** Click on any image to shop. **
travel guide
30A Girls Trip With Sanders Beach Rentals
We spend so much of our time in the Panhandle of Florida area and absolutely love it. The beaches have white sand, beautiful teal water and the prettiest watercolor sunsets.
This trip I stayed with some girlfriends in the WaterColor area. It was so nice to have a house that was big enough to comfortably host a large crew and also be within walking distance to amenities. Click HERE to check out the house we stayed in with Sanders Beach Rentals. You can check out their other available properties HERE.
The home is walking distance to WaterColor Beach Club, which is where we spent a lot of our time. You can get beach rentals through the beach club as well as access to multiple pools, bars, etc. Cabanas are available for rent and you can order food directly to your pool chair. It’ a great spot for adults or kids.
If you are thinking about taking a girl’s trip… 30A is such a perfect spot. We were able to lay poolside or hang at the beach during the day and hit up a couple beach bars at night. (Bud & Ally’s and AJ’s are both fun late night spots!)
Vendors From The Trip-
Food & Drink:
Hey Mama Wines– The house was stocked with Rose and their rose cans! Love their girly packaging.
Graze30A– Beautiful charcuterie boards. We had it at our beach bonfire, but fun touch to stock your home and snack on during your trip.
** Finding reservations for large groups in the 30A area can be difficult. If you plan on doing that make your reservation as far in advance as possible. A great alternative is bringing someone into your home rental.**
Hibachi Joe– One of the highlights of the whole trip. He brings hibachi to you. His food is top notch and much better quality than your typical hibachi. We set it up out by the pool and it was just the most fun time. He’s so funny and truly made the experience extra special.
Emerald Coast Catering– They set up a fajita bar for us one night to enjoy at the house.
Experiences:
Beach Brothers Beach Service– There is something SO special about a beach bonfire. They bring everything and tear it all down. You just show up and enjoy the prettiest sunsets!
Gilbert Glassworks– We took a glass class and I really enjoyed trying something new! Would be perfect for a rainy day.
Grove30A- If you need a beauty filled day.
** Need some help knowing what to pack? I’ve got a full blog post on some beach wardrobe staple pieces that you can find HERE. **
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the side of a mountain for a little après ski after a long day on the slopes. If you have never taken a ski trip before… add it to your bucket list! There’s nothing like breathing in the fresh mountain air, sitting in a hot tub with snow falling all around your or strolling a perfect little mountain town all bundled up.
We take at least one ski trip a year and this year we added in the boys so that they could experience our “happy place” with us.
Knowing what to pack for a ski trip (especially if it’s your first time) can seem a bit intimidating so I’m breaking it down for you so all you’ll have to worry about is which mountainside patio you need to sip your champagne. Also, you can check out my Vail Travel Guide HERE for that info too. I really have ya’ll covered on this one!
** YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY ITEM TO SHOP. **
For You:
On The Slopes-
First, you can rent your skis, poles and helmet at the mountain. This way you do not have to travel with such heavy items.
You will somewhat have to play this by ear based on the weather of your trip. Most of the time I am fine in just a base layer, ski jacket, pants and gloves. When we go during the colder months I add a ski sweater on top. In extremely cold weather you will also need to add a face warmer or a neck scarf.
Off The Slopes- Winter Wear-
Hotel Hangs & Hot Tub-
There is nothing more revitalizing and relaxing than sitting in the hot tub with snow falling around you looking up at the mountain. It’s simply magic! Don’t forget to pack a suit and pool slides.
In The Room-
I always like to have a warm pair of flannel pajamas to have in the room. I Have THESE and love them. They run a tad big/long.
Winter Beauty Must Haves-
Between the flight, altitude, cold and dry air you will need to take extra good care of yourself and your skin on a ski trip. These electrolyte drops are a great way to fight against getting altitude sickness. (Don’t forget to also drink lots of water!!) SPF if a MUST on the mountain, along with on your lips to protect from chapped/burnt lips. I’ve also included my must have beauty mask, eye masks, and hydrators.
** Please note the Youth Serum can not be tagged, but you can find it HERE. It provides incredible hydration and I’ll never travel without mine again. (I actually use it everyday.)
Travel- Gear & Wear
For The Kids:
Columbia, South Carolina Travel Guide
Hunter-Gatherer Brewhouse & Ale
Drip Coffee
The Gourmet Shop
Hotel Trunle
Drip Coffee
Sweet Cream Company
Hotel Trundle
Bourbon
Warmouth
Lula Drake
As a long time subscriber and Garden & Gun fan, I was elated when they reached out to collaborate on a romantic weekend getaway to Columbia, South Carolina.
Trey and I had never been, and were thrilled to escape for a few days and discover all this charming town had to offer.
Be sure to pick up your copy of Garden & Gun (Feb/March) issue to check out our stay in print. You can also see the article on their website… HERE! (Eek!)
We were so impressed with the historic town, and how much it’s been rejuvenated in the last few years. It was a super quick flight from Nashville (totally drivable as well!) If you are looking for a unique and fun getaway, you’ve found it!
STAY
This hotel was southern hospitality at it’s finest. We were greeted with our choice of sparkling rosé or local beer (CottonTown Brew Lab’s TropiCarolina.) From that first special touch to the time we checked out, no detail was missed.
The decor was so dreamy! It was quirky meets charming, in the best possible way. We loved having a kitchenette in our room and the exposed brick were beautiful. Don’t miss all the unique artwork and photography throughout the building.
SHOP
Devine Street and Saluda Avenue
There were tons of funky little locally owned and operated shops that we loved popping into. While we were going from shop to shop we stumbled upon the coolest coffee shop, Drip. They had a backroom with tons of records that you could play and they used the drip method to make your coffee. We listened to music while we waited, and took our coffee to go while we shopped.
EAT
This is renovated engine supply building from the late 1800s, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They serve up local, fresh ingredients with the menu changing daily. We absolutely loved the spin on southern classics, and the drinks were fabulous as well!
Local, hand crafted and small batched ice cream. The zucchini bread ice cream was one of my favorite things I’ve ever tasted! They had so many unique flavors, and it was the perfect spot for an afternoon sweet treat.
A Columbia staple. They are famous for their chicken salad, but we were really loving the mimosa kit (shocker, I know) and the charcuterie board with local cheeses. They also have lots of gifts, wines, cheeses and cigars to go.
This whiskey bar and Cajun-Creole restaurant located right next to the South Carolina Capital Building. They boast the biggest whiskey list in South Carolina. Since Trey’s family is from New Orleans, he is pretty picky with his cajun… this place held it’s own!
We had some amazing food, but the drinks were so spot on too. Order the “Heart of Darkness” drink. It comes out with smoke and is so cool and delicious!
DRINK
This might have just been the highlight of the trip. It really captures the charm that is Columbia. We sat with the owner as we sipped on organic, carefully curated wines and he explained the history of the place. The historic building had recently been renovated, but had formerly belonged to the gathering place’s namesake, Lula Drake, a woman who paved the way in the 1920s for female business owners. A trunk filled with her business cards and documents inspired the decor and logo of the wine shop.
This one could also totally go under, “Eats.” We had some late night bites. The truffled pasta dish with crème fraîche, black pepper, and lemon zest was out of this world. Yum! I still think about that meal!
Hunter-Gatherer Brewhouse & Ale
Columbia’s first microbrewery and pub made for a great place to stop and grab a beer. I loved the pale ale, and Trey loved the Golden Ale.
Head out to the cute patio with string lights and grab a fun drink! They had some great classic apps to bite on as well. We also loved their hot sauce! You can buy it and bring it home…highly recommend!
WHAT I PACKED