Author: Alyssa

Destinations, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA, Washington, D.C.

Traveling Light: A Summer Packing List for Washington, D.C.

Alyssa walks in front of The Darcy wearing a white crop top and green linen pants

I said it in my last post and I’ll say it again: Summer is my least favorite time to visit Washington, D.C. Why? It’s hot, it’s humid, and it’s crowded. Looking for more packing list inspiration? Check out my packing lists by season: Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter (I feel like I just …

Destinations, Travel, USA, Washington, D.C.

Travel Diary: A Summer Weekend in Washington, D.C.

A partially broken sign at Union Market in DC

As a travel blogger, it’s difficult to disentangle what parts of travel feel like work and which parts feel like leisure—not that I’m complaining. It’s just that sometimes the distinction is clear, like when I’m working with a local tourism board or visiting family—but other times, like a recent visit to Washington, D.C., it’s a …

Style, Travel, Travel Products, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

Travel in Style: Top Labor Day Weekend Sales You Can’t Miss

Alyssa wears wool houndstooth pants with a crop top

For many, Labor Day Weekend marks not just the end of Summer, but the end of the travel season as a whole. But if you’ve learned anything after reading this blog over the past seven years, I hope it’s that a little thing like returning to school or work doesn’t have to stop you from …

Destinations, Travel, Travel Tips, USA, Washington, D.C.

Wellness on the Go: A Review of Mobile Massage With Soothe

A massage table is set up in a hotel room for a Soothe appointment

Have you noticed it too? The ache in your neck or the new way your knees crack at the end of a busy travel day, fatigue striking far earlier than it used to? I’ve talked about it before, how my current trips move at a slightly slower pace in this decade of my life than …

Destinations, New York, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Packing List for Buffalo, New York (in a backpack!)

Alyssa stands on the steps of the Buffalo AKG Museum

I recently spent a summer weekend in Buffalo, New York, and it was glorious. No, not in the typical sunshiny way (in fact, the sun rarely made an appearance), but because summers in Buffalo are comfortable affairs with highs only occasionally crossing the 80°F mark. Coming from muggy, sticky Charlotte (and having recently visited other …

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

From One Queen City to Another: The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Buffalo, New York

Alyssa waves her arms in front of the Keep Buffalo a Secret Mural

With bare-bones service and high add-on fees, most people wouldn’t be as thrilled about the launch of a new budget airline route as I am—but because I live in Charlotte, where American Airlines controls 90% of flights and charges significantly higher fares as a result of their monopoly, I relish every alternative we get. Back …

Canada, Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

Niagara Falls Day Trip Guide (Beyond the Tourist Traps!)

Alyssa looks out at Horseshoe Falls

Picture this: breathtaking, roaring waterfalls surrounded by nature’s lush greenery… …and right next to it, a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course, a wax museum, and a haunted house. This somewhat jarring combination is the reality in Niagara Falls, Canada. Over the decades, this iconic natural wonder has been overshadowed by chain restaurants, kitschy shops, and cheesy attractions. …

Destinations, Food, New York, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

10 Essential Restaurants in Buffalo, New York

Alyssa walks in front of the Duffs sign in Buffalo

“Are you going to eat some wings?” I’m usually a pretty patient person, but even I grew tired of hearing this question repeatedly before a recent trip to Buffalo, New York (I can’t imagine how locals must feel!). Yes, of course I was planning on eating some wings in Buffalo, but my food itinerary (the …

Charlotte, Destinations, Food, North Carolina, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

Start Your Day at These 15 Essential Charlotte Coffee Shops

A coffee cup that reads "Charlotte Born and Roasted" on the sleeve

Most days, you’ll find me brewing my morning coffee at home with my Chemex. However, there are times when I like to treat myself—or, more likely, find myself in need of an emergency coffee while out and about. As I stand in line, I often think, “Why spend $6 on a coffee in my home …

Home Try On + In-Depth Style Reviews, Style

Effortless Summer Style: An Honest Review of Universal Standard’s Size-Inclusive Linen

Alyssa wears a Coastal linen suit from Universal Standard

Once upon a time, it seems—at least to me—that linen was linen. Visit any thrift store with a decent amount of linen from 15+ years ago, and I suspect much of it will feel the same, regardless of the brand: cool, crisp, and dense. And if you’re lucky, it will also feel soft, because its …