and shops within the hotel and the location is walking distance to Quartier Petit Champlain (Old Quebec’s photogenic historic shopping district) and many of the city’s top restaurants and points of interest.

I would especially recommend Château Frontenac if you’re traveling with older relatives or kids and anticipate needing to drive anywhere. My grandma can’t walk long distances and the concierge and valet were beyond helpful with coordinating car service. The hotel actually has a complimentary valet car and can drive you to/from nearby restaurants and activities if you request it and the car isn’t being used. We took advantage of this perk throughout our trip and they were always available to drive us! So so convenient.

PS airport pickups/dropoffs to Château Frontenac must be scheduled separately and are not complimentary. We didn’t book ours through the hotel and just grabbed a taxi outside the terminal! Uber is also readily available in Quebec City.

The Château Frontenac is the only hotel in Quebec City I’ve ever personally stayed at so I can only speak to my experience there, however if you’re looking for more options here is a list of other top-rated properties.

MORE QUEBEC CITY HOTELS

Auberge St. Antoine
Hotel du Vieux Quebec
Le Germain Hotel Quebec
Hotel le Priori
Hotel 71
Hotel Clarendon
Auberge Place d’Armes

The post Quebec City Winter Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide

Katie — Sat, 07 Dec 2019 21:52:55 +0000

Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide

The Blue Lagoon is truly one of the wonders of the world! I expected it to be beautiful from seeing it in photos, but wow it really is a sight to behold with your own eyes. The milky blue water covered in an enchanting cloud of steam looks more like something you’d find on another planet.

In November, I had the amazing opportunity to visit the Blue Lagoon for the ultimate 3-day weekend with a small group of bloggers and travel journalists. We had the best time experiencing all there is to do at the Blue Lagoon (it’s more than just a warm dip!) and even got to do some exploring around the Reykjanes Peninsula, where the lagoon is located. It was an incredibly fun trip with just the right amount of adventure and relaxation.

HOW TO GET THERE

You can get to Iceland very easily from the east coast, specifically if you’re flying out of New York or Boston. To get to Iceland and the Blue Lagoon, I took a direct flight on Icelandair leaving from Newark airport and had a really pleasant experience. I believe Icelandair also offers direct flights out of JFK as well. The flight time was only 4 hours and 45 minutes– that’s less time than it takes to fly to Los Angeles.

To visit the Blue Lagoon you’ll want to fly into Keflavík International Airport. This is Iceland’s largest airport located just outside of the capital city of Reykjavík. It’s also conveniently just a 20 minute drive away from the lagoon and the hotel where I stayed, Silica Hotel.

You can take a shuttle transfer direct to the Blue Lagoon from the airport or from Reykjavík. Renting a car also seemed like a popular way to get around. I noticed there was a very big parking lot near the walking path that leads down to the lagoon.

A lot of travelers who visit the Blue Lagoon often stay in Reykjavík as there are many more hotels and attractions there. I personally think the Blue Lagoon is worth a one or two night stay, however many visitors will come just for the day. Either way it’s worth it!

THE BLUE LAGOON

So what exactly is the Blue Lagoon? To put it simply, it’s a very large geothermal pond. The water in the lagoon is enriched with silica, algae, along with other beneficial minerals that contribute to the lagoon’s healing properties… and it’s gorgeous blue hue!

This unique geothermal spa attracts visitors from all over the world for more than just it’s beauty. The lagoon’s waters are particularly healing for those with skin ailments like Psoriasis.

Today the Blue Lagoon is so much more than just the lagoon itself— it’s a travel destination with two luxury hotels, a full-service subterranean spa, saunas, a boutique and two restaurants. I didn’t realize until I was there just how much more there is to do and see beyond going in the lagoon.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Headband | One Piece Swimsuit

One thing I was really curious about was the “touristy” aspect and if the experience would feel cheesy. There’s no denying the Blue Lagoon’s popularity on social media— it’s definitely become a prime travel hotspot in the last five years. So did it live up to the hype? Honestly y’all, yes,

I truly didn’t expect to enjoy the experience as much as I did. I expected the lagoon to be beautiful, but I didn’t anticipate the high quality of the spa and the lagoon’s facilities.

I also completely underestimated the spa’s size. There are multiple locker rooms for men and women with rows of showers, bathrooms, etc. and there is plenty of seating for lounging inside.

The lagoon itself is also HUGE. I’m not talking olympic pool huge— it’s more like a lake. I honestly don’t even know what I could compare it to. Trust me though… You can easily find your own private spot to wade and relax in the water away from other people.

While the waters, locker rooms and common areas were definitely busy with other travelers, the environment still felt incredibly peaceful and luxurious. I also never felt crowded or overwhelmed by the number of people (and I HATE crowds.)

Some personal highlights of my Blue Lagoon experience were the swim-up mud mask and drink bar. Yes! These are in the water! They kinda reminded me of what you’d find in the pool of a big tropical resort— just Icelandic versions

The mask bar was so cool. There’s a menu and you can choose a formula based on your skin concerns— dryness, anti-aging, etc. Once you pick a mask you apply it directly to your face while you’re chilling the lagoon. The “bar” bar had a variety of non-alcoholic and alcohol beverages— so yes, you can get your drank on in the lagoon too!

If you have the time and really want to take your Blue Lagoon experience to another level, I’d recommend booking a treatment at the on-site spa. Some services are even done directly in the water!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Headband | Black One Piece Swimsuit

The Blue Lagoon tourism office was kind enough to book the lagoon’s signature service, an in-water full-body massage, for me and the other girls I was traveling with. Essentially you lay in the water flat on your back on a partially submerged mat, while a therapist massages your entire body.

Full disclosure— I was too scared of getting my hair wet (more on why below) so I just asked for a shoulder massage where I could sit upright. It was lovely and so relaxing! PS all in-water spa services are done in a private section of the lagoon blocked off from other guests.

If you’re planning a visit I’d recommend allocating at least half a day to explore the lagoon. It’s not an experience that you want to rush because the entire point is to relax and enjoy wading in the water.

Premium tickets to the Blue Lagoon start at $79 per person and include the entrance fee, two silica mud masks, towel, robe, slippers, one drink, a reservation at LAVA restaurant and a glass of sparkling wine with your meal at LAVA. A Comfort ticket is also available for $56 and includes the entrance fee, a silica mud mask, towel, and one drink. There is no time limit with either ticket— once you arrive you can stay as long as you’d like until closing!

Can you get your hair wet?

Yes you can and many people do! The reason why this is even a question is because the rich minerals in the lagoon adhere very easily to hair and can be difficult to wash out, if you don’t prepare appropriately. When you walk into the lagoon locker rooms you’ll notice huge containers of conditioner and signs instructing you to apply it liberally to your hair before entering the water. This is to protect it from the minerals and allow you to easily wash them out afterwards.

I personally opted not to get my hair wet because 1) I have extensions and 2) the minerals in the water are known to be difficult to wash out. I honestly just didn’t want to deal with the hassle of washing and drying my lion’s mane (I still had my extensions in from my wedding) so to save myself a headache I rocked a bun instead. No regrets!

WHAT TO WEAR

All you need to go in the Blue Lagoon is your swimsuit! The water is very warm, but by no means scalding hot– temps range from 37-40°C or 98-104°F. It felt similar to a hot tub!

When you check in at the lagoon, the spa staff will provide you with a cozy robe, slippers and a locker key so you can store your personal belongings. Street clothes aren’t allowed to be worn beyond the locker rooms, so I wouldn’t bother bringing your own sandals or coverup to wear over your swimsuit. The robes and slippers they provide are very comfy and you won’t need them much anyway since you’ll be going straight in the water.

PS the Blue Lagoon stays open in all weather– don’t let rain or snow deter you from visiting!

I visited Iceland in mid-November and was pleased to find the weather and outside temperature was similar to what I’m used to at home in New York and New Jersey. I want to say it was around 35°-45°F over the three days of my trip– aka chilly winter weather.

Mother Nature can get a little crazy in Iceland. You can experience all types of weather in one day: sun, rain, snow, hail, wind– it’s so unpredictable! I’d recommend packing layers and appropriate clothing for wet winter weather. When I was there we were blessed with partly cloudy skies nearly everyday, however there were a few random moment of rain and hail. It also snowed about an inch one night!

WHERE TO STAY

Travelers wishing to visit the Blue Lagoon now can stay overnight thanks to the recent openings of two new hotels: Silica Hotel and The Retreat Hotel. Both are nestled within the lagoon itself– The Retreat at the main lagoon and Silica just a few minutes away down a scenic walking path.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Bubble Sweater | Fringe Scarf | Leggings | Black Shearling Lined Boots

I stayed at the Silica Hotel and was very impressed. The property is incredibly luxurious and photogenic from the Scandinavian-style interiors to the exterior amenities that really make you feel one with your surroundings. There are just 35 rooms so the vibe is very private. Each room has floor to ceiling windows with gorgeous views of the surrounding volcanic terrain.

To me, the most amazing perk of staying at the Silica Hotel is the hotel’s private section of the Blue Lagoon. Guests of the hotel have access to their own oasis away from the main lagoon. It’s so serene, peaceful and gorgeous!

PS rates at the Silica Hotel start at $560/night and include Premium entrance to the main Blue Lagoon.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Lavender One Piece Swimsuit

NEARBY SIGHTSEEING

While my trip was primarily focused on experiencing the Blue Lagoon and Silica Hotel, we did get in a little nearby sightseeing on the Reykjanes Peninsula. The Blue Lagoon team set up a guided tour for us with a driver who took us around to all of these incredible spots:

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Green Parka | Knit Beanie | Knit Mittens | Leggings | Sorel Fur Lined Boots

Reykjanes Peninsula Sightseeing:

+ Reykjanes Peninsula Lighthouse- the most popular lighthouse to visit among Icelanders
+ Reykjanes UNESCO Global Geopark- the only place in the world where the Mid-Atlantic Ridge is visible above sea level
+ Brimketill- a small, naturally carved pool, by marine erosion, at the lava shore edge west of the town of Grindavík
+ Bridge Between Two Continents- This bridge was built as a symbol for the connection between Europe and North America
+ Gunnuhver- Iceland´s largest mud pool and steam vents. Legend says a female ghost inhabits the steam pits after being laid there almost 400 years ago.
+ Grindavik- a family-oriented fishing village located on the peninsula

The post Blue Lagoon Iceland Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Loire Valley France Travel Guide

Amy Clackner — Tue, 05 Nov 2019 16:30:46 +0000

Just two hours southwest of Paris you’ll find the Loire Valley. This UNESCO heritage-listed site spans 280 kilometers along the Loire River and is dotted with hundreds of fairytale castles (aka “chateaux”) and local wineries.

If you’re looking for a beautiful region to road trip in France then the Loire Valley is the perfect place! It’s also a great second destination to add on to a Paris getaway as we did. PS you can read my Paris Travel Guides here.

Our time in the Loire Valley was short and sweet. Even though we had only two days, I still feel like we were able to get a good sense of the region and see many top sites.

Loire Valley France Travel Guide

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to the Loire Valley is quite easy from Paris.

We chose to rent a car and drive ourselves the two hour trip, however public transportation is an option too. Buses and trains depart daily for Tours– the largest city in the Loire Valley.

However, once you arrive in the Loire Valley you will need to rent a car or hire a driver. The Loire Valley is comprised of many small towns and the famed chateaux and wineries are spread out across the region. A car is necessary to get from place to place! We really enjoyed driving here– the roads were easy to navigate and there wasn’t any traffic or congestion.

What to Wear

We visited in mid-October and temperatures were in the mid 60s fahrenheit. I packed clothing that was similar to what I would wear at home in New York at that time of year. Lots of cozy sweaters, boots that were comfortable for walking (you’ll likely be doing a lot!) and layering pieces.

The Loire Valley is known for its incredible Michelin-star restaurants so I would check the dress code if your itinerary includes any fancy dinners.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Red Lace Midi Dress | Black Pumps | Red Headband | Saint Laurent Bag

OUTFIT DETAILS // Revolve Blue Sweater Dress | Tall Knit Socks | Black Over the Knee Boots | David Yurman Bracelets

Where To Stay

You won’t find many recognizable chain hotels or resorts in the Loire Valley. Bed and breakfasts and converted chateaus-turned-boutique-hotels are more of the norm. Usually we are able to decide on a hotel quite quickly when planning a trip, but we went back and forth on where to stay for our two nights in the Loire Valley.

Our biggest challenge was finding a hotel that was in a convenient location for touring chateaux and wineries, but also had multiple nearby restaurant options for dinner. Since our time in the Loire was so limited, we wanted to avoid any unnecessary driving. During the day we knew to expect 30 mins – 1 hour+ drives between wineries and chateaux, but in the evenings we wanted to be able to go back to our hotel to wash up and be able to drive to dinner in under ten minutes.

After a lot of research, we decided to book a room at Chateau des Arpentis near the medieval town of Amboise. Staying there would allow us to get to many of the top sites in the Loire Valley in under an hour. We’d also be able to have dinner every night at one of Amboise’s handful of highly-rated restaurants. We were also really intrigued by the history of the chateau. The chateau itself dates back to 1313 (!!!) and throughout the centuries it changed hands between many French aristocrats. The 75 acre property is surrounded by a moat in the middle of a forest (totally felt like we were in a movie!) and is incredibly gorgeous. It was restored in 2007 and since then has been open as a boutique hotel.

We were pleasantly surprised by the quality of our room. During our research we noticed that many hotels in the region had sub par reviews and the interiors looked a bit dated. Our suite at Chateau des Arpentis was cozy, very clean and decorated in a traditional style that didn’t sacrifice modern comforts. The hotel also had free wifi, our bathroom had a free-standing shower (not always common in European hotels) and a yummy continental breakfast was included with our stay.

The property manager was also very helpful and spoke English. He was able to answer all our questions, provided us with recommendations of what to do/where to eat and happily called to make all of our lunch and dinner reservations.

What To Do

If you’re visiting the Loire Valley, you’re likely coming to do two things: drink wine and explore the region’s fairytale castles.

Tour Historic Loire Valley Châteaux

The Loire Valley is known as the “Valley of the Kings” for good reason. For centuries it was the playground of French aristocracy looking for a place to relax away from the bustle of Paris. Because of this there are literally hundreds of extravagant chateaux in the Loire Valley– aka 14th century vacation homes. What a life right?

Fast forward to 2019, you’ll find that many of these incredible chateaux are now landmarks open to the public. Since we had just under two days, we decided to focus our time on three different chateaux: Chateau Chambord, Chateau Villandry and Chateau Chenonceau.

^^ The magnificent Chateau Chenonceau

We really enjoyed touring all three, but our favorite was definitely Chateau Chenonceau. It had the most interesting location– literally built on top of the river Cher! The interior rooms were completely restored and styled with furniture and decor that made you feel as if you had stepped back in time to the Renaissance. Even though it was raining on the morning we visited, we still left completely in awe of the grounds and gardens.

The Loire Valley Châteaux We Visited:

+ Chateau Chambord
+ Chateau Villandry
+ Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chenonceau

Chateau Chambord

More Popular Loire Valley Châteaux (if we’d had more time!)
+ Château Royal de Blois
+ Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
+ Château de Cheverny
+ Château de Amboise
+ Château de Sully-sur-Loire
+ Château d’Azay le Rideau
+ Château du Clos Lucé

Chateau Villandry

OUTFIT DETAILS // Pink Wool Coat | Revolve Blue Sweater Dress | Tall Knit Socks | Black Over the Knee Boots | David Yurman Bracelets

Go For A Wine Tasting + Vineyard Tour

While touring chateaux was the priority of our trip, we still wanted to make time to do one wine tasting– ideally at a winery that was also once a historic chateau. There’s no shortage of vineyards in the Loire Valley, but not all can offer a 2-for-1 duo of being a historic castle AND having wine.

Château de Minière hit all the marks for us! It was conveniently located in the Loire Valley town of Bourgueil, between Tours and Saumur, just 25 minutes away from our final chateau tour of the day at Chateau Villandry.

We stopped in without having a reservation and right away were warmly greeted by the winery manager Jean Pierre. Over the next 2.5 hours we indulged in a tasting where we sampled Château de Minière’s red, white and rosé varietals.

Looking for another Loire Valley chateau winery recommendation? During our research Domaine du Closel popped up frequently as a top spot to visit, though I can’t speak to it personally.

Explore The Small Town & Villages Of The Loire Valley

You won’t find this in Paris! The Loire Valley is known for being home to some of the most charming villages and small towns in France. While driving from chateau to chateau we passed through the ones I’ve listed below. We also had dinner every night in the lovely town of Amboise near our hotel.

+ Amboise
+ Chinon
+ Candes-Saint-Martin
+ Fontevraud-l’Abbaye

WHERE TO EAT

Chez Bruno (Amboise) – This was our favorite meal in the Loire Valley! At Chez Bruno we feasted on pumpkin soup, lamb and homemade creme brûlée. The setting and atmosphere of the restaurant was super cozy too!

L’Epicerie (Amboise) – Another delicious dinner spot in Amboise. The menu consisted of traditional French fare where you could order dishes a la carte or a prix fix 4 course. I opted for the latter They also had the most epic cheese selection for dessert!

Bigot Chocolatier (Amboise) — Ok we didn’t actually eat a meal here but I’d highly recommend stopping in for a sweet treat. Bigot is a famous chocolate shop in the region that’s been owned by the same family for over 100 years!

La Cabane à Matelot (Bréhémont) – Great spot to stop for seafood along the Loire river. It’s only open a few days a week and the menu is very small because the chef cooks whatever has been freshly caught that day! It was all in French so I’m honestly still not sure what we ate, but it was tasty!

The post Loire Valley France Travel Guide appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Paris Travel Guide | Honeymoon Edition

Katie — Fri, 01 Nov 2019 12:36:42 +0000

Paris has quickly become our favorite city. I mentioned in my last travel guide how Paris just has this magical energy that fills the soul. I know that probably sounds a little corny, but for us it rings true! Paris is a breath of fresh air compared to the bustle of New York. Being there almost feels like stepping back in time– it has a romance and nostalgia that no U.S. city could ever replicate, simply because of its history.

When we decided that we did indeed want to do some sort of trip right after our wedding, Paris was a no brainer. We’ve been there before and have visited most of the popular landmarks and museums, so it was the perfect place to go to unwind and just enjoy ourselves for a few days without the pressure of having to explore as a first time tourist.

Similar to our last trip, we skipped making a strict itinerary and instead let our feet take us where we were feeling each day. Over the course of three days we indulged in all the yummy French cuisine and drinks, saw a cabaret show, got in some museum action and checked out a few areas of the city that were new to us on foot.

Paris Travel Guide Honeymoon Edition

What To Wear

Heading to Paris in the fall? Here are some outfit ideas!

Hotel Review

I remember getting an email alert about Hotel Grand Powers grand opening earlier this year and thinking WOW I need to stay here. I held on to the information and when it came time to book a hotel for this trip it was the first place we looked. Right away I fell in love with the hotel’s elegant interiors, luxury amenities and convenient location close to the Champs Elysees in the 8th arrondissement. The fact that some of the rooms have Eiffel Tower views may or may not have played a part in my desire to stay there as well

“European glamour with 1920s heritage in the very heart of the Paris’s Golden Triangle, close to the Champs Elysees”

We booked a Deluxe Room with balcony for three nights and we loved our room. It was chic, super luxe and cozy and just looking out the double door balconies and seeing the city views gave me chills! We paid a pretty penny staying here, but we figured if there was one time we should splurge on a hotel room with an Eiffel Tower view it should be for our first trip as husband and wife

PS Hotel Grand Powers is a Small Luxury Hotels member property, which y’all know I’m such a big fan of! We stayed at an SLH hotel on our last trip too that we loved. I would say both are equally lovely and if you’re going to choose one over the other, I’d do so based on which location is most convenient for getting to the activities and sightseeing you have planned.

Restaurants & Bars

You may recognize a few spots on this list! Now that we’ve been to Paris a few times, we’ve found a few restaurants and bars that we really love and will likely frequent again on future trips. Nick and I are the type of people where if we find a place that’s really good– we’re happy to return. We also love trying new spots and found some awesome gems on this recent trip.

Breizh Cafe – After a long flight with very little sleep nothing sounded better than hot crepes. Nick and I shared a savory crepe with cheese and mushrooms followed by an equally delicious one filled with chocolate sauce and bananas.

Cafe Charlot – Great cafe with outdoor seating (perfect for people watching) in Les Marais! We had some time to kill in between exploring the neighborhood and the opening time of Little Red Door, so we grabbed a drink here and posted up for a good hour just taking in our surroundings. I’m a big fan of any spot that gives a healthy heavy pour

Little Red Door – This cocktail bar has been on Nick’s Paris list since our first trip and I’m so happy we were able to finally try it. Major speakeasy vibes from the get-go– the door isn’t even a real door. The left wall actually opens if you want to enter. We didn’t know this and thoroughly embarrassed ourselves and spent five minutes trying to figure out how to get inside. We had similar difficulty trying to decipher the menu. Every drink was inspired by a different world language and had ingredients we’d never heard of. The waiter encouraged us to read the spiritual description listed next to each one and choose whichever “spoke the most” to us. Well we rolled along with it and I still have no idea what we drank, but I can tell you it was very tasty!

Bistro Les Papilles – I feel like a broken record raving about Les Papilles because we’ve had dinner here every time we’ve come to Paris. I talk all about it in my first Paris Travel Guide and again in my second, but these are the cliff notes! Each night the chef serves all diners the same four-course meal, which consists of a soup, entree, cheese and dessert. Whatever he is feelin’! The night that we went the menu consisted of potato leek soup, lamb stew, bleu cheese with a fig compote and chocolate panna cota for dessert. SO good and just a really authentic and unique experience.

Hotel Costes – On our second day in Paris we had lunch at another discovery from a previous trip. I’m not lying when I say that Hotel Costes’ creamy mushroom pasta is the best I’ve ever had. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about it since our last trip so a repeat visit was a MUST. I ended up ordering the exact same things I got last time: a bloody mary, tuna crudo with jalapeno and the creamy mushroom pasta. The restaurant is expensive and a bit bougie, but the ambiance and experience is worth it in my opinion. Plus the location is perfect if you have plans to stop by the Louvre or explore the designer shops near Place Vendôme.

Le Petit Moulin – The most precious wine and cheese bar in Montmartre! We stopped in for a glass of wine before dinner and ended up wishing we’d had time to stay the whole night. There are only four tables and the owner serves you himself. We got there right at opening and he was kind enough to treat us to a wine flight explaining the background of each one as we sipped.

Le Refuge Des Fondus – FONDUE. Omg this restaurant was SO fun. There were no frills– you just tell them if you want cheese or meat fondue (both in our case!) and they bring you out steaming posts with all the accompaniments for dipping. If that doesn’t sound exciting enough just you wait. Wine is served in BABY BOTTLES. They’ll ask you if you want red or white and minutes later you’re getting handed a bottle. It was hilarious and everything was so tasty!

Au Petit Suisse – Traditional French bistro near Jardin Du Luxembourg. We had a very casual and extra cheesy (order the croque croque monsieur!) lunch here before exploring the gardens.

Botaniste – We had such a lovely experience having drinks at the Shangri-La Hotel on our last trip that we couldn’t resist visiting again. Fancy and expensive, but oh so worth it for vibe and experience!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black and Gold Formal Dress | Black Channel Bag | Black Pumps | David Yurman Bracelets

Jazz Club Chez Papa – This French restaurant with nightly live jazz has been on my Paris list since our first trip! So so happy we were able to eat here this time. The food was great (traditional French cuisine) but the draw is really the ambiance and music. Something we’ll remember forever is when they played our wedding song ‘Cheek To Cheek!’

What To Do

We did a mix of sightseeing and leisurely exploring on this trip! If you’ve never visited Paris before and want first time recommendations definitely check out my previous travel guides: First Time Visiting Paris Travel Guide & 2019 Paris Travel Guide.

Explore Le Marais – This is a neighborhood where you’ll find many small boutiques, top foodie spots and cocktail bars. It’s charming, residential and feels more like “real Paris” since it’s removed from the touristy bustle in the city center. We spent our first afternoon just walking around without any specific destination in mind. Le Marais is also where you’ll find the famous Parisian square Place des Vosges, the Paris history museum– Musée Carnavalet and the Musée National Picasso- an art gallery dedicated to the works of famed Spanish artist Pablo Picasso.

Place Des Vosges – I highly recommend walking around Place Des Vosges if you’re in Le Marais. It’s a great place to sit and people watch and just enjoy Paris. The surrounding red brick town homes are SO photogenic!

Musée Jacquemart-André – We aren’t big museum people, but Paris has so many great ones that we try to hit up one on every trip. This time we chose to tour Musée Jacquemart-André, a small privately-owned museum featuring the art collection of wealthy 19th century banker Édouard André and his wife Nélie Jacquemart. The museum itself was once their private mansion, but today it’s been converted into galleries that can be visited by all. We went on a weekday morning and perused the galleries for nearly two hours on our own (they do offer an audio tour in all languages.) It was lovely and very relaxing compared to the crowds of the Louvre!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Turtleneck | Tweed Mini Skirt | Pearl Hair Bow | Black Channel Bag | David Yurman Bracelets

Place Vendôme + Palais-Royal – Walking around Place Vendôme and the nearby Palais-Royal gardens is a must! We strolled around both after having lunch at Hotel Costes. Place Vendôme is home to many designer stores (Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, etc.) and the Ritz Paris Hotel (highly recommend Bar Hemingway for a cocktail!) then just a ten minute walk away you’ll find Palais-Royal– a former palace with the most spectacular gardens and courtyard. These are open to the public and there’s no entrance fee.

Montmartre – If you’re looking to get off the beaten path in Paris and away from the tourist hustle then I highly recommend Montmartre. It’s a bohemian neighborhood located on a large hill in Paris’s 18th arrondissement known for being a haven for local artists and home to some of the city’s best nightlife and cabaret shows. Walking around the narrow cobblestone streets you can almost forget you’re in Paris because it feels (& looks!) like a small village. The most recognizable landmark in Monmartre is the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, however the biggest draw for us was just seeing the charming Parisian cafes, carousels, idyllic cottages and street art. There are so many local boutiques, restaurants and bars here too!

Moulin Rouge – Montmartre is home to Paris’ famous Moulin Rouge cabaret. We bought tickets in advance and loved the show! I was worried it was going to be a bit cheesy or too raunchy, but the show itself was very tastefully done despite having some nudity. When watching the show you’re seated at a table with other patrons (specific seats can’t be reserved– the staff chooses when you arrive) and served beverages of your choice!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Lace Dress | Kate Spade Watch | Black Pumps | Heart Earrings | Saint Laurent Bag

Couples Shoot at the Eiffel Tower – Can you name a more beautiful backdrop for pictures? I did a separate blog post all about our fun photo session at the Eiffel Tower. I highly recommend booking a photographer to get some cute shots while you’re visiting– it was so easy and a great way to get pictures together as a couple.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Black Turtleneck | Polka Dot Midi Skirt | Wool Coat | Black Heels | David Yurman Bracelets

Jardin Du Luxembourg – Walking around the Luxembourg gardens is another thing that had been on my Paris bucket list that we finally were able to check off. We strolled through here after lunch one afternoon and were pleased to find so many beautiful flowers and fall colors!

Champs-Élysées – You have to walk down this famous avenue in the 8th arrondissement that runs from Place de la Concorde near the Louvre museum all the way to the iconic Arc de Triomphe. It’s also home to many of the city’s best shops and restaurants. Conveniently for us it was located just steps from our hotel so we got to enjoy it multiple times when heading from place to place.

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One Day In Park City Utah

Katie — Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:00:12 +0000

I can’t believe I almost forgot to post my Park City Travel Guide! The last few weeks have been so busy that it feels like ages ago we were in Utah’s most popular mountain resort town. We weren’t there for long though… Our trip was short and sweet (just one night!) but oh so worth it.

To get to Park City we rented a car and roadtripped from Sun Valley, Idaho. You may remember we spent a week there with my family celebrating my Pop Pop’s 80th birthday– you can ready my travel guide from that trip here. To make the most of our time out west Nick and I decided to extend our adventure by a day so we could explore another area on our bucket list.

I had never been to Utah and have always had so many people rave to me about Park City. They weren’t lying because even in just a span of 24 hours we became completely smitten with this charming mountain town. Here’s everything we did!

How to spend one day in park city utah

WHERE TO STAY

The second Nick and I stepped into our suite at the Stein Eriksen Residences we knew we wanted to plan another trip back. Our jaws literally dropped to the floor! I mean, just look at this place?? I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised since every Small Luxury Hotels property we’ve ever stayed at has been incredible, but this was just on another level! We looked at each other and were like, “why didn’t we book a full week???”

OUTFIT DETAILS // Sweatshirt | Fleece Leggings | Mules

Obviously we did not need a suite this big for just two people for one, but the concierge was kind enough to upgrade us to the two bedroom condo you see here. This place honestly had it all! A full chef’s kitchen, two bathrooms, two fireplaces, walk in closets, a terrace with a HOT TUB. Am I dreaming?

We also couldn’t get enough of the tech features in our room! Everything from the curtains to the speaker system could be controlled via a single remote. Nick was geeking out!

Stein Eriksen Residences is located just a 10 minute drive from downtown Park City in the mountain resort area of Deer Valley. Here is where you’ll find most of Park City’s top resorts and hotels. The views are spectacular and to hit the slopes in the winter or hike in the summer all you have to do is walk out your front door. It’s an outdoor-lovers paradise!

So there are two Stein Eriksen properties in Deer Valley: the residences where we stayed and a resort-style lodge. If you’re traveling with a large group or planning an extended then I’d highly recommend the residences. Guests can take advantage of all the amenities you’d find at a luxury hotel, while staying in larger vacation home-esque accommodations.

At Stein Eriksen there is a 24-hour concierge, a valet, an indoor and outdoor pool, plus a fully equipped gym. There’s also a restaurant, lounge and outdoor dining terrace where breakfast is served buffet-style every morning. In the winter guests can literally ski in and out of the lodge!

If you’re looking for lodge with traditional hotel-style rooms then definitely check out the Stein Eriksen Lodge. It’s right down the road from the residences and when we drove by it looked absolutely gorgeous!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Purple Wrap Sweater | Black Leggings | Suede Booties | Sunglasses | Maroon Tote

Ok so you have 24 hours in Park City! Who do you do? Since we were coming Sun Valley, Idaho and had just spent the last week hiking, biking and horseback riding, we decided to spend our short time in Utah doing two of our favorite things: eating and drinking. Park City has an adorable downtown. Just walking around is an activity in itself! We spent the afternoon and evening browsing the local shops and had every meal at a different restaurant. I can’t imagine how cute it is here in the winter and when the streets are decorated for the holidays!

I listed out everything we did below, along with a few other activities we would’ve loved to do if we’d had more time! Guess I have a good excuse now to plan another trip…

WHAT TO DO

+ Have lunch at High West Distillery

+ Have dinner at Fletcher’s

+ Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars on Main Street

+ Explore downtown Park City

+ Grab brunch and coffee at Harvest

+ Grab a juice from Land Juicery

+ Shop at Root’d or any of the many clothing, home & foodie stores on Main Street

+ Ride the Funicular up the mountain to the St. Regis Deer Valley Bar (I’m dying to do this our next trip!)

+ Do all the outdoor things! Hiking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding– the list goes on!

The post One Day In Park City Utah appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide & Photo Diary

Katie — Tue, 03 Sep 2019 20:03:40 +0000

OUTFIT DETAILS // Topshop Cable Crewneck Sweater | Black Leggings | Booties | Fedora Hat

Never in a million years did I think my travels would take me to Sun Valley, Idaho. Prior to my trip I was honestly just completely unaware of what the state had to offer. Growing up and living on the east coast my domestic travels always have taken me south to Florida or north to New England– never west. If I was in charge of planning my own trip to one of the Mountain States, I likely would’ve chosen Colorado or Utah just because that’s all I know!

Well it’s a good thing I wasn’t in charge of planning my Pop Pop’s 80th birthday family trip because if so I never would’ve discovered beautiful Idaho. Earlier this month all of my extended family on my mom’s side made the trek out west to celebrate my Pop’s big 8-0 in the small mountain resort town of Sun Valley. It took some effort to get there– one rescheduled flight and a LONG layover in Denver– but I knew right when I was landing that this trip was going to be totally worth it. How unreal is this plane view???

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Long Sleeve Dress | Over The Knee Boots | Faux Leather Tote | Faux Pearl Headband

I want to preface this travel guide first by letting you know it’s going to be a bit more brief than ones I’ve done in the past. Why? Since this was a family trip I tried my best to put my phone down and live in the moment. This was also one of the first trips I’ve been on where I wasn’t involved in the planning (shoutout to my Aunt Jen!) and I won’t lie– it was really refreshing just going with the flow and not having to worry about any reservations. I promise it’s still worth the read though!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Off-The-Shoulder Peasant Dress | Heath Booties

OUTFIT DETAILS // Woven Crop Jumpsuit | Denim Jacket | Canvas Tote | Slide Sandals | Ray Ban Sunglasses

Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide

WHERE TO STAY

Sun Valley Lodge

My family booked a week-long stay at Sun Valley Lodge and found it to be the perfect home base for exploring the area. The town of Sun Valley and nearby Ketchum are very small and the lodge is the only large resort-style hotel in the area. It has historic roots dating back to 1936 when Sun Valley was first developed and over the years tons of famous faces have graced the resort– Clint Eastwood, JFK and Marilyn Monroe to name a few!

At Sun Valley Lodge you’ll find nearly all the amenities and activities you’d expect at any mountain resort: pools, a spa, multiple restaurants, bars and a concierge. There were a few surprises as well! The lodge also has it’s own ice skating rink and a bowling alley. No matter if you’re traveling as a couple or with your family (kiddos in tow) you’re bound to have a good time here. There’s something for everyone and the grounds are GORGEOUS.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Green Jumpsuit | Slide Sandals

OUTFIT DETAILS // Anthropologie Sherpa Vest | Textured Tunic | High-Rise Skinny Jeans | Clutch | Booties

WHERE TO EAT & DRINK

+ Konditorei- I honestly felt like I was in Europe here! Loved this Austrian-inspired coffee and brunch spot located just steps from Sun Valley Lodge. Order the waffle and schnitzel!

+ The Ram- elegant dinner spot adjacent to Sun Valley Lodge in the nearby inn. We celebrated my Pop Pop’s birthday here and it was super cozy! The restaurant first opened all the way back in 1937 and is still a town staple.

+ The Roundhouse- this lunch spot was the coolest! To get there you have to take the gondola up Bald Mountain. The views are incredible and I had an amazing lobster roll with truffle fries. I can only imagine how much fun this spot is during snow season!

+ Duchin Lounge- classy old school bar located in Sun Valley Lodge. Some nights they have live piano and jazz!

+ Cristina’s- You have to stop here for lunch! Incredible fresh prepared food with a French twist.

+ Michel’s Christiania Restaurant- upscale French restaurant in downtown Ketchum. Definitely a place to dine if you’re really looking for a special night out! We had an amazing family dinner here.

+ Grumpy’s- local dive bar and burger place. No frills at all but SO delicious!

+ Sawtooth Brewery- there are lots of great local breweries in town and we loved the vibes at this one!

+ Boho Lounge- super cool new bar in downtown Ketchum. Loved the Bohemian vibes and decor!

+ Bigwood Bread- great spot to stop for a pastry or coffee– we grabbed the best breakfast burritos here before leaving town to road trip to Utah!

+ Bigwood Bar & Grill- had a yummy family dinner here one of our first nights in town. The outdoor patio has an amazing view of the golf course and mountains!

OUTFIT DETAILS // Abercrombie Satin Midi Dress | Saint Laurent Classic Sac Du Jour Tote Bag | Sam Edelman Pumps | Anthropologie Michaela Drop Earrings

Sun Valley is one of those destinations where there’s endless things to do at any time of year. During the winter Sun Valley’s mountains and rolling hills are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. In the summer months visitors come to hike, mountain bike, fish and horseback ride. It’s really an outdoor paradise and the landscape reminded me so much of Europe! I’ve honestly never seen such beautiful hillsides and wildflowers.

OUTFIT DETAILS // Alo Yoga Sports Bra & Leggings | Abercrombie Crew Sweatshirt | Adidas UltraBoost Running Shoes

My family coordinated nearly all of our activities and excursions through the concierge at Sun Valley Lodge. They were able to set up an hour-long trail ride on horseback for us (the lodge has its own stable on site) and give us info on nearby hikes. Nick and I went off on our own one afternoon and did a four hour hike up to the top of Proctor Mountain. The entire climb was GORGEOUS. I honestly felt like I was in a movie! I would say it was moderate to hard climb, but it’s definitely do-able if you’re active and accustomed to a lot walking. We had the best time!

WHAT TO DO

+ Hiking
+ Horseback Riding
+ Fishing
+ Mountain Biking
+ Explore Downtown Ketchum
+ Skiing & Snowboarding (in the winter)
+ Skeet Shooting
+ Parasailing

OUTFIT DETAILS // Plaid Boyfriend Shirt | Patagonia Fleece Jacket | Similar Skinny Jeans | Booties | Fedora Hat

If you’re not the outdoorsy-type there’s still lots you can do in Sun Valley! Just ten minutes down the road is nearby Ketchum, which is home to most of the area’s bars, restaurants and shops. It’s a really cute area for walking around! If you stay at Sun Valley Lodge there are multiple pools for lounging and an incredible spa.

Oh what a fun trip! If Sun Valley is this beautiful in the summer, I can’t imagine how breathtaking it must look when the mountains are covered in snow! I mean, why go to Austria or Switzerland when you could just to go Idaho? I’d love to return back one day and hit the slopes! Sun Valley was such a pleasant surprise for me. Living on the East Coast it’s so tempting to always hop across the Atlantic for big trips, but my time in Idaho reminded me that sometimes you don’t have to leave your own country to find the best adventures.

The post Sun Valley Idaho Travel Guide & Photo Diary appeared first on Katie's Bliss.

New York City Rooftop Bar Guide + New J.ING Dress

Katie — Wed, 24 Jul 2019 14:43:37 +0000

We’re officially in the dog days of summer everyone! Want to know my favorite way to cool off? Throw on a J.ING dress, head to a rooftop bar and order alllll the cool refreshments. Where New York lacks in swim-able bodies of water, it makes up for in fabulous bars and eateries with incredible views. You can find a list of my favorite spots in the city in my New York Travel Guide, but since I’m always getting specifically for rooftop recommendations I figured it was only fitting to put together something more detailed.

PS don’t forget to post a photo to your Instagram Story if you end up trying any of these places– I’d love to see where you end up and re-post to my own Instagram!

DRESS DETAILS // J. ING Plaid Picnic Dress (now 30% off!)

How cute is this plaid mini dress? It’s a perfect example of the playful, romantic designs you can find from LA-based womenswear brand, J.ING. I was recently introduced to their pieces and was immediately drawn to the bold prints and feminine silhouettes. Every design finds in with a trend, yet it’s done with a twist. LOVE this ruffled peach plaid print midi dress and this cold shoulder polka dot dress. Side note: J.ING is having a BIG summer clearance sale. Lots of dress, tops, skirts and more are up to 40% off!

New York City Rooftop Bar & Restaurant Guide

SERRA BY BIRRERIA AT EATALY
Flatiron District

You can get lost inside Eataly! Not only is it a gourmet grocery store and Italian food-lovers paradise, but it has a really cool rooftop restaurant and bar. The decor changes every season– during the winter months it could be an alpine ski lodge with Christmas trees, sheepskin rugs & throws. Then in the summer you could walk in and feel like you’ve teleported to the Amalfi Coast or the Italian countryside. The vibe is really fun and upbeat so it’s a great place for groups or to take out of town visitors. WARNING: the food is NOT good. I hate to say it, but it’s the honest truth. Go for a drink at the bar and take a few photos, then head elsewhere in NoMad, Flatiron or Gramercy for a meal. Check out my New York City Travel Guide for my recommendations– a bunch of my favorite spots are right nearby!

BROKEN SHAKER AT THE FREEHAND HOTEL
Gramercy Park

We were so lucky to be able to enjoy all the bars and restaurants within the newly opened Freehand Hotel during the last few months we lived in Manhattan. Brooken Shaker is the hotel’s tropical-themed rooftop bar and a great spot to hit up if you’re looking for trendy boho vibes without the pretentiousness. It can get crowded on popular nights and there is a line with a doorman so I’d recommend arriving early or making a reservation.Nick and I always would do a grandparent’s happy hour at like 3PM on a Saturday afternoon and never had to wait

THE ROOFTOP AT TIME OUT MARKET
Dumbo

Nick and I had the best time exploring the new Time Out Market in Dumbo a few weeks ago. The format is very similar to the Chelsea Market. There’s a food hall with pop-up eateries from Jacob’s Pickles, DO and David Burke Tavern, among others; along with lots of stores like J. Crew and West Elm. It’s a really fun place to explore and walk around anytime of year, but if it’s a nice day you HAVE to head to the rooftop. There you’ll find a bar, a few more foodies spots and the most incredible view of the Brooklyn Bride and Manhattan skyline. The night we went there was even live music!

image via Roof At Park South

ROOF AT PARK SOUTH
Gramercy Park

This was another one of our favorite rooftop bars near our old neighborhood! The Roof At Park South is such a hidden gem. There’s an incredible view of the Chrysler Building, the line is never that long and the small bits are just as yummy as the cocktails.

image via The Refinery Hotel

REFINERY ROOFTOP AT THE REFINERY HOTEL
Midtown West

If you work in Midtown or looking for a chic drink spot in a central location, then you need to check out the Refinery Rooftop. It’s a large space so I’d recommend it if you’re going with a group or your work crowd. The cocktails are yummy and there’s a big food menu too!

image via am NY

MR. PURPLE
Lower East Side

Mr. Purple is THE rooftop bar to go to in the Lower East Side. It’s chic, trendy and there’s a pool! It is a hot spot so I’d be prepared to wait in a line, but the view is worth it and the vibe is so fun!

image via The Aviary

THE AVIARY AT THE MANDARIN ORIENTAL
Midtown West / Upper West Side

The Aviary technically isn’t a “rooftop” bar butttt I decided to include it because 1) the view is sick and 2) the cocktails are unforgettable. Nick took me here a few months ago and we still talk about our drinks! Every cocktail is its own distinct concoction and served in a manner so creative and interactive that I don’t even know how to describe it in words. It’s the kind of bar you go to for a special occasion or if you’re looking to impress the parents or out of town guests. Just make sure you make a reservation AND be prepared to pay. It’s very expensive (worth it though!!!)

image via @Carlyahill

SUMMERLY AT THE HOXTON HOTEL
Williamsburg

So I’ll admit I haven’t been here (yet) but my best gal Carly told me I had to include Summerly on this list! She’s the first person I text anytime I need a recommendation so I trust her opinion like no one else– she’s never failed me! The description on the website is enough to convince me to head there asap: “Summerly’s panoramic rooftop brings East Coast summer vibes to the heart of Williamsburg—think lobster rolls, dreamy cocktails and rosé aplenty.”

Big thank you to J.ING for sponsoring this post!

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