Travel Quotes, Top Five Friday

Top Five Friday #5

Travel Inspiring Quotes by Female Authors

I’ve already done the male version of this, so now it’s time to let my feminist heart soar.  Not only do quotes about travel make me want to go out and see the world, but they reaffirm my reasons for traveling.  Which are to broaden my knowledge of cultures and customs, to be independent and find my own way, and to write about all I experience.  There have of course been many before me who have paved the way, and I’m forever grateful for their inspiration and words of wisdom.  Below are my five favorite travel inspiring quotes by fellow female adventurers:

  1. “I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it.  To look at it.  To try to get the picture.  To live recklessly.  To take chances.  To make your own work and take pride in it.” – Joan Didion. I love JD.  She’s a marvelous writer and an inspiration to women everywhere.  This quote is a great reminder to do more than just move mindlessly from day to day.
    Read
  2. “Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends.”- Maya Angelou.  Travel can turn stereotypes and prejudices on their heads, and help the traveler understand new cultures and customs.  Maya Angelou perfectly captures that magic in this quote.

    Biltmore Gardens, Asheville, NC

  3. “Whatever you choose, however many roads you travel, I hope that you choose not to be a lady. I hope you will find some way to break the rules and make a little trouble out there. And I also hope that you will choose to make some of that trouble on behalf of women” – Nora Ephron.  You don’t always have to be perfect, made-up and on your best behavior.  This quote embodies what it’s like to be a woman on the road.  Be daring, be rebellious and do you – love, Ms. Ephron.  
    Nora Ephron - Female Travel Quotes
  4. “If adventures will not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad.” – Jane Austen.  This quote feels personal to me, as I’m from such a small town. Growing up where I did, I never would have dreamed I would have had the experiences that I’ve had.  This quote is a call to action to anybody who’s immediate realm  seems  minuscule compared to the great, wide world out there.
    Hometown - Female Travel Quotes
  5. “I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery—air, mountains, trees, people. I thought, ‘This is what it is to be happy’.” – Sylvia Plath.  Ms. Plath was such an amazing writer and poet, and each of her lines resonates with many of her readers.  This quote perfectly describes the feeling I get each time I arrive in a new destination and take it in for the first time.
    Bridge


What are your favorite travel inspiring quotes? What author has inspired you most?

Mud Island, Memphis, Tennessee

Walkin’ in Memphis, TN: Part 1

We left bright and early last Wednesday, with the car loaded up and plenty of coffee to keep us going.  The drive to Memphis, TN took us eight hours.  We passed small brush fires as we drove through Southern Illinois.  Some were small and would probably put themselves out, but some we passed were scary big and had firetrucks rushing toward them.
Road Trip, Memphis, Tennessee
I had never seen anything like it, the smoke was clouding up both sides of the highway.  As we approached Memphis, we passed over the Mississippi River, with the huge glass pyramid Bass Pro Shop looming to our left.  When we reached our hotel, we checked into our room, only to discover we were put into a room with double beds.  This was one of the few reasons I was a little underwhelmed with the hotel.  But, that’s what you get when you book budget I guess! We took solace in the fact that it was simply a place to sleep and we wouldn’t be spending much time there.  Mike and I headed out to explore pretty quickly after checking in.  We could see the river from right outside our hotel, and we passed some beautiful buildings and parks on our way to Main Street.

Mud Island, Memphis, Tennessee

We had dinner at The Majestic Grille, a restaurant fashioned to look like an outdoor movie theater with palm trees and twinkly lights.
Sabrina (the original with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart) played in the background as we waited 20 minutes for our beers to arrive.  However, the trouble was soon forgotten when they brought over a basket of delicious, homemade bread.  Our entrees were equally delicious.  I had a grilled artichoke flatbread and Mike had a burger.  After dinner, it was show time!  We walked to the FedEx Forum, just off of Beale Street to enjoy the whole reason we were in Memphis in the first place: The Foo Fighters.  Gary Clark Jr. opened and was fantastic.  If you’ve never treated your ears to this man, you need to look him up immediately.  The main event exceeded expectations.
Foo Fighters, FedEx Forum, Memphis, TennesseeThey played a good mix of old and new tunes, and even did a couple covers.  Halfway through, Dave Grohl invited an old Battle of the Bands foe to join him on stage, and they sang “Under Pressure”.

Foo Fighters, FedEx Forum, Memphis, TennesseeEarlier in the year, Mr. Grohl broke his leg, but instead of cancelling the tour, he had an amazing Rock ’n’ Roll throne made to play from.  It was adorned with guitar necks and strobe lights, and had the Foo Fighter Logo emblazoned on the chair back.  After the show, we hopped back over to Beale Street for some cheap drinks and Blues.
Beale Street, Memphis, Tennessee
Beale Street, Memphis, TennesseeWe went to Club 152, enchanted by the music coming from inside and happy about the no cover.  After a while, we called it a night and wandered back to the hotel.  The next morning, we went down to enjoy our free breakfast only to discover that it had already closed… at 9am.  What?? So we walked over to Café Keough on Main Street for some coffee.
Mud Island, Memphis, TennesseeWhile the service wasn’t full of Southern Hospitality, the café was gorgeous, their menu was unique and my latte was superb.  We walked through Memphis Park and over to the pedestrian walkway bridge that leads to Mud Island.
Coffee on the River Walk, Memphis, TN
To go over to the island by foot is free, but the trolley and the tour are not.  The island featured a Mississippi River museum ($10 for entry), a park, paddleboats, cafes, and a topographically accurate replica of the river from start to finish.  The views from Mud Island were spectacular.
Mud Island, Memphis, TennesseeAfter we got our fill, we walked back to the mainland and over to Beale Street.  We popped into some of the stores and sized up the bars for later.  The whole scene was reminiscent of a mini Bourbon Street in NOLA (check out the New Orleans blog here).  We went into the Gibson Factory to take a look around. Unfortunately all of the tours were sold out or cancelled, so Mike had to settle for drooling over the guitars in the gift shop.  We went to the Rum Boogie Café for lunch, and it was my first Memphis barbecue experience.

Rum Boogie Restaurant, Memphis, Tennessee

I had BBQ pork with cole slaw and fried okra and Mike had a BLT with fried green tomatoes.  Afterwards, we walked through some questionable territory to get to Sun Studios.  A cab may have been a better choice, but it was definitely worth it.  Sun Studios is a Memphis legend, it was the first studio to record Elvis Presley and was responsible for recording the first rock ‘n’ roll song “Rocket 88”.
Sun Studios, Memphis, TennesseeMany amazing artists have walked through their doors, including: Howlin Wolf, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and many more.  The tour of the studio was $13, and worth every penny.

Sun Studios, Memphis, Tennessee
Sun Studios, Memphis, TennesseeOur tour guide was knowledgeable and charismatic and punctuated each music fun fact with a song that was recorded in the studio.  In the same building is a café and gift shop which was fun to browse.
Sun Studios, Memphis, TennesseeLater that evening, we went to Flight Wine Bar for dinner.  We each got a wine flight with dinner, I had the Sibling Rivalry, all white wines.  For dinner we got a few small plates to share, including: veal scallopini, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits.  The food was so flavorful and had me wishing we had ordered more than small plates.
Flight Wine Bar, Memphis, Tennessee

Flight Wine Bar, Memphis, Tennessee

After dinner, we walked back to Beale Street and sat down at King’s Palace Café Blues Patio to listen to some good music and enjoy a Beale Big Ass Beer.

Beale Street, Memphis, TennesseeVenturing a little further down Beale Street, we ended up at Jerry Lee Lewis’s Café for a night cap.  There was an amazing rockabilly band playing when we arrived, called Smooth and the Bully Boys.
Jerry Lee Lewis Cafe, Memphis TennesseeJerry Lee Lewis Cafe, Memphis, TennesseeWe sat by the window and waited for a waitress that never came.  When we went to the bar to get a drink, we were told we would just have to keep waiting at the table.  We didn’t mind waiting because the music was so good, but it did take an awfully long time for two measly drinks.  After the band finished, we ended our night back at the hotel with a game of rummy and a bottle of wine.

Memphis, Tennessee
To Be Continued…

Mud Island, Memphis, Tennessee

Walkin’ in Memphis: Part 1

Walkin’ in Memphis: Part 1
Memphis, TN Sign

We left bright and early last Wednesday, with the car loaded up and plenty of coffee to keep us going.  The drive to Memphis took us eight hours.  We passed small Road Trip to Memphis 3brush fires as we drove through Southern Illinois.  Some were small and would probably put themselves out, but some we passed were scary big and had firetrucks rushing toward them.  I had never seen anything like it, the smoke was clouding up both sides of the highway.  As we approached Memphis, we passed over the Mississippi River, with the huge glass pyramid Bass Pro Shop looming to our left.  When we reached our hotel, we checked into our room, only to Mud Island, Memphis, TN 5discover we were put into a room with double beds.  This was one of the few reasons I was a little underwhelmed with the hotel.  But, that’s what you get when you book budget I guess! We took solace in the fact that it was simply a place to sleep and we wouldn’t be spending much time there.  Mike and I headed out to explore pretty quickly after checking in.  We could see the river from right outside our hotel, and we passed some beautiful buildings and parks on our way to Main Street.  We had dinner at The Majestic Grille, a restaurant fashioned to look like an outdoor movie theater with palm trees and twinkly lights.
The Majestic Grille, Memphis, TNSabrina (the original with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart) played in the background as we waited 20 minutes for our beers to arrive.  However, the trouble was soon The Majestic Grille, Memphis, TN 2forgotten when they brought over a basket of delicious,
homemade bread.  Our entrees were equally delicious.  I had a grilled artichoke flatbread and Mike had a burger.  After dinner, it was show time!  We walked to the FedEx Forum, just off of Beale Street to enjoy the whole reason we were in Memphis in the first place: The Foo Fighters.  Gary Clark Jr. opened and was fantastic.  If you’ve never treated your ears to this man, you need to look him up immediately.  The main event exceeded expectations.
Foo Fighters, Memphis, TN 3They played a good mix of old and new tunes, and even did a couple covers.  Halfway through, Dave Grohl invited an old Battle of the Bands foe to join him on stage, and they sang “Under Pressure”.
Foo Fighters, Memphis, TNFoo Fighters, Memphis, TN 4

Earlier in the year, Mr. Grohl broke his leg, but instead of cancelling the tour, he had an amazing Rock ’n’ Roll throne made to play from.  It was adorned with guitar necks and strobe lights, and had the Foo Fighter Logo emblazoned on the chair back.  After the show, we hopped back over to Beale Street for some cheap drinks and Blues.

Beale Street, Memphis, TNBeale Street, Memphis, TN 3We went to Club 152, enchanted by the music coming from inside and happy about the no cover.  After a while, we called it a night and wandered back to the hotel.  The next morning, we went down to enjoy our free breakfast only to discover that it had already closed… at 9am.  What?? So we walked over to Café Keough on Main Street for some coffee.
Coffee on the River Walk, Memphis, TNWhile the service wasn’t full of Southern Hospitality, the café was gorgeous, their menu was unique and my latte was superb.  We walked through Memphis Park and over to the pedestrian walkway bridge that leads to Mud Island.
Mud Island, Memphis, TNMud Island, Memphis, TN 8

To go over to the island by foot is free, but the trolley and the tour are not.  The island featured a Mississippi River museum ($10 for entry), a park, paddleboats, cafes, and a topographically accurate replica of the river from start to finish.  The views from Mud Island were spectacular.
Mud Island, Memphis, TN 7

After we got our fill, we walked back to the mainland and over to Beale Street.  We popped into some of the stores and sized up the bars for later.  The whole scene was reminiscentGibson Factory, Memphis, TN of a mini Bourbon Street in NOLA (check out the New Orleans blog here).  We went into the Gibson Factory to take a look around. Unfortunately all of the tours were sold out or cancelled, so Mike had to settle for drooling Rum Boogie Memphis, TN 2over the guitars in the gift shop.  We went to the
Rum Boogie Café for lunch, and it was my first Memphis
barbecue experience.  I had BBQ pork with cole slaw and fried okra and Mike had a BLT with fried green tomatoes.  Afterwards, we walked through some questionable territory to get to Sun Studios.  A cab may have been a better choice, but it was definitely worth it.  Sun Studios is a Memphis legend, it was the first studio to record Elvis Presley and was responsible for recording the first rock ‘n’ roll song “Rocket 88”.
Sun Studios, Memphis, TN 5

Many amazing artists have walked through their doors, including: Howlin Wolf, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, and many more.  The tour of the studio was $13, and worth every penny.

Sun Studios, Memphis, TNSun Studios, Memphis, TN 4Our tour guide was knowledgeable and charismatic and punctuated each music fun fact with a song that was recorded in the studio.  In the same building is a café and gift shop which was fun to browse.
Tour Guide at Sun Studios in Memphis, TNLater that evening, we went to Flight Wine Bar for dinner.  We each got a wine flight with dinner, I had the Sibling Rivalry, all white wines.  For dinner we got a few small plates to share, including: veal scallopini, chicken and waffles, and shrimp and grits.  The food was so flavorful and had me wishing we had ordered more than small plates.
Flight Wine Bar, Memphis, TNDinner at Flight in Memphis, TNAfter dinner, we walked back to Beale Street and sat down at King’s Palace Café Blues Patio to listen to some good music and enjoy a Beale Big Ass Beer.
Beale Street, Memphis, TN 2Beale Big Ass Beer, Memphis, TN

Venturing a little further down Beale Street, we ended up at Jerry Lee Lewis’s Café for a night cap.  There was an amazing rockabilly band playing when we arrived, called Smooth and the Bully Boys.
Jerry Lee Lewis's Cafe, Memphis, TNJerry Lee Lewis's Cafe, Memphis, TN 2We sat by the window and waited for a waitress that never came.  When we went to the bar to get a drink, we were told we would just have to keep waiting at the table.  We didn’t mind waiting because the music was so good, but it did take an awfully long time for two measly drinks.  After the band finished, we ended our night back at the hotel with a game of rummy and a bottle of wine.

Memphis, TN To Be Continued…

Top Five Friday #1

Travel Inspiring Quotes (Part 1)

Welcome to my newest weekly feature, Top Five Fridays!

For my first edition, I wanted to quote some of my favorite writers speaking about my favorite subject: travel.  Some of my biggest travel inspirations have been found in books and essays.  And, in my humble opinion, travel and tales go hand in hand.  Whether it’s been a book that I’ve read on the road, or a book that has inspired me to get on said road, most of my travel memories have been paired with good books.  So with that, I give you my Top Five Travel Inspiring Quotes, the Male Author Edition:

  1. Stuff your eyes with wonder. Live as if you’d drop dead in ten seconds. See the world.  It’s more fantastic than any dream made or paid for in factories.”Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451: The original and more eloquent “YOLO”.  This book gets truer and more poignant with each passing year, and the quote itself is a serious call to action.  Get out there! See the world! Adventure awaits!
    Midwest is Best
  1. “And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely of places.  Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.”Roald Dahl, The Minpins: A whimsical and thoughtful reminder that you don’t have to travel far to find the beauty in the world. Some of my favorite trips have been short excursions to explore my own city and state.
  2. “Wandering is the most addictive drug there is, I think, and every hidden road leads to a dozen more.” – Stephen King, Wolves of The Calla (Dark Towers Series, Book 5): This is an accurate statement that all travel addicts know to be true. Once the travel bug bites, it’s hard to shake.  Luckily, the only thing that is harmed with this addiction is my savings account.
    Jean Lafitte National Park, New Orleans, LA
  3. “So we shall let the reader answer this question for himself: who is the happier man, he who has braved the storm of life and lived or he who has stayed securely on shore and merely existed?” – Hunter S. Thompson: A simple answer, really.  And one that leads me to another great, travel-inspiring quote: “Do not wait for your ship to come in, swim out to it.”
  4. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” – Jack Keruoac, The Dharma Bums: This quote is perhaps the one that inspires me the most at the moment, as I attempt to balance my travel writing with a corporate 9 to 5 job. But! It’s also a great reminder to make no excuses.  Desk jobs are a dime a dozen, but travel experience is irreplaceable.
    Climb that goddamn mountain.

Stay tuned for more Top Five Fridays!

Share your favorite travel quotes in the comments!

North Carolina Wild

North Carolina Wild

Road Trip to Asheville, NCIf you would have told me before I started this blog that someday I’d be driving solo through the mountains en route to North Carolina, I would have called you a liar for two reasons.  1.) Growing up in Small Town, IL with only rural roads did not turn me into a strong highway driver.  2.) Even now, after completing the drive (there and back again), it still seems like a daunting task.  Despite those facts, I still rented a car and made my way to Asheville, North Carolina on my own.  It was a beautiful drive, and with no real setbacks (minus the time I took a ramp too fast, almost flipping the carSweet Peas Hostel, Asheville, NC in the process).  I had rented a zippy little Kia Rio for the trip and it performed beautifully.  I arrived in Asheville at 6:45pm EST and checked into Sweet Peas Hostel.  The hostel suited my needs perfectly as it was located right in center of the downtown area.  They set me up for my two-night stay with clean towels and bed linens in my private room, complete with double bed, sink, chair and bedside table.  Once I had washed my face and changed from my road trip shirt, I set Street Art, Asheville, NCout to explore.  From what I saw, Asheville is chock-full of unique restaurants and bars, and cute/quirky shops.  Every time I turned a corner, I was sure it would lead to a boring, office-lined street, but was surprised to see yet more shops and restaurants to gawk at.  The sidewalks were dotted with buskers, and there was a lingering smell of Nag Champa and cigars.  I stopped in The Southern for dinner and tried their “famous” Mac n Cheese, Asheville, NCwith a White Zombie Ale (Catawba Brewing Co.) to wash it down.  I made it my personal mission to only drink local beers whilst I was in NC.  The food was good enough to satiate my post long drive hunger and the beer was delicious.  Soon I was back to wandering; there was a lot to take in.  I stopped in to Lexington Avenue Brewery for a 1st Gear Ale (Lexington Avenue Brewery), which was also delicious.  I loved the vibe in the brewery, mostly because the music went from The Temptations, to The White Stripes and then Pixies (all my favorites).  I called it an early night in order to start early the next day.  I woke up sans alarm, and showered in the shared Early Girl Eatery, Asheville, NCbathroom, which was very tidy.  I decided to grab breakfast at the highly recommended Early Girl Eatery.  I was not disappointed.  I had the biscuits and herb gravy with a side of THE BEST BACON I HAVE EVER TASTED.  And I’m somewhat of a bacon connoisseur.  After I finished every last bite, I drove to the Biltmore Estate (less than 10 minutes away from downtown).  The sprawling landscape was accessible after purchasing a $60 day pass, which was a little steep for me, but acceptable due to the beauty of the driveway alone.  I drove along the winding road to one of the many parking lots, and took a shuttle to the mansion.  I had opted out of the audio tour, and followed the sweaty crowd through the gorgeous house.
The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NCThe pamphlet that was doled out to me with my day pass went in the same order of the rooms, giving brief descriptions of each one.  The tour circled around through The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NCan indoor garden, multiple dining rooms and salons, the library, the bedrooms and lounges upstairs, and the bowling alley, pool, kitchens and employee rooms in the basement.  Once the inside tour was over, I took it upon myself to tour the gardens outside.  I walked out onto the patio, which gave spectacular views of the mountains.  All of the The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NCsurrounding gardens had names, like “The Italian Garden”, “The Spring Garden”, “The Azalea Garden” and so on.  I meandered through a few of them, enchanted most by the walled rose garden that gave way to the Conservatory.  I shuttled back to the car and drove towards the Antler Hill Village, where the winery and my free wine tastings called to me.  The The Biltmore Estate, Asheville, NCbrochures recommend spending two days exploring the property and I can absolutely see why.  I passed outdoor activities on all sides as I drove, including kayaking, horseback riding and biking.  I enjoyed my complimentary wine tastings (I tried the White Zinfandel and the Sauvignon Blanc), and browsed the stores in Antler Hill Village.  Once I returned to the hostel, I grabbed my umbrella to protect me from the sudden downpour and set off again.  I found myself at aSHEVille Museum, an interactive Feminist Manifesto.  TheASheVille Museum, Asheville, NC museum featured portraits and stories from women around the world and various exhibits revering women in their accomplishments and denouncing sexism in the name of equality.  I enjoyed the museum and purchased a bracelet from the wonderfully friendly store keeper.  From there, I walked over to the Battery Park Book Exchange, which is in the Grove Arcade.  The Book Exchange is my new favorite bar, ever.  It’s a two-tiered book store with a coffee and booze bar on the first floor.  You can sip your drink and browse the shelves, and even Battery Park Book Exchange, Asheville, NCadd a book to your tab!  The shelves are spread out upstairs and down with little hidden alcoves with table and chair sets to sit and read.  The staff were nice enough to help me pick a dinner spot and recommend other local eateries for later.  The restaurant they spoke the highest of was closed that day, so I wound up at Bouchon, a French Restaurant.  I sat at the bar and ordered Moules Frites a la Paris-Born Redneck (cooked with PBR) with a Pisgah Pale Bouchon Restaurant, Asheville, NCAle (Pisgah Brewing Co.).  So far the Asheville brewed brews were really hitting the mark.  It felt very Parisian, to be sitting at the bar, eating Moules Frites and watching the rain; brooding, because as it turns out, I don’t really enjoy mussels.  I did, however, enjoy the bartender there, who was also from Illinois, and advised me where to hike the next day.  I walked to 5 Walnut after dinner, drawn in by their live music.  The Band, Siamese Jazz Club (with Caromio), was fantastic.  I downed a Mother Trucker Pale Ale (Catawba Asheville, NCBrewing Co.) and enjoyed the happy atmosphere at the bar.  Everyone was jamming to the band and dancing alongside their tables.  From there, I moved on to The Thirsty Monk for a night cap, where I met a nice couple, who I proceeded to give Asheville Tourism advice to.  Drink enough of these local brews and you’ll start to act like one, I guess.  Soon, I was taking my slightly tipsy butt to bed.  The next morning, I went to the famed Tupelo Honey Café for breakfast al fresco.  I had their Tupelo Breakfast Plate, sans eggs and plus a biscuit, and cheese grits and bacon.  The food was excellent and the weather was perfect, which lent to a wonderful dining experience.  I walked around downtown Chimney Rock, NCAsheville one last time before heading back to the car and driving to Chimney Rock State Park.  It wasn’t a terribly long drive, but the drive up the mountain and to the State Park entrance was a doozy.  The switchbacks in the road were something I’d never handled and I took them slowly.  It’s usually $15 to enter the park, but that day there was a reduced fair due to the elevator to the top being out of service.  That was my first clue that I was in for a lot of stairs.  I parked by the gift shop and started the hike up to Chimney Rock, which is almost 100% stairs.  There were many lookouts on the way up, but I had my eye on the prize.  I made it to the top, panting and wheezing, and marveled at the beautiful view.  It was almost a 360 degree view of the gorgeous landscape below. I sat up there for a while, sipping my water and trying to catch my breath.  Once I was ready, I overheard talk of a waterfall, and decided to do that hike too.  The Hickory Nut Falls trail was back down the stairs, and then down some more stairs for good measure.  The trail to the waterfall was nice and shady, and not too long.

Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock, NC Hickory Nut Falls, Chimney Rock, NC

After about twenty minutes, I was climbing down rocks to the base of the waterfall to put my feet in.  The cool water was heavenly on my sweaty, sore feet.  I could have sat there all day.  But I didn’t.  I hiked back up to the gift shop (I’m a sucker for gift shops) and asked one of the employees if Lake Lure was worth stopping by.  She kindly explained that it was only a mile up the road from the entrance to the park, so I Lake Lure, NCdrove back down the treacherous mountain and to the Lake Lure Welcome Center.  I was hoping for a full on Dirty Dancing homage (the movie was filmed there), and was a little disappointed to see that only a small corner was dedicated to the masterpiece.  I walked around the lake a bit, which was surrounded by resorts and featured a populated beach, before returning to Chimney Rock Village.  The village is lined with tourist shops and restaurant to explore.  As I made my way to my next hotel in Black Mountain, it started to rain.  In between Chimney Rock and my destination, there is a small town called Bat Cave, Bat Cave, NCNC.  Just past the town line is a rather ominous looking roadside market that sells produce, jellies and Bat Cave t-shirts, hats and magnets.  I did a U-turn on the mountain road to stop there and buy my Batman-obsessed boyfriend a Bat Cave gift.  The proprietor and employees there were happy to give me some fun facts about the area, including how there is an actual Bat Cave, which is now full of snakes.  Like Indiana Jones, I hate snakes, so I thanked them for their time and high-tailed it out of there.  I was back en route to the Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain, down Highway 9, when my cell phone service turned non-existent, effectively shutting down the GPS.  The serpentine roads wound through abandoned hills; I hardly passed any cars or buildings.  I had a moment of pThe Monte Vista Hotel, Black Mountain, NCanic thinking that I was lost without contact in the wild of North Carolina, before continuing on and eventually regaining the previously taken for granted power of GPS.  I made it to the hotel, and checked into a beautiful room in the new wing of the building.  To be honest, I was just happy to have my own, private bathroom.  I showered and exited the hotel to explore my new surroundings.  Most of the stores around Black Mountain were already closed for the evening (at 5:30pm), Black Mountain, NCbut the ones that were open featured local crafts and kitschy mountain gifts.  I went to the Trailhead for dinner and their special for the day: a fried chicken salad with Gouda cheese and local blackberries and heirloom tomatoes.  It was unexpectedly yummy.  After I settled the bill, I waltzed over to the Black Mountain Ale House for a Black Mountain IPA (Lookout Brewing Co.).  The Trivia Night promised on the sign outside never began, so I moved Black Mountain, NCon to the White Horse Black Mountain bar down the street.  It featured live Irish Music from 6:30-8:30pm and Open Mic night after that.  The proprietor, Bob, was such a gentleman and put up with me asking too many questions about local beers.  With his help, I chose Noble Hard Cider first and Green Man ESB second, both were so good.  He also took the time to explain what ESB stood for (Extra Special Bitter) and where it originated (Great Britain).  I nursed my beers and enjoyed the music, White Horse, Black Mountain, Black Mountain, NCbefore leaving the cozy yet cavernous bar and heading back to the hotel.  I had a glass of wine on the Monte Vista porch and wrote a bit.  The summer night was balmy, but the humidity had left with the sun and the current climate was perfect.  I went inside to return my wine glass at the bar, and wound up talking to the General Manager, Tony, of the hotel for a while about hotel life, Chicago, North Carolina and travel in general.  It was a great way to The Monte Vista Hotel, Black Mountain, NCend the evening.  The next morning I roused myself early to catch the continental breakfast of fruit, yogurt, cereal, coffee and juice.  The dining room is equal parts rustic and modern with dark wood furniture, local art on the walls and vases of wildflowers on each table.  Soon it was time to check out and head home to Chicago.  With road construction all along the route home, I had plenty of time to reflect on the trip.  It was my first solo road trip, and I am so happy I chose Asheville.  It’s friendly inhabitantsBlack Mountain, NC and beautiful scenery made the long drive completely worth it.  There were things I missed and would happy to make the trip for again.  Thanks for the hospitality NC, you were perfect.

Preparing for a Solo Road Trip

Preparing for a Solo Road Trip
Solo Road Trip

In a little less than a week, I’ll be in a rental car on my way to Asheville, North Carolina.  Here’s how I picture it: windows rolled down, sunglasses on, loud music on the radio, and me carefree and cruising confidently down I-65.  I don’t think I am actually capable of being that carefree, but I’m hoping to at least enjoy the ride.  While I am very excited that I am heading off on my own to explore a chunk of the US, I also have no delusions that I can just pick up and go without some sort of plan.  I made my hotel and car rental reservations months ago, and mapped out my route from Chicago.  I have the basics down, but there’s still a number of things I need to check off my list before I can embark upon this adventure:

First, and most importantly, snacks.  No road trip is complete without a good supply of treats to keep you nourished between pit stops.  I typically need salty snacks, like Chex mix or pistachios, and some sort of fruit to keep me going, plus plenty of bottled water, of course.  I always pack a box of granola bars to have for breakfast while I’m on vacation to save some money on eating out.  I am planning on packing a lunch as well, so I don’t have to stop as much on the way.
Road Trip SuppliesA fun, upbeat playlist is essential to any road trip! My trip is going to be around 10 hours from Chicago to Asheville, so I’m working on the ultimate mish mosh of tunes that I can sing along to. I’ve already started on my Road Trip playlist, but it needs a lot more work to try to fill that time slot.  Also, because the drive is on the longer side, I’m also playing with the idea of getting a book on tape from the library to help pass the time (any suggestions??).
Road Trip PlaylistI know it will be hot in Asheville, and I’ve already started to put aside some hot weather clothes to pack. I also know I will bring too much, as per usual. But, that’s part of the beauty of a road trip: no checked baggage fees!  Everything that I have set to bring on this trip already is hoarded on my desk at the moment.  In a couple of days I’ll have to get it together and put everything into my suitcase and backpack to be ready to go.  Because I am prone to forgetting things when I pack, I always make a checklist beforehand to limit the things left behind.
Road Trip SuppliesI have been doing some light research on the local attractions and dining options, but I need to figure out my must see/eat places.  I don’t like to go in to a trip with a completely planned out itinerary, but I do like to make a small list of things I absolutely want to accomplish while I’m there.  Currently at the top of my list are The Biltmore Estate, The Orange Peel, Chimney Rock, and exploring downtown Asheville.  I like to use google maps to see which attractions are close to others so I can lump them in together in one day.  I am working with three days to enjoy an amazing city with a lot of activities to choose from so a girl’s gotta have priorities.
@rebeccawanderlusting on instagramWhile I am fairly confident in my driving abilities, and fully confident in my ability to take care of myself, there will always be ways to limit any travel safety risks.  I am putting together an emergency kit for the car, which will include: first aid supplies, jumper cables, pepper spray, and an atlas in case Google maps fails me. I also am bringing along a door stop, a tip that I stole from the Young Adventuress, to secure my hotel room door.  I already gave my family and boyfriend my hotel information, and plan to check in with them each day.  The best thing I can do to keep out of any weird situations is to simply pay attention.
On The RoadOver the next few days, I’ll (hopefully) have a good handle on all these things.  I am so excited to be on my way, and I can’t wait to tell you all about Asheville when I get back.

If you have any tips for solo travel or road trips or even audio book or music recommendations, please share them in the comments!

Life is Better on the Lake

Life is Better on the Lake
Maiden Lake, WI
We go to Maiden Lake in Wisconsin every year for Independence Day, it’s a family tradition (as per my previous Lakewood, WI post).  This year, I drove up with my boyfriend straight from Chicago, which was a first.  We left at 6:30am on Friday, stopping for coffee first and then we were on our way.  It was an easy five hour jaunt up through Milwaukee, Green Bay and straight on to Lakewood.  We arrived just before noon and got ready to go on the boat Maiden Lake, WIright away.  It was a perfect day to go out on the lake, warm enough to make you want to jump in the water but with a perfect breeze.  We cruised around for a bit and then stopped for cocktails and snacks, which were stored in the coolers.  It was a perfect afternoon of lounging out on the water.  After snacks, I was talked into trying to water-ski, which was a painful failure.  If I didn’t get a mouthful of lake water getting pulled directly out Ski Attempt, Maiden Lake, WIof the skis, I was flying backwards with the skis pulling my legs out to the sides.  I did manage to get up halfway on the skis once, but I got so excited that I flung my hands up in the air, effectively letting go of the rope.  I called it quits after that and we headed back to the cabin to tie up the boat and get ready for dinner.  There are a lot of great restaurants and supper clubs around Lakewood, but because of the holiday weekend and the size of our group, it’s usually easier to make dinner at home.  The end result is always delicious, and enjoyed on the porch in good company.  After dinner a few of us walked from the cabin to the Maiden Lake Supper Club to enjoy a drink al fresco on their deck by the lake.  The Supper Club is a Maiden Lake institution and is really the only the restaurant that’s actually on the lake.
Maiden Lake Supper Club, WIThere is always a wait to enjoy their large portioned, comfort foods and seating in the bar and on the deck is always limited.  Luckily, we were able to get a table and enjoy the sun setting over the lake.  On our walk back, we admired the other cabins along the lake.  Some were Maiden Lake, WInewly built, and some maintained their rustic charm.  My favorite had a small red box on a post with the title Maiden Lake Library on it out front.  Its front window displayed an array of books, with take one leave one written under the shelves.  We came home to a giant bonfire behind the house primed and ready for s’mores making.  It was a perfect ending to our first day at the lake.  The next day was July 4th, and I woke up early to paddle-board before the bigger boats came out.  It is the most peaceful thing to be out in the middle of the perfectly-still lake on the paddle-board.  After I got my fill of inner peace, we started our Independence Day celebrations early with a huge breakfast.  The best part of Maiden Lake, WIlake life is that everything revolves around when we can get out on the boat.  While half of us cleaned up from breakfast, the rest of our group readied the boats to take them out for the day.  We set shortly after, split between two boats.  I tried to ski again, and this time I was finally successful!  I got up for a while and was satisfied enough to quit while I was ahead.  The boats met up to anchor and so we could swim and sip cocktails in the sunshine.  When we docked for the day, my boyfriend and I went to the grocery store for burger fixins and then drove down the road to Sweet Memories, an amazing candy store in Lakewood. Sweet Memories, Lakewood, WI

We raided the Jelly Belly room and headed back to the cabin to help with dinner.  It was burgers, brats and homemade fries for supper and then down to the lake to watch the 4th of July Boat Parade.  I watched it from the front row, sitting in a kayak a little ways from shore.  The theme this year was Disney, and the Maiden Lake, WIcontestants did not disappoint.  There were Minions, Pirates, Winnie the Pooh, and even Snow White and her seven buddies showed up for the occasion.  The next holiday festivity was our annual trip to the best ice cream stop in the Midwest, Northern D’Lites.  They have delicious soft serve in an ever changing cycle of flavors and all the usual suspects as far Northern D'Lites, Lakewood, WIas frozen treats go.  It’s a humble pick-up window surrounded by picnic tables, complete with friendly staff and a long line of customers.  After our collective sweet tooth was satiated, we drove off to find parking for the fireworks show, which we watched in the back of my uncle’s pick-up truck.  The fireworks display is always great, and this year it was the same.  However, the Fireworks, Lakewood, WInext day, we were assured by one of the grocery store clerks at True Value that this year was a little lean because next year is the town’s centennial, which they will go all out for.  Our last day at the Cabin, my boyfriend and I spent the morning Kayaking to one of the beautiful inlets on the south side of Maiden Lake.  Our whole crew had one last spin around the lake in the speed boats and one last swim before we put away all of the boating gear, took the boats out of the water, and closed up the cabin.  It’s always sad leaving, but hopefully we’ll be back sooner rather than later.  On our way home, my boyfriend and I stopped at two vastly different but equally important Wisconsin landmarks.  The first was Bagley Rapids in Mountain, WI and the second was Mars Cheese Castle in Kenosha, WI.  Bagley Rapids is a beautiful park and campground in the Nicolet National Forest.
Bagley Rapids, WIWe had to drive down a very narrow, dirt road to get to the parking lot, which was very small and perhaps the wrong parking lot.  However, we finally made it down to the rapids, which we heard before they came into view.  It was a gorgeous scene.  We were able to take a walk along the side of the rapids before we had to get back to the car and continue on home.  We drove for another three hours before reaching Kenosha, the location of the famous Mars Cheese Castle.
Mars Cheese Castle, Kenosha, WII’ve passed it many times without exiting the highway to visit, but this time we exited route 94 and pulled into the parking lot of the castle.  It is a mecca of cheese, sausage and condiments.  It is also one of the last stops on the highway to pick up some New Glarus beer, which is only available in Wisconsin and so delicious.  I have to say, it was pretty expensive compared to other stops ($3 extra for a 6-pack of Spotted Cow).  We purchased some cheese, sausage and beer regardless of the price and stopped in the restaurant for a bite to eat before finishing the drive to Chicago.  We both had bratwursts, which were very good, but the service was slow and without a smile.  The rest of the drive went smoothly, and soon we were home safe and sound. Before long, I was asleep, dreaming of being back at the lake.
Maide Lake, WI

If you are interested in any of the places mentioned, check out these links:
Lodging
Lakewood, WI
Maiden Lake Supper Club 
Bagley Rapids
Mars Cheese Castle

Day Trip: Starved Rock State Park

Day Trip: Starved Rock State Park
I finally got a weekend off of work, which rarely happens.  I absolutely wanted, in fact, needed, to go explore somewhere, but my options were limited.  I didn’t want to travel too far because my niece is due any day now, so a day trip fit the bill perfectly.  I knew Starved Rock was close to Chicago, where I live, but I’d never actually been there.  After a quick google image search, I was sold on the idea.  We left around 10:00am on Saturday morning and arrived at the Visitor Center parking lot just before noon.  We Starved Rock State Park, ILentered the Visitor Center only to grab a map and hit the restrooms before we began our hike.  Originally, we wanted to hike up to the Lodge first, to get some lunch and figure out which hikes we wanted to do.  What actually happened was we wound up on the Wildcat Canyon overlook trail.  The paths were muddy due to days of rain prior to our visit, and my Chuck Taylors proved to be a poor hiking footwear choice.  Actually, my whole outfit was ill-suited to nature and now I know better.  Please note that jean shorts are not a great choice for four hours of humid hiking through the forest.  What can I say? I’m a city girl.  Luckily, the scenery was so gorgeous that I soon forgot my wardrobe woes and was able to focus on the views.  We reached the outlook and noticed there were people hanging out in the canyon below, basking in the sunlight and playing beneath the waterfall, with no indication of how they appeared there.  I made it my personal mission Starved Rock State Park, ILfor the day to be one of those people.  The weather was perfect, and everything was so green and gorgeous.  It was nice just to be outside.  Eventually, we found a sign pointing us towards the Lodge.  The area surrounding the lodge was crowded with hikers and overnighters, staying in either the Lodge Hotel or the cute little cabins in the same general area.  The lodge itself was a stately and beautiful large, wooden structure.  I instantly wanted to stay the night there.  We decided to have lunch in the “Dining Room” instead of the small café in the lobby.  The dining room was also very large, with an outdoor deck attached.  It had a romantic feel with the dark wood, soft lighting, and large fireplace holding court in the back of the room.  The lunch menu included comfort food entrees, salads and sandwiches.  We both ordered the Illiniwek Chicken Sandwich.  The waitress was not the friendliest person we’d met that day, but theStarved Rock State Park, IL service was prompt and the food was delicious so we overlooked her surly demeanor.  After lunch, I stopped at the front desk to inquire about vacancy and room rates.  Unfortunately they were completely booked, but the good news is their prices are completely affordable with their standard rooms starting around $100 and their cabins starting at $125 (depending on the season).  We vowed to come back and stay in a cabin in the near future.  We hiked up to the park’s namesake, the actual Starved Rock, and the stairs up to the overlook were no joke.  The view from the top was breathtaking (minus the huge dam that was visible on one side of the Illinois River).  The path at the top of Starved Rock wound in a circle, through trees and wildflowers looking lush from the summer rain.  We meandered back down the way we came, past other hikers huffing and puffing up the many, many stairs.  From there we hiked up to the Lover’s Leap overlook, which offered an amazing view of Starved Rock and the river Starved Rock State Park, ILbelow.  It was finally time to complete my mission of the day and find the way into the canyon that we had seen from the trail above.  We found the path and made our way along the river to the canyon.  We could hear its current visitor’s voices bouncing off the rock face in what could only be described as shouts of glee.  When we finally reached Wildcat Canyon, it took some maneuvering to get over to the waterfall, through the water and mud.  Once we were finally in the main clearing, I took my shoes off and stuck my feet in the water.  It was cloudy with the sand beneath, but cold and refreshing.  The waterfall was gorgeous; it flowed into a small pool teaming with happy little hikers.  Though the area was crowded, there was a solidarity among the visitors in the canyon; everyone was admiring the view.  It was hard to leave such a beautiful place, but it was about that time to head back to the visitors center.  Overall, we hiked about five miles through the forest, up and down stairs, and on gorgeous overlook boardwalks.  By the time we made it back to the car, I was exhausted, but already planning our next visit.  Even with how much we had already explored, there were still so many other paths, overlooks and canyons to see.  I’d imagine that not too much time will pass before I’m back for more.

Starved Rock State Park, IL

Starved Rock State Park, IL

10 Wanderlust Inducing Books

Reading and traveling are two of my three greatest passions (writing is the third, and I’m doing that now, hooray!) so when they come together in travel related books I am one happy camper. Below are my ten favorite wanderlust inducing books.  I’m sure the list will grow and change, but for now, here they are:

1.      “A Cook’s Tour” – Anthony Bourdain: This is the first book I ever read that made me think “damn, I want to see the world.” Mr. Bourdain’s accounts of eating and drinking his way around the globe turned my wanderlust into a full blown obsession.

2.      “Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents” – Elisabeth Eaves: Fueled by want of the unknown, Elisabeth Eaves details her experiences in love and travel in this fantastic book.  I loved this one so much I lent it to another traveler to enjoy, never to see it again.  Of course I bought another copy.

3.      “The Alchemist” – Paulo Coelho: This gorgeously written tale paints pictures of sunrise colored deserts and one boys’s tie to his own destiny. Though it’s not wholly about travel, it inspires and encourages the reader to follow their heart and find beauty.

4.      “A House in the Sky” – Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett: Despite the harrowing content, Amanda Lindhout’s experiences should encourage us to keep traveling and learning about the world.  This inspiring story is at the very least a warning to travel safely, and at most a call to action to travel, learn customs and culture, help where needed and live fully.

5.      “The Rum Diary” – Hunter S. Thompson: Mr. Thompson’s  whimsical tale of life and travel through the Caribbean is a look at the islands through beer goggles.  It is a colorful account of another time in a distant land that’ll make you want to jump on a plane bound for the tropics.

6.      “The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry” – Kathleen Flinn: Soon after being fired from her job, Kathleen Flinn decides to take the high road straight to Paris. There, she learns the delicate ins and outs of French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu.  This book sparked my love for Paris and made my mouth water at the same time.

7.      “Shutterbabe: Adventures in Love and War” – Deborah Copaken Kogan: A photojournalist’s tale of ambition, war and love around the world.  Deborah  Copaken Kogan’s vivid stories from each point on the map capture all the emotions that go along with the excitement of travel.  She fully engulfs you in her adventures and makes you yearn for your own.

8.      “Eat, Pray, Love” – Elizabeth Gilbert: I have a love/hate relationship with this book, but the bottom line is it made me want to travel more. All in all, it’s a fun read of one woman’s travels and fulfillment in three beautiful destinations.

9.      “Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes” – Elizabeth Bard: If #6 on this list sparked my love for Paris, then this one fanned the flame. Elizabeth Bard tells of how she immersed herself in French culture and cuisine with all the fanciful details along the way.  As an added bonus to the enjoyable read, the book includes the recipes mentioned in the story!

10.     “A Dead Hand” – Paul Theroux: This book is a fictional murder-mystery set in India, written by a travel writer. It paints a vivid picture of India and its inhabitants, increasing my desire to visit the beautiful country.
Travel Inspiring Books, RebeccaWanderlusting

Please share your favorite travel inspiring books in the comments, I look forward to reading them all and expanding my list.

10 Books That Will Infect You With Wanderlust

10 Books That Will Infect You With Wanderlust

Reading and traveling are two of my three greatest passions (writing is the third, and I’m doing that now, hooray!) so when they come together in travel related books I am one happy camper. Below are my ten favorite travel inspiring books.  I’m sure the list will grow and change, but for now, here they are:

1.      “A Cook’s Tour” – Anthony Bourdain: This is the first book I ever read that made me think “damn, I want to see the world.” Mr. Bourdain’s accounts of eating and drinking his way around the globe turned my wanderlust into a full blown obsession.

2.      “Wanderlust: A Love Affair with Five Continents” – Elisabeth Eaves: Fueled by want of the unknown, Elisabeth Eaves details her experiences in love and travel in this fantastic book.  I loved this one so much I lent it to another traveler to enjoy, never to see it again.  Of course I bought another copy.

3.      “The Alchemist” – Pablo Coelho: This gorgeously written tale paints pictures of sunrise colored deserts and one boys’s tie to his own destiny. Though it’s not wholly about travel, it inspires and encourages the reader to follow their heart and find beauty.

4.      “A House in the Sky” – Amanda Lindhout & Sara Corbett: Despite the harrowing content, Amanda Lindhout’s experiences should encourage us to keep traveling and learning about the world.  This inspiring story is at the very least a warning to travel safely, and at most a call to action to travel, learn customs and culture, help where needed and live fully.

5.      “The Rum Diary” – Hunter S. Thompson: Mr. Thompson’s  whimsical tale of life and travel through the Caribbean is a look at the islands through beer goggles.  It is a colorful account of another time in a distant land that’ll make you want to jump on a plane bound for the tropics.

6.      “The Sharper Your Knife, The Less You Cry” – Kathleen Flinn: Soon after being fired from her job, Kathleen Flinn decides to take the high road straight to Paris. There, she learns the delicate ins and outs of French cooking at Le Cordon Bleu.  This book sparked my love for Paris and made my mouth water at the same time.

7.      “Shutterbabe: Adventures in Love and War” – Deborah Copaken Kogan: A photojournalist’s tale of ambition, war and love around the world.  Deborah  Copaken Kogan’s vivid stories from each point on the map capture all the emotions that go along with the excitement of travel.  She fully engulfs you in her adventures and makes you yearn for your own.

8.      “Eat, Pray, Love” – Elizabeth Gilbert: I have a love/hate relationship with this book, but the bottom line is it made me want to travel more. All in all, it’s a fun read of one woman’s travels and fulfillment in three beautiful destinations.

9.      “Lunch in Paris: A Love Story with Recipes” – Elizabeth Bard: If #6 on this list sparked my love for Paris, then this one fanned the flame. Elizabeth Bard tells of how she immersed herself in French culture and cuisine with all the fanciful details along the way.  As an added bonus to the enjoyable read, the book includes the recipes mentioned in the story!

10.     “A Dead Hand” – Paul Theroux: This really should be #9.5 because I haven’t quite finished reading it yet. However, it paints a vivid picture of India and its inhabitants, increasing my desire to visit the beautiful country.
Read

Please share your favorite travel inspiring reads in the comments, I look forward to reading them all and expanding my list.