The Location: Adventure Awaits

Ka’anapali is packed with activities for every type of traveler. Snorkeling (some of the best is just right out front!), swimming, surf lessons, cliff jumping, paddling, and of course, lounging on the beach – it’s all here. One of the best parts of staying at Hyatt Regency Maui is its unbeatable walkability. The resort sits along a several-mile-long, paved walking path that runs the length of Ka’anapali Beach. Each morning, we loved grabbing a fresh juice or coffee and strolling along the shore, it’s the perfect way to get your steps in while soaking in the beauty of Maui.

The Stay: Luxury Meets Comfort

Recently renovated and newly reimagined, all rooms have sleek and modern touches throughout. If you’re lucky enough to book an Oceanfront room prepare for widespread panoramic views of the Pacific that are truly breathtaking. The resort features:

• 6 pools, including a half-acre  lagoon-style pool
• 4 on-site restaurants, with one of our favorites being Japengo. Serving up Asian and island-inspired dishes like sushi, premium steaks, and fresh, locally sourced seafood, this spot is a must-try!
• Walking distance to Whalers Village, a shopping area with everything from high-end boutiques to casual eateries

The Amenities: More Than Just a Place to Stay

From the moment you step into the resort’s open-air lobby, you’ll be surrounded by some fun and unique surprises. The lobby is home to exotic birds like parrots, cockatoos, and even penguins and swans. Yes, you read that right – penguins in paradise!

If you’re looking for some evening entertainment, check out the Drums of the Pacific, the resort’s legendary luau, which has been running longer than any other on the island. There’s also live music at the pool bar every night, making it the perfect spot to unwind with a tropical drink in hand. And for us caffeine lovers, there’s a Honolulu Coffee conveniently located in the lobby for your daily Macadamia Nut Latte fix.

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa is truly a destination in itself. Whether you’re here for adventure, relaxation, or a little bit of both, you’ll find everything you need to make your time in Ka’anapali unforgettable. So next time you’re planning a trip to Maui, be sure to put this incredible resort at the top of your list! And if you’re looking to up your travel game even further, check out our list of The 6 Wellness Must-Haves that Change the Travel Game!

The post A Perfect Stay at Hyatt Regency Maui: Your Ultimate Getaway in Ka’anapali first appeared on Inspired By This.

How To Travel

Being that this was a family vacation, we had groups flying in from different parts of the US. We all flew into Phoenix (it’s the cheapest option) and rented cars right at the airport. Our first stop was to the Desert Botanical Gardens – highly recommend! Although nothing was in full bloom when we went, it was still beautiful and had an incredible variety of cactus and desert plants.

We, then, drove 2 hours through immaculate red rocks and mountainous landscape to Sedona, where we stayed for 4 nights. There are so many fun ways to vacation in Arizona. You could very easily spend a night or two exploring the city of Phoenix or Scottsdale before heading to Sedona or vice versa. Both cities offer shopping, golfing and a variety of different cuisines to keep you entertained.

Where To Stay

We opted to stay at an Air BnB located on the south west side of Sedona, right off of the main road, 89A. The house was in the most perfect location for us. It’s a secluded and quiet area, and best of all, has easy access to tons of hiking trails. It was also less than a 5 minute drive into town, which made running errands and our daily excursions effortless.

If you are traveling with a smaller group or want to be closer to the live action in town, I’d recommend staying in West Sedona or as close to downtown as you can find. However, for us, being just outside of town was perfect.

What To Eat

We are foodies at heart, so we tried a lot of different restaurants during our stay. Some of our favorites include : Cowboy Club, Javelina Cantina, and 89 Agave Cantina (get the table-side guacamole). Picazzo’s Healthy Italian Kitchen had some of the best GF pizza I’ve ever had. A few of our favorite breakfast and sweet spots include : Karen’s Bakeshop (vegan/GF options), Sedonuts & Coffee, Creekside Sedona and the Hideaway House.

Things To Do

Within our itinerary, we used one full day to drive 2 hours north to the Grand Canyon. It was everyones favorite part of the entire trip! If you are looking for a cheap, casual and nostalgic breakfast spot, I highly recommend The Toasted Owl Cafe in Flagstaff. It was the perfect spot to fill up before a full day of adventures in the Grand Canyon.

While we were at the Grand Canyon, we drove most of the south rim road with a good mix of driving as well as parking our cars to walk along paved paths. The views were absolutely breathtaking! If you do get hungry while you’re in the park, there are a few small cafe’s near the visitor center as well as shops for souvenirs. I highly recommend prioritizing Yavapai Point and Geology Museum.

Back in Sedona, there are a few must see places that we stumbled upon. Heading to the Chapel of the Holy Cross, especially to see the sunset, was incredible! There are also tons of great hiking trails tucked back in the area. One of our favorites was the trail “Little Horse to Chicken Point”. Once we reached the top (not a steep incline), there were a lot of Pink Jeep Tours parked on the rocks. We didn’t do those tours, but we will next time for an elevated Sedona experience!

Sedona, Arizona was a beautiful vacation spot for our family to meet up and we can’t wait to go back! It was a perfect spot for all ages and abilities with a wide variety of things to do and see. From the jewelry shops, to the plethora of restaurants and hiking trails, it is a place that truly has it all. This essential travel guide to Arizona’s enchanting red rock country is just the start of exploring the southwest state. If you’re looking for more travel guides, check out our travel section on our blog to create inspiration for your next vacation!

The post Sedona Serenity: Your Essential Travel Guide to Arizona’s Enchanting Red Rock Country first appeared on Inspired By This.

Warm Welcomes + Cocktail Hour Kick-off

“With a guest list that consisted of busy planners and event designers, we designed our entire stay with Rosewood to put our guests on the receiving end of what they are usually working on. For an impactful first impression, we started with beautifully designed stationery from our friends at Minted Weddings! It was important to us that everyone could have a sneak peek into what was in store, so we worked with Minted to curate an invitation suite that was on brand with all of the events that we would be hosting. The day that guests arrived, we kicked things off with an intimate cocktail hour in the evening that gave everyone the chance to connect with each other and unwind from their travels. Each guest was sent back to their room with a custom toiletry bag from The Handkerchief Shop that had their initials on it. On the inside, there was one more surprise: a custom embroidered handkerchief for every guest!”

Private Tour with Theoni Rentals

“After enjoying a slow morning, we sent our guests to hop into Jump on The School Bus, which took them to a private tour at the Theoni Rentals headquarters! Each of our events involved linens and rental pieces curated from Theoni, so we were excited to give everyone the opportunity to take a look at their rental collection and enjoy one on one connection with the Theoni team. ”

Bocce Baby!

“In the afternoon, everyone gathered at Rosewood’s Bocce Ball court for a little friendly competition! After an instructor from the property showed our guests the ropes, we split off into teams and penciled names into a tournament bracket. It was so sweet watching everyone get connected over an activity as fun and simple as Bocce. While teams waited for their turn, we had Bocce themed cocktails being served at the bar. Guests could also head over to the lawn where Truly Madly Ink was set up for a fun on-site activation, giving guests personalized champagne and engraved coasters to take home!”

Cocktail Hour on the Great Lawn

“At dusk guests headed down to the great lawn where we had a moody-meets-whimsical cocktail hour party set up for some pre-dinner celebrations. The bar was brought to life with an enchanting butterfly wallpaper from Rocky Mountain Decals that stretched across the custom built bar wall by Bella Vista Designs. After picking up their first drink for the night, guests found their table number at a seating chart that displayed custom watercolor portraits for each of our guests. Each portrait was hand painted by the talented Jennie Lou Art, who was also doing a live painting of the property during cocktail hour! We knew the atmosphere wouldn’t be complete without live music, so we had a live violinist from On The Beat Music Agency serenading everyone with classical renditions of our favorite pop songs– all with a classic California sunset as our backdrop.”

Private Dinner in the Rosewood Ballroom

“Our grand finale of the trip was held at the Rosewood Ballroom, where a cascading trail of flickering candle votives from Vogue Candles welcomed guests into an intimate private dinner space. Bella Vista Designs crafted a custom build using slats that wrapped around the perimeter of the room, working seamlessly with the lighting to create striking shadowplay throughout the entire space. Their custom build really turned the ballroom into a space that was unrecognizable from its beginnings. Rather than using traditional flowers for our centerpieces, All You Need is Love Events chose to design the tablescape without any florals. Instead, they commissioned Ojala Floral to work their magic and adorn the space with hanging blooms that stretched across the entire ceiling. Ashley of Ojala Floral used a selection of flowers from Fifty Flowers and greenery from East Texas Smilax as her artist’s palette. She even went as far as foraging extra greenery herself, using no styrofoam for the entire installation– making each of her pieces totally sustainable for the environment. Guests enjoyed their three course dinner to more beautiful live music from On The Beat Music Agency. Their musicians played perfectly to each moment during the entire evening.”

Morning Send-off

“We couldn’t send the group off without some rest + recharge before their travels home, so we finished our stay on the Spa deck, where guests could enjoy some morning bites before taking on a hot/cold plunge, recouping with Liquid Hydration IVs, or recharging with red light therapy from Restore Hyper Wellness. As a farewell gift, Shinery provided our guests with their best selling jewelry wash for easy at home jewelry care!”

“Since our trip has ended, we’ve recognized that our team was able to be fully present to execute production tasks and take care of guests during our stay– we wouldn’t have been able to enjoy every moment without having BTS Bride with us, capturing everything organically while we focused on the nitty gritty! We are so thankful for All You Need is Love Events team for turning our visions into reality so flawlessly. We can’t wait for the next one!”

The post A Dreamy Getaway at Rosewood Miramar Beach  first appeared on Inspired By This.

The Location

Tucked away along the pristine coastline of the Riviera Maya, Unico 20º 87º is the ultimate beach front dreamscape. The resort’s unbeatable location provides not only postcard-worthy views but also easy access to the region’s cultural and natural wonders. Picture this: no need to set an alarm on vacation! Instead, wake up naturally to the sound of crashing waves and birds chirping amongst the Riviera’s lush foliage. Beyond the breathtaking beaches, Unico 20º 87º invites you to discover the hidden gems of the Yucatan Peninsula. From ancient Mayan ruins to vibrant local markets, the resort serves as a gateway to a world of rich history and cultural diversity. And when the day’s adventures wind down, the spectacular sunset paints the sky in hues that mirror the warmth of true Mexican hospitality.

The Property

Inspired by the region’s vibrant colors and textures, Unico 20º 87º’s architecture seamlessly blends modern luxury with traditional Mexican design. Each room is a sanctuary of comfort and style, featuring handcrafted furnishings and locally sourced artwork that show off true craftsmanship and culture. Our favorite feature? The outdoor hydro hot tub that we had all to ourselves on our private balcony.

What truly sets Unico 20º 87º apart is the intentional design that gives you ample space to breathe and unwind. The property itself is set within an immersive lush oasis, with plenty of opportunities for you to either find some solitude or join in with the community. But here’s the genius – everything you could desire is just a leisurely stroll away. The resort’s commitment to guest comfort ensures that whether you’re craving a late night treat, a rejuvenating spa experience, or a dip in the pool, everything is within walking distance, transforming convenience into an art form.

The Amenities

Every guest that checks in to Unico 20º 87º receives a local host to elevate their level of personalized service. This host serves as your one-on-one concierge, there to answer any questions you may have, and to help you book reservations for dining, excursions and more! 

We started our mornings at the resort’s state-of-the-art gym before heading off to enjoy an all-you-can-eat style breakfast buffet. Our go-to grabs were the green juices and chilaquiles– truly to die for. 

After that, it was straight into swimsuits so that we could dip into one of Unico’s three ultra-luxe pools, one of which has a swim-up bar fully stocked so that you can order your favorite drink of choice (a skinny margarita on the rocks for us, please). We can proudly say that our daily resort routine was sunbathe > swim > drink > repeat. For a change of scenery, guests are also able to enjoy a quieter setting with lounge chairs on the sand, just steps away from the property’s pool area. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, Unico offers a rotation of daily excursions including snorkeling and aqua-spin classes!

The Cuisine

Foodies, rejoice! Unico 20º 87º Riviera Maya takes all-inclusive culinary experiences to a whole new level. With a variety of restaurants showcasing both local and international flavors, there’s something for every craving you might have while on vacay. Guests are able to enjoy restaurant options ranging from elevated fine dining to casual beach side cooking, both of which use locally sourced ingredients that bring unforgettable flavor to each dish.

During our long and lazy afternoons, we opted for enjoying lunch à la pool-side-service, with fish tacos, chips, and salsa on steady rotation–never without a drink in hand. For one of our dinners, our local host booked us reservations at Cueva Siete, which served traditional Mexican recipes reinvented with a contemporary twist. Our server brought out his favorite dishes for us to try, each one better than the last! To end the night on a high note, our server prepared each of us with a beautifully presented Mexican hot chocolate, spiked with smooth liquor and topped with homemade whipped cream. Nothing short of perfection.

From the picturesque location to its meticulously designed property, every aspect of this adults-only all-inclusive resort is a testament to the art of hospitality. After our unforgettable group getaway, we’re convinced that paradise has a new address– it’s called Unico 20º 87º Riviera Maya.

[Giveaway Closed]

WIN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE STAY AT UNICO 20°87° HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA

When we say Unico 20°87° understands hospitality, we mean they *understand* hospitality. So much so that they are giving away an all-inclusive stay at their breathtaking property for one lucky winner to enjoy! Yes, you read that right! Ready for the deets?

• One 5-Day, 4-Night all-inclusive stay for two adults at UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya in Mexico
• All-inclusive stay includes all meals, drinks, gratuities, non-motorized watersports and entertainment
• Subject to availability, blackout dates will apply at the time of fulfillment
• One year redemption period, winner travel must be completed by February 28, 2025
• No airfare is provided

Enter to win at the link below. All valid participants must be following @inspiredbythis + @unico2087 on Instagram, and must  complete and submit the entry form. Bonus entries can be acquired by liking, tagging and sharing our sweepstakes Instagram post! Each additional tag counts as one bonus entry!

ENTER TO WIN AN ALL-INCLUSIVE STAY AT UNICO 20°87° HOTEL RIVIERA MAYA

The post We Found Mexico’s Best Adults Only All-Inclusive on the Riviera Maya first appeared on Inspired By This.

RENT A BOAT

The best way to start your trip to Lake Havasu is to rent a boat. There are many different types of boats for the different types of activities and experiences you might be seeking!

A pontoon boat is the best choice for a lounging experience and docking at the local coves and beaches. A waterskiing and wake boarding boat is best if you are into water-sports and want to give waterskiing and/or wake boarding a try! The third option is a bowrider boat. This is a type of boat that has a seating area in the forward part of the ship, the bow. Bow riders are generally designed for recreational use, such as day cruising or water skiing. This is a good mix of the first and second options mentioned above.

Some great places to rent a boat in Lake Havasu City include:

Nautical Watersports Boat Rentals

Paradise Wild Wave Boat Rentals

Rentals On The Beach

PLACES TO SEE

Places to take your boat in Lake Havasu :

Bridgewater Channel: Every day at the Bridgewater Channel is practically a boat parade. With lots of waterfront shops and restaurants, this is a great place to dock and hang out for the day.

Lighthouses: Lake Havasu is known for having the most lighthouses on any inland body of water – so cool right?! Each lighthouse is a unique replica of famous lighthouses from all parts of the country. This is definitely a must see!

Copper Canyon: Copper Canyon is considered to be the number one hang out spot of Lake Havasu. The views are breathtaking and the atmosphere is calm and peaceful. Bring your boat and enjoy the relaxation, here!

The Sandbar: The Sandbar is the “beach” of Lake Havasu. In the peak of summertime, it can bring as many as 500 or more boats to hang out for the day.

PLACES TO STAY

When it comes to finding a place to stay in Lake Havasu, your options are endless. However, we have put together a few good places to consider in Lake Havasu City.

The Nautical Beachfront Resort

London Bridge Resort

Travelodge by Wyndham Lake Havasu

Lastly, you have to make a pit stop at Pirate Coast Resort! Enjoy some delicious drinks in a “bucket” and some good eats during your stay, or on your way out of town.

We hope you consider staying in this sunshine city and using our ultimate guide Lake Havasu to plan your stay in the near future. If you are looking for other places to vacation, consider our domestic travel bucket list to plan your next trip!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lake Havasu first appeared on Inspired By This.

Places to See

Sunset Cliffs

The Sunset Cliffs is without a doubt, a San Diego must see attraction. This is one of the most gorgeous spot for a sunset picnic, an evening stroll, or a sunrise swim. There are also the most superb blooms in the spring, if that’s when you find yourself in California.

Coronado Island

Image via Travel and Leisure

Coronado Island is another stunning sight. We highly recommend making the drive to this area. Take a stroll along the boardwalk and be sure to check out living legend hotel, The Del Hotel. Not only is it the perfect beachfront location, but it also offers amazing views, live music and a variety of different cuisines.

Petco Park

The Petco Park is a San Diego sports fan’s must see place. You won’t be disappointed if you catch a game at Petco Park during your time in San Diego. Even if you aren’t a huge sports fan, the gorgeous city view and salted pretzels could be enough to convince you to make this part of your itinerary.

Little Italy

Little Italy has more to offer than just yummy pasta and gelato. Did you know that it is 48 square blocks, which makes it the largest in entire United States? They also have over 200 vendors at their farmers market, which makes them the largest in San Diego County. It also offers beautiful city views, endless shopping, and overall a great atmosphere. Be sure to visit the Waterfront Bar, as it’s one of the oldest bars in San Diego. (See our section below for one of our favorite Little Italy restaurants)

La Jolla

From the cliffs overlooking the ocean, to the shopping, La Jolla has so much to offer you. It is one of the top destinations for San Diego tourists to see! You might even see a few Sea Lions on the cliffs! If food is your love language, you are in luck. In La Jolla, you’ll find coffee shops, casual dining, fine restaurants, and a plethora of takeout options!

Places to Eat & Drink

Palmy’s Pacific Beach

Palmy’s Cafe is a great local place to grab a cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast. From acaì bowls, to breakfast burritos, they have a little something for everyone.

Nolita Hall

If you find yourself cruising around Little Italy and need to stop for a bite, Nolita Hall is for you. They have you covered from pastas, to steaks, to pizzas. The best part, is that they also offer gluten free pizza! What more could you ask for out of Little Italy.

Ortiz’s Taco Shop

Tacos anyone? If you are looking for some authentic San Diego Mexican food, Ortiz’s Taco shop is where it’s at. Ortiz’s has all that you are looking for when it comes to Mexican food that hits the spot. The best part is that they offer both breakfast and lunch/dinner options!

Moniker Coffee Co.

This specialty coffee shop has both great coffee options, as well as a great atmosphere to work or catch up with your loved ones. They also have this great little gift shop inside the coffee shop incase you find yourself wanting to look around and pick out a souvenir.

Hermosa Surf Shop

If you are a surfer, or someone who loves San Diego surf culture, this is the spot for you. They have surfboards, adorable clothing, matcha, acaì bowls and smoothies. Talk about the dream combo!

We hope that you have found some inspiration and put these San Diego must see attractions on your itinerary when you visit! If you are looking for a luxury escape in San Diego, look no further! You won’t be disappointed booking your stay at this amazing resort.

The post San Diego Must See Attractions (From A Local’s Perspective) first appeared on Inspired By This.

Places To Visit

Golden Gate Bridge

This city spectacular is a must see! You can walk, bike, or drive across the bridge, as well as, park and walk the beach below the bridge for some stunning views.

Fisherman’s Wharf

This fun little beach town is another must see. It has beautiful views, fun arcade games, tasty treats, and sea lions. What more could you want?!

Alcatraz Island

Take a ferry out to this notorious prison and historical attraction. If you want the full experience, you can take a guided tour through the prison.

Painted Ladies

The Painted ladies are some of the best looking homes in San Francisco. It’s a must see for fans of the sitcom Full House, as it is the Tanner’s home from filming. The Painted ladies are also symbolic of the famous California Gold Rush. With so much money coming into the city, San Francisco builders wanted to show off their newfound wealth with these grand homes.

Chinatown

Visit Chinatown for a fun glimpse of Chinese culture and Chinese markets. You should, of course, stop to have some great Chinese food, as well as, see the behind the scenes of fortune cookies being made!

Where to Stay

On our last trip to San Francisco, we had the joy of staying at the Westin St Francis. This hotel has a prime location of being right in the heart of Union Square. It puts you walking distance to a lot of good coffee shops and restaurants. It’s also conveniently located next to the cable car pick up which brings you anywhere in the city. This hotel also has some incredible city views and great dining within.

Places to Eat

Boudin

San Francisco is known for their sourdough bread, so stopping by Boudin is another must. It is also the oldest continually operating business in San Francisco. Be sure to stop by for their famous clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl – you won’t regret it!

Flores

This bright and buzzy neighborhood cafe serves traditional Mexican cuisine and sophisticated craft cocktails – what more could you want?

The Grove

The Grove is a family owned restaurant that is the perfect spot for some coffee and brunch.

China Live

This is the perfect place to try all that Chinatown has to offer. From dumplings, to fried rice, to some tasty cocktails, China Live has all your cravings covered.

Ghirardelli Square

For all of you chocolate lovers, visiting Ghirardelli Square should be on the top of your list! They have anything and everything chocolate. It’s a chocolate lover’s dream!

And that’s a wrap! This San Francisco travel guide is only the tip of the iceberg for what San Francisco has to offer. We shared some of the greatest views, eats, and our favorite place to stay that we think you’ll enjoy, too! We cannot wait to return! Our hope is that this guide helps you to have a restful, yet enjoyable trip to San Francisco. If you are someone who loves a hike to stunning views, you’ll want to check out the views from this engagement session that overlooks San Fransisco.

The post Our San Francisco Travel Guide first appeared on Inspired By This.

Where to stay

The DELAMAR Hotel Traverse City

A beauty to admire both inside and out – DELAMAR Traverse City is a full service hotel on the West Bay of Lake Michigan. It is also walking distance to downtown Traverse City in Northwest Michigan. The iconic property was originally built in 1968. It is well known among generations of locals and visitors for their guest rooms with stunning overwater views, mid century decor and a beachfront patio, home to the city’s best live entertainment!

Images by @aubreydela

The rooms are spacious and so beautiful!  We felt right at home with more than enough room in our spacious suite which included its own separate living room, guest bathroom and dining table.

Waking up with coffee every morning was the best treat with an in room coffee and tea maker in our kitchenette. It was very natural for us to feel cozy and ‘at home’ during our charming weekend in Michigan.

Their Bistro and Artisan dining options are to-die-for. It has promising food options for every palette and craving. Plus, they both have an amazing atmosphere to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at the resort.

Traverse City, Michigan offers an endless array of outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and activities for visitors of all ages. With so much to see and experience during your stay, below are a just a few of our stops that we fell in love with during our charming weekend in Michigan!

By foot

Downtown Traverse City

Experience one of the most charming downtown areas in America – Traverse City. A short 10-minute walk from DELAMAR, Downtown Traverse City offers many shopping, dining, and entertainment options to choose (more details on our favorites as you read on).

Water activities on the bay

Just a few steps outside of the hotel will take you to plenty of waterfront rental options. When the season is right, you can take a boat ride, rent a kayak or paddleboard and so much more on the beautiful waters of Lake Michigan!

Traverse Area Recreation Trail

This is a popular 10.5 mile trail amongst snowshoers, runners, and cross-country skiers. The Traverse Area Recreation Trail (TART) is a paved, non-motorized trail in Michigan. Part of U.S. Bicycle Route 35, the TART runs parallel to the lakeshore in certain parts, as well as, right by the Traverse City State Park, offering patrons a variety of beautiful scenery.

By car

The Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Enjoy local art galleries, antique shops and eateries at The Village Grand Traverse Commons. This renovated 19th century castle-like building is surrounded by lush wooded property and offers guided tours along with their unique retail options.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Named “The Most Beautiful Place in America” by ABC’s Good Morning America, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is located about 25 miles west of Traverse City. Originally formed by glaciers, the Sleeping Bear Dunes are a breathtaking, historic landmark in Northern Michigan that offer some of the most beautiful views of Lake Michigan. Pack a picnic lunch complete with apple cider donuts and a local bottle of wine!

Winery Tours

With more than 40 wineries in the region, Traverse City is the ultimate place to diversify your vino palette. Many vineyards have on-site hiking trails too!

Crystal Mountain Ski Resort

Nestled in the heart of Benzie county, a scenic day trip from Traverse City will take you to the Midwest’s premier ski resort, Crystal Mountain! This stop is ideal for autumn and winter travels, offering beautiful gondola rides and routes for beginner to advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Where to Eat

For something savory

Artisan Restaurant and Tavern

The Artisan at DELAMAR is a dining destination in and of itself. It offers a Great Lakes inspired menu that reflects the rhythm of the seasons with local seafood, farm fresh fare and home made pastries.

The Flying Noodle Front Street

An Italian pasta house and bar in the heart of Traverse City’s downtown neighborhood. THis spot is perfect for a foodie that’s craving some hearty carbs and delicious bread.

Iron Fish Distillery

A short day trip away from the city will take you to the charming town of Thompsonville, Michigan. Thompsonville is home to the best mom-and-pop eateries and beautifully historic neighborhoods. The Iron Fish Distillery, located along the Betsie River watershed, is Michigan’s first farm distillery growing grain and distilling spirits, and barrel finishing sourced whiskey!

Over 100,000 guests make their way to this agricultural destination that was reborn on a long-time abandoned 120-acre farm. Enjoy a tour or order a flight of some of their house made drinks during your visit!

For something sweet

Brew Front St

This is the sweetest little coffee shop on Front Street! Stop by to choose from a wide variety of delicious beverages or pick up a light meal including grilled sandwiches, soups, salads and more. Don’t forget to try their pastries!

Milk and Honey

This inviting and colorful ice cream parlor whips up creative cones with local ingredients and handmade ice cream. The perfect post-dinner sweet treat, in our opinion.

The Cherry Hut

Image by David L. Barber

Known for its phenomenal homemade pies and jams, this renowned restaurant and bakery is more than worth the short day trip from Traverse City, we promise. Since first opening as a roadside pie stand in 1922, The Cherry Hut has served more than 1 million pies and counting! And the menu doesn’t stop at just cherry pies either. You’ll definitely want to pay a visit and discover the myriad of delicious cherry menu items as well as novelty collectibles. Some of those featuring their infamous happy “Cherry Jerry” mascot!

So, what do you say? The only time we will tell you to stop reading, is to book your flight ASAP! Make sure you tag your getaway photos with #everydayIBT to show us what you see during your charming weekend in Michigan!

The post We Found the Best Get Away Spot for a Charming Weekend in Michigan first appeared on Inspired By This.

Where To Stay: Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa

Given that you chose the beautiful Lake Arrowhead as a destination to *escape* the craziness of Los Angeles, we still love to do our research before and opt for accommodations that are still close to certain destinations like a grocery store or market, a coffee shop, and somewhere with an impressive menu that we can make a date night reservation. After doing our research, Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa checked all the boxes. We were able to get a full day’s work in on Friday, and head up Friday evening. We were impressed right off the bat upon check-in that the on-site restaurant that overlooks the lake was still open, and we could immediately start vacation with a charcuterie board and glass of wine. 

The next morning, we took a walk around the property to take it all in. From the private lakeside beach, to the relaxing pool area, and rejuvenating spa, every corner was truly a breath of fresh air. The best part for us was that they were pet friendly, so our fur baby could join in on the adventure.

Where To Grab Coffee & Walk Around: Lake Arrowhead Village

Another huge perk, just a short walk around the corner of the property is Lake Arrowhead Village, home to around 50 different waterfront shops. Coffee shops, wine tasting, sweet shops, and local boutiques, they’ve got it all! We loved strolling through, coffee in hand, and taking breaks on the cute benches that overlook the lake + docks. A summer perk: they have an outdoor Summer Concert Series that runs from May – September every year on Saturdays. 

Where To Eat: Jetties Waterfront Kitchen

An all-time favorite we came across in Lake Arrowhead Village was Jetties Waterfront Kitchen. If you’re looking for a place to relax over drinks and tasty food all with a view of the waterfront, this is the place. We visited this spot twice during our trip, and our indulgences of choice were the nachos paired with a refreshing “After Sun” cocktail. However, we’re convinced you can’t go wrong with anything on their menu!  

What To Do: Skypark at Santa’s Village

We did a few nature walks around the property, but were in search of a real adventure and something that we’ve never done before. We were recommended to check out Skypark at Santa’s Village and let me tell you, as two adults we had SO much fun. You could easily plan to spend a whole day here. The long list of activities you could choose from included: fly fishing, mountain + e-bike rentals, archery, roller skating, bouldering, ziplining, ax throwing, and a ton more. There were two different restaurants on-site that also had a great menu + served drinks. A fabulous venture if you’re traveling with kiddos, but also a blast for the kids-at-heart! 

Needless to say, we’ll be taking many more mountain escapes before the end of Summer! The perfect amount of relaxation paired with adventure, this is a destination we will not forget about anytime soon! Let this serve as your inspiration to book your lakeside escape, and pack your bags for the quick 2-hour trip to reconnect with nature. 

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01. Layering & Warm Clothes

Image via @xeniaadonts

To start off, the winter season can be bitterly cold. If you’re not a big fan of the winter weather then layering clothes will be your best friend. Layering doesn’t have to mean just wearing your pajamas, however. You can style up your outfits with turtlenecks, sweaters, a statement scarf, and coats. This way, you can look sleek and fab while still being cozy and warm.

02. Choose a Morning Flight

Image via @aviation_houston

Traveling during the holiday season may seem like everyone’s nightmare. However, if you plan strategically, traveling doesn’t have to be so scary. With unpredictable winter storms, canceled and delayed flights may be a big problem for you. By choosing a morning flight, you normally are ahead of the curve. Meaning, most flights that are canceled are later in the day due to furthered communication and crowds by that time of day. Therefore, the chances of you having a canceled morning flight is very minimal.

03. Wear Reflective Gear

Image via @intelligientdrinking

We all are aware that it becomes dark at a brisk 4:30 p.m. now. The darkness may be unappealing to some, especially for those of us who enjoy to workout at night. If you like to take an evening stroll make sure to grab a friend, and some reflective gear before you head out. Reflective gear doesn’t have to be bold. It can actually even be stylish. When you are out in the afternoons, and it starts getting dark, reflective gear will help you be spotted by drivers and other people.

04. Invest in Snow Boots

Image via @sorelfootwear

A good pair of snow boots is everything. Whether you’re hiking, sledding, snowboarding, or just playing in the snow, investing in a high-quality boot is a necessity. When searching for which boots to buy, make sure that they are durable, giving your ankle plenty of support, and protecting your feet from the cold and wet snow.

05. Follow Your Airline & Airport On Social Media

Image via @lavieenrosefrance

Just as we said earlier, canceled flights are a common scenario during this time of year. If you find yourself in this predicament, the best thing to do is follow your airline and airport on social media. Typically, Twitter is the best source. You can find great information regarding flight and weather updates that may effect your travel plans.

06. Don’t Drive In Winter Storms

Image via @aestbyheart

This last tip may seem obvious but if you find yourself in a winter storm, don’t drive! Save yourself the headache and stay home if the weather is bad. Always check the weather in the morning and decide if it’s safe to make the trip. If you’re hesitant, it’s better to be on the safe side and stay home!

Ready to start traveling? If so, we hope that our winter travel tips are helpful in your adventures this season. No matter what comes your way you’ll be better equipped to take this season by storm, literally!

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