Travel Gift Ideas & Guides

Looking for the perfect gifts for travel lovers? Explore clever, fun, and practical ideas for world travelers, frequent flyers, and family adventurers. These curated gift guides feature must-have travel gear, inspiring books, and the latest travel tech. Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or treating yourself, you’ll find unique and thoughtful options for anyone dreaming of their next destination.

Prefer to shop directly? Browse my favorite travel essentials and book recommendations on Amazon or Bookshop.org!

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About Me

Welcome to Gather and Go Travel, a blog inspiring families, adult friends, and couples to explore US and international destinations and to get outdoors. I am Janice, a world traveler to 50+ countries, a travel writer/blogger, and a book lover. Learn more about me, read our story, and how to work with me. Get my latest updates, how-tos, and trip ideas in my monthly Discovery Newsletter.

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Oct 25

50 16

Ever tried this? I gave in to the trend and asked ChatGPT, ‘What’s something you know about me that I don’t know about myself, based on our previous conversations?’

Despite my initial skepticism, I was genuinely moved by the response.

Swipe to see what it had to say—it gave me a thoughtful perspective on the “why” and “how” of my work.

If you’ve tried it, what do you think? Did you get something similar? Or entirely different?

Here’s to staying a trusted voice and blending personal stories with expert insights.🍻

#travel #travellover #chatgptprompts #insights #seetheworld

Oct 23

44 8

Because 🇫🇷👇

✨ The best things to do in Paris are free ✨

Wandering the beautiful streets of Paris is hands-down the best thing to do in this City of Light. Not only because it is a feast for the senses but because it is absolutely free.

And the things that aren’t free? A leisurely drink at a café for people-watching, a riverside picnic in the Square du Vert-Galant, or a metro ride to explore more—are all wonderfully affordable.

📸in this clip:

1️⃣ Rue de la Huchette
2️⃣ Café Saint Victor
3️⃣ The Seine / Pont au Double
4️⃣ Fontaine Saint-Michel
5️⃣ Pont de Bir-Hakeim
6️⃣ Port Debilly
7️⃣ Rue des Rosiers
8️⃣ Grande Arche de la Défense
9️⃣ Voie Georges Pompidou

During my seventh visit to Paris, I found myself, yet again, enchanted by the city’s endless charm. No matter how many times I stroll through its arrondissements, there’s always something new—another stunning bridge, a tucked-away courtyard, a narrow cobblestone street, or magnificent architecture.

What makes you love Paris?

#paris #parisfrance #pariswithlove #explorewithme #letsgoeverywhere #parislover

Oct 21

60 31

🌍 My #1 tip for finding the perfect vacation photographer👇

✨ Hashtag searches on Instagram ✨

When planning our family photo shoot for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, I searched terms like #parisphotographer and #parisphotography. That’s how I found @theparisphotographer and booked a session with @odrida.in.paris, one of their talented photographers with experience in family shoots—sharing a few of my (family-approved) 📸favorites.

I’ve done this before, too! In Malta, a hashtag search led me to Danielle Cassar, whose style I loved for capturing Valletta’s ancient beauty. For Italy, I found Andrea Gallucci on the Amalfi Coast and booked directly with him, too.

When Instagram doesn’t deliver, here are 3 other ways to lock in a local photographer for your trip:

1️⃣ Check agent booking sites like Airbnb Experiences, Flytographer, or Localgrapher (though I prefer direct booking direct whenever possible).

2️⃣ Search “Hire a photographer in (your destination)” via Google or AI.

3️⃣ Ask fellow travelers, your hotel, or local guides for recommendations.

Then, once you have your photographer booked, pair this with my #1 insider tip for a fail-safe photoshoot👇

Avoid my mistake on the Amalfi Coast, and book your shoot for the first day you can. That way, if the weather doesn’t cooperate (like our rainy last day on the Amalfi Coast), you’ll have time to reschedule. Trust me, you’ll be grateful!

📸 For more info, check out my article “Find & Book the Best Photographer,” where I share 8 key recs to make your vacation photoshoot stress-free and unforgettable. Search “Gather and Go photographer” via Google to read it.

PS. Although my love language is more laughter than romance, even I couldn’t resist a “kiss” photo in front of the Eiffel Tower. Check out the last pic to see what I mean. Would you pose for this kind of photo?

📸 by: @odrida.in.paris (Thank you, Odrida!)

#traveltips #vacationphotoshoot #travelphotography #paris #parisphotographer #familytravel

Oct 17

50 12

Photos by ⬇️

During our trip to Paris for the Olympics this summer, we had the chance to book a family photo session with @theparisphotographer, and @odrida_ was our talented photographer.📸

We started at the iconic Bir Hakeim bridge and continued to the peaceful Port Debilly, capturing both family and individual moments with beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower. Despite visiting Paris several times, these were hidden gems for us—stunning backdrops with no overwhelming crowds! I couldn’t be happier with how the photos turned out.

Thank you, Odrida and The Paris Photographer!❤️📸

#paris #parisphotography #eiffeltower #birhakeim #parisphotographer

Oct 16

85 14

🍁Insider’s guide: the perfect Saugatuck, MI fall weekend🍁

For the past decade, our family has made this riverside gem on Michigan’s west coast our go-to fall escape—first with toddlers, now teens—traveling from Chicago to soak in the best Saugatuck offers.

Here’s our perfect fall weekend itinerary:

FRIDAY:

🏡Check-in at @holidayhill_saugatuck, our top pick for family-friendly amenities, service, and views

📋Get on The Southerner’s waitlist and head over for Southern comfort classics: fried chicken, biscuits, and all the sides🍗

SATURDAY:

🌅Start with a peaceful sunrise over the river and coffee from locally-based @uncommoncoffeeroasters complimentarily provided by Holiday Hill

🚶‍♀️Take a morning walk along Lakeshore Drive and down to Douglas Beach for stunning lake views

⏰ (Wake the kids!) Head to brunch at Pennyroyal Café

🎨Then, stroll downtown for shop-hopping and gallery-browsing

🥾Hit the trails! Choose from Mount Baldhead, Crow’s Nest, or Saugatuck Dunes for a short, scenic hike (aka optional downtime for the teens)

🍹 Pre-dinner drinks at the BARge for more riverfront views before dining at one of our faves: The Southerner, Pennyroyal, Phil’s, Saugatuck Brewing, or others*

SUNDAY:

🌄After check-out, grab breakfast at Ida Reds (our favorite spot for homemade muffins)

🚶‍♀️Enjoy one last riverside stroll while waiting for our Ida Reds table—start at Ship & Shore and wander south to Coghlin Park

🍎Wrap it up with a trip to Cranes Orchard in Fennville for apple picking before heading home.

⭐️Which spot from our Saugatuck favorites is calling your name? 📸 We’ve got pics from each of these gems—tap to see them all!

🍷*Want more Saugatuck foodie tips? Google “Gather and Go Saugatuck restaurants” for our must-try eats list.

#saugatuck #saugatuckmi #michigan #puremichigan #lakemichigan

Oct 11

22 8

The details⬇️

Here are 8 Michigan orchards perfect for an apple-picking day trip or fall weekend getaway—all within 2.5 hours of Chicago. 🍎🍁

🌳 Crane Orchards – Fennville, MI
Family-friendly with u-pick apples, corn mazes, and hayrides. (2 hrs 15 min) Featured in this clip!

🌻 Twin Maple Orchards – Galien, MI
Small and laid-back, featuring u-pick apples, sunflowers, pumpkins, and a corn maze. (1 hr 30 min)

🍩 Lehman’s Orchard – Niles, MI
Cozy orchard with u-pick apples, berries, and famous cider donuts. (1 hr 40 min)

🍇 The Shafer Farm – Baroda, MI
U-pick apples and grapes, plus weekend apple cider donuts. (1 hr 40 min)

🏞️ Stover’s Farm Market & U-Pic – Berrien Springs, MI
U-pick apples and a charming market with farm-fresh produce. (1 hr 45 min)

🎃 Jollay Orchards – Coloma, MI
Scenic orchard with u-pick apples, pumpkins, hayrides, and a haunted house. (1 hr 50 min)

🌊 Overhiser Orchards – South Haven, MI
U-pick apples, corn maze, petting zoo, and close to Lake Michigan. (2 hrs 10 min)

🍂 Schultz Fruitridge Farms – Mattawan, MI
U-pick apples and those must-have cider donuts. (2 hrs 15 min)

Before you go tips:

🔗 Check the orchard’s website or social media for hours, available apple varieties, and special events!

🚶‍♂️ Pair apple picking with a dune hike, beach visit, or exploring local towns like New Buffalo, Benton Harbor, South Haven, or Saugatuck. Don’t miss trails at Warren Dunes State Park!

Would you make apple picking a day trip or a weekend getaway?

#michigan #puremichigan #applepicking #appleorchard #michiganoutdoors

Oct 10

92 12

Here’s what sold me⬇️

🏡✨ Looking for a hidden gem for your next Michigan getaway? Let me introduce you to @holidayhill_saugatuck in Saugatuck—a family-run oasis with only 7 units perched high above the Kalamazoo River.

Here’s why this spot has won me over not once, but twice:

The first time I stayed, we booked a cozy one-bedroom unit, loving the full kitchen, laid-back pool vibes, and its serene river views. But the second time—Nick, the managing owner, invited us back for a hosted stay at the Hilltop House. Four bedrooms, multiple decks, and views of the river, pool, or forest from every room—it was perfect. 🏞️🌳

What really sets Holiday Hill apart?

✨ Unbeatable views: Whether from the shared patio, the Hilltop House, or the Penthouse (unit 703), the sunrise over the river is perfect.

✨ Family-friendly fun: Kids are welcome, and the pool stays open as long as the weather stays warm.

✨ Ideal for gatherings: The 7 units (with full kitchens!) can host up to 22 adults in 11 private bedrooms—perfect for multi-family getaways or retreats.

✨ Next-door to nature: You’re walking distance to three amazing hiking trails and Oval Beach. 🌲🏖️

Bonus: From Memorial Day to Labor Day, hop on the Chain Ferry to cross the river into downtown Saugatuck. Otherwise, it’s a quick 10-minute drive around Lake Kalamazoo.

A couple of things to note: Holiday Hill is seasonal (open May-October) and is situated on a steep hill, so it’s not ideal for those with limited mobility. However Nick, whose family has owned the property since the 1940s, is super transparent about the details on his website (FAQ page).

Looking for a quiet spot to recharge? September is your month—fewer crowds, gorgeous weather, and lower rates! 🌅

#saugatuckmi #saugatuckmichigan #puremichigan #michigan #lakemichigan #fallgetaway #familytravel

Oct 9

26 11

Where to find this hike👇

The 2.6-mile Crow’s Nest Loop Trail in Tallmadge Woods, Saugatuck, Michigan, is a peaceful hike through sandy forest paths atop a dune, with incredible views of Ox-Bow Lake and Lake Michigan. While we hiked in the afternoon, it’s a perfect spot to catch a sunset.🌅

🥾🌳Here’s how to find it: From Saugatuck, drive 10 minutes around Lake Kalamazoo and park at the public lot at Mount Baldhead. From there, it’s a ½-mile walk to the trailhead along quiet Park Street, paralleling the Kalamazoo River, until the road narrows and curves uphill to the trailhead.

If you’d rather avoid the walk on Park Street, drive up the curving narrow road (room for one vehicle; uphill traffic must reverse for downhill cars) to the Ox-Bow Artist’s Residency gravel lot just past the trailhead. Though the signage says parking is for guests only and they will tow, the official Saugatuck visitor’s site indicates you can park here for the hike. We did, and our car was fine!🚗

For more hiking, pair this trail with a trek up nearby Mount Baldhead or explore the paths in Saugatuck Harbor Natural Area. Both are great options for hiking and have terrific views.

And consider staying at @holidayhill_saugatuck, just around the corner from all three trails. This 7-unit hilltop resort, open seasonally from May to October, offers a pool and lovely Kalamazoo River views. We booked a room here last summer because I love staying by the water. And were recently invited back for a hosted stay. More details on that are coming soon!

➡️Want more Saugatuck tips?
1. Google search “gather and go Saugatuck to do”
2. Comment “guide,” and I’ll send you a link.
3. Click the link in my bio for more Saugatuck articles.

Would you park close to the trail at the iffy lot or walk the extra half mile?

#michigan #saugatuckmichigan #puremichigan #midwest #hiking #lakemichigan

Oct 4

59 10

Meet Michelle @sandmanntravels ! Welcome back to this Friday series featuring Q&As with fellow travelers on @gatherandgotravel.

📍About Michelle

Michelle is based in Maine and is a marine scientist during the 9-5, working in the renewable energy industry. She travels as much as possible, usually seeking epic outdoor adventures. She is always nerding out over itinerary planning, and is either planning a road trip in her RV with husband and two rescue dogs, or the next international bucket list trip.

📝Q: What are you most passionate about sharing with your audience?

I am most passionate about inspiring others to travel as much as they possibly can. There are countless free resources available that can help maximize budget and PTO, demonstrating that it’s possible to see the world. I believe travel is crucial for self-development and growth, and I want everyone to experience its transformative power.

📝Q: What inspired your love of travel?

Growing up, my family didn’t travel much, and studying abroad in college seemed out of reach due to the extra expense. However, I took a ‘travel course’ to Belize during my junior year—a semester-long course with a 2-week trip during winter break. I was hooked and took a second travel course to Panama, solidifying my passion for exploration. Visiting remote areas in these countries showed me that travel isn’t just about cities, hotels, and fancy meals, but about meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.

📝Q: What resource is your first stop when planning any new trip?

Choosing just one is so hard! I always have so many tabs open when I start planning a trip! But I always recommend going to blogs when first planning a new trip or deciding where to go. After reading a few articles you can get a much better sense of the cost of the destination, how to get there, top things to do, and how long you need in that place.

➡️Follow Michelle’s adventures @sandmanntravels. Check today’s stories for more info!

#traveler #travel #exploremore #wanderlust #exploretheworld #travelplanning #travelmorespendless #budgettravel

Oct 3

25 7

What else to know⬇️

The Google Hotels ‘When to visit’ feature is desktop-only. It shows average temps, crowds, and pricing for nearly any destination. Just copy/paste this link into your browser: https://google.com/travel/hotels to use it.

Then, there’s @sunheron, my favorite! You can use it on mobile or desktop and it gives you rainfall, daylight hours, water temps, and even humidity info for any location, any month. US users, toggle to Fahrenheit or use a quick converter!

Before finding these tools, I spent too much time trying to find monthly weather patterns for destinations—often ending up on unhelpful or sketchy sites. Use these and plan smarter. ✈️

Which one will you try first: Google Hotels or Sunheron? 🤔 Let me know!

➡️I’m Janice, and I’ve traveled to 50+ countries. Follow me for more travel tips like this! 🌍✨

#traveltips #travelplanner #travelplanning #travelhacks #wanderlust #exploremore #exploretheworld

Oct 1

24 9

⬇️1-mile adventure packed with steps, dunes, and beach vibes:

Just west of Saugatuck, Michigan, Mount Baldhead offers a quick yet satisfying 1-mile out-and-back journey from the Kalamazoo River to the shores of Lake Michigan:

🚗Park for free at the Mount Baldhead Park gravel lot.

🥾Tackle 303 wooden steps to the summit, where a peek-a-boo view of Saugatuck and Lake Kalamazoo awaits (plus a Cold War-era radar station!).

☀️Descend the sandy dune path and soak up some sun at the stunning Oval Beach.

⭐️Retrace your steps for a perfect mini-adventure!

💻Want the full trail guide? Here’s how to get it:
1. Google “gather and go Mount Baldhead.”
2. Hit the link in my bio.
3. Drop a “guide” in the comments, and I’ll DM it to you!

What fall hikes are on your list? 🍂👟

#puremichigan #hikemichigan #beachhike #saugatuckmichigan #midwesttravel

Sep 27

70 24

You may not know this⬇️

Along with being a travel-loving couple, ready for adventure and willing to say YES! to any (ok, most) trips, we are avid home cooks🍳. We try out recipes from around the world. I can make a mean homemade pie with a lattice crust🥧. My husband is a serious hobbyist when it comes to baking bread and smoking meat.

In this first pic, I’m holding a wok and coconut husk cooking tool we bought and carried back from Thailand. And, wearing an apron with etchings of Parisian bistros, a $20 beloved souvenir bought on our recent Paris trip.

Given all this, it is no surprise that we love dining out when we travel. We rarely go for fine dining (because, budget) or fuss with advanced and rigid reservations. Instead we seek out low-key gems that exceed expectations and execute with passion and flavor.

This is one of the reasons I share so much about the town of Saugatuck, Michigan. For such a small community, by no means would anyone expect it to be at the forefront of such stellar farm-to-table dining options, but it is. And it is one of the many reasons we keep returning. And why I just published a guide to our favorite restaurants in the area.

➡️To see it, you can:

1. Google “gather and go Saugatuck restaurants”
2. Click my linkinbio
3. Comment “guide” below, and I’ll DM it to you

📸All photos that follow are of Saugatuck, Michigan, meals, and restaurants.

🍽️Where would you return (or recommend) just for the food? Inquiring minds and hungry bellies want to know!

#culinarytravel #saugatuckmichigan #saugatuck #puremichigan #traveler

Sep 25

40 10

My #1 hotel booking hack you can’t do on mobile⚡️

Want to speed up your travel planning? Use Google Hotels’ “Where to Stay” feature (desktop only!) to instantly find the best neighborhoods in any city! 🌍

It’s a game-changer. Simply copy/paste this link into your browser: https://google.com/travel/hotels

In less than a minute, you’ll see a breakdown of each area for any medium to major city, including location scores, top attractions, and average hotel prices—whether you’re headed to Paris or anywhere else. 🏙️ From Le Marais to Saint-Germain, you’ll know exactly where to book.

Have you used this feature? I use it nearly every time I travel, including recently for places like Paris, Boston, Palm Springs, and Reykjavik.

➡️I’m Janice, and I’ve traveled to 50+ countries. Follow me for more travel tips, hidden gems, and expert advice for planning your next adventure! 🌟

#travelhacks #wheretostay #traveltips #citytrip #travel

Sep 23

20 10

Your fall🍂 trip starts here: where to fly✈️ and stay⬇️

Highlighting 6 favorite places to go leaf peeping in the north, east, and south US, their closest airports, and 🏨hotels with actual availability the 3rd weekend in October (as of today, 9/22!).

1. Bar Harbor & Acadia Nat’l Park, Maine: Fly into Bangor (BGR). Drive an hour east to Bar Harbor. Stay at the waterfront Bayview Hotel.

2. Burlington, Vermont: Fly into Burlington (BTV). Drive 1 hr and 20 minutes to stay at the Blueberry Hill Inn in the heart of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, with hiking trails out the front door.

3. Asheville, North Carolina. Fly into Asheville (AVL). Stay in town at the Kimpton Hotel Arras. Or stay a little less central but save some money at the Hilton Garden Inn, which has a rooftop bar with a great view.

4. Greenville, South Carolina. Fly into Greenville (GSP). Stay in the heart of town at the gorgeous Grand Bohemian Lodge in Falls Park. Or save some travel funds and keep within walking distance and stay at the Hyatt Place Greenville Downtown.

5. Saugatuck, Michigan: Fly into Grand Rapids (GRR). Drive 45 minutes to Saugatuck. Stay at Holiday Hill Resort (family-friendly) on the opposite side of the river with great river views. Or in town, at the Wickwood Inn (adults-only).

6. Door County, Wisconsin. Fly into Green Bay (GRB). Drive 1 hour and 10 minutes to stay at Bay Point Inn in Egg Harbor.

Bonus: Chicago friends, we have direct flights (or you can drive) to ALL of the above. Round-trip tickets range from $259 to 750+.

Want a destination guide to any of the above? Comment “fall” with where you want to go, and I’ll DM you a guide.

🍁Where are you headed this fall?

📸: Walking down to Douglas Park Beach near Saugatuck, MI, last October.

#fall #fallgetaway #leafpeeping #acadianationalpark #vermont #asheville #greenvillesc #saugatuck #doorcounty

Sep 20

32 13

Meet Emma and Steffan @inwanderment! Welcome back to this Friday series featuring Q&As with fellow travelers on @gatherandgotravel.

📍About Emma & Steffan

We are a husband and wife from the UK, passionate about photography, nature and the outdoors! We are currently slow travelling in Asia, exploring beautiful landscapes, volunteering for organisations we connect with, and trying hard to build our photography blog to help others with their photography journey. As well as photography and travel, we love animals, hiking and food but not in that order!

📝Q: What is your favorite type of travel?

We favour slow travel, prioritizing outdoor experiences as landscape photographers. We spend at least a month in each region to deeply understand it, exploring local hikes, making friends, and immersing ourselves in the culture. This enriches our connection with each place, giving our travels much more meaning. We also love volunteering during our travels to contribute to communities and causes.

📝Q: What are you most passionate about sharing with your audience?

We are passionate about sharing beautiful places off the main tourist track. With the hope to inspire more people to explore more than just the usual tourist bucket list destinations. We love sharing knowledge on how to get somewhere, the little details that make a real difference to your trip, and real honest accounts of our experiences.

📝Q: What photography tips do you have for beginners to improve their skills?

The best camera you own is the one you have with you. So be sure to take your camera everywhere you go to practice as much as possible. When learning photography, you will make many mistakes; learning from them is how you will improve. Shooting in manual mode will give you more control over the outcome of your photos. So our tips are to learn to shoot manual, shoot often, and learn from your mistakes.

Follow Emma & Steven’s adventures @inwanderment. Check today’s stories for more info!

#travel #traveler #outdoors #travelphotogaphy #slowtravel #travelcouple

Sep 19

19 4

Did you catch which year we missed? 😅

Cheers to 10 years of memorable meals at @thesouthernermi! 🎉 We’ve been fans since day 1 in 2015 (❤️🐓) on our first fall visit to Saugatuck, Michigan. It’s been love at first Southern bite ever since!

Here’s what we like to eat on repeat:

🍗 Nashville Hot Fried Chicken
🍤 Shrimp & Grits (Southern comfort at its finest)
🧀 Mac & Cheese (yum!)
🥬 Collard Greens (so savory)
🍞 Biscuits & Honey Butter (we dream about these)
🥒 House Butter Pickles (yes, you need ‘em)

Tips for first-timers:

✨ They don’t take reservations, so expect a wait—worth it! Grab a cocktail or local brew from the takeout window and sip on an outdoor table. We love playing cards while we wait ♠️♥️

✨ Want to beat the line? Check their website before you head out. If the waitlist is open, put your name in and cut down your wait time. 🙌

🍻Spread the dining-out love! Share a favorite restaurant everyone should know about in the comments.

#foodiefavorites #eatlocal #saugatuck #puremichigan #michigan

Sep 17

58 21

Ever been to a place and instantly fallen in love? This happened to me the moment I set foot in Greenville, SC. 🌿✨

On a recent girls’ getaway to Lake Keowee, SC, with my friend Juli (@celebrateandexplore), we decided to take a day trip to Greenville—just an hour away. Strolling through Falls Park on the Reedy, I knew right away this city had the perfect mix of outdoor adventure, arts, culture, and incredible food, making it ideal for a weekend escape.

Swipe through to see some of my favorite moments from our visit (believe me, you’ll want to add this to your travel list). Bonus: Chicago friends, Greenville has direct flights from home! ✈️

Oh, and if you’re looking for a fall getaway, Juli, who lives in Atlanta, says “Fall for Greenville” (Oct 11-13) is a must—a 3-day food and music fest with 80 bands and 60 restaurants. Who’s in?! 🍂🎶

Here’s what we did on our day visit:

🥾Explore Falls Park on the Reedy.
🎨While walking, we stopped to shop the artists' studios at the Art Crossing at Riverplace next to Halls Chophouse.
🏨Stepped in to admire the gorgeous lobby and balcony views at the Grand Bohemian Lodge over Falls Park and the river below.
🌮Lunch on the outside patio at Papi’s Tacos on Augusta.
🛍️Shopping at independent boutiques and stores along Augusta & Main.
🛍️🛍️Then more shopping, a short drive (7 min) to Muse Shoe Studio & Twill.
🍸Rooftop cocktails and small plates at Juniper atop the AC Hotel.

It was a great day.💛💖

What destination has stolen your heart recently? 💛

P.S. That last pic is Juli and me on our rainy day trip to the Highlands, NC.

#GreenvilleSC #fallspark #girlsgetaway #travelinspo #exploremore #southcarolina #discoversc

Sep 16

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This charming Southern town has it all!⬇️

While on a girl’s trip to western SC, we spent an afternoon visiting Greenville.

It was the second (third?) visit for Juli @celebrateandexplore, who lives in Atlanta. And the first visit for me @gatherandgotravel, based in Chicago. In the Blue Ridge Mountains, just over an hour from Asheville and two hours from Atlanta, we loved its natural beauty, small-scale urban appeal, and foodie scene.

Here’s what we did on a day visit:

🥾Visit Falls Park on the Reedy to walk its 1.0-mile forested and pretty waterfall loop path that crisscrosses multiple bridges, including the iconic Liberty Bridge, in the heart of downtown Greenville.

🎨While walking, we stopped to shop at the art galleries next to Halls Chophouse and the Grand Bohemian Lodge to admire its impressive hotel lobby, balcony views, and gallery.

🌮To fuel up post-walk, we stopped by Papi’s Tacos for tasty street tacos on their spacious outdoor patio—Juli got the Al Pastor, and I got the Carnitas.

🛍️Next, we shopped at some of Greenville’s seriously stylish boutiques. We visited Augusta Twenty for contemporary fashion-forward labels, Copper Penny for modern Southern chic, and Vintage Now Modern for heritage-style home decor.

🍸To end our day on a literal high note, we headed to Juniper atop the AC Hotel 🌅. With panoramic views of the city skyline, craft cocktails, and small plates, it was the perfect rooftop spot to sip, relax, and reflect on a perfect day in Greenville. And wonder when we can make it back!

What else can you do in Greenville?

🚲Explore Swamp Rabbit Trail, a 22-mile multi-use greenway.

🥾Hike in nearby state parks like Paris Mountain (15 min drive) and Caesars Head (1 hour drive).

🍁Return for seasonal festivals like Fall for Greenville (October), an annual food and music fest. Or the Artisphere (May ), a premier art fest, or the Euphoria Food, Wine, and Music Festival (September).

Have you been to Greenville? What are your favorites?

#greenvillesc #daytrip #fallspark #exploresc #weekendvibes #travelwithme #discovergreenville

Sep 15

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It wasn’t our original plan⬇️

Non-stop rain on the first day of our weekend girls’ getaway to Lake Keowee in South Carolina made us abandon plan A and activate plan B—driving an hour north to spend the afternoon in the Highlands, North Carolina, a charming upscale mountain town.

Bringing raincoats, umbrellas, and waterproof shoes, we drove along a winding, forested, misty mountain road to enjoy pub and mountain dining, shopping, and exploring.

Here’s what we did:

🍺Lunch: Ugly Dog Public House, warm up with a beer and refresh with a Cobb salad

🕯️Shopping: Stick Candles on S. 4th, Spartina, Bear Mountain Outfitters, Bardo 49, and more on Main Street.

🍷Dinner: The Orchard Restaurant for upscale Southern mountain fare in nearby Cashiers on our drive back.

☀️If we had more daylight (we wanted to drive down the mountain before dark), we would have:

💦Stopped at Dry Falls—3.5 miles northwest of the Highlands, just off US-64. Park and view from an accessible platform. Or follow the path a short distance to walk behind the 75-foot waterfall.

🥾Hiked to Sunset Rock—from Ravenel Park, a 1.4-mile out-and-back hike up to a wide, flat granite outcrop with an expansive, unobstructed view of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Ready for a Highlands visit?

#HighlandsNC #RainyDay #NCmountains #ExploreNC #girlstrips

Sep 14

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Was it worth the drive? Verdict⬇️

I’m a travel writer and blogger from Chicago @gatherandgotravel. Juli @celebrateandexplore is a boutique travel advisor from Atlanta. Our verdict?

A finger-licking yes. 🙌 Get in your vehicle and drive because I may have eaten the best, most tender beef brisket I’ve ever had.

Here’s what we ate and what we liked most:
⭐️Brisket and ribs combo plate
⭐️Pork and chopped chicken combo plate
⭐️Sweet potato crunch
⭐️Fried okra
⭐️Jalapeno cheese grits
⭐️Peach cobbler
⭐️Pork rinds
⭐️4 kinds of sauces

The best? The brisket, sweet potato crunch, and fried okra—these were the hands-down 5-star explode-in-your-mouth winners.

The @the_smokinpig has 3 locations in the northwest corner of South Carolina in Pendelton (~2-hour drive from Atlanta), Easley, and Anderson.

How far would you drive for good BBQ?

#southcarolina #discoversc #bbq #bbqlovers #girlstrip

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