MY FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOTS

We may not get summers off like we did as kids, but I still associate this season with travel. Before any trip, I love to do a little research—digging up hidden gem restaurants and seeking out small boutiques off the beaten path.

But my favorite part of traveling? Wandering through a new neighborhood with no real agenda. That’s always when the best discoveries happen.

Some of my most memorable meals and favorite finds have come from those spontaneous moments. Here are a few of my top picks!

I usually stick to Hell’s Kitchen since that’s where my best friend lives—but honestly, the food scene there is incredible. Here are a few of my go-to spots :

Ardesia - the best little wine bar. 

Dot's Cafe - the owner of Ardesia opened a cute little breakfast spot across the way that is soooo good.

Briciola - when I first taught myself how to cook, I started with mushroom risotto. I perfected my recipe and I have to say it is good. But holy sh!t, Briciola's is outstanding. A great little spot.

Schmackery's - this little cookie shop has big exciting flavors. From Red Velvet Cake cookie, to Cereal Killer. Sch'mores to the Candy Bar. They are not messing around.

Empanada Mama - So I love this place. They are open basically 24-7. Morning empanadas, late night empanadas, anytime they've got ya. Don't miss out on the Viagra, a seafood stew with shrimp and crab, SO GOOD!

I’ve been vacationing along the Florida Panhandle since I was a kid, and for the longest time, it felt like the Southeast’s best-kept secret. Lately though, it seems the word is out. While there are so many great spots depending on where you're staying, there’s just one place I’ll recommend here—because I’d make the trip for this brunch no matter what part of the coast I’m on.

Pescado - Fair warning, I did not eat here for dinner. We came for brunch and it was hands down one of the best brunches I have ever had. Poppyseed pancakes, challah french toast - my friend and I literally shared almost the entire menu. Plus the view. It's gorgeous.

Nashville feels like second nature to me—I lived there for eight years, so I’ve got plenty of recommendations. And fun fact: many of my favorite shops in town have something in common... they carry my jewelry!

Restaurants :
Babo Nashville - has some of the best Korean Fried Chicken.

Dozen Bakery - you can go wrong with a slice of their Lemon Lavender Pie and one (or five) of their madeleines.

Mitchell Delicatessen - some of the best sandwiches I've ever had. Especially the Turkey Brie Sandwich.

Barista Parlor - is a local chain of coffee shops, but they have the most dreamy Boss Breakfast Burrito. I'm not one for spicy food, but this knocks it out of the park.

Epice - a Lebanese restaurant in 12 South. The spice combinations at Epice are magical. Do not miss their Epice Salad, for someone who doesn't like salad, I choose this every time I go.

GrillShack - This is literally a shack but has the best veggie burger I have ever had in my life. Now this isn't one of those burgers where you're like OMG this tastes just like beef - this is like plain 'ol delicious beans, sweet potatoes, spices, OH MY! And make sure you get blue cheese to spread generously on top!

Shops :
Moda - This is such a cool shop, in the heart of 12 South, probably my favorite neighborhood in Nashville. Meredith, the owner, is so kind and loves to help you find the best rockstar 'fit. Plus she has amazing indie designer jewelry.

Consider the WLDFLWRS - a fine jewelry store, beautifully curated and the design of the store is amazing. The footprint of the store is a DIAMOND, y'all!

Freshie & Zero - a great gift shop with the best mix of adorable baubles, whimsical knick knacks, not to mention a great selection of jewelry.