Category: USA

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

The Complete Weekend Travel Guide to Rochester, New York

Alyssa in front of the Frederick Douglass–Susan B. Anthony Memorial Bridge in Rochester

Something I found fascinating when telling friends and family we were heading to Rochester for the weekend was that everyone had a different immediate response: “Eastman Kodak!” “Wineries!” “Garbage Plates!” “Susan B. Anthony!” “Video Games!” It will never get old to me that people’s first reaction to simply hearing the name of a destination is …

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

8 Essential Restaurants in Rochester, New York

Exterior of Vern's in Rochester

Look, I love an iconic meal as much as anyone else – bagels in NYC, pasta in Italy, tacos in Austin, stroopwafels in Amsterdam, far too much fish in Denmark, barbecue in Memphis… Those meals are popular for a reason and they wind up being a large part of the visitor experience. I’m happy to …

Destinations, New York, Travel, USA

From Scrabble to Suffrage: Four Rochester Museums You Just Can’t Miss

Alyssa peers at photos in an exhibit at the George Eastman Museum

Welcome to Rochester, New York: a city steeped in culture and history. There’s no better way to discover the elements that have shaped the city’s identity than by exploring its captivating museums. From the world’s oldest photography museum to the largest collection of play artifacts, Rochester offers an eclectic array of experiences for visitors of …

Destinations, Michigan, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: Packing List for Detroit, Michigan (in a backpack!)

Alyssa stands on the steps of Hitsville USA

Heading to Detroit? Today I’m sharing my backpack-only packing list for a weekend in the Motor City. Once upon a time, I traveled primarily with a carry-on suitcase – a fact that seemed to boggle people’s minds: “You travel with just a carry-on? I could never do that. My shoes could fill a carry-on all …

Destinations, Michigan, Travel, USA

Meeting Motor City: An Introductory Weekend Travel Guide for Detroit, Michigan

Art. Architecture. Industry. Music. Those are just a few of the reasons visitors choose to make a trip to Detroit, Michigan. They were mine, too – but each was merely a cherry on top of the real reason I was there: Pizza. Specifically, pizza for Michael, as it was his birthday and the man wanted …

Destinations, Food, Michigan, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

Deep-Dish and Delish: Three Detroit Pizza Places You Need to Try

Alyssa stands in front of a tomato sauce colored wall

I love all kinds of pizza: a hearty NY slice, an oozing Chicago Deep-Dish, a bubbly and charred Neapolitan pie, a priced-by-weight and cut-with-scissors square of Roman pizza. But the pizza style that is most nostalgic to me, and probably closest to my heart, is Detroit-style – despite never stepping foot in the city until …

Charlotte, Destinations, North Carolina, South Carolina, Travel, USA

What’s New at Carowinds for 2023

Alyssa stands in front of the Aeronautica Landing sign at Carowinds

Carowinds, a thrilling amusement park situated on the border of North and South Carolina, is celebrating 50 years of fun in 2023. In addition to the park’s usual heart-pounding roller coasters, family-friendly attractions, and a splashing-good water park, Carowinds is upping the ante this year with a flurry of new park additions and a calendar …

Destinations, Ohio, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: Packing List for Cleveland, Ohio (in a backpack!)

Alyssa on the lawn at The Cleveland Museum of Art

Sharing everything I packed in my backpack for a Spring weekend in Cleveland, Ohio

Destinations, Ohio, Travel, USA

Culturally Relevant: The Essential Weekend Travel Guide to Cleveland, Ohio

Alyssa sits on a Cleveland sign

Sharing a weekend getaway guide to Cleveland’s best cultural attractions, new and innovative restaurants, and chic boutiques – with a side of rock ‘n’ roll, of course.

Destinations, Food, Ohio, Restaurant Roundups and Reviews, Travel, USA

Eight Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Cleveland, Ohio

Alyssa stands in Cleveland's East Fourth Street district

Hungry in Cleveland? Today I’m sharing a roundup of some of the city’s best restaurants When you think about Cleveland cuisine, what dishes spring to mind? If you’re anything like I was just several weeks ago, you might be drawing a blank right now. Or if you’re a little more familiar with the region, you …