Want to spring forward to Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas?
(Photo by Natasha Nguyen) What to do during Spring Break? Why not go to Barton Springs Pool in Austin, Texas. The pools are open on Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Be sure to swim at your own risk. The Barton Springs Pool is about three acres in size with an average of 68-70 degrees. This temperature is ideal for year-round swimming. The pools are about 0' to 18' deep. They also have a diving board more towards the middle of the pool. There are tons of grassy area all around for the guest to sunbathe and relax. I enjoyed walking on the trails along the springs. This also leads to more grassy area or a park. Please note that there are no food, coolers, pets, and other things not allowed inside. Be sure to eat ahead of time so you won't get hangry. You can at least bring water bottles that hasn't been open. Also, please check the guidelines before entering. The springs is served to help protect the salamaders and wildlife here. Be respectful as much as possible. The Barton Springs Pool is closed every Thursdays to clean and to help maintain the pool area. There are no reservations required. However, capcity is limited and there is a 2 hour limit during this time due to COVID-19. Please make sure to follow all safety and health measures. Visiting the Barton Springs Pool was one of our most memorable experience. I've always wanted to swim in spring water and have my own form of purification.
Read full storyCongress Avenue Bridge Bat Tour
Have you done kayaking or paddleboarding while going bat watching? Austin, Texas has a kayak and paddleboard tour with many tour companies. The tour takes about 2 to 3 hours long. You will get a chance to paddle down the Lady Bird Lake as you travel to the Congress Avenue Bridge. This is where the bats are located and they care for their young here. I had a ton of fun learning about the world's largest urban bat colonies. There are about 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats living in the bridge. My boyfriend and I had a fun time paddling down the Lady Bird Lake and observing one of nature's wanders. All ages are recommended. We got to experience day time and night time kayaking. This was one of our personal favorite experiences during our visit in Austin. If you can't take this tour, at least join up the groups that are hanging up above on the Congress Avenue Bridge. Not to mention, you can enjoy the gorgeous sunset from the water and take in the sights of the Austin skyline. The best time to see the bats fly out during dusk is between April-October.
Read full storyA mini colorful guide to Murals in Austin, Texas
Do you like murals and street art? Austin, Texas is peppered in gorgeous murals and street art everywhere. This has changed the game of how we travel and visit locations. Not only do we seek historical landmarks and museums, but we also search for instagrammable places to snap a photo at. I love that Austin embraces artwork in many forms and has been expanding on it over the years.
Read full storyThe breathtaking Jurassic Valley at Kualoa Ranch in Kaneohe, Hawaii!
Do you want to experience the gorgeous Jurassic Valley? Kualoa Ranch is a place for exploration. It has a lot of fun tours and activities to do for visitors. The ranch is also a cattle ranch, a farm, and used as a venue for weddings and events. Kualoa Ranch is a private nature reserve that is about 3,800 acres. It is one of the most sacred places on the island of Oahu. Legends say that Kualoa was once a place of refuge for the natives to seek forgiveness. It was also used during WWII as bunkers for the soldiers.
Read full storyTaste the sunny vibes of California at Sunright Tea Studio in Irvine!
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) Do you love the sunny vibes from California? Sunright Tea Studio brings alive those feelings of a nice warm and sunny day. It is the perfect tea studio that gives you your daily caffeine fix (non-caffeine too). This is one of my favorite places to go for some boba drinks. And I am always searching for new and innovative combinations. Leaving me the enjoyment of how delicious and fresh their drinks are. Sunright Tea Studio sure knows how to whip everything up!
Read full storyThe imaginable burgers at Killer Burger in Portland, Oregon!
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) Are you killin’ to get a Killer Burger? The locals crave and rave about this burger franchise in Oregon. Killer Burger is known to serve big and juicy burgers that are over-the-top and imaginable. The growing trend of gourmet and fusion burgers is what keeps the crew dedicated in mastering their craft. The crew has an amazing range from making the most simple to the most bizarre burgers that have its own unique flavor. They are committed to the burger and have spent countless hours perfecting their recipes. The burgers are never frozen, fresh, and ingredients with the highest quality of ingredients. The patties are locally sourced from Fulton Provisions. It is grilled to create a tender and flavorful taste every time.
Read full storyThe home of Grandma Pie is at Sal's Pizzeria in Foothill Ranch, California!
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) The home of Grandma Pie is at Sal's Pizzeria. They serve authentic Italian foods and Sicilian pizza. Sal's Pizzeria has a location in Foothill Ranch and Mission Viejo. Sal's is all about curating every ingredient and if it's not up to standards then Sal's will not use it. Sal's is all about fresh ingredients and making quality products that taste great. The staff at Sal's are full of love and passion. They make the pizzas upon order. The restaurant is welcoming with the smell of cheese and dough. It always feels warm and delicious here.
Read full storyRide to the top to the Space Needle in Seattle, Washington!
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee & Natasha Nguyen) Would you like to experience the wow? The Space Needle located in Seattle is a popular landmark to visit and will give you a wow factor for sure. The iconic spire is 605 feet tall that includes a rotating restaurant and observation deck. The Skyrisers is the observation deck. It is made with glass all around. Visitors can lean on the glass or sit on the glass bench to take in the breathtaking views of the city, the ocean, and the mountains. The deck also has a patio area for outdoor dining. This is where visitors can sip on drinks and nibble on bites as they soak in the sunset and night life. The Loupe level is where you can experience a rotating glass floor. This is also where the rotating restaurant is located. The Atmos Cafe and the Loupe Lounge are both temporarily closed during this time. The Space Needle is currently open with limited capacity.
Read full storyGet a taste of Paris at Rendez Vous Cafe in Corona del Mar, California!
Do you enjoy french delights? Rendez Vous Cafe is a French Bakery that serves authentic French food and desserts. The cafe is located in Corona del Mar, California. The baked goods such as crepes, pastries, and bread are freshly made from scratch on the daily. Not only do they provide the best taste and highest quality in making all of the goodies, but they also use the finest of ingredients. The owners and staff members at Rendez Vous Cafe are friendly, generous, and kind-hearted. I've noticed they are not just kind and friendly to me, but also kind and friendly to their other patrons.
Read full storyGet hooked with delicious seafood at Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) Do you love shellfish and fish? Shellfish Company is the place to go for fresh seafood in Santa Barbara. In 1980, the business first started as buying and selling seafood to locals. Overtime, Santa Barbara Shellfish Company also included a waterfront dining experience with an ocean view and outdoor patio. The restaurant is located on Stearns Wharf Pier. There is limited capacity inside and out of the restaurant. It became even more limited once indoor dining was closed during COVID-19.
Read full storyThe next modern outdoor eatery at Benchmark in Santa Ana, California
Are you looking for an outdoor eatery that is both causal and upscale? Benchmark in Santa Ana, California offers American food with influences of culinary taste from Southern California. The restaurant is an outdoor atrium that also serves local craft beers and regional wines. These pair up well with their seasonal dishes. The decor of the restaurant is modern, hip, and fun. I love the atmosphere here because it's always lively and upbeat. The customers aren’t just having a great time, but the servers are too.
Read full storyCraving for some mama's cooking at Mama's on 39 in Huntington Beach?
Don't you love mama's cooking? At Mama’s on 39, everyone gathers together to enjoy Mama’s secret recipes. Since 2011, the restaurant has served delicious gourmet comfort food to a full menu of cocktail drinks. The plus side is Mama’s also serves breakfast anytime she is open. There are multiple Mama's located in Huntington Beach, Los Alamitos, and Newport Beach. Their fourth location at Ladera Ranch is coming soon!
Read full storyLife is batter with cakes and desserts from Patty's Cakes and Desserts in Fullerton, California
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) Would you like a piece of this? Patty’s Cakes and Desserts in Fullerton is baking the world a better place! Thousands have enjoyed the loaded deliciousness of baked goodies here. Everyone is leaving with a huge smile upon their faces. The yummy treats are prepared and freshly baked upon order. They specialize in cakes, cupcakes, and cake balls. There are 52 flavors of cupcakes and 11 flavors of cake balls. Their cakes are available for any event such as weddings, debuts, sweet 16s, anniversaries, quinceaneras, and large birthday parties.
Read full storyThe magic starts at Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas, Nevada
Do you like magic? There is a breathtaking destination that would take your breath away. Seven Magic Mountains in Las Vegas, Nevada is a large-site public installation in the desert.
Read full storyCome see the sparkle at Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington
(Photo by a tourist/visitor) Do you like looking at glass art? Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle, Washington is an exhibit that showcases the inspirations and influences of Dale Chihuly’s glass art. The exhibit opened in 2012 and featured Eight Galleries, the Glasshouse, Collection Cafe, the Garden, and Theater. I learned about this exhibit from the gorgeous Instagram posts from my friends. This made me add Chihuly Garden and Glass onto my list of places to visit in Seattle. It was just recent that my boyfriend and I had our trip to Washington and Oregon. I have to say that this was one of my loveliest experiences of seeing such gorgeous art during our stay in Seattle.
Read full storyEating on the run with Musubi Cafe Iyasume's rice balls
(Photo by Natasha Nguyen) Guess what’s rice? It’s the 20th Anniversary of Musubi Cafe Iyasume! Congratulations to them for hitting a big milestone. This upcoming year will be their 21st Anniversary. How exciting! They are the only shop in Hawaii that specializes in handcrafted rice balls. The chefs at Musubi Cafe Iyasume are committed to using premium rice from the brand called Tamaki Gold (Koshishikari rice paddies). This rice is carefully handcrafted into musubi and rice balls. Spam musubi is typically made with teriyaki sauce and a slice of grilled spam. Placed in between a block of white rice and wrapped together in seaweed. This gives the musubi a salty and sweet taste. At Musubi Cafe Iyasume, they combine culinary traditions from Hawaii and Japan to make the rice balls and musubi. This includes avocado with bacon and eggs, pickles, plum cucumbers, and eel and eggs. They currently have 5 locations and are also offering catering services. Please check their pricing on their website and also see if catering is still happening during these uncertain times.
Read full storyHow breakfast or brunch became the most delicious at Arize Bistro in Long Beach, California
Ready to get your resting brunch face on? Let’s do it at Arize Bistro in Long Beach, California. This little cafe serves delicious and irresistible asian fusion cuisines that will get your mouth watering and your stomach growling. The chefs at Arize Bistro will not compromise quality. It is a priority for them to use the freshest and finest ingredients for every dish. They also provide catering services for private events such as cocktail receptions, business lunches and dinners, and weddings. However, they are currently not taking any private event orders due to COVID-19.
Read full storyMango-centric desserts and drinks at Hui Lau Shan in Irvine, California
Are you ready to mango today? It’s time to mango on over to Hui Lau Shan in Irvine, California. They also have locations in Fullerton, Rowland Heights, and Arcadia. Hui Lau Shan’s top priority is to make everything from scratch with quality ingredients. They focus on every detail such as their mangoes being imported from the Philippines. Not only do they create a series of Hong Kong style desserts, but also serve traditional Chinese herbal tea and herbal jelly.
Read full storyRefreshing sugarcane drinks at Tallgrass Drink in Garden Grove, California
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee & Natasha Nguyen) Are you a fan of sugarcane juice? Tallgrass Drink in Garden Grove, California specializes in freshly-squeezed sugarcane drinks. Their drinks are easily customizable to fit your desired taste. How do you build your own drink? By starting with the bases of coconut water, herbal lemongrass and pandan, seasonal fruit juices, or organic teas. Of course, don’t forget to add any toppings if you like to. Not sure what to order? They have a menu of sugarcane concoctions and sugarcane teas for you to choose from. All of their drinks are naturally sweetened from fresh pressed sugarcane juice. Tallgrass Drink is like a bubble tea shop that emphasizes both sugarcane juice and teas. And guess what? This new concept is causing an uproar in the boba and sugarcane community.
Read full storyWhy you should try Beef Intestines at KingChang in Buena Park, California
(Photo by Richie Anothaisintavee) Are you an adventurous foodie? Have you tried beef intestines before? KingChang specializes in authentic Korean cuisine in Buena Park, California. They serve fresh meats and beef intestines along with traditional Korean side dishes. Their mission is to make food with high quality and with the freshest of ingredients. KingChang was previously known as HakSan, but decided to change their name in the beginning of this new year. The same food quality and service is still there and at top notch. The name change did not make any difference to what they provide to their patrons.
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