And now that I’ve spent 7 full days in Miami alongside my hubby, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised! We both really liked Miami even though it is indeed an expensive and flashy city. The beaches were gorgeous, the colorful street art was a dream to explore, and the strong Cuban influence felt like we had transported to another country. I can see why it’s a go-to city for some fun in the sun!

If you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway this winter, then Miami is a solid suggestion. Here are my top things to do in Miami in the winter. 

Things to Do in Miami in the Winter

Getting There & Getting Around

Since Miami is a major city, it is quite easy to get too. You can opt to fly directly into Miami International Airport (MIA) or save a few coins by flying into Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). While MIA will put you closer to town, FLL is typically cheaper and less crowded compared to MIA. I saved almost $800 by flying into FLL instead of MIA when Nci and I flew to Miami in December. A quick 30-minute drive in a rental car or Uber ride will get you right into the heart of the city if there is no traffic. The Tri-Rail or Brightline train systems are also an option if you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly.

Rent a car or not to rent a car? Nci and I almost always rent a car when we travel as we like to be able to pick up and go as we please. But Miami is a city where you could go without a rental car unless you are planning to take a road trip to the Florida Keys or your activities are far away from each other. Parking can get expensive in Miami depending on the area, but I didn’t find it unreasonable or difficult to find parking the entire time we were there. Keep in mind if you stay at a hotel, you’ll likely have to pay for valet parking, which can quickly rack up some $$$.

Where to Stay in Miami

You’ll find a plethora of hotels to choose from in Miami, and honestly, I have no opinion on any of them at the moment. We opted to stay in an Airbnb that was a short 10-20 minute from all of the major attractions. If you want to stay at the same one as us, here is the property: Luxury Loft – Calle Ocho, Miami Beach & Wynwood

The place was perfect! It was in a quiet neighborhood and close to everything we wanted to see. The spiral staircase was a bit tricky to navigate but you get used to it after a while. Plus, this rental has free parking right out front so there’s no need to lug your bags across town.

As with any major city, crime can be a big problem in Miami. When I was researching the safest neighborhoods to stay in Miami, I found this super helpful map that someone created that shows you the safest areas and the not so safe areas. I found that it was quite accurate especially as you to start to visit the different neighborhoods around Miami.

The next time we stay in Miami, I think we may opt to stay in/near Mid Beach since I love being right next to the water. Mid Beach is typically less crowded and is more residential compared to South Beach although you are a short drive to some great restaurants and nightlife. Other areas I would suggest are Coral Gables and Brickell.

Things to Do in Miami

Rent jet skis

Did you really go to Miami if you didn’t participate in some sort of water activity? I’m kidding – kind of! But it is a good excuse to give jet skis a try if you’re interested. We booked our experience with Jet Ski 305 through Groupon. Even though I was terrified at first, it was an absolute blast! They give you a tutorial on how to use the jet skis, and then you’re on your way!

Personal tip: leave anything you care about at home including expensive sunglasses, shoes, hats, and even your phones! Jet Ski 305 has a place where you can store your valuables while you’re jet skiing in case you forget. Otherwise, I promise you will not see it again.

Go shopping 

Besides the infamous South Beach, Miami is also known for its wide selection of shopping. If you’re looking for a high-end experience, browse Miami Design District or Cocowalk. Miami also has a Primark near the FLL airport, which I was most excited about! 

Splurge on a couple massage

If you have a little extra time on your hands, I always suggest booking a self-care activity like getting a massage or a facial. Our day-to-day lives can be so hectic that it can be easy to forget to take a break and do something just for yourself. And a great massage is the perfect activity!

When we visited in December, we got our first couples massage to celebrate our birthdays, and it was a lovely experience to bring in a new year together.

Visit the beach

One of our favorite things to do in Miami in December is visit the beach! There is no shortage of amazing beaches around Miami. Some of the top contenders are South Beach (if you want a party vibe), Sunny Isles Beach, Surfside Beach, and Historic Virginia Key Beach. Before heading to the beach, make sure to throw some sunscreen into your bag. My favorites are Black Girl Sunscreen (for the body) and the Supergoop Glow Screen (for the face).

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

No visit to Miami is complete without a visit to Vizcaya Mansion. Designed to look like a modern, subtropical Italian villa, this historic landmark provides a glimpse at life during the Gilded Age and the humble beginnings of Miami. Both the villa and gardens are absolutely beautiful. Since we visited in December, the flowers were not in bloom, but it was still very beautiful. Make sure to bring your walking shoes as this 50-acres estate has a lot of ground for you to cover!

Walk around the Fairchild Botanical Gardens

If you’re visiting Miami during the winter months, make sure to check out the NightGarden, an award-winning light show. From November 11^th to January 8^th, the Fairchild Botanical Gardens is transformed into an illuminated magical fairytale. Inside, you’ll find unique interaction sculptures, music, and technicolor flowers. Great for both adults and the kiddos.

Go mural hopping in Wynwood

One of the best things to do in Miami in December (or really any time!) is to walk around Wynwood and view all of the amazing street art. Wynwood has the biggest collection of street art in the United States. Literally, almost every building in this part of town has some sort of mural or artwork on it!

To get the most out of your time in Wynwood, I recommend booking a walking or golf cart tour. The neighborhood is so big, and there is a lot of history behind the art in Wynwood that you would miss if you don’t take a tour of some kind. We booked ours with Wynwood Art Walk Tours. We loved learning about the street culture and the individual artists/groups that you’ll find in Wynwood.

Be a kid again at Superblue

Just a short drive from Wynwood, you’ll stumble upon Superblue, an immersive art museum. Inside you’ll be able to interact with the art around you to create a beautiful masterpiece. What makes this experience so unique is that instead of just looking at art on the wall like a typical museum, you get to walk through and interact with each installation from making flowers bloom to touching clouds. It’s a must see while visiting Miami!

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science  

If you need a break from the Miami heat, stop by the Frost Science Museum, which is home to an aquarium, planetarium, and several exhibitions. Inside, you can explore and learn about South Florida’s aquatic ecosystems, the physics of light, aviation, and so much more. There’s an impressive view of the aquarium from below that is a common Instagram photo op.

Boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row

Another fun activity to do in Miami is taking a boat tour to see Millionaire’s Row. Departing from Biscayne Bay, you’ll see some of your favorite celebrities and other millionaires’ homes on the water including Rihanna and Shaq. It was quite inspirational to see Millionaires’ Row as many of the homes are not owned by celebrities, which is just a reminder that anything is possible.

Where to Eat & Drink

Miami is a huge city, and it was pretty daunting strolling through Yelp trying to find the best places to eat in town. But we did find quite a few places that made us smile and kept our bellies full.

Le Chick: Le Chick is an upscale restaurant that serves comfort food and craft cocktails. Out of all of the places that we ate in Miami, Le Chick is by far our favorite. Everything that we ate was delicious, and it’s a great place for a celebration. Reservations are encouraged but not required.

Loretta & The Butcher: If you’re craving Argentinian food or wanting to try something new, Loretta & The Butcher is your spot. Great food, solid prices, and loved the more upscale vibe.

Ms Cheezious: Craving a delicious grilled cheese? Then Ms Cheezious is the perfect place for you! They offer gourmet grilled cheeses, burgers, yummy mac and cheese, and handspun milkshakes.

Bacon Bitch: If you’re looking for a restaurant for a girl’s trip with a bumpin’ soundtrack playing at all times, then you’ll love this restaurant. Bacon Bitch is a brunch (more like a brunch party!) spot that serves comfort food like chicken and waffles and yummy frozen cocktails. Highly recommend the Miami frozen cocktail!

World Famous House of Mac: A small chain in the Miami area that serves comfort food, including gourmet mac and cheese, fried chicken, and jerk pasta. Great place to grab a quick bite to eat!

Other places that came recommended:

• Honey Uninhibited
• Kush
• The Salty Donut
• Yardbird Table & Bar
• Café Bastille
• Red Rooster Overtown

While Miami is known for its nightlife and crazy parties, it can be a great vacation spot for couples or solo travelers who aren’t into the party scene. I hope that this Miami travel guide was helpful or inspirational as you start to plan your own Miami vacation!

You may also like: Johannesburg Travel Guide, Weekend in Tampa, Florida, and Savannah, GA Travel Guide

The post Winter Getaway: Things to Do in Miami appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

There’s so much to do in Tampa that you can barely scratch the surface in a weekend, but you can most definitely try and enjoy everything that the city has to offer. In this post, I’m dishing out the best things to do in Tampa, Florida for a weekend getaway. Get ready for plenty of food options, adventures, and travel tips.

How to Get to Tampa + Transportation

Nci and I flew down to Tampa in our own airplane (named Phoenix because of her paint job), and the flight was around 3-4 hours due to a high head wind slowing us down. If you don’t have your own airplane, Tampa is right on the Gulf side of Florida and is only a few hours’ drive from Orlando. It’s also right next door to St. Petersburg so you have plenty of options to drive or fly into Tampa.

If you’re staying in the Downtown area, then you may be able to get away with just walking or using local transportation to get around. Since I tend to not have a plan when we travel, I always rent a car to make sure we can get to all of the destinations that may be a little too far to walk comfortably.

What to Wear

Tampa, Florida is known for its amazing weather all year around. The only thing that you have to worry about is the humidity, which can be intense during rainy periods or in the summer months. Plan on bringing plenty of lightweight clothes, swimsuits, a light jacket, an umbrella, sunscreen, and a sun hat. 

Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

Shop at Hyde Park Village

You can’t spend the weekend in Tampa without doing a little bit of shopping. Hyde Park Village is an outdoor shopping experience that includes 6 city blocks of restaurants and shops. While walking around, you’ll find plenty of Instagram-able photo ops so be sure to wear an outfit to walk and take photos in. You’ll find well-known stores, such as Anthropologie and Lululemon, and plenty of local owned businesses to browse.

Explore YBOR City

Marked as a National Historic Landmark District, YBOR City is a historic neighborhood located just outside of the downtown area. The area is named after Vicente Martinez e Ybor who founded his cigar company in the area.

To see the best of YBOR city, you can take a walking tour to learn more about the history of the Cuban influences in the area. If you decide to explore on your own, then be sure to stroll down 7^th Avenue, which is filled with shops, foods, and plenty of clubs for the nightlife.

Walk around Tampa Riverwalk

Nothing screams more Florida like a beautiful waterfront view. The Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4 mile walkable, bikable path along the Hillsborough River. You could easily spend the day exploring everything that is connected to the Riverwalk from the children’s museum, aquarium, history center, and even the cruise ship terminal. Many athletes and exercise enthusiasts use the Riverwalk as a running or bicycling path so be mindful of others when taking a casual stroll down the river.

Take a salsa class at Salsa Caliente Dance Studio

Within the Tampa community, many Hispanic cultures helped shaped the community to what you see today, and of course dance is also important part of that culture. Learn a new skill during your weekend trip in Tampa by learning how to salsa dance. It’s an easy way to have fun, meet some new friends in a new city, and to shake off some calories while having the time of your life. Salsa Caliente Dance Studio is a popular dance studio in the bay area and offers different classes depending on your prior skill level. 

Things to Do in St. Petersburg Florida

If you’re visiting Tampa, then you may be hard to resist stopping by St. Petersburg too. Just one bridge away, you can take a peek of what the neighborhooding city has to offer.

Visit Fairgrounds St. Pete

I’ve always wanted to go to an interactive art museum, and St. Pete just got its own version with Fairgrounds. It’s an indoor, interactive, immersive art museum that combines art and technology to create a unique experience for the whole family. Every exhibit showcased in the museum is created by local artists, who continue to earn commission while their art is displayed, which is pretty awesome. You can buy tickets online or at the booth once you arrive.

Take a glass blowing class at Zen Glass Studios

During your weekend in Tampa/St. Pete, be sure to book a class with Zen Glass Studios to take one of their unique glass blowing classes. They offer classes, workshops, and even private classes for individuals to make their own ornament, pint glasses, or paperweights. The best part about exploring a new city is the chance to learn something new and do something exciting, which I think glass blowing fits the bill perfectly.

Weedon Island

Want to take a stroll through a nature preserve? Located on Tampa Bay, Weedon Island has plenty of natural trails to explore and to view the coastline. You can also go fishing, go birding, and kayaking if you want to be a bit more active. Keep your eyes peeled for turtles and other wildlife on your journey.

Sunken Gardens

Sunken Gardens is a slice of botanical paradise set in the middle of a bustling city. As St. Pete’s oldest living museum, you can expect to see 50,000 tropical plants and flowers, waterfalls, and a flock of flamingos on display for all to enjoy. This botanical garden is home to some of the oldest tropical plants in the region. Expect plenty of walking while enjoying the sites within the gardens.

What to Eat and Drink

King of the Coop

If I had to name my favorite place to eat in Tampa, then King of the Coop has to be my number one on my list. It’s Tampa’s First Nashville Hot Chicken, and it’s been a winner for the best fried chicken a few years in a row. Regardless of if you like your fried chicken extra hot or mild, you can find the most flavorful fried chicken here. I’m obsessed with their mac and cheese bowl that comes with their chicken – chiefs kisses!

Mandarin Heights

This mid-century, Instagram-able bar came highly recommended on TikTok and Instagram when I was researching things to do in the Tampa area. It was definitely a vibe and a cool place to grab drinks and just hang out. Nci and I got a few different drinks between us, and my favorite by far was the LAAIDDD BACCCKKKK. It was sweet and not overpowering at all.

Cake Drip

Located in Hyde Park Village, Cake Drip is one a kind dessert boutique where you get the chance to decorate your own dessert. From cakes, chocolate bars, and even holiday specials, you can bring your dessert visions to life and try your hand at decorating. You have to have a reservation to attend, but it looks like a fun way to spend an evening plus you get to walk away with a sweet treat.

Dough

As seen on HGTV, Southern Living, Bravo, USA Today, and so many more, Dough is a local quirky bakery, creamery, and coffeehouse that is known for their amazing donuts and boozy drinks. The donuts are so large, fluffy, and so good! We forgot to come back to try out more of their desserts, but I’m definitely making a trip to come back to try more on the menu.

Oh Yea Creamery

Get ready to be spoiled for choice when it comes to flavoring your ice cream. Oh Yea Creamery is a create your own soft service ice cream where you can add a variety of mix ins to your ice cream to create the flavor of your dreams. Don’t worry – they also offer premade selections in case you can’t figure out what you want. The mix in options are bountiful.

Ella’s

Located a few minutes from Downtown Tampa, Ella’s is an American restaurant that features a wild variety of drinks, live music, and plenty of art to view. From pork chops, pizzas, and chicken n waffles, there’s a variety of options to choose from. They even have a BBQ Sundays if you’re looking for a BBQ option during your weekend trip.

Bake’n Babes

Bake’n Babes is a local bakery that specializes in cookies, brownies, and over the top milkshakes. Voted as “Best Local Cookie”, it’s only makes sense to stop by and grab one (or a dozen) for the road.

You may also enjoy: Savannah GA Travel Guide: Weekend Edition, How We Bought An Airplane in Our 20s, and 12 Instagram-able murals in Charlotte, NC

The post How to Spend the Weekend in Tampa Florida appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

Our first stop was Savannah, Georgia. Once we landed Saturday afternoon, we only had 24 hours in the southern city to see the sites and to eat to our heart’s content. Here are my recommendations for things to do in Savannah if you’re on a time crunch like we were.

Day One

DINNER

After we touched down at Savannah Airport, we picked up our rental car and made a beeline to Oak 36 Bar and Kitchen for an early dinner. On our trips, we typically find our food stops by reading reviews on Yelp and finding a spot that fits what we are looking for in the moment. Let me just say – this restaurant has the best chicken and waffles. The waffle is more of a Belgian style so it’s not as fluffy as a traditional American waffle. It’s honestly so much better, and we’ll definitely be flying in just for this next time. The drinks were also divine!

LATE NIGHT SNACK

After we were stuffed with great food and drinks, we checked into our hotel and took a quick nap before heading back out on the town to grab ice cream at Leopold’s. This ice cream parlor was started in 1919 and holds the title as One of the Top 10 Ice Cream Parlors in the world. With a title like that, it’s a go to stop if you’re sightseeing in Savannah. It’s a very popular place for obvious reasons so expect a line when you go.

Day Two

BREAKFAST

After scrolling through Yelp for breakfast recommendations, I ended landing on Mirabelle Savannah, a super cute breakfast and coffee shop. I ended up getting the original waffle with a cup of hot chocolate while Nci got a latte. I have to be honest – the food was alright for me. If you’re going to stop by, I’d say stick with the sandwiches and the drinks.

CATHEDRAL BASILICA OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

The great part though about Mirabelle is the location! It’s right across the street from the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist so you can walk across the street and take a peek inside after your meal. Unfortunately, they were having church service when we grabbed breakfast, so we didn’t get a chance to view the inside of the church, but I heard that it has a stunning view.

JONES STREET AND FORSYTH PARK

Afterwards, we headed to Jones Street and Forsyth Park, two locations that came highly recommended. Jones Street is said to be Savannah’s prettiest street with gorgeous historic homes nestled on both sides. One of our favorite pastimes to do together as a couple is to walk around a neighborhood and look at all of the beautiful homes. This street did not disappoint, and the fall weather makes it a perfect place for a fall stroll.

Forsyth Park holds Savannah’s most famous fountain and it’s a common recommendation in many of Savannah’s travel guides – for good reason by the way. Between the oak trees covered in gorgeous Spanish Moss to the striking fountain, it’s the perfect hang out spot to roller blade, play with the pups, and to have a picnic. I definitely regret not bringing a quick meal and our picnic basket, so we could’ve enjoyed the park even more. Definitely next time for sure.

What’s a day in the new city if you don’t stop to shop a little? We headed to River Street to check out some of the cute shops and to relax next to the water. Per usual, we found a cute candy store where we stuffed our bags with some goodies and grabbed some of the best cookies at Byrd’s Famous Cookies.

DINNER

Located right next to E Broughton Street (a street filled with plenty of shopping), Tequila’s Town came highly recommended for anyone looking to grab Mexican food while in town. It did not disappoint and if you go, you definitely need to grab a frozen margarita and the churros. They were my favorite part of my meal by far. Nci didn’t get to share in the experience as it was fully stuffed from his meal, which tasted delicious. 

With full bellies, we headed back to the airport to pick up our plane and flew back home! We learned so much from our first trip flying together, and we can’t wait to share more behind the scenes with you all – hopefully very soon!

The post Savannah, GA Travel Guide: The Weekend Edition appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

We actually discovered Richmond when we were traveling through the city when I had to take one of my board exams in Massachusetts this past summer. We stopped to get food before heading on our way, and we wanted to come back when we could truly explore the city.

Are you thinking about booking a trip to Richmond in the upcoming months? Here’s everything that you need to know before you plan your trip.

GETTING TO RVA DURING COVID-19

I don’t think that I mentioned this in my last travel post, but before you head anywhere during COVID-19, definitely read up on your destination’s travel recommendations before booking anything for your trip. All of the states have their own board of health website that will outline everything that you need to know.

At the moment (at the time that I’m writing this), Virginia doesn’t have any quarantine requirements for domestic or international travelers. But masks are required for any person over the age of 5 while indoors and outdoors (when social distancing isn’t possible). I will say pretty much everywhere we went required masks to be worn, indoors and outdoors unless you were sitting down eating or drinking.

GETTING AROUND TOWN

Richmond was roughly a 4-hour drive from Charlotte, North Carolina. But if you are coming from further away, Richmond does have two airports (one of such is international) that are operating flights daily.

I would recommend bringing your own car or renting one (beside the obvious safety reasons), I found that most places that we wanted to see were 10-15 minutes away from each other. And Richmond can be pretty cold during the winter months, so you do not want to walk everywhere or wait around for another mode of transportation to arrive.

WHAT TO WEAR

Since Richmond is right alongside a large river, the temperatures can definitely lean on the colder/chilly side in December. We got plenty of wind the weekend that we came down that kept my ankles freezing the entire weekend. Highly recommend bringing plenty of layers and warm coats if you’re coming to Richmond during the winter months.

THINGS TO DO IN RICHMOND (SOCIAL DISTANCE FRIENDLY)

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts: I’m normally not super into museums, but I’m glad that I followed the hype and book us a trip to the VMFA. The museum has an extensive permanent collection, and they also have some of the best special exhibits throughout the year. Right now, they have the Treasures of Ancient Egypt: Sunken Cities, which I thoroughly enjoyed. I love learning about mythology and Egyptian history, so it was really interesting to see the items that archaeologists found in the ocean hidden underneath the sand. The special exhibits change up regularly so keep an idea out for them, if it’s something that you’re interested in.

Carytown: Another popular destination that came highly recommend was the Carytown shopping district. The district bustles with plenty of locally owned restaurants, spas and hair salons, and shops selling everything that you could need. Our favorite was Mongrel, which is a gift shop where you can find a gift for anyone on your list. Some of the food recommendations down below were in Carytown as well.

Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge: Let me tell you a full little story about our adventure getting to this bridge…I originally was trying to find the James River Park Pipeline Walkway, but whatever address I put into my GPS took us to Belle Isle looking for this bridge. After asking a few people that were hiking about how to find this bridge, we ended up at the Belle Isle Pedestrian Bridge instead of the original bridge that I had planned. Oh well! After a mile hike across this island, we found the Belle Isle Pedestrian bridge, which is a suspension bridge that runs right under Lee Bridge. From the bridge, you can see the skyline of Richmond and the Hollywood Cemetery.

Byrd Theatre: Unfortunately right now, Byrd Theatre wasn’t open completely due to the pandemic, but if you come afterwards, it’s a great theater to catch some cheap flicks while also seeing a national and state landmark. If you want to support the theater during the pandemic, you can book a private movie showing or watch the movies online from the comforts of your own home.

Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights (Nov-Jan): The best part of the trip was by far seeing the lights and decorations at the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights. You walk through this amazing display of Christmas lights throughout the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens under a crystal clear sky. Absolutely breathtaking! Some of the displays are even designed into different forms, such as giant flowers, animals, your favorite childhood characters like the minions, and more. They did have to eliminate some of the activities due to COVID-19, but I’m sure they’ll be back once everything goes back to normal.

Murals Galore: If you love mural hunting, then you’ll be obsessed with Richmond. I thought Charlotte had a ton of murals, but Richmond definitely won by a landslide. There are murals in every nook and cranny of the city. From murals wrapped around entire businesses to smaller murals inside of the buildings, they are everywhere.

WHERE TO STAY

Embassy Suites by Hilton Richmond: The hotel that we actually ended up staying with is the Embassy Suites, which is located in the West End area. It is an upscale all-suite hotel that comes with a separate living room, kitchenettes, and commentary breakfast. The hotel rooms were really nice, and they did a great job of making us feel safe during our travels. For the commentary breakfast, only one patron was allowed at a time to get breakfast before heading back to your hotel room to enjoy.

For those that are tech savy, Hilton has this super handy app that allows you to check in and check out of your room without coming into contact with anyone. It was very easy to use and such a wonderful tool to have during COVID-19.  

Graduate Richmond: This pet-friendly hotel is nestled in the historic Monroe Ward neighborhood, and it’s steps away from great food, shopping, and VCU campus. The cool thing about this hotel is that its décor is actually inspired by a local tennis great Arthur Ashe, who was fond of the mid-century modern décor. He was an African American tennis player, the only black man to every win the singles title at Wimbledon, the US Open, and the Australian Open. They also have a seasonal rooftop pool, beer garden, and a lobby café/bar.

Quirk Hotel Richmond: This quirky upscale boutique hotel is right in the heart of the city, only 2 miles from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. This hotel is commonly featured in a ton of travel guides and for good reason. Besides the great Instagram pictures that you can get inside of the hotel, it also has a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city that is great for a night time drink.

BEST RESTUARANTS IN TOWN

Carytown Cupcakes: If you’re shopping in Carytown, stop by Carytown Cupcakes for a quick snack run. When we stopped in, they had some really interesting cupcake flavors that all looked delicious. I grabbed the Cookie Butter cupcake, which definitely tasted like a yummy gingerbread cupcake.

Sugar Shacks Donuts & Coffee: If you’re looking for the best donuts in the Richmond area, then you’ve found it at Sugar Shacks Donuts & Coffee. The great part is that everything is made in house, and they are some thick donuts. You really only need one or two, and you’re good to go!  

Beauvine Burger Concept: We had a late lunch here during our trip, and we were not disappointed. They serve artisan burgers, craft, beers, and great cocktails. The best part about this restaurant is that they source their supplies from local or small owned businesses. Actually – I lied, the best part is definitely the boozy hot chocolate that they make. It was the da bomb!

Campus Waffles: I decided to go to Campus Waffles one morning during our trip, and it was a unique experience for sure. You can decide to pick one of their already-designed waffles or design your own. You can add literally whatever you want to your waffles. I had a waffle with oreo pieces and chocolate drizzle with some chicken strips.

Scoops: Looking for a great local ice cream shop to try? Then head over to Scoops for not only an Instagram-worthy picture but also test out some great unique flavors. My fav was definitely the Peppermint Bark flavor that they currently have for the holidays.

Toast: If you’re looking for a great restaurant for a date night, Toast is the place to be. This place has classic appetizers, holiday cocktails, and the best fish and chips. The fish was perfectly flaky and crunchy. Titi had the ribs and mac n cheese, which he also thoroughly enjoyed. Both came highly recommended.

Burger Bach: We stopped by this restaurant on our way home, and we’re glad that we did. It was such a hidden gem. The restaurant has a New Zealander twist on their meals, and they sourced their ingredients from local farmers.

You may also like: Wilmington NC Weekend Travel Guide + A Weekend at the Duke Mansion

The post Things to Do In Richmond, VA: Where To Eat, Stay, and See appeared first on Uniquely Mickie.

We started our road trip to the beach on Saturday morning to downtown Wilmington. We stayed the night in Wilmington at Hotel Ballast and we spent the next day in Kure Beach. I will say that our first day was quite chilly and cold (which is why we were wearing sweaters in the pictures) and then the following day it was beautiful outside.

HOW TO GET THERE + TRANSPORTATION

Since Titi and I were only driving from Charlotte, our road trip took about 3 hours. But if you live further away, Wilmington does have a small airport where you can fly directly into town. I do recommend bringing or renting a car while you are here. The nearby cities are a must see and some of the activities are further away from the city such as Wrightsville Beach or the NC Aquarium.   

Hotel Ballast – the lobby and room by the river

SEE THE SIGHTS

Wilmington is the big city in the area, but Wrightsville Beach and Kure Beach are both unique little towns nearby. Here are a few must-see spots and activities:

• Riverwalk & Downtown Shopping: One of the main attractions, that is in the heart of the city, is the Riverwalk. If you get an hour or two, then head down to the river and walk along the Cape Fear River. The downtown area is filled with dozens of charming local business and restaurants that are too cute to miss. While we were out enjoying the town, I ended up finding a few gifts for friends and family that is sure to put a smile on their faces. The day that we were walking on the river it was super cold and chilly (in true Fall Season!).

• Arlie Gardens (Wrightsville Beach): We didn’t get a chance to make it to Arlie Gardens, but from what I’ve seen on social media, it’s a gorgeous place to watch around and enjoy nature at its finest. The gardens feature 67 acres of walking paths, formal gardens, and plenty of historic structures. While events look a little different this year, there is still plenty to do in Airlie Gardens!

• North Carolina Aquarium (Kure Beach): The NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher sits right along the Kure Beach, about 30 minutes south from Wilmington. While the aquarium is on the smaller side, it is filled with plenty of exhibits to get up close and personal with the animals. My favorite part was definitely the Aquarium’s two-story ocean exhibit filled with sharks and other animals. If you didn’t know, sharks are my favorite species. During COVID, the Aquarium is requiring tickets to purchased online and for you to make an appointment before stopping by.  

• Cruise Along the Cape Fear River: Between Titi and I, I think this was our favorite thing that we did during the weekend. Even though we took the cruise on a windy, chilly day, it was a ton of fun. On the cruise, you get to learn the history of the Cape Fear Rive, see some of the sites along the river, and soak up the sunshine (if it’s a sunny day that day). Pro tip: bring a jacket because it gets windy on the boat!

• Beaches Galore (Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, Carolina Beach, etc): One of the main reasons why we stopped by Wilmington was to finally see the beach this year! As predicted, Wilmington beaches did not disappoint and there were plenty to choose from. I will say that Wrightsville beach gets pretty packed (which I’m sure is worst during the summer months). If you want a more peaceful beach, head to Kure Beach or Carolina Beach, which is further south from Wilmington.   

WHERE TO EAT

As you can expect, Wilmington has some amazing food and I’m excited to share where you can find some delicious Southern-inspired coastal cuisines.

• Cast Iron Kitchen: This casual breakfast spot came highly recommended on Yelp, and the food did not disappoint. As per usual, Titi and I ordered the chicken and waffles, since that’s our favorite breakfast meal. It’s currently doing outdoors dining to accommodate the current situation.

• Wake N Bake: On our second day in Wilmington, Titi and I were craving some fresh donuts and some warm drinks (since it was a classic fall morning). If you’re looking for a fluffy baked donut with plenty of icing, then definitely stop by Wake N Bake. Titi wanted to be fancy and get the King (premium donuts) that are icing filled, which ended up being too much donut for him to handle.

• Shark Bar and Kitchen: As I mentioned earlier, I’m obsessed with sharks and this restaurant’s décor did not disappoint. Whoever designed this place is a genius! The menu is perfectly curated and is also shark-themed. When we stopped by, it seems like they had changed their menu (which was a disappointment), but the food was pretty decent. I would recommend for you to stop by. It’s conveniently located right alongside Wrightsville Beach.

• Havana’s: Havana’s a truly a hidden gem! Titi and I stopped by this restaurant after having a rude experience at another down the street. We were so glad afterwards though because this place was truly the bomb! The food was divine, the staff was super sweet, and the drinks were strong.

If you’ve been to Wilmington, North Carolina, definitely share your recommendations in the comments below! I would love to come back during the summer months when you can actually lay out on the beach and get a tan. Maybe next time we can come for a little bit longer than we did this time around.

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