Travel Archives - Page 2 of 4 - Sassy Southern Blonde

TRAVEL GUIDE TO NEW ORLEANS

June 19, 2019

Brunch at Ruby Slipper Cafe

Jackson Square

Balcony at Stay Alfred

Lunch with Hemline at Meaux Bar

Dinner at Jack Rose with Karli and Lil Wayne 🙂

Happy Wednesday!

June is my crazy travel month, so I know my blog posts have been pretty short and sweet lately! Sorry about that. The first weekend was my friend’s bachelorette trip, then I headed to Palm Springs (travel guide coming soon) and New Orleans! Believe it or not, I’m off again to Orange Beach with Pink Possum Boutique tomorrow! Although traveling can be exhausting, I absolutely love it. As soon as I slow down, I get restless and wonder where I’m going next! Lol.

Today’s blog post has been a long time coming because I visit New Orleans very frequently! I only live an hour and a half away, so it’s the perfect location for even taking quick day trips. Below are all the places I have visited that I personally love or have heard rave reviews from friends. New Orleans is such a fun place with lots of history and culture!

WHERE TO EAT

Ruby Slipper Cafe: I couldn’t decide between the cinnamon swirl pancakes or the scrambled egg bowl, so I got both! Go figure. The Ruby Slipper mimosa was also great!

Jack Rose: I have been wanting to go for months, and we finally snagged a reservation! Bruno Mars was there the night before us! My favorite thing is the pimento cheese appetizer from the bar, but they can bring it to your table. Lol!

Josephine Estelle: Yummy Italian food! We ate it the last night.

Willa Jean’s: I haven’t eaten here yet, but my friend Karli says the brunch is amazing!

Meaux Bar: We ate here for lunch on Saturday with Hemline! The deviled egg appetizers were BOMB

Cafe du Monde: This is a MUST if you’re going to NOLA! Beignets and frozen coffee for the win!

Brennan’s: Such an Instagrammable restaurant and the food is awesome too!

Red Fish Grill: Red Fish is located on Bourbon Street, so it’s a nice place to grab dinner then head out. Ironically, my favorite dish is the redfish! Lol.

Johnny Sanchez: If you’re tired of cajun food, Johnny Sanchez is an amazing, upscale Mexican restaurant! I loved the Mexican street corn and the tacos. Can’t go wrong with a Margarita either! 🙂

Commander’s Palace: I’ve never been here but always wanted to go! I hear the brunch is great too.

WHERE TO PLAY

Carousel Bar at Hotel Monteleone: Such a cool spot to grab drinks before dinner!

Bourbon Street: Truly a rite of passage to visit Bourbon Street when in NOLA! I like it best during the day!

Jackson Square

Magazine Street

Saenger Theatre

Audubon Zoo

Canal Place Shopping

Harrah’s Casino

Go to a New Orleans Saints or New Orleans Pelicans game

WHERE TO STAY

Stay Alfred: We stayed here last weekend and loved it! It’s walking distance to all the popular spots, and there’s way more room than a regular hotel. Stay Alfred definitely has Airbnb vibes!

Hotel Monteleone: I stayed here when we went to the Taylor Swift concert last Fall, and it was great. This is where the carousel bar is located!

The Roosevelt: If you want to splurge, stay at The Roosevelt. It’s especially wonderful during Christmas with the pretty decorations!

Royal Sonesta

Ritz-Carlton

Hilton (French Quarter)

I hope you guys enjoy my New Orleans travel guide! Let me know if you try any of these places on my list! 🙂

XOXO

Kels

Girls Weekend in Charleston :)

May 16, 2019

SHOP MY OUTFIT (Wearing XS)

SHOP MY OUTFIT (Wearing SM)

SHOP MY OUTFIT (Wearing SM top, 25 shorts)

Yall know I always provide my travel recaps a couple of weeks after the trips, so today’s post is all about my birthday weekend in Charleston! I actually have a Charleston recap from last year HERE, which is also like a travel guide. Anywho, on Thursday Maxie and I flew into Charlotte, and we stayed with Andrea that night. It was SO much fun! I was literally drinking Prosecco from a red Solo cup before my spray tan and the night only got better from there! Hahaha.

On Friday morning, we road tripped to Charleston to meet up with Tanner! Our first stop before the Instagrammable spots (lol) was Clean Juice for acai bowls. And they were GOOD! I didn’t realize this place was a chain, but there definitely aren’t any in Mississippi, so it was still a treat! We then Ubered to 80 Tradd Street for photos in front of the cutest pink door! Everywhere in Charleston is great for pictures, though. We ended the night eating at Darling Oyster Bar! I had never tried oysters before, so I decided this was as good a time as any to just do it. (Like Nike hahaha) Needless to say, I won’t be ordering them again… I did love the shrimp & grits from there, though!

We started the day early on Saturday at Charleston City Hall. Most people don’t realize this is where the pretty marble staircase is that so many take photos at! I recommend going in the morning before the sun hits directly. We had brunch at Toast afterward, which was phenomenal! Per usual, I ordered the french toast as I do at every brunch spot! Lol. Rainbow Row and sightseeing around downtown came next on the agenda! A sweet follower also recommended we go to Skinny Dip for Frosè. AMAZING! They have the cutest flower wall to take photos in front of too! (pictured above) We shopped a little on King Street before heading to dinner at Lewis BBQ! This was probably the best BBQ I have ever had. It’s a really fun atmosphere with outside seating and live music!

Sunday was sad because we had to leave, but Maxie and I booked late flights so we wouldn’t be rushed! We ate brunch at 82 Queen, and I switched it up with the biscuits and gravy (pictured above). It’s a MUST if you go! Truthfully, I would have been happy eating brunch for every meal if it was an option. Haha! We made it back to Charlotte that afternoon and headed to the airport! It was such a fabulous weekend thanks to my blogger friends who have become my real life besties 🙂

PS: I’m linking all outfit details under each photo with sizing!

XOXO

Kels

TRAVEL GUIDE TO 30A

May 9, 2019

SHOP MY OUTFIT

PLACES TO EAT

Chiringo’s: I ordered the guacamole for an appetizer and then the blackened shrimp tacos for my meal. So fresh and delicious!

The Pearl: This place is my favorite spot on all of 30A! I have stayed here before, and I cannot recommend it enough. If you just want to stop by before dinner, head to the rooftop for tasty appetizers and yummy drinks. I love their frozen ones!

Surfing Deer: My first time eating at Surfing Deer did not disappoint! The crab cakes were amazing! (pictured above)

Food Trucks in Seaside: If you want a lowkey breakfast or lunch spot, eat at one of the food trucks in Seaside Square. Specifically Meltdown on 30A for grilled cheeses (pictured above) and Five Daughters for donuts!

Great Southern Cafe: Everyone raves about the brunch here, so I wanted to include it! Unfortunately, we missed it, though! 🙁

Caliza: Oh my gosh. Caliza is beyond fabulous! Even if you only go for drinks, it’s a MUST. I ordered the frozen peach bellini, and it was the best cocktail I have ever had! There’s also a pool in the middle of the restaurant. Such a cool place!

Whiskey Bravo: Whiskey Bravo isn’t my favorite, but they have fried mac & cheese sticks as a starter. I go just for that! Haha

Bud & Alley’s: I haven’t been to Bud & Alley’s in a while, but I remember loving the crab cakes. Yes, I always order crab cakes at seafood restaurants if you can’t tell! Lol.

Big Bad Breakfast: SO obsessed with BBB! They have a few other locations, but it still has that local vibe! I order the french toast and bacon (pictured above) and it never disappoints!

Donut Hole Bakery & Cafe: This place literally has red velvet donuts. Need I say more?! Their breakfast is also delicious as well! Chocolate chip pancakes. Basically, you’re guaranteed to go into a sugar coma here! In the best way 🙂

The Red Bar: I couldn’t create a 30A guide without mentioning Red Bar in Grayton Beach even though it’s currently under construction! There was a fire that destroyed the entire restaurant a few months ago, but they are in the process of rebuilding! YAY!

THINGS TO DO

BEACH: I think this was an obvious choice! Lol. I love renting chairs, so I have somewhere to sit that isn’t in the sand.

The Hub: This is a new spot on 30A! It usually has fun events going on, not to mention some delicious spots to eat or grab desserts! Lots of outdoor movies and live music are on the schedule for this summer!

Seaside Square: Seaside is THE cutest place in America, so of course their town square is perfect. That’s where several of the restaurants I mentioned above are located along with cute shopping spots! 🙂

Rent Bikes: Biking along 30A is truly living your best life. We didn’t have time to rent any, but I was jealous every time I saw people on them! Haha.

Paddleboarding: I am determined to do this on my next trip to 30A! It looks like a blast!

AJ’s in Grayton Beach: If you like going out at night, AJ’s is a great choice! It’s not super crazy, but you’ll definitely have a good time! Oh, and I recommend trying their Jello shots. You can thank me later! Hahaha

Sunset bonfire on the beach: The first time I have ever done a sunset bonfire was with Live Well (located at The Hub), and they did a wonderful job from building the fire to supplying us with smores! 10/10 recommend.

Grayton Beer Company: I have honestly never been to this place, but I love their beer. So, I thought it would be worth adding to the list! 🙂

WHERE TO STAY

The Pearl: As I mentioned above, The Pearl is IT on 30A. At least to me! Staying here is pretty pricey though, especially during peak season! I really only recommend it for a girls weekend or a couple’s getaway! Kids aren’t allowed at the pool, which is so nice. Unless you have children you need to bring! Lol

The Pointe on 30A: This is a more kid-friendly option! I haven’t personally stayed here, but I’ve heard rave reviews. Big Bad Breakfast is actually connected to it, so I have scooped out the premises at least! 😉

Rent a Condo/House: If you’re traveling with a large group, I think renting a condo or house is your best option! My favorite company for this is Wyndham Vacation Rentals, but there are other great ones too.

I hope this travel guide helps you plan the perfect vacation to 30A! And if you have some extra room, feel free to invite me! Hehe

XOXO

Kels

30A OUTFIT ROUNDUP

May 7, 2019

SHOP THIS OUTFIT (Wearing US 6 top and US 4 bottoms)

DRESS (Wearing SM) *Use KELSIE20 for 20% off*

ROMPER (Wearing SM) *Use KELSIE20 for 20% off*

DRESS (Wearing SM) *Use KELSIE15 for 15% off*

ROMPER (Wearing SM) *Use KELSIE15 for 15% off*

SHOP THIS OUTFIT (Wearing SM)

SHOP THESE OUTFITS

DRESS (Wearing SM) *Use KELSIE20 for 20% off*

SHOP THESE OUTFITS

SHOP MY OUTFIT (Wearing MED)

I know I was in Charleston last weekend, but I didn’t have time to round up my looks from 30A yet! This is strictly just my outfit details, and I’ll be sharing a 30A travel guide later this week. I’ll post my favorite places to eat and things to do along the 30A highway! 🙂 Until then, everything is linked under each photo with sizing details. Thanks so much for stopping by!

XOXO

Kels

AUSTIN, TEXAS TRAVEL GUIDE

April 24, 2019

Outside Fairmont Austin with the girls! 🙂

Patio area and rooftop bar at Fairmont Austin (Photo creds to Kelsey)

Lounge and indoor bar at Fairmont Austin (Photo creds to Kelsey)

Hanging out in a cabana at Fairmont Austin pool

Poolside chips and guac at Fairmont Austin

Inside a presidential suite at Fairmont Austin! I wanted this pink couch 🙂

An afternoon with Kendra Scott at their flagship store

Blenders & Bowls (Inside Southern Hippie Boutique)

Punch Bowl Social (at The Domain)

Sunday Brunch at Goodall’s Kitchen inside Hotel Ella

Happy Hump Day! 🙂

As promised, I’m rounding up all the places we went and where we stayed while we were in Austin, Texas! If you missed the first part, I linked ALL outfit details from the trip there. Today, I am recapping our itinerary and including hot spots that followers suggested even though we didn’t make it to everything!

We stayed at the Fairmont Austin, and I cannot say enough great things about this hotel! From the gorgeous rooms to the friendly staff, Fairmont Austin was a phenomenal choice. I added photos of the indoor bar area and outdoor patio area above! They were gracious enough to give us a cabana by the pool with lots of chips and guac. My absolute favorite! If you’re heading to Austin soon, definitely book at Fairmont! You can thank me later! 🙂

Now.. Onto the itinerary!

FRIDAY

South Congress: SO many murals are in this area

Torchy’s Tacos for Lunch: We missed this, but I’m still sad about it lol

Kendra Scott Flagship Store: Special thank you to them for hosting us. Oh, and they have yummy Frosè!

Kona Grill at The Domain: I ordered the fried avocado fries and sushi. Amazing!

SATURDAY

Blenders & Bowls inside Southern Hippie Boutique: I have been dying to try an acai bowl, and the dragonfruit one was too good!

Shopping at The Domain: Erin Condren is SUCH an Instagrammable spot!!

Punch Bowl Social: This is a fun place with great bar food and games available to play throughout the building! We ordered all the appetizers and then I got the pulled pork tacos for dinner. The mixed drinks are also good! Specifically the watermelon one. Lol

SUNDAY

Brunch at Goodall’s Kitchen inside Hotel Ella: The brunch was delicious. I ordered the pancakes, bacon, and a mimosa! 🙂

Pool afternoon at Fairmont Austin: 10/10 recommend enjoying the Fairmont’s pool because it’s SO nice. They also have snacks (chips & guac) and drinks available!

Dinner at Bar Peached: We actually skipped this and just went to In-N-Out Burger, but I hear good things! Hahaha

OTHER SUGGESTIONS:

Geraldine’s for Brunch

South Congress Cafe

Amy’s Ice Cream

Walton’s Bakery

Buford’s on West 6th

Jo’s Coffee

Salt Lick (BBQ)

Barchi (Sushi)

El Alma (Mexican)

UnBARlievable (Bar)

The Rose Room (Bar)

(Thank you to my sweet follower Lauren for some of the suggestions!)

XOXO

Kels