Travel with Lolly (2024)

30/01/2023

𝗦𝘁. 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 is a perfect getaway if you like to explore history, enjoy beach life, and want to have lots of shopping and dining options. When you go, make sure to include:

1️⃣ Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
2️⃣ The Lightner Museum
3️⃣ Cafe Alcazar at the Lightner Museum for lunch
4️⃣ a stroll along the St. Augustine sea wall
5️⃣ St. Augustine Lighthouse
6️⃣ one of the nearby beaches

Read a detailed guide to St. Augustine to help you plan your trip! https://travelwithlolly.com/st-augustine-the-oldest-city-in-the-u-s-that-delights-visitors-today/

10/11/2022

Want to explore the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620? If so, head to Plymouth Harbor and board the Mayflower II to learn about the Pilgrims' rugged 66-day voyage. Costumed historical interpreters are on board to provide details of the trip and to answer questions.

Built in England in the 1950s using traditional methods, the Mayflower II is a recreation of the original ship. She was sailed across the Atlantic Ocean to the U.S. along the same general route as the Pilgrims took centuries before. The Mayflower II arrived in the U.S. to much fanfare in 1957.

03/11/2022

A day away! No long trips. Just a day to recharge. 👍🏻

Perhaps try something new (to you) not far from home. Maybe it'll be a museum, historic site, beach (or lake), winery (or brewery or distillery), a new hiking trail, or a local festival?

Whatever you decide, have fun! 😁

27/10/2022

“I feel more and more the time wasted that is not spent in Ireland.” So stated Lady Gregory, an Irish actor.

I feel the same way.

Ireland beckons travelers who are looking for incredible coastal and inland beauty, rich history, welcoming folks, and plenty of good food and libations.

I've been to many countries, and southern Ireland ranks near the top for me. Read my detailed article to help inspire your journey here!

https://travelwithlolly.com/exploring-irelan

20/10/2022

Visiting D.C.? If so, check out the Vietnam Women's Memorial that commemorates the thousands of women who served in support and caregiving roles during the Vietnam War. (It's located near the iconic Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall.)

There are so many other great monuments to visit in D.C., too!

I've profiled the 16 best monuments and memorials to visit in Washington, D.C. Read my detailed guide to plan your trek!

https://travelwithlolly.com/the-best-monuments-in-dc/

13/10/2022

Santorini is a draw for many a vacationer -- and for good reason.

This Greek island has so much to offer just about everyone:
1️⃣ The legendary sunsets can't be beat. The best place to view this nightly spectacle is in Oia.
2️⃣ Hiking the 6.5 mile trail along the west coast ridge of Santorini from Fira to Oia takes a few hours, but the views of the caldera are stunning. Well worth the time! Start early in the morning and end your hike in time for a well-deserved brunch!
3️⃣ Visit the Akrotiri, an active archeological site, where you can view the ruins of a prehistoric town decimated by the volcanic eruption around 1650 BC.
4️⃣ Stop in at one of the island's wineries to find delicious wines made from grapes that grow with the scant amount of rain that falls here. In fact, dew is the main source of water for the vines.
5️⃣ Can't end the list without mentioning visits to the wonderful beaches, shops, and restaurants!

Read my detailed guide for a visit to Santorini: https://travelwithlolly.com/top-6-things-to-do-in-santorini/

06/10/2022

Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park (Alberta, Canada) is a great place to explore some of nature's incredible beauty -- including a couple of large waterfalls. The trail to the Lower Falls is actually an elevated walkway fastened to the canyon wall -- an easy walk for most people. The trail to the Upper Falls and Ink Pots is a bit more challenging.

If visiting Johnston Canyon:
1️⃣ get there early! The parking lots fill up fast -- especially on the weekends.
2️⃣ stop at the Shack at the trailhead for coffee, snacks, water, and/or ice cream. There's also a café on site.
3️⃣ check out the Storm Mountain Lodge, a small alpine-inspired lodge with a super cozy vibe, for a bite after your hike. From Johnston Canyon, drive to the Castle Junction exit, cross over Route 1 and continue onto Route 93 South. It'll be on the right. Check ahead to confirm days and hours of operation.

Read my detailed guide to help you plan your visit: https://travelwithlolly.com/johnston-canyon/

29/09/2022

Beautiful Honfleur, France is a like an oasis for travelers.

Honfleur is a working port with a long maritime history. Some of its buildings and churches date back to the 11th century.

While there, consider:
:one: enjoying a meal at a café on the picturesque Vieux Bassin (the town’s small harbor).
:two: strolling the town while window shopping and taking in the laid-back atmosphere.
:three: visiting Saint Catherine’s Church. When you’re inside and looking up, you can visualize an upside-down ship. Why? It was built by the region’s primary craftsmen — boat builders.
:four: driving to Étretat, site of amazing rock formations rising from the sea. It's about a 45 minute drive from Honfleur -- a must-see!
:five: riding to Calvados to enjoy some tastings of Calvados, a brandy made from apples. The distilleries are about a 30 minute drive from Honfleur.

Need some more inspiration to plan a trip to France? Read my guide: https://travelwithlolly.com/exploring-france/

22/09/2022

Isn't this the truth?! There's nothing like getting away to explore new places, meet new people, and recharge!

I hope you were able to experience the traveling-to-a-place energy this summer! Where'd you go?!

15/09/2022

Dine in the deep end in St. Augustine, Florida! Enjoy lunch in a unique setting -- in the (now empty) deep end of a swimming pool built in 1888 for guests of Henry Flagler's opulent properties.

Lunching at the Lightner Museum (site of the swimming pool) is one of several key experiences on a visit to the oldest city in the U.S.

St. Augustine is rich with history, and it still delights visitors today.

Read my detailed guide for a visit to this unique place: https://travelwithlolly.com/st-augustine-the-oldest-city-in-the-u-s-that-delights-visitors-today/

08/09/2022

The Charlottesville VA area is home to dozens of wonderful wineries! Read about the TOP 10 WINERIES to visit while in C-ville! Some have views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Others are in historical settings.

https://travelwithlolly.com/charlottesville-wineries/

30/08/2022

Explore the top Hudson River area sites including Gilded Age mansions, scenic walking trails, and wonderful wineries! (One stop is the Mills Mansion shown in the pic.)

Read my guide to the top places to visit in the Middle Hudson River area.

https://travelwithlolly.com/hudson-valley/

07/07/2022

Booking flights but concerned about all the news about delays and cancellations?⁣
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There continue to be staffing shortages involving pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and even ground crews. These are lingering pandemic-related issues that will take time to fix. ⁣
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To make matters worse, bad weather can create its own travel woes.⁣
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What to do?⁣
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Here are some tips:⁣
➡ Book early morning flights. That way, if you're delayed, there's still time in the day to get to your destination. Plus some later flights get delayed due to late afternoon or early evening summer thunderstorms.⁣
➡ Book nonstop flights. Flights with layovers may be cheaper, but you run the risk of one of the flights being delayed and possibly missing your connecting flight(s).⁣
➡ Build in extra time to get to your destination. If you're flying for an important event that you don't want to miss, consider leaving a day earlier than you originally planned to make sure you get there -- so any flight delays or cancellations won't entirely wreck your plans.⁣
➡ Pack patience. Expect crowded airports and long security lines. They're a reality these days. Pack some extra snacks, too, so you won't need to buy expensive munchies at the airport while waiting for your flight.⁣
➡ If traveling with kids, have plenty of diversions and snacks for them. Also, prepare them for the inevitable crowds and review safety precautions.⁣

29/06/2022

𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗮𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗱𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿? If so, do a quick online search and print some free travel Bingo sheets for passengers to play. It's an easy way to make the drive more entertaining. I found mine on the Travel Channel website, and I put each sheet in a plastic sleeve so they can be used over and over with dry erase markers.

11/02/2022

What's with the toothbrushes you ask? Let me tell you!

My husband and I traveled to Crete, Greece, with good friends a couple years ago. We were just finishing up a lovely rustic Greek meal prepared by an older couple who lived in a tiny, rather remote village. The husband spent time with our group as we raved about the food his wife prepared for us.

Before leaving, I asked to use the restroom ... and that's when I noticed the toothbrushes and toothpaste in the bathroom (that clearly belonged to the taverna's owners).

When traveling, we often see way more of the polished places and spaces that are designed to attract tourists. I find it refreshing to actually spend time with locals and get a tiny peek at their everyday lives. I found this so charming. 🙂

10/02/2022

Banff is a delight no matter the season. The mountainous terrain along with the valleys, rivers, and lakes offer amazing views in almost every direction

Here is Bow Valley with the Bow River flowing by Mount Rundle that stands almost 10,000 feet/3,000 meters in Banff.

Notice the hoodoos in the lower left quadrant of the pic. Spectacular!

My husband and I had an amazing 13-day trip in the Canadian Rockies that included driving through the mountains, hiking, and 2 days aboard the luxury Rocky Mountaineer train. Read all about it: https://travelwithlolly.com/canadian-rockies-trip/

04/02/2022

I recently finished 𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘯 𝘏𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢𝘺 by Amor Towles. A great read!

There was a bit of traveling by car in this novel as implied in the title. And if you're of a certain age, you'll likely make connections to your younger years as you read. Like this passage about a map that was purchased at a gas station and used by the person in the front passenger seat:

"When a gas station map is handed to you, it's almost the perfect size--like a playbill at the theater. But in order to read a gas station map, you have to unfold and unfold and unfold it until the Pacific Ocean is up against the gear shift and the Atlantic Ocean is lapping at the passenger-side door."

Do you remember using paper maps while driving?! Ours were often tucked away in the glove compartment when not in use. The big Rand McNally map was in a pocket attached to the back of a front seat. Thank goodness for GPS apps nowadays!

This book sparked a few other great memories about traveling with my family decades ago. Hope you have time to read it, too.

Thank you for another great book, Amor Towles!

02/02/2022

How does being pampered aboard a luxury train while traveling through magnificent scenery sound to you?

Riding aboard a Rocky Mountaineer train through the Canadian Rockies was an amazing experience that I'd highly recommend. (No, I didn't receive any discounts, incentives or any perks -- outside of being a paying guest.)

Pros: ultimate in comfort, delicious breakfasts and lunches (you ride on the train during the day), seemingly endless snacks and beverage service, and hosts who provide entertaining commentary on what you're peering at outside the wraparound windows. Plus there are a lot of itinerary choices to suit your interests.

Cons: can't think of any!

Details: My husband and I booked our entire 13 day exploration of the Canadian Rockies through Rocky Mountaineer, although only 2 of those days were actually aboard the train. The rest of the time we were on our own with a rental car driving and hiking through the Rockies. The company booked us into prestigious Fairmont properties along the way. We chose to begin in Calgary and conclude in Vancouver. Perfect for us!

Read all about it: https://travelwithlolly.com/canadian-rockies-trip/

28/01/2022

There's nothing like catching a sunrise on an early morning flight! Gorgeous!

I usually choose one of the first flights of the day when flying domestically. There's less congestion in the terminal than later in the day. Also, the flights tend to be quieter; most travelers are trying to catch a little snooze after waking up so early! 😴

25/11/2021

Thanksgiving: a time to give thanks. Traditions and dates for such celebrations and festivals vary around the world, but many enjoy gathering with loved ones and friends to reflect on the important relationships and things in life. Happy Thanksgiving wherever you are and however you choose to celebrate the blessings in your life. 🙂

06/10/2021

Along the Adriatic coastline of southeast Italy sits Vieste -- once merely a fishing village that has grown to become a popular vacation spot.

This picture is a view of a limestone arch with an old stone watchtower in the distance.

There are several nice beaches, shops, and restaurants. One highly recommended activity is a boat ride that takes you along the coastline, into some caves, and a beach to swim. A wonderful experience!

01/10/2021

Discover some of the charms of Southern Maryland!

There are quite a few lighthouses to visit in the general area. One of them is in Point Lookout State Park on the southern tip of Maryland's western shore. Adjacent to the lighthouse are the homes for the keeper's family as well as the assistant keeper's family.

This an aptly named site as it served as a lookout point during the War of 1812. Later, it became a summer resort area and also played a role during the Civil War.

The lighthouse is under renovation, but there are trails, a public beach, campsites, and endless water views to enjoy.

Read more about visiting southern Maryland; link in bio.

15/09/2021

These are the steps that a light keeper trod every day to help keep ships safe in the Chesapeake Bay waters.

Some of the lighthouses in the Bay communities are open for visitors.

If in coastal Maryland, you may want to explore these:
1) Blackistone Island Lighthouse
2) Cove Point Lighthouse
3) Drum Point Lighthouse
4) Choptank River Lighthouse
5) Concord Point Lighthouse
6) Fort Washington Lighthouse
7) Hooper Strait Lighthouse
8) Piney Point Lighthouse
9) Point Lookout Lighthouse
10) Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse
11) Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse
12) Turkey Point Lighthouse

Please check before visiting to verify current visitation days and hours.

10/09/2021

Still feeling happy vacation vibes from a recent trip?

Or maybe you have a getaway coming up?

Either way, those memories are special.

Hold on to them forever.

How?

Create a photo book of your adventures! It's easier than you think.

Check out some online vendors, follow their suggested steps (it's actually quite simple to do these days), and you're on your way!

Over time, you'll have a library on your bookshelf of photo books. That'll make it easy for you to treasure the good times you had while traveling -- in the years to come.

08/09/2021

Sunsets are gorgeous the world over.

I savored this sunset while enjoying some R&R at a beautiful inn in southern Maryland. Luxurious accommodations, gorgeous property, wonderful hosts!

There's plenty to do in the southern Maryland area including exploring lighthouses, trails, Historic St. Mary's City, museums (for aviation, marine, and nautical history), restaurants, and shops.

If you want to find out more about this inn, check out: https://travelwithlolly.com/swanendele-inn-md/

03/09/2021

The pandemic has surely put a damper on traveling and even, at times, gathering with others.

One thing that we can still enjoy -- before it gets too cold in the months ahead -- is some relaxing time with someone special.

That's exactly what happened a while ago. With a refreshingly cool glass of wine, we dined on a restaurant patio in a picturesque setting -- a local canal towpath. Simple, but so special.

I hope you've been able to catch a few of these moments, too. 🙂

01/09/2021

What a gorgeous sea creature! I saw this at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island in southern Maryland.

Also at the museum was an old screw-pile lighthouse that once stood in the Chesapeake Bay; sea otters, skates and stingrays; a paleontology exhibit with fossils found on a nearby shoreline; and quite a bit more. There's also a boat ride you can take to learn even more about the area.

If you're on Maryland's western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, you might want to add this to your sightseeing list.

For a detailed guide for things to do in southern Maryland: What a gorgeous sea creature! I saw this at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons Island in southern Maryland.

Also at the museum was an old screw-pile lighthouse that once stood in the Chesapeake Bay; sea otters, skates and stingrays; a paleontology exhibit with fossils found on a nearby shoreline; and quite a bit more. There's also a boat ride you can take to learn even more about the area.

If you're on Maryland's western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, you might want to add this to your sightseeing list.

For a detailed guide for things to do in southern Maryland: https://travelwithlolly.com/southern-maryland-guide/

27/08/2021

This may look like an ordinary brick wall, but it's way more than that!

Look closely and you'll see carvings in the brick. That's 18th century graffiti outside George Washington's tomb at Mt. Vernon in Virginia.

During the Civil War, soldiers from both the Union and Confederacy came to Mt. Vernon to pay their respects to Washington. They had to lay down their arms upon arrival as this was a "no fighting" zone. While there, some soldiers carved their initials or names into the tomb's brick facade.

Mt. Vernon is a great place to visit while in the Washington, D.C. area. The mansion, out buildings, gardens, trails, and museum help tell the story of the country's 1st president and his family -- as well as the enslaved people who lived here. There's so much to take in, so you'll want to budget at least 3-4 hours. (Make it a day and enjoy a meal at one of the dining spots on site.)

For a detailed guide for a visit to Mt. Vernon, check out this post: https://travelwithlolly.com/mount-vernon-guide/

25/08/2021

When you think of Washington, D.C., you may think of monuments and memorials. There are so many!

Constitution Gardens is a special memorial because of its setting and the relative peace and quiet you'll enjoy when visiting. That's because not a lot of tourists know about it. They're more focused on the other big name spots.

Situated between the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial and the World War II Memorial, Constitution Gardens is an island in a man-made lake.

What makes this a place to visit, besides the tranquil setting, are the 56 stones honoring the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. Each stone has the name, occupation, and signature of that person. (Can you see John Hancock's?!)

It's interesting to ponder how all these folks from different occupations and colonies came together to endorse one of the most significant documents in history.

For a complete guide to the 16 best D.C. monuments & memorials, check out this post: https://travelwithlolly.com/the-best-monuments-in-dc/

Travel with Lolly