Category: USA

Destinations, Food, Massachusetts, Restaurants, Travel, USA

A Review of Moëca in Cambridge, Massachusetts

A chalkboard with illustrations of fish at Moeca in Cambridge

Tucked just around the corner from Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge is a cozy neighborhood seafood spot that’s been making waves ever since it opened in mid-2022: Moëca. Striving to prepare fresh, sustainable seafood based on the current catch, Moëca’s menu changes daily. But no matter what the boat brings in, as a sister concept to …

Charlotte, Destinations, North Carolina, Style, Travel, USA

Shop Local: 10 Charlotte Shops You Should Know About

A Charlotte store with clothing and accessories

I frequently highlight small businesses in my travel guides, so I figured it’s finally time to share some of my home city’s best local shops and boutiques! Charlotte is home to nearly every major retailer (although, famously, not Zara) – but those shops receive enough attention as it is, so this post isn’t going to …

Destinations, Tennessee, Travel, USA

Photo Diary: Dollywood at Christmastime

Alyssa walks in front of the train boarding area at Dollywood

Sharing a sweet little look at Dollywood all decked out for the holidays. Grief is a strange beast. Sometimes it renders you unable to move in its wake – and sometimes it drops you at Dollywood. My grandmother loved Dolly Parton, and all she wanted for her birthday this year was for our family to …

Destinations, Packing Lists, Pennsylvania, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Backpack Packing List for Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Alyssa wears an all black outfit on a sidewalk in Philadelphia

Revealing everything I packed in my backpack for a weekend flyaway trip to Philadelphia For better or for worse, the number of personal item packing list posts on this blog has grown significantly this year. This is largely due to the fact that I fly more budget carriers like Spirit or Frontier than I used …

Destinations, Pennsylvania, Travel, USA

36 Hours in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia City Hall

A quick weekend guide to Philadelphia – perfect for second-time visitors and those looking for more off-the-beaten-path recommendations.

Destinations, Food, Pennsylvania, Restaurants, Travel, USA

Four Outstanding Coffee Shops to Try in Philadelphia

A sign for Persimmon Coffee in Philadelphia

Call off the search! Here are four places for a guaranteed excellent cup of coffee in the City of Brotherly Love.

Charlotte, Home, North Carolina, Style, Travel, Travel Products, USA, Wish Lists and Gift Ideas

2023 Holiday Gift Guide: Local Gifts from North Carolina

A collage of gifts from North Carolina makers

Happy Small Business Saturday, friends! As has become a tradition around here, I’m thrilled to share a curated guide of local gifts from my current home state in honor of this day. Today’s carefully edited list features a variety of unique and beautifully made items that support North Carolina artists and makers that you should …

Charlotte, Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

Day Trip Travel Guide for Salisbury, North Carolina

Alyssa drinks a bottle of Cheerwine in Salisbury, NC

Salisbury, North Carolina: Home of Food Lion and Cheerwine (and you, for the day!).

Charlotte, Destinations, North Carolina, Travel, USA

12 Things You Should Know Before Riding Amtrak’s Piedmont Train

A train pulls away from the station, it is emblazoned with NC

Considering a ride on the Piedmont train, which connects Charlotte to Raleigh? Here’s what you need to know before you book.

California, Destinations, Packing Lists, Style, Travel, USA

Traveling Light: A Carry-On Packing List for San Francisco, California

Alyssa holds a cardigan and wears a black tank and jeans in San Francisco

Sharing my real-life carry-on packing list for a long weekend in San Francisco. I’m happy to be back in this space to share a real-life packing list with you! I’m pretty confident this was the longest trip of 2023 – five days in San Francisco to spend time with friends and attend their wedding (side …