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Karla Vega
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Over the Memorial Day Weekend, my husband and I decided to take a lil itty bitty overnight trip to Freeport Maine https://www.visitfreeport.com/. We always like to take spontaneous road trips and love to expand our adventurous side, so I was all for this little one night getaway that my husband suggested, to celebrate the long holiday weekend. I never heard of Freeport nor knew anything it was known for, so I was in for a treat. About a 2 hour drive from where we live, we left early enough so we could enjoy some of what this quaint town had to offer.
On the way, once we crossed into the Maine state border, we stopped at a Starbucks at a highway rest stop so we could grab a quick, on the go, bite to eat…..and coffee. We needed that coffee pick me up for that long drive lol. We arrived around 11ish which was too early to check into our hotel, so we decided to head straight on over to what Freeport is known for, the LLBean Headquarters https://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/1000001705?page=store-flagship. Oh My Goodness. This place is HUGE! Over several blocks’ radius, this place is the mecca of all meccas for all those outdoorsy junkies (which we are not….hey, what can I say?, we’re city folk, but we had to check out this place since it was one thing to do in Freeport). This store, if you can even call it that, more like a complex, is your one stop shop for all your outdoorsy needs. First floor consisted of men’s clothing as well as gear for all types of fishing, hunting and camping tools, equipment & accessories. Oh, and a whole gun section which we were kind of shocked to see. We totally got it. We’re in Maine, where hunting is a big thing to do but we’re definitely not used to seeing that in any stores in the city. We knew we were in unfamiliar territory. That was an eye opener. Anyway, back to the store.
The second floor consisted of the children and women’s clothing. This place was so big, they even had a wall to wall aquarium from one part of the store to the next, where you can sit inside a globe shaped dome where it looked like you were swimming among the salmon and fish that were in the tank. Picture worthy of course, especially for the kids. It was mostly meant for the kids since the space was not adult friendly, but I squeezed my way in there pretending I was five years old again lol. And of course, there were the ‘prized’ hunted animals, that not only curated the walls, but were displayed around the store like ‘models’ to entice customers that this is what you can get when you hunt in Maine. Something PETA would definitely frown upon. Again, I’m a city girl so seeing these life-like animals to me while walking around the store, made it all to real, that if I was ever stuck in the woods, I could come across these scary looking creatures.
After checking this popular Freeport shopping attraction, we decided to get in our car and head on over to the main street where there were more shops to check out. We parked on one of the side streets in the free parking lot which was nice since parking can cost a lot depending on where you are. Since it was Sunday and the weather was beautiful, there were people walking around window shopping, eating outside at several restaurants and/or hanging out on one of the street benches listening to a solo performer singing his pretty little heart out while the beat in the background helped him with the notes. On our walk down Main Street discovering what other shops Freeport had to offer, we stopped to hear the performer sing, danced a little to the current song he was singing and gave him a tip for his bravato, confidence and his enjoyable performance.
We hit up a Sperry, https://www.sperry.com/en/home, store right on Main and I bought a really comfy pair of sandals as well as a a pair of the famous Sperry boat shoes since I had to throw my other ones out because of many years of wear and tear. Because it was Memorial Day, all the stores were having a lot of deals, so I was happy I got my Sperry’s at a discounted price. Call me the bargain shopper I guess lol. There were a couple of other stores on Main Street that were also worth mentioning going into like the Mangy Moose, https://www.facebook.com/mangymoosemaine/, a gift shop that sells everything from apparel, home decor, books, kitchenware, accessories, toys, and of course, everything, moose-y. You name it, they have it. I always feel like these little towns always have a store like this, that has a tremendous variety of knick knacks ranging from clothing to home goods. Anyway, check this place out. It’s got a lot of great products & gifts to choose from.
After all that walking around in the sun, we decided to grab a bite to eat at a really busy Italian restaurant right on Main called Tuscan Brick Oven Bistro https://www.tuscanbrickovenbistro.com/. When looking up where to essentially go in Freeport, this popped up on the list for some great food and even better Bloody Mary’s! We decided to go here for lunch to see what all the talk was about. And we were so glad we did because the food was soooooooo GOOD! Of course I had to try a gourmet Bloody Mary that was garnished with pepperoncini, salami & mozzarella. Nothing like a little snack to literally go with your drink lol. It was definitely good, but a lil spicy for my liking. We literally ordered a bunch of apps + a pizza to share so we could have a little smorgasborg of food.
We decided on the Maine Mussels app that were served with Polenta Frites, a Ceasar Salad, the Ultimate Caprese Brick Oven Pizza and a side of Herb and Truffle Dusted Hand-Cut Fries. Wow…..just WOW! My husband and I were fighting over the last mussel, that’s how good they were. The pizza was cooked to perfection, the fries were addicting as ever, and, honestly, I don’t think you could ever go wrong with a Ceasar.
We wanted to digest our lunch a little bit and did a little more walking. Another thing worth checking out at the end of Main, was a McDonald’s restaurant that was built within the same exact building that was standing on the property, which just happened to be a historical colonial home. McDonald’s, like any other fast food place has a certain look to it including the exterior. Obviously, it didn’t look like it should be a McDonald’s so it was a little weird to see such an eloquent building as a fast food joint. Not only is it in a historical 150 year-old building but just happens to be the town’s only McDonald’s, and the world’s fanciest, so it made the list of places to see when visiting Freeport. Check out this article in NewsWeek talking about the history behind this beloved restaurant in it’s unusual but welcoming environment……. https://www.newsweek.com/inside-mcdonalds-built-1850-mansion-fireplace-freeport-maine-1716152.
With all that salt we ate at lunch, we needed something sweet so we headed over to another ‘must see’ item on the Freeport list of things to do. Heading back towards where the shops were and close to where we parked, was a famous chocolate and candy shoppe called Wilbur’s of Maine, https://www.wilburs.com/, right off of Main Street. In business for over 40+ years, these chocolate connoisseurs know what people love….and one thing’s for sure, they LOVE chocolate!! Being a chocolate lover myself, you know I had to check this place out. And of course, buy a couple of truffles and chocolates to bring home to indulge in. If you have a sweet tooth like me, then you need to check this place out on your visit!
Side note: We also found out that the Wilbur’s Chocolate Factory, where all the store’s candies are made, was not too far from Main Street. The best part….. you can make an appointment to have a tour as well as make your own chocolate! Since we were on a limited stay this time around and because it was a holiday weekend, we didn’t get a chance to do this. Maybe on our next trip!
At this point, we were done walking around Main Street for the day because there was one attraction we really wanted to check out. There was nothing like it around, it made you feel like you weren’t in Maine and the history with how it came about was pretty interesting. Plus, this was one of the MAIN places to see when visiting Freeport, so you know we were all about it. Enter: The Desert of Maine https://www.desertofmaine.com/. I know what you’re thinking, there is no such thing as a desert in New England, nevermind in a coastal state. When I think of deserts, I automatically think of the Sahara Desert, and by all means, we were nowhere near Africa. So, I had to see this for myself. At this point, it was around 3ish, which is when we could check in to our hotel, but we opted to go check out this attraction first and then head on over to our overnight abode.
The Desert of Maine is a ’40 acre expanse of glacial sand dunes, surrounded by a coastal forest.’ According to its’ Wikipedia description, it’s not a ‘true desert’…..and it’s not man made either. According to theory, ‘nature laid it down and human error uncovered it.’ But how? Based on a write-up in Roadside America, ‘the Desert began as a giant prehistoric sand pile, blown here by Maine’s north winds after the last Ice Age, then gradually hidden beneath a thin layer of soil. In the 1860s sheep grazed the grass on top and ate down to the sand. A small patch appeared — and then the wind ripped it out of the ground and piled it into dunes. By the early 1900s the dunes were so high that they’d buried farm buildings and 50-foot-high trees. Henry Goldrup bought the land/farm and opened it as the Desert of Maine in 1926.’ And so, this popular attraction was born.
Located at the dead end of a residential area on Desert Road, upon pulling into the parking lot, you see several trailers line the left side of the Welcome Center. Not only is this an attraction, but a campground destination for the curious guests to back in their trailers or set up their tents https://www.desertofmaine.com/campground. New to 2022, the grounds built six cabins for guests to stay in as well. So plenty of options if you decide to sleep onsite.
On the right side of the Welcome Center, there was a site that was under construction called the Tuttle Barn. Heading into the Welcome Center/Gift Shop, we stopped at the admissions desk to pay for our entry which was $16 per adult ($12 for kids) & grabbed a map to help us navigate the grounds. Leaving the Welcome Center/Gift Shop, on the path leading to the Desert, there was a food & ice cream stand called Oasis, a mini golf course and a playground for kids. Then, you see the ‘desert’. Which again, looks very strange because there is so much sand that is lined with forest like pine trees, which the two don’t really go together when you think of a desert. It is really a rarity to see with your own eyes.
There are stops to read the history about the site/farm/grounds while trekking in the sand. A good pair of sneakers is a must, along with some bug spray since you will be trekking in the forest too. If you decide to go in the warmer months, I suggest bringing some sunscreen, a hat and definitely a pair of sunglasses not only to keep the sun from your eyes but the sand if a wind gust comes thru. Along the sand dunes you will be walking on, there are paths off the dunes that lead you into the forest for some other activities to see like the ‘Gemstone Village’ (where you can pick your own gemstones), the ‘Vernal Pool’, the ‘Wishing Bridge’ & the ‘Roadside Attraction’…..an original 1920’s era Ford Model T. There’s a lot of walking and a lot to see. One of my favorite things was standing at the highest summit of the largest sand dunes at the desert and see a panoramic view of the whole grounds. It was so breathtaking! They had a seat for you to sit for a few just to take in the beauty of the scenery.
We definitely did our walking for the day and after seeing everything this attraction had to offer, we grabbed an ice cream at Oasis for the road and headed to the Holiday Inn Express Suites, https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/freeport/frept/hoteldetail, our hotel for the night. The hotel was in a perfect location, about a five to seven minute drive to Main Street. There are other hotels on the same street as ours, so to find a place to stay wouldn’t be a problem. We hung out at the hotel for a few, went to the pool, and got ready to grab a bite to eat for dinner. We wanted to keep it casual and wanted a place with t.v.’s since the Celtics were in the Playoffs and we wanted to watch the game. We heard that another place to check out for good eats on Lower Main Street was Gritty McDuff’s https://grittys.com/freeport-brew-pub/, your typical American bar fare and homemade beers with several big t.v.’s to watch a sports game. We started off with some wings and then dove right in to the Philly Cheesesteak and Reuben Sandwiches that we split. OMG, the sandwiches were some of the the BEST I’ve had!! Definitely check them out if you are in the area. Bonus, they have a huge deck with outdoor seating as well as a huge grassed area for the kids to run free on. At halftime, we decided to head out and call it a night since it was very looooooooooong day.
The next morning we had the continental breakfast at our hotel, checked out and decided to go back to Main Street for a few other notable places to visit. Across the street from our hotel was the home of the Maine Beer Company https://mainebeercompany.com/beer/lunch, & since we sell it at my husband’s restaurant, he wanted to check it out. Come to find out, they were closed on Memorial Day, which we were totally bummed about and decided that we will def have to take another trip to Freeport to check it out.
We headed down Main Street, parked in the same parking lot the day before (which was still free because of the holiday) and decided to check out the shops within the Freeport Village Station….outlet stores like we have in MA, like the Coach & Old Navy Outlet. We headed into a store called the Kitchen Outlet where I needed to grab a few things for our home, went into Old Navy because honestly, you can always find something in Old Navy, amiright?, and then into the Coach Outlet where I tried to persuade my husband that I needed a new bag when in actuality, I have too many. My husband won that battle and we kept it walking. We went into a store, more like a warehouse style loft space, called Freeport Market https://freeportmarket.me/, where there were all types of items from clothing & shoes, to accessories & jewelry, to decor & paintings……it was literally a plethora of products for the home or for you. The best part, all the products were handmade with tons of LOVE, from local Maine artisans & artists. I absolutely love that and of course had to support my fellow entrepreneurs. (We support & stick together, what can I say?) I found a really cute tray for my coffee table and my husband bought a snapback hat. Definitely check them out because there is a variety of cool, unique, one of a kind pieces that are handmade. And what better way to support small, local businesses than with an item that they created? I’m sure you can find something in here that you would love.
After checking out all the businesses in the Freeport Market, we were getting a little hungry and decided to head on over to Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern https://www.lindabeansperfectmaine.com/mainekitchen/restaurant/topside-tavern/, for some apps and some cold drinks. We ordered some Steamers, which are my fav, Calamari, and a Maine Haddock Melt Sandwich to split. The food was very satisfying and yummy. Definitely hit the spot. The restaurant has two floors and both floors have outdoor dining overlooking Main Street. It was too hot for us to eat outside, so we sat in the tavern dining room on the second floor. The seating on the second floor balcony seemed to be the most popular place to sit, eat and people watch below.
Side note: If you don’t want a sit down restaurant to eat at, there was a food cart right at the entrance of the Freeport Village Station Shops, that sold Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Lobster Rolls and cold drinks. We saw a lot of people getting the Lobster Rolls which seemed to be a big hit at this cart. There are some benches right next to the cart as well for you to sit on and eat your delicious roll.
After eating, I wanted to check out a really cute boutique we passed the day before called Rustic Arrow https://rusticarrowmaine.com/, that sold the cutest clothes, accessories, jewelry, & home decor. Of course, being the fashionista that I am, I needed to see what they were all about. Their stuff was adorable! A little on the pricey side but well worth it. I ended up getting this really cute cream colored, palazzo pants set with a matching top. Flowy, comfy and very summery is the look I was going for in this one. It came with a matching flowy top. Perfect for the hot weather. I also picked up a thick headband, intertwined with cream, beige & grey colors, that matched perfectly with my outfit. If you love fun and trendy clothing like I do, then this place is for you. Again, I’m sure you could find something to buy!
Having the sweet tooth that I do, we had to stop at Wicked Whoopies https://www.wickedwhoopies.com/, not too far from the Rustic arrow, which had the biggest whoopie pie selection I had ever seen. From Red Velvet, to Original, to Cookies and Cream, to Pumpkin, to Gingerbread to Banana Cream, they have EVERY type of flavor you could imagine. We picked up a Cookies & Cream and an Original Whoopie Pie for a lil snack on the way home. Oh my goodness, were those hella good!!! Just writing about them is making my mouth water lol.
One last thing we had to do before leaving Main Street was to check out When Pigs Fly Breads https://sendbread.com/, located at the beginning of Main Street, before all the shops. They used to have a location in my hometown and I remember going in and grabbing some of their bread which was out of this world. So, I knew I wanted to check this one out. And of course, we had to bring some bread home too. Not only do they sell bread, but also jams, spreads, oils cookies & goodies. We chose the Baby Spinach, Onion and Garlic Ciabatta, Sun-dried Tomato & Fresh Basil Oil Artisan Bread and the Sourdough Classic Bread. The best part, they slice it right there for you on the spot, no extra charge. Make sure to grab a loaf when you’re checking out Main Street.
Before heading home, there was one thing left on the ‘must see sights’ in Freeport and that was the Casco Castle https://meandermaine.com/place/casco-castle/. Not much of a castle presently, except for one, lone standing tower, situated in someone’s backyard. Which means you can’t visit this tower or even come near it, considering it is on private property. But you can see it from a narrow, residential road. Once an amusement park with a zoo and 100 room hotel from the early 1900’s overlooking Casco Bay, it’s sight today is a mere but eerie one. Story goes that in 1903, with the new electric trolley system that rode from Boston to Bangor, came to Freeport, which allowed more people to the area to visit the new amusement park built by Amos Gerald. Gerald’s sole idea for this attraction was that people were required to use the electric trolley system to visit the grounds of the castle. Once the car was invented as a means of transportation in America, the electric trolley saw less and less action and eventually caused the castle to fall into financial trouble. Gerald tried to keep it going for as long as he could until unfortunately, in 1914, the castle suffered a fire which burned the castle to the ground…..except for the stone tower, which still stands today. Pretty cool to see a part of a castle especially when it is surrounded by houses. And the history behind it makes it that much cooler to see. Some people say the best view of the castle is on the bay but if you are driving it’s def worth a peek. Take a pic from the road and remember, don’t trespass!
Last attraction with its history lesson was a good way to end this trip. All in all, we had a blast in Freeport! Who knew this little town even existed? So glad we got to check out some cool spots, try some yummy eats and learned some history on this 24 hour trip to Maine!
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! If you are visiting and have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me with either a comment below or send me an email!
Check back for our next trippin’ adventure!
Until the next trip with us!!
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Last July, my husband and I went to Mexico to celebrate my 40th and our 8 year wedding anniversary. Part of our package for that trip included a 2 hour tour of the hotel grounds with our personal concierge, with their hopes that we would purchase a timeshare. I know, the only negative thing about these packages is that, honestly. We listened to everything they had to offer knowing at the time we weren’t ready to make such a big commitment. Instead, we decided to put a deposit down on a future trip. Five nights, six days at one of the seven resorts of our choice. And, well, here we are.
Booking Our Trip
Since we went in the summer last year and there was a tremendous amount of sargassum, (‘a brown like seaweed that floats in masses that never attaches to the ocean floor’) we weren’t able to enjoy the beach because it was covered in this stuff. I asked the locals then about it and they said that it is worse in the months of July and August. So, when booking this trip, we decided to go in the Springtime to avoid all that seaweed. We booked our trip for the beginning of May, which happens to be my husband’s birthday month, so we were able to celebrate his big day in the place we love. Our trip was booked and we just counted the days until we were in paradise again.
With the deposit we put down last year, it included our choice of 7 resorts within the Karisma Collection, like I mentioned. We stayed at Seaside Suites in Cancun last year and wanted to try something different for this trip. We knew we wanted an adult only resort which brought our choices down to 5. We also decided to add two more days to our vacation, making it a full week, for a discounted price. Since we were getting a discounted rate, the rooms to choose from at each hotel, were on the basic level. If there is even such a thing in Mexico. Even their ‘standard’ rooms are luxurious IMO. We didn’t mind though. We were going to be right next to the main pool and who spends the majority of their time in the room anyway while on vacation, right?
The Resort
The resort we chose was El Dorado Royale in Playa Del Carmen https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale. It was about a 20 minute ride from the airport which was closer than where we were last year. I also noticed that in July, the airport was packed and it took us about an hour to get our luggage etc. This trip, maybe because we were going at a less busier time, it was much quicker. Maybe 20 minutes tops. Super convenient and super easy. Our package included our own private transportation to & from the hotel with Lomas Travel. Same company we used last year, so we knew upon exiting the airport, we had to look for the employees in teal shirts and white shorts. We made it out of the airport, found our Lomas rep and were on our way to the hotel.
There’s something about driving through the gated resort, heading to the grandiose entrance, palm trees surrounding the grounds, the smell of the warm weather & ocean breeze, that you become entranced and realize that for the next week, this magical place, becomes your home. I was in awe; pictures that I’ve seen online became my reality. I was soaking it all in. We pulled up to the entrance where the bellhops (is that what they are called?) greeted us to help us with our luggage, while we made it up the marble stairs to the lobby. Upon checking in, we were then escorted to our very own personal concierge, a bubbly Italian woman named Marita, who was our go-to all week. We sat down with her to discuss excursions, dinner reservations, and everything else we needed to know during our stay. Bonus, you know you are on vacation when a server comes by, during this informative meeting, to take your drink order. Marita had reserved our dinner reservations prior to us arriving, which was one less thing we had to worry about. Since we were ‘returning customers’ of the Karisma Resorts, Marita told us she upgraded our room from the Luxury Jr. Suite (which came with our pre-paid vacation package) to a Royal Suite, located on the 2nd floor, that featured a king sized bed, and a balcony overlooking the garden and pool https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale-suites. I think this was the resorts way of saying thank you for our repeat business but also, with the hopes that we would buy a Royal Suite timeshare. Either way, we were going to enjoy our luxurious room with a view.
Not only did Marita book our dinner reservations for us, she also booked our 1 & 1/2 hour meeting with a Timeshare Specialist. This was the deal with our package we bought, so we knew we would have to sit with someone in regards to possibly wanting to purchase a suite. We knew all along we weren’t ready to make such a big commitment but had to set aside an hour and a half for this meeting. Ok, back to the resort.
After meeting with Marita, we were on our way to our ‘Royal Suite’. Situated at the end of the beach on the resort’s edge, we loved how private and quiet it was. Nowadays, that’s what my husband and I wish for on vacation especially since our lifestyles are so busy. The Suite was exactly how it was described to us. It was the ‘perfect’ home for our week stay. We were a two minute walk to the beach and pool which was super convenient for us. And right in front of our building, was a shuttle, aka golf carts, that took you all along the three different resorts…..the two adult only ones….El Dorado Royale & El Dorado Casitas as well as the family friendly one, Generations, on the other end of the beach. Best part, as the adult only guests, we could use all three of the resorts’ amenities including pools, restaurants, beach etc. It was like three in one which we loved. That’s why the golf carts….you are covering a lot of grounds and although you could easily walk it, sometimes it was nice to catch a ride in that 90+ degree weather.
The Pools
There were three pools that we used during our stay https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale-amenities. The Spot Pool on the Dorado Royale side, which was a smaller pool with a swim up bar, had a dozen lounge chairs and a dozen cabanas for you to enjoy. Since seating and lounging was limited, you had to go out super early to reserve your cabana or chair. I woke up one morning, like at 630am to go down and put a towel on a cabana and even at that time, the majority of the cabanas were already spoken for. So, if you want a front row seat at a pool, get up really early to reserve it. Note also, that the towels in the towel chests near each pool, are not put out until around 7-730 by the pool staff, so I suggest you bringing one from your room until you can swap it out. We liked this pool a lot because it was quieter and more relaxing. I also didn’t mind waking up at crack of dawn because I was able to take some really nice sunrise pics on the beach. Bonus!
The other pool we went to on the Dorado Royale side, was the Fuentes Pool, which also had a swim up bar, but was very big, which meant more people & more noise. The bonus though, was because it was a bigger pool, it had more chairs & cabanas available. Since, there was way more seating at this pool, you didn’t have to get up super early to reserve a spot unless you wanted prime seating right along the pool’s edge. At 630 am, people were already reserving their chairs, but since there are 13 other pools to choose from at the resort, you prob will be able to find a seat at this one. This pool also had lounge chairs in the water to cool you off which was a nice feature. We went to this pool twice during our stay because we really enjoyed the smaller pools that were quieter and more relaxing for us.
The third pool which I loved, was in the Casitas part, called Colibrí Pool. This also had a swim up bar and a lazy river that you can use. The best part about this pool, is that it is right across from the beach with private, king sized cabanas. It also is right next to the Gaviotas Bar, which was fun at nighttime. I think the cabanas and Colibrí Pool were mainly for guests that were staying in the Casitas but we went two days in a row and nobody bothered us as far as asking if we were part of the Casitas section, so you go at your own discretion. The cabanas on the beach also had butler service that came around with cold hand towels to cool you off as well as serving you refreshing drinks. I felt like I was a Queen, totally being spoiled. The next time we go to this resort, we would book in the Casitas section. Plus this part of the resort is in the middle of everything, so it is equal distance to some of the attractions on the other two resorts.
Apparently, there are 11 other pools sprawled out across the three resorts. One that I would have loved to go in but was to chicken too, was the Agua Salada Pool, the only salt water pool on the grounds. It looked like a cenote to me which you can’t touch the bottom and I get super scared with any body of water that I can’t see or touch the bottom of it, so I opted not to go in. But would have loved to give it a try. Maybe next time 🤷🏻♀️.
We found out that the ‘party pool’, La Isla, was right in front of the room we originally booked. The Luxury Junior Suites lined the perimeter of this pool, which was super convenient for the people staying in those rooms but it was noisy since they are situated, literally, right outside your bedroom door. I am so happy our personal concierge upgraded us to a more quieter area because that main pool was always crowded with people, loud for the pool games and blaring music on repeat. I would have like to be there during spring break 20 something years ago but not when I’m in my 40’s trying to relax. Just make note, that if you want a more tranquil experience, upgrade your room, otherwise you will be amongst the party goers.
Like I mentioned before, last July, we couldn’t go on the beach because of the whole sargassum problem that the Caribbean seemed to be having. This time around, we booked in May, where we heard the sargassum wasn’t as bad as in the summertime. Some parts of the beach still had sargassum sprinkled along the waters edge but there were some parts of the beach you could still use….especially in the family friendly resort, Generations. We opted to stick with the pools though and enjoy the view of the ocean from a roped ledge where the Casita Cabanas were.
The Cuisine
One thing I absolutely love about all inclusive resorts is the exquisite cuisine https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale-restaurants-bars. You would think because it’s included that it wouldn’t be top notch, but that is so not the case. There’s a reason Karisma Resorts strive for that elegant touch of taste. So, let me get right into it.
For the ultimate breakfast buffet, the place to go is Cocotál. Located near the main lobby of the resort, this place has several stations serving everything from eggs & omelettes, to fruit & yogurt, to danishes & croissants, to oatmeal & cereal, to pancakes & french toast to even gluten free options like muffins, bagels and pastries. You name it, they have it. We went there several times for breakfast during our stay. Another place with a smaller breakfast buffet is Spot, literally near the Spot Pool I mentioned above. If you don’t want to deal with the busyness of Cocotál, then Spot is an option to check out. Note though, you won’t get all the options you get at the bigger buffet.
We absolutely loved the breakfast at El Café (aka Ríncon for dinner)….nothing like a good Eggs Benedict with a crispy hash brown to start your morning. Oh, and you can’t forget the ‘marijuana’ juice, what the waitstaff would call it. It does not have weed in it but is a green juice that contains kale, spinach, orange and pineapple juice. The waitstaff would love calling it that and would giggle every time a guest would ask for more ‘marijuana’ juice.
For lunch, Spot has a small lunch buffet with several stations that you can choose from. One thing I love about this restaurant, is that it is under a huge palapa that overlooks the Spot Pool. The food is good to soak up all that morning drinking you’ve been doing. Jo Jo’s is right on the beach and honestly you can’t beat the incredible view while you enjoy a refreshing cold drink and some good eats. I had a sandwich with hummus & veggies and my husband had a delicious burger. After a long morning of suntanning, this was the perfect spot to grab a yummy lunch. You have to try La Cabaña Pizzeria. Located right next to the ‘party pool’ but known for their wood oven pizzas, this will become your fav spot for a quick bite. We hear their burgers are pretty good too!
Palms, located in the family friendly resort Generations, became our favorite lunch spot. With views of the Gulf of Mexico with its open air concept, this place not only has yummy drinks but the tastiest food. For starters, you have to try the ceviche and the calamari. The burrito was really yummy also!
Now for the din din. Like I mentioned before, our personal concierge Marita, booked our dinner reservations at the most popular restaurants, so we were in for a real treat. Kampai, Asian/Pacific Rim inspired cuisine, you won’t be disappointed with this restaurant. We loved it so much we went back a second time! The Pad Thai is a lil different than the Pad Thai I am used to eating back home but with it’s own twist on the American version, it packs a ton of flavor. In my eyes, you can’t go wrong with Sushi either. Plentiful & fresh, you will love every bite. We also split a General Gao’s Beef dish with veggies that were delectable. Save room for dessert too because they are just as delicious!
D’Italia Casitas is another must. Growing up in the restaurant business and being Italian, I can be biased sometimes when it comes to other Italian restaurants but this one was so good! My husband and I both had a Goat Cheese Salad that we shared, then enjoyed a Pesto Pasta dish, and dove right in to our main courses….for me, Filet Mignon with Polenta and my husband had a Chicken dish with Risotto. We each had some tiramisu along with an espresso to finish the enjoyable meal. All in all, we really loved the taste as well as the presentation at this restaurant. Side note, there are two D’Italia Restaurants on the premises….we hear the D’Italia Casitas, the one we went to, is the better of the two.
Santa Fe Grill is another restaurant to check out while staying on the resort. Known for their steaks, which is not included in the all inclusive….you will have to pay extra for it; you won’t be disappointed. My husband enjoyed that damn T Bone steak all the way to the last bite lol. We also had the Octopus, Beet Salad & Beef Carpaccio as starters, for my main meal, I had a Shrimp Dish that had fried onions on top. So lite & yummy. And of course, we indulged on the delicious desserts that they were serving too. We heard that they serve up a mean breakfast spread but we never got the chance to see if that rang true.
One night that we were booked for was the Traditional Mexican Cuisine Dinner & Show which was held at the resort’s outdoor theater. Tex-Mex buffet style with all you can eat papusas, tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, taquitos, fajitas, sopa, pernil, rice and beans…..the list goes on and on. There was an endless amount of traditional Mexican dishes that you could choose from. And along with it, came an endless amount of desserts too….my fav! While enjoying your Mexican fare, you enjoyed the show of a mariachi band and the tale of Mexican culture and history. The food was good and the presentation was top notch. Definitely worth checking out.
Two experiences I suggest doing while at the El Dorado Royale Resort are 1. Romantic Candlelight Dinner on the Beach and 2. The Fuentes Culinary Experience https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale-experiences. Please note though, these two experiences are not included in the all inclusive packages. You do have to pay separately for them. When booking this trip, we knew we wanted to do the candlelight dinner since we were celebrating my husband’s birthday but Marita told us about the culinary emulsion experience that we knew we wanted to try and we were so glad we did. It literally is a cooking show being done right in front of you where you get to eat the dishes that you just saw being cooked. And if you want the ultimate experience, pay a little more and you can have drinks paired with each dish that you are trying. Please note though, they don’t let you know this beforehand so let them know if you want to pair the food with their recommended drinks or not upon reserving your spot to the show. The menu for the show changes nightly but the one we went to started off with homemade potato chips with an ice cold cerveza.
Then our appetizer was a Shrimp & Scallop Ceviche paired with some Veuve Clicquot Champagne, then we had Mushroom & Beet Soup paired with a sparkling white wine. Next up, we had a Rolled Chicken Dish with Risotto with a Sauvignon Blanc. Second to last, we dove into a Filet Mignon cooked to perfection with vegetables paired with a nice red wine. And finally, we indulged in a Bananas Foster with bacon and vanilla ice cream paired with a shot of Agavero Tequila. It was definitely an experience worth going to. We loved it especially since my husband’s a restaurant owner so he was excited to bring back things that he learned from the head chef. The food was AMAZING and the pairings of the drinks were just the same!
The candlelight dinner was beyond romantic. Overlooking the water at sunset, with the sounds of a saxophone player in the background & enjoying each other’s company, totally set the tone for the night. The food was delicious….we started off with a mixed salad with berries, french onion soup to follow & the favorable Osso Bucco as our main course. And since we were celebrating my hubby’s birthday, we had dessert that they decorated the plate with as a nice touch to embarrass him a little for his day lol. I must say, not only was the food outstanding but the presentation was out of this world. They really know how to do it up right at this resort.
Nightlife
Every night there was live entertainment at the main theater right next to Guacamayas bar. The shows would start around 8pm so it was important to get there a few minutes early to get a good seat. The shows consisted of an aerodynamics show, a light show, an acrobatics show, a fire show, live music & bands, and even a Michael Jackson Tribute Show. All the shows were unbelievable and I was blown away with some of the stuff that these performers could do either by their amazing voices or them hanging in the air by their hair, it was unreal to watch. There was no show that we saw twice so the variety of entertainment was nice to see. After the shows, everyone would then walk a couple of feet from the theater to Guacamayas which, on some nights, turned into a dance club with live music and dj’s spinning the trendiest music. The one thing I did like about this outdoor night club was that every night there was a lady in the corner selling her famous tacos that were so needed after a couple of drinks in. Nothing like a late night snack to soak up all that drinking.
If you weren’t feeling the dance club vibe, you could always head over to Gaviotas Bar which was on the ocean’s edge but had live music some nights and big swings to catch a breeze on. We would go there for an after dinner drink before the shows started and sometimes made our way back there after if we didn’t feel like dancing. Very chill vibe with even chiller drinks.
Excursions
One thing I wanted to do while on this trip was go to Tulum to see the wooden sculptures on the beach. I was told by our excursion specialist that downtown Tulum was basically a place to go eat and shop and there weren’t many options as far as transportation to go there. My picture perfect sculptures would have to wait for another time we go to Mexico. I am such a blogger lol. We knew we wanted to do at least one excursion considering we didn’t do any last year while in Mexico. So, we opted to go to XCARET https://www.xcaret.com/en/?langRedirect=1, Mexico’s Disney World. It was incredible and I am so glad we decided to go there. Literally, an experience like no other.
The tour bus picked us up around 8am and brought us to XCARET. From our resort, it was about a 30 minute ride or so give and take. We were told that we were able to go about as we pleased around the park and were made aware that there were two buses going back…one at around 430pm and the other one after the night show at around 930pm.
When booking this excursion, we were told that one of the things we had to do at XCARET is the Underground River…..’fresh, crystalline waters that are born from the inside of the Earth that you can swim through a maze of caves and tunnels, lit by natural light from air vents.’ We were all about it and were excited to do it and see some natural beauty amongst Mexico’s jungles. We knew we wanted to do that prior to going, so while on the bus, we purchased water cases for our phones so we were ready when we arrived. And the River was the first thing we did since we knew it was going to take us several hours to do.
Even though the river is only 5 feet deep, a lifejacket must be worn to be used as a floating device so you can literally just cruise along the water. The river is exactly as I mentioned above, the clearest blue water that you can see all the way to the floor. The beauty that you see all around you while going down the river is the real wow factor. Passing thru an actual Mayan Village, thru a cave where bats, yes those things, hung asleep above your head, to a beautiful mosaic glass ceiling in one of the caves to an actual mini waterfall to little spots along the way, where you can take pictures among your surroundings. All your pictures were made available to purchase at the end of the excursion. It was all too beautiful to see. The majority of our time spent at XCARET was in the River.
After the River experience, we walked around the Mayan Village and got to actually see what we passed by while in the water. We also went to the Butterfly Pavilion and the Bird Aviary where the most exotic and rare birds lived. To get around to the different places in the park, you had to go over long wooden bridges to get to the other side. Even though it was s little scary at first, the scenery was out of this world. You literally felt like you were in the trees, so high, like a bird, where your habitat is all around you. Where waterfalls were your backdrop. The scenery was something that you would see out of a National Geographic Magazine. It was beyond breathtaking and an experience like no other.
We also made a stop at the Mexican Cemetery. Not like the American way that I am used to seeing; the coffins are above ground, in different sizes in many colors and shapes….it was so beautiful and welcoming but so forbidding at the same time, if that makes sense. It literally reminded me of the movie COCO. We were able to walk around to see the many coffins along with flowers & trinkets that were left behind for ‘los muertos’ from their loved ones. It was a pretty but a little eerie, if I’m being honest. All in all though, it did give you a sense of peace knowing how honorable and sacred these type of cemeteries were for the the Mexican culture because they not only respect the living but give the same respect to the dead.
With our day pass to XCARET, we also got a complimentary lunch ticket at one of the many restaurants located in the park. We chose an outdoor buffet restaurant called La Cocina. The restaurant’s perimeter was a horse ranch where performers on horses would put on a show while you ate. Nothing like getting a little entertainment to break up your adventurous day while you enjoy flavorful & traditional Mexican food. The food was everything you could possibly want…..the typical Mexican dishes that everyone craved. It was overly abundant and plentiful for the guests of this very busy & popular restaurant. One thing my husband and I liked was that they had refills on Horchata, a mix of white rice, cinnamon & water, that is blended and soaked overnight to make a refreshing & desirable drink. It contains a lot of potassium, iron, calcium, & magnesium and is considered one of the healthiest drinks to consume with tremendous health benefits. It is the perfect drink to cool you off, especially on a really hot day.
There is so much to do within the park. A one day pass is probably not enough time if you want to see and experience everything. Literally, just like Disney. They have a kids section, perfect for families, which we did not check out but I’m sure the little ones would love. They also have a whole water park where you can snorkel in pristine waters, jump in cenotes, swim amongst sea animals and much, much more. Since we did the river excursion, we had enough water activity for the day. Next time, I will definitely want to check out the water park though because the pictures I have seen from it, are one in a million.
Among your walk throughout the park you will come across a ton of animals that you can take pics of like the flock of flamingos (yes, I was able to see flamingos on this trip too!) turtles, iguanas, all types of birds, and jaguars! There is even a Jaguar Island. The Mayan People believe the jaguar is a symbol of power, leadership & war. We were lucky enough to see a Jaguar and were able to take some nice pics of this beautiful creature.
One thing we were told to do when going to XCARET is to see the night show, the XCARET Mexico Spectacular, at the outdoor theater. The show started around 7ish but by 330pm, we were exhausted since it was a long day in the sun and decided to head back to our resort on the earlier bus. Would love to check that out next time we go to Mexico. With over 300 artists performing on stage about the Mayan culture, I am pretty sure it is a bucket list to do. For $45 per person, you also have the choice to eat your dinner while watching the show.
We ended our first time at XCARET with the Scenic Tower Ride, one of the highest attractions in Riviera Maya. The ride overlooks the whole park with 360 degree panoramic views and while it goes up, it spins! Very cool to see all of Cancún from a bird’s eye view. I recommend checking it out!
Ultimate Relaxation
Every time we go away, my husband and I love to get a massage at the resort’s spa. We decided on booking a couples massage at the Naya Spa, https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/royale-experiences, on the Casitas Side of our resort. Our spa package included Hydro Water Therapy, a Steam Room session and the Ultimate Relaxation Massage. We had the choice of having our massages either on the beach or inside & we opted for indoors, in the same room together. My husband had a female masseuse (I apologize for forgetting her name) and I had a male masseuse named Alejandro. He was AMAZING!!! When I say it was the BEST massage I ever had, it was. One thing I did like that they did, was before they started our session, they had my husband and I look into each other’s eyes as they recanted an old Mayan saying that is supposed to bring peace & joy to each other as a married couple. It was a nice personal touch that made the experience that more memorable & enjoyable.
The Finale
I can’t say enough great things about El Dorado! From the amazing food, people, hospitality, experiences, and memories we made while vacationing there, it makes me appreciate the lengths that the staff go to, to make you really have the vacation of your dreams. We had such a good time and would love to go back & I think if we do, we would def want to stay in the Casitas section because it seemed like you had a little more privileges in that part. All in all, it was another amazing Mexico vacation that we will cherish in our hearts! Nosotros encantamos Mexico!🇲🇽
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! If you are visiting and have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me with either a comment below or send me an email!
Check back for our next trippin’ adventure!
Until the next trip with us!!
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’! This trip was actually minus a Vega but was packed with just as much fun!
🎶 ARUBA, Jamaica, oooohhhh I wanna take ya……🎶 I know I know, so cliché but you know I had to throw that in there since I was visiting the first place mentioned! Lol…..So, a few weeks ago, literally at the end of March me, my mom, my sister, and our girlfriends, took a girls’ trip to the beautiful island of Aruba. No joke, we have been trying to make this trip happen since 2020 but it kept getting cancelled due to Covid. But FINALLY, our Aruba 2.0 trip was planned & booked and we were on our way for a week of total relaxation, good laughs, eats, drinks and awesome company.
Beforehand…..
There were a lot of ‘what if’ moments since we booked this trip in October 2021 and there were still restrictions and guidelines to follow for traveling because of the pandemic. Thankfully, a few days before our trip, Aruba lifted some of those restrictions and we were able to travel with ease. Our constant thoughts of worry were quickly replaced with thoughts of sipping rum punch while basking all that Vitamin D and Sea. ***I will make note, that if you are traveling to Aruba, please visit https://www.aruba.com/us for the latest news and updates on what is expected of you as a traveler to this ‘happy island’. For instance, when we went, we needed an E&D card (Embarkation and Debarkation) to fill out 3 days prior upon arrival to Aruba and we also needed to get tested for Covid within 24 hours of departure to travel back into the States. The Arubian officials at the airport will check this several times, so make sure you have your negative results ready. The good thing, depending on where you are staying, you can pay to get tested right at your resort or hotel (at a discounted rate since you are a guest) or you can get tested at the airport and pay a little more. The latter option is a little sketchy IMO, just because 1. you want to get your results in time and 2. With the possibility if you are positive, you would need to go back to the hotel to quarantine. So, for a less anxious experience, I suggest you get tested the day before for ease of mind. The E&D card is standard and the process is fairly easy but again, this CANNOT be done until exactly 3 days prior to your trip.
Ok, enough about the logistics of actually getting to ‘paradise’ lol. Let’s get into the trip!
The Resort…
We arrived in Aruba at around noon time but by the time we got our luggage, went to the duty free shop to buy some alcohol (because it was cheaper…..one thing you will find out about Aruba is that it is super expensive, well because they have to import everything in) and had to go thru customs again, it was closer to around 2 pm by the time we actually got to our hotel. One of our friend’s who we were going on this trip with, owns a timeshare at the Marriott Surf Club on Palm Beach https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/auaac-marriotts-aruba-surf-club/overview/and that’s where our home was gonna be for the week that we were there.
The resort was absolutely GORGEOUS!!! Featuring everything you could think of…..a ginormous curvy pool throughout the grounds of the resort with a lazy river for ‘floating’, sandy ‘beach areas’ that were poolside for lounging and suntanning that made you feel like you were at the beach without physically being on the beach, a pump station for your floats which I have never before seen but thought it was the coolest thing since sliced bread, a private kids area with a kiddies pool and some jungle gym equipment to tire those young ones out, a poolside masseuse from the resort’s spa to give you a ten minute massage to really put you into a serenity bliss, and the best part of it all……a beachfront resort with palapas to rent for the hour, the day or the week with a beach bar right at your fingertips and beachside servers to bring you some good eats and that tropical drink to solidify your paradise experience. Yeah, I couldn’t have been more blown away with this place!!
Within what I called the ‘Marriott Strip’, you had several other Marriott hotels neighboring ours that we could enjoy as well, like the Stellaris, which had an amazing singer performing on the Friday night that we were there, an amazing Gelato spot to satisfy that sweet but cold treat & some trendy boutiques to get that island shopping in. Oh, and did I mention the Stellaris also had a casino in it? Yeah, time to get your winnings on!! Nothing like taking a gamble on your trip, but isn’t that what vacation is all about anyway? Living in the moment and making it count? Note: There’s a jewelry store right across from the casino, so if you win big, treat yourself to some bling. The best part of the ‘Strip’ was that everything was within walking distance of each other, so it was easy to get around and check out other spots near our place.
That Yum Yum……
The best part of vacation is the good food, amiright? Well, Aruba’s meat is one of the best around considering they get it from Argentina. Yes, the meat is THAT good…from Steaks, to Burgers, to anything in between…..(sorry vegans and vegetarians) but no BS, everything we ate while in Aruba was delicious. We decided as a group that we would go out to dinner twice and the rest of the days we will order food on the beach or cook on the resort’s several grills. We decided to do this because you had to make a reservation everywhere and for a party of six sometimes it was a little harder since we were a bigger group, plus it was one way to cut down in food costs. For food shopping, Ling’s https://www.lingandsons.com/ is the most reasonably priced place to go. Super Foods is overpriced and commercialized. A little off the beaten path but reasonably priced too is Bon Dia Supermarket. Nothing fancy by all means but if you are looking for the basic essentials along with some wine or beer, this place will do the trick.
Side note: if you are planning to go to Aruba, I suggest booking all your dinner reservations ahead of your trip, that way you’re guaranteed the best times for not only incredible food but amazing sunset views at some of the more popular restaurants like Flying Fish Bone where your feet are literally in the ocean while you eat. Since this was a very chill, relaxing, empowerment girls’ trip, we opted to stay on the beach everyday until the sun went down and ate when we were hungry……the good thing about that was that we weren’t rushed to go anywhere and we could go with the flow of what we wanted to do without any time restrictions. The only con about this, was that we missed out on some cool dinner experiences (especially since it was my first time being there) but that’s what the next trip to Aruba will be for!
For the restaurants we did eat at……Moomba’s at our resort https://www.yummyaruba.com/restaurants/moomba-beach, right on the beach, was like a tiki type restaurant with high top tables where you can eat some good burgers, (first meal I had in Aruba!), suck down some yummy piña coladas and daiquiris and enjoy the waves of the ocean, all while enjoying your meal and the incredible view. They have your typical American fare there with burgers, sandwiches, salads, apps….think beachfront bar type food but top notch….not greasy or too heavy for the warm weather. Moomba’s at night, turns into a nightclub with a dj, so you don’t have to go too far to dance the night away.
We also ordered room service as well as food on the beach from the Captain’s Galley, which was also at our resort. Same type of food as Moomba’s. Side note: the Mahi Mahi Wrap from the Captain’s Galley was delicious, so if you are a seafood person like I am, you will enjoy this light but flavorful sandwich. And if you are looking for a refreshing non alcoholic frozen drink, check out the Smoothie Bar right across from the Pool Bar at the Marriott Surf Club. Nothing like a little cold of paradise without those extra calories to quench your thirst in the hot sun. We were there everyday, for our mid morning pick me up.
For a nice night out and a crowd favorite, check out Gianni’s https://www.giannisristoranteitaliano.com/. Within walking distance from our hotel in what I called ‘lil downtown’ (due to its vicinity and since it wasn’t actually Aruba’s well known, populated downtown, fifteen minutes away by car) is where Gianni’s was; an upscale Italian restaurant with outdoor/indoor dining. There specialty, apparently, was cooking certain pasta dishes tableside in these big cheese wheels. We didn’t order that for the table but that seemed like the popular choice since most tables around us ordered that. Something about watching the waiter spinning, while cooking, your pasta with the melted cheese from the cheese bowl was mesmerizing to watch. Note to self….next time I go to Gianni’s, I WILL be getting a tableside pasta dish. Although, we didn’t indulge in the ‘Pasta Bowl’ dish, we did enjoy Fried Calamari and Burrata with Prosciutto for appetizers, Octopus Salad and a specialty pasta dish…..Shrimp and Lobster Alla Vodka. Our table also enjoyed the Meatballs, Fettucine Alfredo, OssoBucco, and some yummy and delectable desserts like the the ‘Chocolate Salami’, a smooth chocolate ganache with crunchy nuts and vanilla biscuits. Our frothy cappuccinos helped wash down our rich desserts.
To start your morning off right with a delicious meal, check out The Pancake Factory (part of The Pink Panther/YOLO) https://yoloaruba.com/, also in ‘lil downtown’. A savory breakfast place that serves a variety of all your morning favorites from pancakes to french toast to your basic egg dishes with a side of good ole bacon. The Pancake Factory is your fav local breakfast place by day and by night, turns into YOLO, a loungey restaurant serving up tapas and tropical cocktails. The best of both worlds within one place. They even have an outside dining area where you can sit & relax while drinking your Mango Mimosa and people watch.
Driftwood, https://www.driftwoodaruba.com/ in downtown Aruba, is the place to go for that local flare and flavor. A restaurant that makes you feel like you are on a ship eating the catch of the day is what this place is known for…. and the locals love it just as much, so you know it’s worth checking out. We ended up eating some yummy apps like Calamari Fritti & Coconut Shrimp. For our mains, we feasted on Mahi Mahi, Lamb Chops, & some of the yummiest Clam Chowder, to name a few. White wine was paired with our dishes that made our meal more delightful. Finish your palette with some local fav desserts such as the Caramel Flan and the Brownie A La Mode.
If you are in the downtown area, go have a nice lunch at Casa Tua in the Renaissance Marketplace http://www.casatuaaruba.com/. Sit outside and enjoy not only the scenic ocean view but the tasty dishes like the Onion Soup (which we didn’t try but heard it was delicious) and the Greek Salad which not only was plentiful and filling but fresh. The Carpaccio plate was the perfect ‘lite’ meal for the warm weather. Wash it all down with a Balashi, Aruba’s local beer, (the same taste as a Heineken IMO) that will quench your thirst.
Shopping & Scenery…
Downtown Aruba is a haven for all the luxury shops that you would find on Fifth Avenue in NYC. Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Fendi, you name it, they have it. Conveniently situated right next to the Renaissance Wind Creek Casino, you can gamble and shop the day away. Having some newer products as well as the ones we see in the States, this is the luxury fashionista’s playground. Best part of the shopping is that it is tax free, which if you are buying a purse or handbag from these luxurious conglomerates, the tax itself can be several hundred dollars. Make note though, anything over $1000 dollars, you will have to declare it at the airport.
Of course we had to check out all these stores and ended up buying a few things at Gucci. That tax free discount was enticing for us to finally cave in and splurge on ourselves lol. Not only does downtown have all these popular luxury shops for you to choose from, but it also has local stores that sell souvenirs and gifts for you to bring back home. One store I absolutely fell in love with was ‘Designs of Color By Dariana’ https://www.instagram.com/designs_by_dariana/. They had the most beautiful & colorful graffiti inspired statues featuring my favorite animals like lions and elephants. They were one of a kind pieces that would compliment any home or office space but it might cost as much to ship it as the price of the item. But, you do have the option to ship it home if you really want a different piece of art.
Heading back near the Marriott Surf Club (a 10 min. cab ride from downtown Aruba and ‘5th Avenue’) on the main street in ‘little downtown’, there are a ton more shopping choices where you can find anything for anybody. There are a variety of stores & pop-ups, and even many vendors that sell knock-off name brand items, where you can negotiate a reasonable & fair price without offending the people selling them. They are willing to work with you to try to make a sale. The majority of our shopping were done at these outside vendors for gifts and souvenirs for our loved ones. There is so many shops to choose from on the main street from jewelry, to clothing, to accessories, to shoes….you name it, you’ll find it.
Since I own a women’s empowerment apparel & lifestyle company….(check it out here!– http://inspiherempire.com), I love supporting other female owned businesses especially when their story is one that is inspiring and uplifting. I say this because I came across a company like this on the same strip as the vendors and stores I just mentioned. The store, named Vadavas Jewelry https://www.vadavas.com/, is located right next to the entrance of the Paseo Herencia Mall….an outside mall featuring something for everyone. Vadavas was started in 2013 by Diana and her four children where the name itself stands for the the first 2 initials of the first name of each of Diana’s children…..VA-leria, DA-niela, VA-lentina & S-ebastian. The brand itself is driven on inspirational & meaningful pieces that are designed by Diana and her children and are handmade by single moms in Aruba & Colombia. The whole focus behind the vision of VADAVAS is ‘to provide work opportunities for leading moms at home so they can have an extra income source without having to sacrifice more time with their children.’ I absolutely LOVE that and you know I needed to support their mission and this female driven empowered company.
Excursions…
One thing that was on my bucket list to do while in Aruba was go to Flamingo Island https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/auabr-renaissance-aruba-resort-and-casino/renaissance-island/. I did some research before our trip to see what the process was on how to actually get there. My findings: If you are staying at the Renaissance in Downtown Aruba, then you can get a day pass to get to the island with no problem. All you would have to do is tell the front desk when you would like to go, reserve your spot and you were on your way. But, we weren’t staying at the Renaissance Downtown or any Renaissance for that matter. We were at the Marriott Surf Club which was a 10 minute cab ride to downtown itself. Being from another hotel, there was no guarantee of a reservation to get to see my pretty pink birds, because we weren’t hotel guests. We were told that the only way to get there was if the hotel was less than 80% full, obvs because they accommodate their guests first before they accommodate the rest of the public. And since there was no guarantee of getting there just by ‘winging it’, I knew I had to find out a way to get there if the hotel was at full capacity. I was determined to get there somehow. A 10 minute boat ride from the main island, with the most clearest of waters, softest of sands, & of course, the most prettiest flamingos. So, the question is, how could we get there?
I am part of an Aruba FB page where all people who travel to Aruba let you know a ton of info as far as anything you want to know about the island. So, I asked away on this platform. A lot of suggestions were that we book a spa day so we were guaranteed a ride over on the ferry. So that’s exactly what we did. We booked a spa day for the three of us at the Okeanos Spa on Flamingo Island http://renaissancearubaspa.com/home.cfm. We made sure when booking our ultimate relaxation, that we were on the island itself, getting pampered. Somehow, there was a mixup to our reservation and they booked us at the spa in the Renaissance Hotel where you catch the ferry. Because of this mixup on their part, we got a discounted rate for our massages at the hotel spa and then were given free day passes to Flamingo Island where normally, (since we weren’t hotel guests) we would have had to pay $120+ per person. They also gave us a complimentary drink ticket per person, 
at the Papagayo Restaurant, on Iguana Island, the other side of Flamingo Island. Both islands are right next to each other and you can enjoy each one with a short walk to each. On Iguana Island you have the main restaurant I just mentioned, lounge chairs, cabanas, hammocks and floats that you can grab at the shack for free as soon as you get off the ferry. Oh, and of course iguanas lol. Although, I saw more of them on the Flamingo side. One thing I did notice on Iguana Island was the sandbar in the middle of the water where people were sunbathing on. The water was crystal clear and knee length so there was no ‘deep’ end. I also noticed that there was a short rock wall enclosure around the beach so you could fall asleep on a float without having the worry of drifting off to sea.
After having a delicious Chicken Salad Sandwich & Piña Colada at the Papagayo Bar & Grill https://www.arubarestaurants.com/restaurant/papagayo-bar-grill/, we made our way over to what I have been waiting for this whole trip! Upon walking on the path that led straight to the beach where the flamingos migrated, I was in awe that they literally were just walking amongst beach goers and sunbathers. I’ve never seen anything like it and I was in heaven. The locals said they way to sway the flamingos to follow you in the water is to buy some of their food at this little coin operated stand (literally like a gumball machine) that was right next to the flamingos ‘home’…… a man made little pond where they can sleep and rest in between attracting and engaging with the public. I ended up buying some food, I believe it was a couple of quarters for a handful of feed, and put it in my hand and made my way to a flamingo on the beach walking around. They followed me in the water and fed off my hand, actually pecked to get the food but it actually startled me where I jumped a little bit. Although, they are very chill birds and won’t bother you unless you are trying to pick them up, aggravate them etc. (which I DON’T suggest doing btw), you still have to be careful. Feeding, & interacting with them is at your own risk.
I was so happy I was able to check off a couple of items on my bucket list…..taking a selfie, feeding and taking several pics with these beautiful creatures, but we also came here to relax and enjoy the rest of island. And that’s exactly what we did. We got floats at the shack as soon as we got off the ferry and laid in the water for several hours just soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery and more relaxation from our already tranquil day. The water on the flamingo side is obviously the same as Iguana Island but I did notice that on the shoreline, there were a lot more rocks. We had to make our way to the crystal clear water part where there were no rocks but to cross over the rocks barefoot in the water not only can be painful but dangerous to some. The water was chest height, well at least for me…’Im 5’4 btw, but was clean and clear once you get past those bumpy rocks. I suggest bringing water shoes so you can avoid your feet getting jacked up. On the flamingo side, they also have that rock enclosure, so once again, you won’t have to worry about drifting off to sea. That was the best part. We could fall asleep on our floats and take in the sound of the water. It was so relaxing.
The beach on Flamingo Island was small. On one side is where the flamingo’s ‘home’ was and on the other side were these over water cabanas. For $370, you could rent it for the day. They fit 4-6 people and might be a nice way to have your own private area guaranteed, especially when there are limited lounge chairs on the beach. That $370 dollar price tag also gets you sparkling water, a bottle of sparkling wine, food, & personalized cabana butler service. The cabanas had seating inside, a table for drinks/food and a decent size over the water canopy net where you can sunbathe on. The canopy also had stairs that lead you right into the water so you wouldn’t have to get on the sandy beach for water access. We looked into getting a cabana while we were there but they were already sold out. Since there are only like 6-8 of them, prior reservations are a MUST. And again, I believe the Renaissance books there guests first before accommodating other guests from different hotels. Definitely noted for the next time I go.
My mom, sister and I spent the whole day at Flamingo Island and it was everything I wanted to experience and more. I was so happy I was able to see one of my favorite birds in their natural habitat. And also enjoy a gorgeous beach with white sands for the ultimate relaxation. We did notice that while on the beach, we kept hearing planes but couldn’t see them. We found out on the ferry back to the mainland that the airport was right there and the reason we couldn’t see the planes was because they were too low due to them landing. An airplane went right over our heads while we were on the ferry going back to shore. Literally, right over our heads, so just a heads up. The noise wasn’t bothersome to us. We were more curious as to where it was coming from but we got our answer upon our departure.
The rest of our time in Aruba was spent on the beach, just relaxing and hanging out with each other. It was an awesome girls’ trip which is exactly what every one of us needed……with good laughs, great eats, and with amazing company. Something all of us craved to refuel our mind, body and souls. We definitely are planning on doing another girls’ trip in 2023! Stay updated for that vacation with more Aruba tips, dips and day trips!!
Have you been to Aruba? If so, let us know with a comment or suggestion!
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! If you are visiting and have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me with either a comment below or send me an email!
Check back for our next trippin’ adventure!
Until the next trip with us!!
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Over the Marathon (Boston) Monday/Indigenous People’s Day long weekend, I surprised my husband with a mini lil getaway to the mecca of all meccas….especially if you are a HUGE baseball fan like he is. Got any ideas what place I am talkin’ about? Yup, you guessed it…..Cooperstown NY to the Baseball Hall of Fame! I mean, it actually seemed appropriate considering we went to the Basketball Hall of Fame in February of this year (check out my post ‘Glammin’ It Up in Northampton’ under The Diaries–Trippin’ It With the Vegas’). Bucket list to do ✓✓. I know, I know…..total wifey brownie points right there 💁♀️.
Since a lot of the hotels in the area were already booked up (even though I did this a couple of months in advance), I searched Airbnb’s for surrounding areas. I came across this super cute place called the ‘Sunrise Suite’, about a 30 minute drive to Cooperstown in Oneonta, NY. We honestly didn’t mind the drive which was really pretty & scenic, so for us it was the perfect match! Since CV-19, we only have stayed at hotels and were a little weary about staying in someone’s actual property but with the Airbnb sanitizing guidelines protocol as well as the 5 star reviews & stellar rating the owners had, we said F it and gave it a shot.
We left on a Saturday morning around 9ish and the ride was about 4 hours and 15 minutes due to a little bit of traffic. The ride itself was a straight shot all the way down the Mass Pike which was really easy. About 20 minutes away from our destination we were starving and stopped off at Mountain Dog Café https://mountaindogcafe.com/, in Stamford NY for an egg and cheese breakfast wrap, a scone and a good ole cup of coffee. Exactly what we needed. Our check in for our Airbnb was at 4pm but we arrived around 230ish. The owner was extremely accommodating and let us check in an hour and a half early. We were relieved & thankful that we could do this.
Before I get into the reason we booked this trip in the first place, I have to talk about how AMAZING the ‘Sunrise Suite’ was!! It had everything that you could possibly need even if it was tiny quarters (maybe like 300-400 sq feet, if that). My guess, since the owners live on premise and since the ‘Sunrise Suite’ is attached to the main house, this Airbnb gem was converted from a very large garage. ‘Your own space with a separate entrance and private deck.’ Set back from the main house, privacy was not an issue. When you pull up in the parking spot designated for guests, you will notice a little stone path leading to two stairs that lead to the french style front doors, and a nice sized deck with a grill, a table and chairs and lounge seats to enjoy the scenery (picture the Sound of Music hill lol). I love how the deck also had an L shaped couch on it that had globe string lights hanging for an intimate setting for nighttime. Country homey feel is the vibes I got.
We walked into the ‘Sunrise Suite’ and were blown away with how modern, clean and welcoming it was. I literally fell in love with this place! Opening the french doors to go into the space, it was a nice, open, airy, concept and took a whole other spin on small living quarters. I felt like I was in a treehouse, well because, let’s face it, we were in the country, but also felt like I was in an apartment in Soho because of the modern touches, if that makes any sense lol. It featured a California king bed, a small loveseat couch and a small built in alcove kitchen with sliding barn doors that had the smallest appliances I have ever seen….dishwasher, fridge etc. The room also had a recliner chair, a mounted t.v., a stand-up dresser closet, and a table and benches for eating. A skylight made the space very bright and sunny. What I liked most about this place was above the table and benches was this huge, handwritten chalkboard, that listed local attractions, restaurants, & things to do. The best part of this place was that the guests could use anything on the 12 acre grounds including a salt water heated pool, tennis/basketball courts, fire pit, and playground. Unfortunately, since we were there for such a short stay, we didn’t get a chance to use any of these amenities but would love to come back in the warmer weather to take advantage.
Our plan was to drop our bags off and then drive to Cooperstown to see the main street that the Hall of Fame was on. We had tickets for the next morning so we really wanted to get a feel of the area and walk around. We lucked out, because the weather was in the low 60’s which was perfect to do some sightseeing & some shopping. The majority of the stores on the main strip surrounding the NBHOF, are memorabilia stores with some of the best souvenirs and collectibles for the avid baseball superfan. So, you can only imagine how excited my hubby was. Literally like a big kid in a candy store……or baseball card shop lol.
Besides the endless souvenir shops, there are places to grab a bite to eat like Mel’s at 22, http://www.melsat22.com/, for your classic American comfort fare; Bocca Osteria https://www.boccaosteria.com/, for that delectable Italian cuisine that everybody loves, or Lakefront Restaurant http://www.lakefrontcooperstown.com/, part of The Lakefront Hotel , where you can enjoy some yummy bites while taking in the beautiful scenery of Otsego Lake. I suggest making reservations to ALL these places, especially if you are going on a long weekend like we did. We made the mistake of not making any but were lucky enough to try at least one of these local favorites. Also, make note on when these places are open not only for the season but also for normal hours (some close on the weekends altogether and for the slower months).
Besides fine dining with not only good eats and views, you can grab a quick bite to eat at several of the pizza shops on the main strip, like Sal’s Pizzeria https://www.cooperstownmenus.com/sals.html, which had some amazing pizza, garlic knots and salads to satisfy our hunger after a long day of being on the road & walking around all those shops. This was the perfect dinner for that. We liked it so much, we ended up going there the next day for lunch. I mean, you can’t go wrong with pizza.
For a delicious cappuccino and a HUMONGOUS piece of pie (Reese’s Pieces Pie, may fav 😋), head on over to Doubleday Café https://doubledaycafe.com/. You won’t be disappointed that you did. A local fav spot serving not only awesome desserts but some good chow too! For an on the go sweet and some of the BEST breakfast treats on Main, head on over to Schneider’s http://facebook.com/Schneidersbakery for the BIGGEST and YUMMIEST and glazed to perfection, Cinnamon Bun you have ever seen (& eaten)!! Pair it with a delicious and fresh cup of coffee and you will be in SWEETS HEAVEN!! They also have homemade bread and bagels, danishes, muffins and scones to name a few. It’s no wonder they have been in business since 1887, keeping the locals sweet tooth yearning for more.
Since you are on Main and walking around, check out a really cute gift shop called Tin Bin Alley https://tinbinalley.com/. Specializing in gifts, souvenirs, collectibles, homemade fudge, chocolate and ice cream, this little unique boutique gem has everything you could want in it and more. And I guarantee you will walk out of there with something. BTW, their Peanut Butter and Cookies and Cream homemade fudge is out of this world!! Oh, so is there Apple Pie Ice Cream that is just as good so make sure you grab a scoop or two!
A historical place to go visit and that I was super excited to see since it is in one of my fav women’s sports movies of all time, A League of Their Own, is the Doubleday Field, https://www.doubledayfield.com/. It’s pretty cool to stand on the grounds and watch an actual baseball game that just happened to be playing on the same field that Geena Davis, Lori Petty, Madonna & Tom Hanks starred on. It was really awesome to see the actual ‘Home of Baseball’. It was also mentioned in a section of the NBHOF which we got to see the day after. There is a parking lot right in front of the field which is where we decided to park and there are several shops and a bar with some hoppy local beer that outline the field itself. So, you get so much to experience just in the area where you park.
Now, let’s get to the whole reason we came here. You’ve seen it in movies, you’ve read about it in books and you’ve heard about it from family and friends. The National Baseball Hall of Fame, right on Main, which houses so much history, memorabilia, souvenirs, and fame. And it’s all for the love of the game. See what I did there? Lol. This place is a mecca of all things baseball; from the originators, to the GOATS, to the MVPS, to the coaches to the lives and to the historical stories to where it was to what it has become. If you come here, expect to stay here for several hours. It’s literally a whole day affair which we were so ok with, because it was the whole purpose of our trip. I enjoyed it as much as my husband did especially because being a feminist, I love to see how women came about to pave the way and change the game. I could go on and on about how amazing out time there was, but I want you to go for yourself to enjoy. It was an awesome two day experience!!
There were several places that we couldn’t see since they were closed either for the season or because of the pandemic like the American Baseball Wax Museum https://baseballwaxmuseum.com/, the Cooperstown Diner, https://www.cooperstowndiner.com/, & Wood Bull Antiques in Milford http://woodbullantiques.com/bullsite/ (about a 15 minute drive from the center of Cooperstown) One thing we did get to see which was nice to walk around was Otsego Lake and it’s pretty grounds that you could tell is a hopping place in the warmer weather. Perfect scenery for an outdoor wedding or perfect backdrop for my influencers out there looking to snap that unforgettable pic. Either way, it’s a place to see.
Since we traveled to Cooperstown in the Fall, we would love to check it out in the Spring or Summer to fully experience everything this historical, cute, quaint town has to offer. And I’m sure you would too!
Side note….On the way home, we decided to stop and grab a bite to eat (to break up the long drive) at 51 Park in Lee, MA. It’s about halfway point to Cooperstown at around the 2 hour mark but this place had such amazing food!!! If this is your way back home, then stop off and grab one of their popular and delectable Reuben sandwiches!
Hope you enjoyed what I shared with you!! If you are visiting and have questions, don’t hesitate to ask me with either a comment below or send me an email! Check back for our next trippin’ adventure!
Until the next trip with us!!
October is here and that means pumpkin spice everything, sweater weather, shorter nights and of course HALLOWEEN!! And being from the New England area, we think of Salem….the mecca for all things ghoulish & gruesome; ghosts and goblins galore and of course, the witch trials. Ahhhhh yes. 31 days of Ghostober has begun. My husband and I try to go to Salem every year, preferably at the end of September or the beginning of October. We refuse to go near Halloween, cuz it is carazayyyy there with people from all over the world visiting, long lines and foot traffic at a standstill. It is a lot of fun seeing everyone dressed up in their costumes and enjoying all that the area has to offer. So, this past Sunday, we took the 45 minute ride trip to the ‘no man’s land’, even though the weather was cloudy & a lil chilly with a little bit of rain. People were still everywhere dressed to play the part. And you already know I had to join in and dress in a fun, bold, bright, and kinda ‘wacky’ jacket to add to the scene. There were vendors and small businesses selling their food and merchandise at the commons, all while a one person band played tunes in the gazebo. I will say though, despite the weather, it was still the perfect Sunday to spend in Salem 🎃
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Time to go to Oviedo 🍊
O-vee-a-doe, how I say it, or O-vey-doe, how the locals say it. Either way, Oviedo is a lil city in central Florida suburbia about 20 minutes from Orlando. Just recently, my in laws retired there, so we wanted to visit them and see where their new home was gonna be. On the flip side too, my sister has a rental property in Naples which we wanted to spend a couple of days by ourselves and knew by doing so, we would be taking a mini 4 hour road trip to the west coast of Florida to do so. We were so ok with that and were ready for our lil adventure. Booking our flight to Fort Myers rather than to Orlando International airport brought down our airline costs substantially, since we were not flying into touristy Disney World. We also rented a car at the Fort Myers airport as well, obviously, so we would have a means to get around on our own. Plus, hellloooo, mini road trip. We were ready for our vacation to come!
Finally, the day arrived and we headed out to the airport early, since our flight was at 8 in the morning. We gave ourselves enough time, around two hours or so, since we were flying domestically. Airports are strict on the whole mask wearing while inside, on the plane and deplaning. Don’t mess around without one unless you have good reason on why you can’t wear one. It makes traveling quicker and faster for you to get to your destination too. So, just do what you are supposed to do so you can get on with your vacation. We boarded the plane, flew for a lil less than 3 hours and arrived in sunny Fort Myers. Now, for our road trip!!
I loved how convenient everything was located within the RSW airport in Fort Myers, https://www.flylcpa.com/. Super easy transaction from getting our luggage to where we had to go to get our rental car. We used Thrifty, https://www.thrifty.com/, because it was budget friendly and the representative was really nice, even upgrading us to a bigger economy sized car. We headed out to the parking lot where the cars were (literally right next to the rental cars area), chose our car for the week and were on our way to Oviedo!
On our road trip, I saw a different side of Florida than I had always envisioned. I don’t know if it is me, but I always thought of FL as beaches, and city life like in Miami Vice or something. Boy, was I surprised to see nothing but cattle ranches, wild boars that actually jumped out onto the road as we were driving, pastures and armadillos. Maybe it was my naivete, but this was our scenery for about 2 and a half hours until we reached civilization lol. Finally, there’s some life around here besides the cattle, bull and horses on the side of the road. We finally reached the Orlando area where we passed by SeaWorld, Epcot Center, Disney World and Universal Studios. We kept on driving cuz at this point, we were famished and just wanted to get to our final destination to see the ‘rents.
We finally arrived at the 3 hour and 45 minute mark and were blown away with what a cute lil city Oviedo was. There were strip malls with shops and restaurants, nail salons, barber shops & fast food goodness. Everything in walking distance to where we were staying. My in laws rented their place at a really nice complex called Oviedo on the Park https://www.cityofoviedo.net/511/Oviedo-on-the-Park. Turning into the complex, there were townhomes that looked like brownstones in Boston or in Park Slope. Several eateries like Panera Bread and Starbucks lined the streets around the complex. I was amazed how a tiny suburban area resembled that big city feel. I loved it right away. It was like our home away from home.
After the townhouses, you had the rental properties which was where my in laws were staying. Their place was so nice! My in laws and our nephew met us at the door and we were ready to take a walk around the area and catch up with them. They showed us all the amenities including their community pool, game and movie room, and main area of the complex. The pool is basically where we lived at for the majority of the week. It was awesome!!! Because people were at work during the day, we had it all to ourselves. A resort like pool and a hot tub, several areas for lounging….some with tvs, ping pong tables and a whole outdoor kitchen for grilling to entertain. It was so relaxing and chill and exactly what we all needed.
The complex encircles the Center Lake Park, which features a dog park, swan boat rides on the water, walking paths, a kids sprinkler ‘cool off’ area’, a dock, a kids park, an area for lounging to enjoy the scenery and the sun, giant checkerboard for playing, and a vendor that sells ice cream treats and cold drinks. The vendor also sells food that you can purchase to feed the many fish, turtles and birds that habitat the lake. Just to walk around the whole lake is relaxing & peaceful.
There was a restaurant right across the Park called De La Vega https://delavegabar.com/. How convenient since we were starving!! Serving up authentic Latin dishes with a side of tequila or rum is an awesome way to spend a day/night out. Best part, they had live music, literally a one man band who played EVERYTHING from Salsa, Pop, Rock R&B etc. It was nice just listening to him sing while we were eating our delicious food. This was literally right across the street within the rental complex!
My in laws bought a house in Sanford in which they are waiting to move into but we decided to go check it out as well as the area. We came across another little strip mall (I guess FL is known for these) that had amazing delicious Puerto Rican food, you know, like your local cuchifrito spot, called Coqui https://www.coquirestaurant.com/. They serve pernil, rice and beans, yucca, steak and onions, and of course, your usual empanadas like beef and chicken as well as your not so ordinary ones like pizza. All are a must try. You will be in fried goodness heaven lol. You know if you have cute lil grandmas cooking your food in the kitchen, the food is gonna be out of this world! No wonder why they were written about in the local newspaper for ‘Best Puerto Rican Food in the Orlando area.’
In the same strip mall, there’s a shop called K.I.T or Keep It Tight https://keepittightfl.com/, that sells trendy & hip clothing for that fly, fashion forward person. Their pieces are one of a kind & original. Super friendly & helpful staff that will help you up the game on your wardrobe. From shirts, to hoodies, to matching sets, to accessories, I’m sure you will find something there that you will like. Apparently, they just recently started selling kids clothes too, so if anything, check them out for your little ones!
Although it was nice hanging with the fam for the week, it was time to head back to enjoy a couple of days by ourselves at my sisters spot in Naples. Road trip! We headed out early on Friday morning to drive the 3 hour and 45 minute ride to the west coast. We arrived at her place at around 1 ish after stopping at the nearest Publix to grab some things for the house for the two days that we were going to be staying there. Her rental property is located in a desirable neighborhood because you are close to everything. Although the beach is several blocks away, you still get that city feel ten minutes down the road. You got the chill atmosphere of beach living with the excitement of city living. I absolutely loved it because you were able to experience the best of both worlds!
Since we arrived in Naples mid afternoon and because we were tired from all that driving lol, we decided to eat a quick lunch at the house and chill by the pool for a couple of hours before we grabbed a bite to eat for dinner. If you want nightlife, outdoor dining, entertainment and to people watch, then head on down to 5th Avenue. About a 10 to 15 minute drive from where we were staying on the 90th streets, near Vanderbilt Beach. 5th Avenue aka Downtown Naples, is like a lil mini extravagant Little Napoli. Walking down the street, from the musicians playing the accordions and singing their hearts out, to the arched marble architecture, to the mini piazzas, to the mouth watering Italian cuisine, one would feel like they are legit, in a city in Italy. Hence, the name Naples. Lamborghinis, Porsches, Maseratis, and even golf carts for those who just came from a round, line both sides of the street from beginning to end. It screams luxury. And while you are at it, take a ride to the street adjacent to 5th Avenue and you are looking at houses that look like they came straight out of the Godfather movie. No bullshit. I was in awe at the grandiosity of it all. Totally different from the modest, suburban neighborhoods we were just visiting a few days prior.
Hungry and can’t decide on what to eat after strolling up and down the street? Check out AQUA restaurant https://aquafifth.com/ at the beginning of 5th Avenue if you are coming from Tamiami Trail. They have live entertainment everyday and also have a nightclub/lounge that stays open late for that night owl looking to party. The food was pretty good and the guy playing his keyboard was not bad either. We went on a Friday night so they were pretty busy but were able to get a table with no reservations. One thing I would make note of, is that the bar is literally right next to the tables in the dining room as well as a small dance floor which can be fun and rowdy all in one, so if you are trying to have a romantic dinner, I suggest sitting inside their half enclosed patio or grab a table outdoors in the front of the restaurant. For apps, we had a dozen oysters and fried calamari. For dinner, I had the Mussels Fra Diavolo over Linguine and my husband had the Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna. Everything was plentiful, generous and delicious.
Need some sweets after dinner? Then check out the numerous gelati & ice cream stores like Regina’s that have yummy flavors like Birthday Cake & Cotton Candy. Sit down on one of their outside tables or walk to the lil piazza where you will hear the popular sounds of a violinist playing top 100 hits. And if you are a fashionista like me, who is always looking for the BEST backdrop for that perfect insta worthy pic, then check out the #ArtAveto5th. A walkway from a parking lot to fifth avenue that has graffiti art murals done on metal canvases that are attached on the faux greenery walls. I was loving the vibe so much, you know I had to have a mini photoshoot there!(Check out my post ‘The Writings on the Wall…..or My Shirt? in the FASHION & STYLE DIARIES). If you appreciate art and creativity and have an eye for those type of things then you will enjoy this little artistic pathway.
Since we experienced 5th Ave on Friday, we decided to venture out a little more on Saturday. Woke up late & had breakfast at Skillets https://www.skilletsrestaurants.com/, a local spot serving up breakfast and lunch favorites including what they are known for….their skillets! Hands down, the best skillet breakfast I’ve ever had. I mean, it’s their name for god’s sake, it better be good! Your typical comfort food meal to start your day. And yes, you will probably need a nap after too lol. I had the Bacon Avocado Skillet that was rich and creamy and all the yumminess. My husband had the Breakfast Burrito. The best breakfast EVER.
We were told that Naples Pier is really pretty and since it was only like a 20 minute ride from us, we decided to go check it out. It was beautiful. People were walking up and down the pier, fishing and hoping to catch something big, and the beachgoers that were getting in the last sun rays before sunset. It was picture perfect and although there were tons of people all around us, when we reached the tip of the pier and overlooked out into the ocean, it was just my husband and I enjoying each other, the moment and the scenery. If you are afraid of heights or are afraid of water, I suggest you check the pier out near the beach. Another insta worthy pic for your gallery.
We wanted to see the sunset from the pier but since we were earlier than when it was and because there were so many people around, we opted to head back to Vanderbilt Beach to check it out there. Floridians are very relaxed people. Everyone who goes to the beach make it an all day affair, going home once the sun sets. And then you also have the people like us, who specifically go to the beach with beach chairs, some hard seltzers and snacks and wait for the golden hour to show face. So calming, so peaceful, so magnificent. Florida has some pretty sunsets, let me tell you.
We decided for our last night in Naples, we would head on over to Miramare https://miramarenaples.com/, based on a suggestion of one of our friends. Authentic Italian cuisine with a table overlooking the Venetian Bay all while an accordion plays you those classic Italian hits in the background. The perfect way to spend the last night of our vacation. I wish we arrived there a little earlier so we could have enjoyed walking around the shops that were in the plaza where the restaurant was. That will be for next time we are there for sure.
For starters, we had the Mozzarella di Buffala plate with Prosciutto & a Ceasar Salad to split. For my entreé, I had the Spinach Ravioli Alla Vodka and my husband had the Linguine with Clam Sauce dish. For dessert, we shared the Créme Brûlée. The excellent blend of fresh ingredients to saturate our palettes. With views of the bay, stomach satisfied and the friendly but intimate ambience, I highly recommend making a reservation and going there if you visit Naples.
And sadly, our vacation was coming to an end. We woke up early on Sunday, finished packing and fixing the house up as we left it. My husband went to go get us breakfast sandwiches at Skillets for take out and after we ate, since we had an hour to spare, I sat outside poolside, catching my last hour of Florida sun before heading home where the temperature was already starting to drop. Uggghhh, back to reality in a few hours.
It was time to head out to the Fort Myers airport and because we had to drop the car off, we decided to give ourselves at least three hours to do so. The drop off for the car was super easy. Just follow the signs to where the drop off is at, leave the keys in the car and be on your way to your airline. Side note, because we took a road trip in Florida, make sure you pay the tolls as you go when crossing though city lines. We had a SunPass (like MA EZPass) which we kept using while we drove the car every which way and received a bill in the mail a couple of weeks after our return, for all the tolls we accumulated. We knew that was going to happen but didn’t know they would add a $10 administration fee to every $1.25 transaction. We ended up with a hefty toll bill and actually only paid half of that, but still for something that would have cost us $50 bucks altogether, cost us way more, so just make note of that when renting a car. I wish our nice rep at Thrifty explained that to us, but lesson learned for our next visit. All in all, it was a very relaxing, fun and chill vacation we needed, to end the summer off right!!
I hope you liked what I shared with you and you enjoyed our experiences! Since our families own property in Naples and the Orlando area, we will be visiting frequently, so check back on ‘Trippin It With The Vegas’ for any new adventures, sights, eateries and places we go to when we go back to Florida!
Trip with me and my husband on our adventures together!
A travel guide to help you with tips, places to visit, good global eats and anything else that comes with taking a trip away…. let’s start the trippin’!
Vivá la México!! 🇲🇽
My husband and I LOVE Mexico…I mean, we went there for our honeymoon and our first year anniversary, so when our 8th year wedding anniversary (at the end of June) & my 40th birthday was this past July, it was only right to go back to the place we absolutely loved, to celebrate. Especially, when it had been about seven years since our last visit there. We were overdue lol. Of course, with CV-19 putting limitations on international travel, we were a little concerned when booking this trip but ready to get away. We checked all the requirements to make this trip happen. Updated/current passports ✓, both fully vaccinated✓✓, both willing to take a complimentary Covid test at the resort to get back into the USA ✓✓✓. Plus, beyond excited to travel since all our 2020 plans got cancelled due to CV-19 ✓✓✓✓. We were on our way to beautiful Mexico!!
Now, where to actually stay in Mexico?
In the past, we have stayed in the Cancun/Riviera Maya region at the Excellence Playa Mujeres https://www.excellenceresorts.com/cancun/excellence-playa-mujeres/ & Valentin Imperial Riveria Maya Hotel https://en.valentinmaya.com/. Both hotels exceeded our expectations and we wanted something equally as nice since we were there for a special occasion. My husband and I searched the internet and picked several resorts that checked off our list…..adult only, all inclusive, beachfront etc. We finally decided on El Dorado Resorts…Spa Resorts by Karisma https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/. I never heard of this resort company before but based on their reviews and top notch restaurants, entertainment and ambience, we were sold. We chose El Dorado Seaside Suites https://www.eldoradosparesorts.com/seaside-suites in the Infinity Section.
The travel website we have used in the past that never disappoints was https://www.cheapcaribbean.com. Known for their budget friendly deals that will entice ANYONE to hop on a plane, one downfall is that they usually do not offer direct flights and sometimes at non desirable times, for example, overnight. I also think because of CV-19, the flights are even more limited than they were in the past but I was not about to give up an extra beach day due to me getting to my destination. So, I took a chance and booked directly through the resort’s website with an international traveling company.
I booked our trip with Lomas Travel https://www.lomastravel.com/. I was a little nervous booking through a Mexican travel agency but honestly, how everything turned out, I was so happy I took that chance. The representative who helped me tremendously was Eli Rangel. Eli made sure everything was all set for our trip including private car service to and from the airport, as well as putting a special note on our reservation that it was my birthday. I was so happy with the professionalism, friendliness & attentiveness from Eli. Her thoughtfulness and thoroughness quickly eased my mind about booking first time with an agency overseas. Now to wait several months for our trip to happen.
Ok, planning was done. Now, let’s travel to Mexico!
On the day of departure, we arrived at the airport about three hours beforehand just to give ample time since we were living in semi post pandemic world and traveling internationally. Our flight was in the early a.m. and was due to arrive in Mexico by 11 a.m. This was awesome since the day would not be wasted traveling. After a little confusion as to pick up our luggage upon arriving in Mexico, we finally retrieved it after about an hour waiting (we didn’t mind waiting because it was raining so we weren’t missing any beach time) and headed outside to meet our Lomas Travel agent. (Eli did tell us who to look for when finding our transportation car…..a Lomas Travel agent wearing a blue shirt with a name tag and white pants.) Sidenote: Upon exiting the airport in Cancún, there are TONS of people trying to sell you tours, products and transportation rides. On the advice of the travel agency, DO NOT stop and engage/buy anything with them. Go straight outside to find your travel agency to get you safely to your hotel.
We found the booth for Lomas Travel, and hopped into our large, private, SUV for the hour and a half trek ride to our resort in the Yucatán/Quintana Roo region. Our driver was super friendly, engaging in conversation in Spanish with my husband. Finally, we reached our resort. By this time, we were not only excited, but we were famished and thirsty as well. But that all subsided once we entered the lobby. 
The resort was GORGEOUS!! We headed up to the pristine, marble, front lobby and waited about another half hour to check in. We didn’t mind the wait because a waitress came over and offered us a drink. Piña coladas for us…yes please! After all, we were on vacation. I mean, it didn’t matter that it was 2 in the afternoon lol.
I don’t know if it’s because I haven’t traveled in awhile but when checking in, everything was done through the resorts app which you had to download upon check in. For instance, if you wanted to check out restaurants, shops, entertainment or nightlife, or book room service or maintenance checks, you would just check out the app and request when you need and reserve your slot. I thought that was super convenient & easy for guests of the hotel.
We checked in and were ready to see where we would be staying for the next seven days. Since the resort is so big, there are extended golf carts offered at main points of the hotel to get you to where you want to go. We hopped on a golf cart with our luggage in tow and were on our way. Sidenote: They require you to wear masks when riding the golf carts especially since you are so close to people and can’t practice social distancing. One thing I did notice the week we were there, was that regardless of the humidity and the 90+ degree weather, every staff member throughout the resort wore a mask. Sometimes a mask and a clear shield. It made me feel more comfortable seeing this. Ok, back to getting to check out our home for the next week.
The Suite……
We pulled up to our building….the Infinity section, met with our personal concierge in regards to things we wanted to do and reservations we wanted to make during the week and went up to the 3rd floor to Suite 710. When booking, I did ask Eli for a corner suite, but it was already reserved, so she made sure I was as close to a corner room as possible for a more intimate, private setting. The main pool is 3 floors below, noise level would be zero to none in the corner suite. OH MY GOODNESS!
We walked in and were blown away with how big our room was. King sized bed with a table and two chairs for eating, and a huge circular couch in the corner for lounging. Our bathroom was equally nice with a huge walk in shower, his and hers sinks, and a hot tub tucked away in the corner. The first thing we did before unpacking, was check out our balcony swim up suite. WOW….just WOW!!! Two chairs and a lounge chaise occupied the balcony, along with two steps going down into our very own swim up pool. We were in heaven! With views overlooking the Caribbean, we could enjoy walking right in our own private section of the balcony pool to catch a glimpse of the sunset or sunrise. We couldn’t have been happier with our room!!
What to do…..
Both my husband and I decided that this would be a chill, relaxing trip, and since CV-19 was still a concern of ours, we both agreed that we would stay at the hotel the entire week. There was plenty to do & plenty to eat without having to leave the grounds. And since we have visited Mexico before, we have done some of the excursions worth mentioning here, like swam in a cenote (natural swimming hole or cave), ziplined through a Mexican jungle (we did Selvatica https://www.selvatica.com.mx/), visited Chichén Itzá (Mayan ruins archaeological site) https://www.chichenitza.com/, and ATV’d offroad. We also have gone shopping at Plaza de Americás https://www.shopping-mexico.com/malls/quintana-roo/cancun/plaza-las-americas-cancun and Quinta Alegría https://quintaalegria.com.mx/. Here, you can not only find knick knacks to send home as gifts but also name brand stores that we know here in the States.
The resort has several of boutiques you can shop at with shoes, clothing & accessories made by local merchants that you can purchase. There are also several vendors around the resort selling their handmade art & accessories if you are looking to bring something back without the hassle of leaving the resort. The shops might be overpriced, well, because , you are on a resort. But the local merchants at their stands will probably negotiate with you on a reasonable price for you to pay.
During the day, there are plenty of activities to enjoy at the resort like beach volleyball, coconut painting (which is a fan fav to do…you paint a coconut that is then placed all around the resort….it was nice seeing everyone’s designs displaying all over the grounds), pool aerobics, poker games, salsa lessons…..so much to do. All you need to find out what is going on for the day, is check your guest app and show up! Super easy and fun! Also, for entertainment at night like Karaoke, performances by local musicians and trippy light shows, the main outdoor plaza is where these will all take place, weather permitting of course. Just check that app and enjoy the entertainment.
If you want to unwind and completely relax, check out Naay Spa https://www.karismahotels.com/el-dorado-spa-resorts/seaside-suites/experience/spa. They offer facials, reflexology, body wraps, you name it….they can do it. Even massages on the beach to have you in a complete zen like state with the sounds of the ocean soothing your mind as your masseuse soothes your body’s aches and pains. My husband booked a 2 hour spa package for me for my birthday which included water therapy, full body scrub, cooling session and an hour massage. I was so relaxed when I left there that we booked a couples massage with reflexology the day before we left. The perfect way to completely relax in a calming and tranquil setting to relieve your stresses away. Take advantage of this opportunity! You (& your body) will love it!! So worth the money!
The grounds of the resort are absolutely beautiful. Take a walk around and swing on the oversized swings hidden throughout or lie in a hammock on the beach for even more relaxation. Sit in the outside comfy lounge chairs under the enlarged cabanas while you sip on a margarita, listening to the sounds of the ocean. Take a walk past the Palms section and enjoy an area on the beach with a stone bridge, brick wall and stairs leading into the ocean. Perfect spot for amazing pictures or to watch the sunset. There are two sets of oversized swings that are all over the resort’s insta page that make for the perfect photo op, but depending on when you go in the year, you won’t be able to use them. When we went in July, there was so much seaweed that it was like a thick wall & unsafe to get to those ‘ocean swings’, so I was a little bummed about that. Apparently, during the summer, the seaweed takes over the beach so much that there is one section only that you are able to swim in that you can enjoy. The best time to go where the seaweed is non existent, is in the springtime, like in March, April or May. We were told that by the locals. So, I made note of that for next time we want to go.
Our hunger awaits…..
Since we stayed at the resort for the duration of our vacation, we got to know our surroundings that much more. And let me just say, one would think that since this was an all inclusive spot, the food would be mediocre. That is not the case when it came to the Karisma resort restaurants. All the places we ate at for breakfast, lunch & dinner, were top notch IMO. That says a lot when your husband is a restaurateur. He would agree with me too. Presentation and taste are key when serving authentic dishes and at this resort, both did not disappoint. And with so many choices to choose from for each one of your meals plus snacking, whatever you crave will be fulfilled. I can almost guarantee it. Plus, your suite is accompanied with a mini fridge that is stocked daily with beer, sodas, & snacks so you never go hungry or thirsty. Throughout the resort, there are vendors serving you the best homemade quick bites. Like Gloria’s taco stand. Situated beachside right in front of the Driftwood Gourmet (if the weather is sunny), there is the sweetest woman named Gloria making you her tasty homemade cooking. She became our friend throughout the week, as we always wanted to buy one of her delicious tacos.
For a great breakfast & lunch buffet, there are two spots you can enjoy…..Arrecifes (on the beach, next to the Palms smaller & quieter pool that we enjoyed during the week) & Seaside Market. The buffet at both places are endless and you can easily find yourself indulging, maybe a little too much lol. Eggs, croissants, fruit, omelettes, meats, cheeses, dessert, cookies, bagels…..the list goes on and on.
For awesome and plentiful burgers near the beach, check out Sandwicherie. They serve waffle fries too so win win. If you are a big ceviche fan, you need to check out Beach Barbeque. OMG, the tuna & calamari ceviche is out of this world! 
Oh, and if you are still hungry, grab one of their kielbasa. Nothing like soaking up the views of the ocean all while enjoying some yummy fresh food! Beyond delicious!! Check out Klay Talay 
for some of the best Asian cuisine around. The appetizer wings were delicious but make sure you ask for several orders of them…..they only give you like two to an order lol. Also, the pad thai was hands down, the yummiest!
For Italian, check out Mia Casa, specializing in pasta dishes from around Italy like Carbonara (which is one of my favs) and Amatriciana (another one of my favs). Leave some room for dessert…they are just as yummy as the food! There are two of these restaurants…one near the Palms sections of the resort and one near the main lobby. We went to the one near the main lobby, which I loved, because upon entering the restaurant there is a gondola right in the foyer that you can sit and wait for your table to be ready. Plus, it’s a great photo op!
If you are looking for authentic Mexican dishes (I mean, you are in Mexico after all) then you need to check out La Carreta. If you are an ice cream lover like I am, then you need to get their ‘Mini Ice Cream Stand’ dessert. You will know what I am talking about because it seems like that is a popular dessert. Very refreshing considering you are in the hot weather too. 
For those tequila lovers, check out the tequila bar off the main lobby called Mezcalitos. One tequila, two tequila, three tequila, FLOOR!! Literally…lol pace yourself if you want to savor every moment. Continue the party at the outside bar, Guacamayas, which has djs playing your favorite dance hits. Oh, and if you want to continue with the tequila drinking, make sure you ask them to ice your shots. Something about warm tequila that makes you wanna (blahhhh)….well, you know.
For the ultimate romance to celebrate a special occasion, book dinner on the beach. Something about eating a fabulous meal with your loved one, while the noise & views of the ocean put you in a peaceful state. Bonus, before your dinner, there is a professional photographer who takes a whole bunch of pictures of you with the sunset and the beach as your background. Those pics are available for you to purchase the next day at the Palms lobby. Well worth the money for those unforgettable moments.
Know before you go…..
A couple of days before your departure, you shouldn’t be surprised that you would need to get covid tested which you will need for entering back into the States (welcome to living in a covid world). This is well made aware to you when booking your trip btw. As a little bit traumatizing as this procedure was (the large Q-tip feels like it legit penetrates your brain through your nostril), it was over in a second and my mind was at ease knowing that I was doing my part in stopping the spread. Best part, this resort offered a complimentary test as part of your guest services so no charges were your responsibility. Booking your appointment was made thru the guest app upon check in that I mentioned above. You get results within a couple of hours. Whew! You can enter back into your country. You will need to show Customs these results just in case they spot check you upon your return into the States. Just an FYI.
At the resort, do not be afraid of the many different sizes of harmless iguanas roaming the grounds. Don’t bother them, they won’t bother you. Also, going down the pathway to go back to the main lobby, you are entering forestry where these are the homes of wildlife animals such as frogs, lizards, birds and coati (a mix between a raccoon, anteater and a monkey). Again, they won’t bother you and it is probably very rare to see one on this path but you will definitely be able to hear these animals, so don’t be alarmed. Just another FYI, don’t be startled with the humongous butterflies and moths (literally 6-10 inches long) that could be chillin’ on some walls in bathrooms all around the resort. Again, they are harmless, but something I don’t see in the East Coast, so I was a little taken back by their size.
Back to reality……
On the day of departure, make sure you arrive to the airport at least 3 hours beforehand. The line was the longest I’ve ever seen to check in and you don’t want to miss your flight due to a time constraint. Make sure you have all necessary paperwork ready like your passport, boarding pass etc. It will make check-in that much smoother & quicker. Oh, and make sure you are wearing a mask throughout the whole flight, in the airport and deplaning. The airlines take some seriousness to this. If you disobey unless otherwise noted on why you can’t wear one, then you might have a visit with the local police. I have seen it recently on a trip I took and a gentleman was escorted off the plane by a U.S. Marshal. It made a lot of passengers upset because it delayed the deplaning process tremendously.
Sidenote: At the Cancun Airport, some of the gates are under construction so don’t be surprised if you are going to a gate in a part of the airport that is not really populated. And if you happen to go to one of these gates, don’t be surprised if you have to take a bus to the actual plane and enter the plane on the runway. Yeah, I know. I never experienced anything like this before either but I guess there’s a first time for everything lol. When entering the States, you will have to go to Customs so get ready to be in another long line. The U.S. Customs will ask you several questions about your trip. Again, have all necessary paperwork ready for the agent. It will make your exiting the airport that much faster and quicker that you can go home.
We had such an amazing trip with so many memories to share. We were a little skeptical about traveling with the restrictions due to CV-19, but we are so glad we took that chance, because it was a vacation we will forever remember❤️
Until the next time you trip with us!!
I’ve been on a hunt for art as backdrops for my pictures lately. I’m legit I-N-F-A-T-U-A-T-E-D with finding murals that blend perfectly with an outfit I put together. Something about finding amazing wall art to compliment any get up, plus I love supporting & showcasing talented artists’ work. So, when we were heading out to Naples for our end of the summer vacay, I knew I had to check out #ArtAveOn5th in downtown. About a 15 minute ride from where we were staying,we decided to head down there for dinner out first night in town. I just happened to bring an outfit with me that would look great with this backdrop (ok, maybe that was planned just a tiny itty bitty bit lol) but if I wore it there or not, we knew going to 5th Ave was in our agenda. My favorite season was coming to an end and I had to go out with a bang in a see thru graffiti & denim number with some FMP thigh high denim peep toe boots to match. Yup, you got that right. No shame in my game or my outfit. I have a niché for this kind of thing, I guess. The writings were on the wall…..and on me. The perfect pair to say goodbye to summer 🙌
Don’t get it twisted….
Don’t let the title of this book scare you away. It’s a shocking memoir but with a happy ending. My kind of feel good book. ‘How to Murder Your Life’, is a brutally honest (& overly shocking) memoir about the life of Cat Marnell, an associate beauty editor for Lucky magazine, who seems to have her sh*t together. But we soon find out within several chapters that Marnell opens up completely, page by page, about how she was living a double life of a somewhat celebrity stature to a functioning drug addict in NYC for years….until she hits rock bottom. The true story of ‘ambition & addiction’, of self loathing, self sabotage and lack of self respect. Humility and bravery all rolled into one. Anyone who has overcome or struggled with addiction would understand the lengths someone goes to to get their ‘fix’. I give Marnell much respect and courage to be able to relive her world all over again to do this project. She decided it was time to come clean and write this incredible, tantalizing, addictive book. A read that will want you craving more.
Side note: While reading the first couple of chapters, Marnell mentions about hanging out with a couple of comedians in NYC, two of whom I know personally. What a small world! I actually might have known her too and didn’t even know it!
J-U-L-Y has arrived and I celebrate a milestone birthday….I turn the BIG 4-OH….today!!! I’m not gonna lie. My emotions all over the place….happy to circle another year around the sun but also scared because I am getting older but I am also excited for what the future holds. Makes sense right!? Well, since this year was a big one, my husband and I decided to go to Mexico to celebrate and you know ya girl came with the most fabulous birthday b***h outfit to rock in the Caribbean. All the glitz, glamour, sparkle, fabulosity and totally obnoxious was the look I was going for for my big day. It didn’t matter that it was 90+ degrees and I might have been sweating just a lil bit, as long as I felt like a million bucks for my birthday, it didn’t matter. Well, cheers to me and enjoying the rest of my bday trip!! Besos from Mexico!!😘
