BEYOND THE VINE: EXPLORING SONOMA COUNTY BEYOND ITS WINERIES

My King Ocean View Room at Timber Cover Resort

My King Ocean View Room at Timber Cover Resort

Known internationally for its wine, Sonoma County is home to over 425 wineries and is the largest producer of wine in all of California. Located 30 miles north of San Francisco, I had a chance to visit Sonoma County last fall, and although it was the wine that originally piqued my interest, I quickly discovered that there was way more to see and do there beyond just visiting the wineries. Of course, where there is great wine there is also great food which is why I wanted to recommend some of my favorite restaurants along with favorite hotels and activities so that you can also make the most out of your time in Sonoma.

A Quick Pit Stop At The Golden Gate Bridge Is A Must On The Way To Sonoma County When Landing at SFO

A Quick Pit Stop At The Golden Gate Bridge Is A Must On The Way To Sonoma County When Landing at SFO

HOT TIP: Since Sonoma County doesn’t have an international commercial airport (only a national one - Sonoma County Airport STS), you have to fly to either San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Oakland International Airport (OAK) when coming in from Toronto and then rent a car and drive the rest of the way (about 1 - 1.5 hours depending on traffic) or grab a connecting flight. Both airports are about the same distance away from Sonoma Country (give or take a few miles) however, if you land at SFO you have an excuse to cross the Golden Gate Bridge and stop at the observation lookout to take a quick photo of the iconic bridge before continuing on your way to Sonoma County.

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35 WEEK BUMPDATE! 🤰🏼 Entering the final stretch of my pregnancy and I’m beginning to slow down 😅 Hormones are raging, feet are swollen, daily naps are a must and my need to nest is in full force. Luckily we are almost done the basement un
🍋 Our last trip to Italy together vs our first trip to Italy together 🇮🇹 It might be the pregnancy hormones but I’m feeling very sentimental today and I cant believe it’s already been more than seven months since we tied the knot. Tu

On The Way Into The Town of Sonoma

While on the way into Sonoma I highly recommend stopping at Cornerstone for a bite to eat and a little wandering around to stretch your legs. Cornerstone is a mix-use indoor/outdoor complex full of boutique shops, tasting rooms, sprawling gardens, outdoor venue spaces, and even an eatery/gastro-pub with a large patio that you will happily allow to steal an hour or so of your time. Further, if you really want to play it smart, I would recommend checking their events schedule before you go and timing it with your visit. Apparently their Oktoberfest event is one of the best in the county and really attacks a crowd!

You are sure to pass by tons of wineries before reaching the town of Sonoma, but one spot worth a quick stop is The Olive Press. Nestled among the wineries, The Olive Press is an award-winning olive oil mill that uses natural and sustainable old-world milling practices to extract the best oil from their olives. Located only 10 minutes from town, The Olive Press has a beautiful courtyard where you can sit and enjoy views of the olive orchard as well as an expansive tasting room and store where you can pick up a few souvenirs or gifts for you and your friends back home.

While In The Town of Sonoma

Day 2-6.jpg

Got My Copy Of The Scavenger Hunt From The Tourism Office In The Town Of Sonoma

Once you reach the town of Sonoma I recommend making your way to the town plaza. Recognized for being the largest plaza in California, Sonoma Plaza anchors the entire town and is where you will find the Town Hall and Tourism office. Surrounding the plaza are numerous boutiques, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, boutique hotels, and tasting rooms to explore as well as the most northwest Mission in California, the Mission San Francisco Solano. Further, the tourism office is a great place to book local tours and request a copy of their scavenger hunt (pictured above) which makes exploring the area that much more fun!

Just Up The Road

Entrance To Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Entrance To Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Just up the road from the town on Sonoma, no more than a 10-minute drive, you will find the beautiful sprawling property of the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. This luxury hotel is one of the only luxury spa resorts in the country to be situated on a natural ancient thermal hot spring which makes it the perfect place to stay for anyone interested in a wellness getaway. Not only can you expect superior spa services from this hotel, but the hotels’ restaurant Santé is a recent recipient of the prestigious Michelin Star making it the perfect place to check out and stay for any epicurean.

I had the chance to spend one night at the hotel while in town and enjoy a dinner at Santé during my stay, both of which lived up to their hype and felt too short-lived. If I ever have a chance to revisit the region, I will definitely be heading back to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa for another dose of Sonoma luxury.

Head To The Coast

View Of The Sonoma Coast from Timber Cove Resort

View Of The Sonoma Coast from Timber Cove Resort

One thing I think a lot of people forget or don’t take into account about Sonoma County is that they have over 50 miles of beautiful coastline with the most enchanting views of the Pacific Ocean. One spot I fell in love with while staying on the coast was Timber Cover Resort, a newly renovated, retreat-style, boutique hotel situated on top of a cliff that has the most breathtaking sunsets. The hotel itself is a member of Design Hotels and is located close enough to the small town of Jenner that it can attract a local crowd (especially at happy hour when there is live music in the lobby), but also far enough to feel/enjoy the solitude. A few things I loved about this resort were the communal games and fire pits sprinkled troughout the property, their library of records which you could take and enjoy in your room, and the hotel’s restaurant, Coast Kitchen, which offers delicious fare using locally sourced seasonal ingredients. We spent one night at Timber Cove during our time in Sonoma County and made sure to dine at Coast Kitchen during our stay, an experience I am still swooning over. If I was ever looking for a place to retreat to for a week so I could disconnect from the world, this would be it!

Kayaking the Mouth of The Russian River With Getaway Adventures

Kayaking the Mouth of The Russian River With Getaway Adventures

While on the Sonoma County coast, it would be a shame if you didn’t take advantage of all the outdoor activities the area has to offer. One activity we did which was easy and a lot of fun was a kayaking tour along the Russian River with Getaway Adventures. Our guide met us in Jenner with all the equipment and gear we needed for the 4.5-hour tour and gave us a quick lesson before we set off. The Russian River is a hot spot for seals and it didn’t take long for our group to spot a few playing near the banks. We had a lot of fun chasing after them as they played with each other and jumped out of the water. It was a great way to spend the day and it was really nice to get out on the water and experience the area from a different point of view.

Turn It Up A Notch in Santa Rosa

A Friendly Giraffe We Got Up Close And Personal With During Our Safari West Tour

A Friendly Giraffe We Got Up Close And Personal With During Our Safari West Tour

If you want to take your time in Sonoma County up a notch and really get adventurous, I recommend heading to Safari West near Santa Rosa for the ultimate glamping experience. Unlike anything you would ever expect to experience in California, Safari West is the ultimate family-friendly, beyond-the-vine, Sonoma County experience. This animal sanctuary and wildlife preserve offers the ultimate luxury glamping experience along with group tours that get you up close to exotic wildlife like white rhinos, zebras, giraffe, cheetahs, monkeys, and much more. Located just outside Santa Rosa, Safari West promotes wildlife conservation, educational environmental concepts, and is fully accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Tours and lodging at Safari West are by reservation only and Safari tours are two hours consisting of a walk through of their aviary followed by a tour of the surrounding grounds in an open-air safari vehicle. The luxury glamping tents that you can choose to stay in feature wooden floors, heated blankets, and ensuite bathrooms outfitted with full plumbing. Although Safari West is an amazing family-friendly experience, children under 4 cannot participate in the driving portion of the safari tours, and children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Although I am not a huge camper, spending a night in a glamping tent was a lot of fun and it was crazy to hear all the animals at night. You really felt like you were in the wild. Further, it did get quite cold overnight and into the morning so I was really thankful they supplied a heated blanket, but I would also recommend bringing some warm clothes to sleep in for this experience.

All in all my time in Sonoma County was short lived but incredibly memorable. With so much to see and do beyond wineries, including our mini road trip around the county and the numerous towns we stopped in for a quick walk around and bite like Petaluma, I would recommend planning to go for 5-7 days if you really want to make the most of your time there without rushing the through the entire experience.

I hope you enjoyed reading this travel guide and found a lot of useful information to help you with planning your upcoming trip to Sonoma County. If you have any questions or comments about any of my recommendations, please feel free to leave them below and I'll be happy to answer them as soon as I can! Safe Travels!

MY SONOMA COUNTY RECOMMENDATIONS ON A MAP

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DISCOVERING SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE - A DIFFERENT SIDE TO MEXICO

Exploring the hilly cobblestone streets of San miguel de Allende

Exploring the hilly cobblestone streets of San miguel de Allende

It was 6am and I was tired. It had taken me pretty much all of the previous day to travel from Toronto to Mexico and I hadn’t arrived at my accommodations until close to 1am. Now, in the early morning, I found myself floating 1000 feet above the small town of San Miguel de Allende in a giant hot air balloon. The sun was starting to rise in the distance and streaks of light illuminated the world below me, casting a warm glow. ‘How did I get here?’ I asked myself in a bit of a daze from the beauty I was witnessing.

Truth be told the answer to my question is not as amazing as that first sleepy morning in San Miguel. It was my editor who had reached out to me and asked if I wanted to go, and if I am being completely honest, San Miguel was a destination that had yet to come up on my radar. Curious to know more about it, I of course did what most millennials do, I Googled it and was soon scrolling through beautiful pictures of bright colourful buildings and cobblestone streets. ‘This place is so beautiful!’ I thought to myself. With my sights set on San Miguel I instantly started to day dream of all the pretty shots I was going to take and I knew there was no way I was going to pass up this opportunity. 

SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE WEATHER

The weather in San Miguel de Allende doesn’t vary too much thought the year. The average high temperatures hover between 22 and 31 degrees Celsius (73 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit), and the best time to visit San Miguel de Allende is said to be between November through April because there is less rainfall than in the summer months. One thing to note though is that it does get chillier at night so make sure to bring some cardigans or layers for after the sun goes down.

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35 WEEK BUMPDATE! 🤰🏼 Entering the final stretch of my pregnancy and I’m beginning to slow down 😅 Hormones are raging, feet are swollen, daily naps are a must and my need to nest is in full force. Luckily we are almost done the basement un
🍋 Our last trip to Italy together vs our first trip to Italy together 🇮🇹 It might be the pregnancy hormones but I’m feeling very sentimental today and I cant believe it’s already been more than seven months since we tied the knot. Tu
San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, walkable, little town in the heart of Mexico!

San Miguel de Allende is a beautiful, walkable, little town in the heart of Mexico!

San Miguel de Allende is a small, charming, hilly town in Mexico (population of about 90,000 in the town proper) that is located 270km north west of Mexico City. Unlike other more popular Mexican beach destinations, San Miguel de Allende is completely land locked and is actually situated at a higher elevation than Denver, Colorado. In the early 20th century the small town of San Miguel was in danger of becoming a ghost town, but thanks to the opening of the renowned Instituto Allende (a visual arts school) in 1950, the city developed a booming art scene that drew in people from all over the world. Today, the city continues to thrive and its flourishing art scene has become a haven for bohemian expats and artist who want to settle in Mexico (the town as about 17,000 expats which is quite larger considering its total population). In recent years, gastronomy has also started to take centre stage in San Miguel aided by the town’s lush surrounding farmlands and vineyards. Today, San Miguel is a popular weekend retreat for Mexicans, a hot spot for weddings, and an attractive destination for international visitors like myself.

- SAN MIGUEL DE ALLENDE HOTELS -

Travelling to San Miguel is not cheap. Unlike other destinations in Mexico, the closest airport to San Miguel is actually in Leon, an hours drive away which makes it a little more difficult to get to. Shuttles and car rentals are available but since accommodations are in such demand, it’s better to visit during the week to avoid peak hotel room rates.

While in San Miguel I stayed at Hotel La Morada, a quaint 4-star boutique hotel with only 26 rooms. This hotel in San Miguel was perfectly located steps away from the main square of town and I could see the iconic pink church, Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel from my room’s balcony. The hotel itself was once a colonial house that recently underwent renovations and although the remodeling gave the hotel quite an upgrade, it still maintains much of its historical charm.

If you are looking for more upscale accommodations to stay at while in San Miguel there is no shortage of choices. Three that I visited for drinks and/or dinner while in town and found VERY APPEALING were L’Otel, Rosewood San Miguel, and Live Aqua.

L’Otel, a luxurious, super boutique property – only 10 rooms, all of which are suites – is actually located a stones-throw away from my hotel and was part of Doce 18 Concept House, a collective of design, art, and gastronomy offerings. Travel and Leisure listed L’Otel as one of the best boutique hotel in the world in 2017 and it did not disappoint. You don’t have to stay there to enjoy it either. Check out the stores and wander around the food hall downstairs before making your way to the top floor where the hotel is located. You can buy a drink or order bites from the bar upstairs and enjoy it outside by the pool. You well love it and I can only describe it as an interior designer’s wet dream.

During my time in San Miguel De Allende, I spent a morning visiting the San Miguel Rosewood Hotel. This hotel was very impressive in both size and the way it fuses history with modern convenience and style. One of the great features of this hotel is that it has a few large residence style suits ranging from 2 - 5 bedroom that you can book when travelling as a large family, group of friends or for a wedding party. Each suite features spacious indoor living areas, garden patios, a full kitchen, private garage and rooftop terraces! You can even elevate your experience with these suits with the addition of a personal butler or a pre arrival grocery service. Furhter, the Sense Spa at Rosewood San Miguel De Allende is also worth check out as it mixes luxury pampering with indigenous Mexican ingredients known for their healing properties.

The third hotel that I loved after just a quick visit was Live Aqua Urban Resort. This 153 room hotel is luxury to THE MAX. The hotel itself has a very modern feel and although I didn’t stay there, I did get to walk around the property and enjoy a tasty dinner at Spice Market, an Asian restaurant located on the second floor of the hotel. If you can’t afford to stay there, like me, I definitely would still recommend going to check it out to grab a drink or a bite. My experience was fantastic and I loved the meal and the delectable cocktails.

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- THINGS TO DO IN SAN MIGUEL -

In terms of activities I would definitely recommend doing the hot air balloon ride while in town. It was my first time in a balloon and since I am usually scared of heights, I wasn’t completely sure how it was going to go at first. To my surprise though I felt very safe and since the basket walls are quite tall, you end up feeling very secure. The company we used for our excursion was Globo San Miguel Hot Air Balloon Adventures. Rates start at about $200 CAD per person and after our excursion they took us to the Rosewood San Migel De Allende Hotel where they had arranged a beautiful breakfast in the hotel’s courtyard (an extra $25 CAD with your ticket). In hindsight I think this was probably the most delightful way to be first introduced to San Miguel and I absolutely loved the whole experience.

While in town I would also recommend checking out Fabrica La Aurora, an old textile factory that has been transformed into a multi-use art space that is now home to galleries, antique shops, and artist workshops. You can easily spend an afternoon there perusing through all the different spaces or even sign up for a workshops with a local artist. It’s a great way to experience the local art scene in San Miguel and get a taste for what it would be like to live there as an artist.

Since San Miguel has so much lush farmland surrounding it, I would also recommend doing a tasting at one of the local wineries. I mean where else can you try Mexican wine? I got a chance to do a tasting at Toyan Vineyard, an organic winery located just 10 minutes from the heart of town. Toyan offers tours of La Cava, ‘the caves’, a wine cellar 14 meters below ground. Stone monk sculptures light up the pathway down to the cellar and it is here where you will also find their tasting room which doubles as an event space. The tour and tasting was about an hour to an hour and a half long and the whole experience here was way more amusing then other wine tasting experiences I have had in the past. It definitely felt like more of a unique considering they actually bring you down into the cellars and you get to walk through dark lit corridors lined with barrels and bottles of wine. It also gave me a great excuse to bring a bottle of wine home as a souvenir!

- RESTAURANTS IN SAN MIGUEL - 

As I mentioned, in recent years an elevated gastronomy scene has become part of San Miguel’s overall draw. One place that has made quiet a name for its self is Chef Jorge Cocega’s restaurant Ruta De La Milpa. Chef Jorge forages for fresh local ingredients that he uses to create elevated indigenous dishes. It’s not just about experiencing traditional Mexican food at Ruta De La Milpa, it’s more about getting a REAL taste of Mexico in a fine dining setting. While there my group and I got to try Chef Jorge’s tasting menu which ran the gamut of menu offerings and the excessive amounts of ‘mmm, so good’ coming from everyone at our table was a sure indication that I was not the only one who was blown away by the meal. 

El Petite Four, a French patisserie and cafe in the heart of town also needs to be on your list of restaurants in San Miguel you need to try. We spent an hour here one morning, hanging in the courtyard of the patisserie enjoying a selection of wonderful pastries, sandwiches and coffees. The cousin duo who started this patisserie 20 years ago has built a business that has today become a staple and go-to place for wedding cakes in San Miguel. Chef Paco came out and welcomed our group and it was so nice to be able to interact and learn more about how their little French patisserie came to be in San Miguel – a very interesting story you should ask him to recount for you when you go.

Last but definitely not least, if you have the opportunity to get out to the countryside I would recommend going to El Vergel Bistro and Market, a small French country restaurant by Chef Ari Vasquez. Alongside the restaurant you will also find a small market where you can purchase a selection of deli products, cheeses, and even wines to take home with you. My group stopped here on the way back from visiting the hot springs and enjoyed a beautiful meal accompanied by a delicious glass of rosé on their shaded patio. The whole experience felt quite tranquil and I loved not just the food but this ‘new setting’ of enjoying lunch in the Mexican countryside.

Although my trip to San Miguel de Allende was a short one, I was taken aback by how beautiful and charming the hilly, colourful cobblestone town was. It was unlike any other travel experience I have had in Mexico. San Miguel felt truly unique which is why it was not surprising to find out that it continues to see an increase in visitors each year. If you are looking to experience a less commercial, more authentic Mexican experience, I would definitely recommend starting with San Miguel. I have full faith in its ability to capture the hearts of all who visit, as I know firsthand, it captured mine.

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP

That’s it! If you have any questions about San Miguel De Allende, hotels in San Miguel De Allende restaurants in San Migel De Allende or have some comments/recommendations for the best restaurants in San Miguel, please feel free to hit me up in the comments section below, otherwise I hope you have a beautiful trip to San Miguel!

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NUEVO HAVANA - A CITY NO LONGER FROZEN IN TIME

Posing by the beautiful staircase at La Guarida

The first time I went to Havana I was broken hearted. One evening, in my final year of high school nearing March break, my high school sweetheart broke up with me. At the time we had plans to go on grad trip together to Cuba and I had been anticipating our trip for MONTHS. Devastated - at the breakup not the change in trip plans, although I wouldn’t put it past me - I went crying to my best friend. Little did I know that in doing so I would actually come to also make a new bestie. When I arrived I was stunned to learn that I was not the only one visiting my friend with a bag of ‘broken heart woes’. Another girl, an acquaintance I had only met once or twice previously, had also been dumped by her boyfriend and both of us went crying to our dearest friend. Fast forward to a week later, I proposed to my new friend that she come to Cuba with me. The plan was to go down to Cuba with my dad and stay on his boat in Havana for a couple days before ditching the parental unit and spending 4 glorious solo days on the beaches of Varadero. Finding it hard to say no to such an enticing plan, she agreed to join me. In the end, although broken hearted when we arrived, our trip to Havana revived us and helped us shake off our heartache. Between the sun, the parties, the new eye candy and each others' company we both came home feeling stronger and better about our ‘single life’ situation.

I told Adam (my now boyfriend) this story many years later after he asked how my girlfriend and I had met. It was during this recounting that he also confessed his love for Cuba. Unlike my story of heartbreak Adam’s visit to Havana a decade ago was for New Years with his family. At the time there wasn’t that many streets lights in Havana but as his cousins and family roamed through old Havana after dinner they heard cheers coming from a nearby street. When they reached the top of the street they saw people sprinting down the street, ducking under balconies trying to avoid buckets of water being thrown upon them from the apartments above. People on either end of the street would cheer the runners on while the people armed with buckets of water on the balconies would erupt into laughter and cheer every time they hit their moving targets. At the time his cousins were all between 18-24 and they decided to test their luck. The first cousin, a girl, made it to the end of the street unscathed. The four boys that followed (Adam included) did not. Adam’s recount of this story, the 100 yard dash he had left and the wall of water he saw come down on him at the last second, gave me instant FOMO! To this day I can’t think of another New Years Eve travel experience that I have heard of that can beat that story! SERIOUSLY!

Local Life - A fruit stand in Old Havana

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35 WEEK BUMPDATE! 🤰🏼 Entering the final stretch of my pregnancy and I’m beginning to slow down 😅 Hormones are raging, feet are swollen, daily naps are a must and my need to nest is in full force. Luckily we are almost done the basement un
🍋 Our last trip to Italy together vs our first trip to Italy together 🇮🇹 It might be the pregnancy hormones but I’m feeling very sentimental today and I cant believe it’s already been more than seven months since we tied the knot. Tu

So when it came to picking what destinations we wanted to travel to in 2019, Havana was at the top of the list. It had been a decade since our last visits and we figured it was about time we go back. We knew Havana would make for a great short-haul trip that we could easily do over an extended long weekend and so this past April over the easter long weekend we ventured back to Havana determined to make some great Cuba memories together.

Although a lot has changed since our last visits, there was so much that we experienced this time around that we wanted to highlight. For example, 3 weeks prior to our arrival mobile data became available making it easier to stay connected. In addition, two new luxury hotels had also opened in Havana in the last year, now providing a level of hospitality that was not available previously. Lastly, government’s stronghold on independent businesses had seemed to have lessened since we were both there last, giving way to many new restaurants (referred to as ‘Paladars’ in Cuba) being opened by young Cuban entrepreneurs. Cuba was on the rise and we were experiencing the destination at the beginning of its economic revival.

Rooftop pool hangs at the Iberostar Grand Packard

While in Havana, Adam and I had the chance to preview both of the new luxury hotel properties.The first three nights were spent at the Iberostar Grand Packard and the last two nights were at the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski. Both hotels have great rooftop pools, are equipped with gorgeous spas, fitness facilities, and lobby cigar lounges, but if I have to recommend one I would definitely lean towards the Iberostar Grand Packard. My experience with service at the Iberostar was top notch. One day my feet had started to bleed from the 3-4 blisters I had got wearing new sandals and the hotel’s medical centre disinfected my wounds, patched me up and sent me on my way, at no cost, within 10 minutes. Also the table service at brunch was great!. The staff were so attentive and observant, remembering my coffee preferences from the morning before. Not to say the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski was not good - they have a brilliant view overlooking the city from the rooftop view and the location is smack dab in the centre of old Havana, but it’s the little touches from Iberostar, when it came to service, that pushed the needle in their favour.

Iberostar Grand Packard

Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski

While in Havana Adam and I discovered a few new restaurants that we loved including Mas Habana and Cafe El Dandy. Mas Habana we had stumbled upon while walking around Old Havana and recognized it from a list of recommendations we received from a local expat blogger. We had originally planned to grab dinner there but once we heard the lunch special was a seafood paella with clams, crab, lobster, and shrimp, we could not help ourselves.

Our lunch at Mas Habana was definitely my favourite meal of the trip where as Cafe El Dandy was Adam’s. Another recommendation from our friendly local expat friend, Cafe El Dandy was first recommended to us as a cheap breakfast option. Since Iberostar had an amazing breakfast buffet that was complimentary with our stay we never quite made it to Cafe El Dandy for breakfast but we did go there for lunch. Adam had the pork tacos while I enjoyed a traditional Cuban sandwich. Although my sandwich was great, it was Adam’s tacos that made Cafe El Dandy his favourite restaurant of our trip and the best part - IT’S SO DELICIOUS AND CHEAP!

Besides exploring Old Havana, which we did for the first two days, there were also two activities that I would definitely recommend you do on your next visit to Havana. One, wake up early and go check out Fusterlandia, a mosaic garden made by a local Cuban artist by the name of Jose Fuster. Fusterlandia is located about a 20 minute drive from downtown Havana so you will need to take a car to get there, which I understand sounds like a lot of effort but when you see how cool this place looks on Instagram you will want to go. Surrounding the garden are a few different stores belonging to local artists selling their work and it was so cool to just spend a couple hours there exploring and taking in some local flavours and culture. There is no entrance free into Fusterlandia so the crowd does get big by midday which is why I recommend getting up early and doing it first thing in the morning.

DREAMING OF SOME WHERE SUNNY? CHECK OUT THESE OTHER TRAVEL GUIDES!

The second activity that you must do while in Havana is check out Fábrica de Arte Cubano for a party night out. Fabrica is an interesting place and it wasn’t until our second attempt at going that Adam and I finally got in. Located about a 10 minute drive from Old Havana, you want to get to Fabrica early (around 8PM), otherwise the line will be around the block and you will be waiting all night to get in. Essentially, Fabrica is an old factory that has been turned into a mixed-use gallery and art space. Each room in ‘the club’ offers different music genres with its own vibe - whether it’s a DJ mixing, old school music videos on a projector, or a live band. As you move from room to room you also notice lots of different art on the walls with each room feeling quite unique compared to the last and deserving of 10-15 minutes of your attention. Another cool thing about Fabrica is that there are no cash bars! Instead, when you walk in, you pay a small amount (2-4 pesos) for a small card which the bartenders inside will stamp with each of your drink orders. At the end of the night you return your card to the attendant on the way out and only then have to pay. I think our bill came out to the equivalent of $10 CAD which I felt was pretty ridiculously cheap considering how much we drank and how much fun we had. Lines to get drinks were never very long and I feel like this card/payment system had a lot to do with it. Walking away from our Fabrica experience Adam and I were both amazed that a place this cool existed in Havana. It felt so underground and perhaps even sort of ‘counter-culture' to our previous perceptions of what life in Cuba was like that it kind of blew our nightlife expectations out of the water. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

Fabrica De Arte Cubano

Needless to say Adam and I came back from Havana with many amazing new memories but I can’t help but feel a cringe of worry that with its revived economy, Havana will start to lose some of the characteristics that charmed us in the first place. Don’t get me wrong, development is good and change is inevitable but now that the gateway to America has been opened the crowds of tourists in Havana are noticeably bigger than before, not to mention the prices for both hotels and food has gone up. Havana is still a great place to visit and I would 100% recommend going, but I implore you to do it sooner than later as I worry it will no longer be a cheap destination to travel to in a couple years. Also take note to avoid peek periods so as not feel overwhelmed by the growing crowds and get out and explore the neighbourhoods surrounding Old Havana to get more even of an authentic feel. You’re gonna love it, I just know it!

OTHER VIDEOS & PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP

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HOTEL WILLIAM GRAY - MONTREAL'S NEWEST BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Montreal has always been a place I have held close to my heart. From Old Montreal’s charming 17th century architecture to the urban city feel of St. Catherine street and the Plateau, Montreal tastefully walks the line between keeping up with the times and appreciating its heritage.

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35 WEEK BUMPDATE! 🤰🏼 Entering the final stretch of my pregnancy and I’m beginning to slow down 😅 Hormones are raging, feet are swollen, daily naps are a must and my need to nest is in full force. Luckily we are almost done the basement un
🍋 Our last trip to Italy together vs our first trip to Italy together 🇮🇹 It might be the pregnancy hormones but I’m feeling very sentimental today and I cant believe it’s already been more than seven months since we tied the knot. Tu

New to Montreal’s hospitality industry is the enviable Hotel William Gray. This newly opened (Summer of 2016) boutique hotel features 127 rooms and suites, a rooftop terrace, an upmarket grill restaurant known as Maggie Oakes, a multi functional living room lobby (an interior designers wet dream), a state of the art fitness center, 10,000 sqf of event space, a lifestyle boutique, and café. Located in the heart of Old Montreal overlooking Place Jacques-Cartier this luxury hotel is not only world class for its hospitality and spectacular views, but also for its timeless style!

The Hotel William Gray is part of the Antonopoulos Group who own and operate many restaurants, spas and boutique hotels in Old Montreal including the Place d’Armes. The namesake for this new venture comes from the acquisition and redevelopment of the Edward William Gray residence, one of the buildings the hotel is made up of today. Edward William Gray was an English merchant, notary, lawyer, office holder, and militia officer who settled in Montreal in 1760. His legacy and vibrant history in law and politics helped shape Montreal into the city it is today. The restaurant Maggie Oakes is named after Edward William Gray’s wife whose profile can be seen illustrated in the restaurants logo.

The hotel itself is exquisitely furnished to exemplify a warm and cozy haven. The rooms boost rich wood flooring, concrete ceilings and black metal light fixtures to create a minimalist modern setting that compliments the beautiful facade of the building itself. And if you are under the impression that there is nothing cozy about minimalist modern interiors, they have luxurious linens, plush pillow top mattresses, frette towels, and the coziest robes and slippers that will make you want to stay in and order breakfast in bed! A must!

The hotel’s restaurant Maggie Oakes is inspired by Montreal’s prevalent culinary scene and has modeled its menu after an American bistro and steakhouse. Chef Derek Bocking is known for his passion for garden vegetables and thick cuts of meat (the Tomahawk Steak featured on the menu is gargantuan!) which you can see on display in their impressive dry aged meat cooler and unique green wall of herbs and micro-greens. The restaurant itself was designed by Camdi and features a long gray marble bar which boosts an oyster and charcuterie station. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Maggie Oakes is the perfect spot and ideal location for a gathering of friends or a private event.

With plans to open a luxury spa and outdoor pool in Fall 2017 Hotel William Gray continues to expand on their luxury product and aims to provide their patrons with a dynamic and singular experience of world class hospitality. What lacks when it comes to Canada’s biggest city like Toronto can be found in this gorgeous remodeling of the William Gray house in Montreal. My weekend stay at the hotel was spectacular, I felt more at home then I do in Toronto. The concierge and staff made me feel so welcomed and presented me with handwritten notes, macaroons and recommendations of local bars and restaurants to venture to when I finally did decide to get out of bed! I am definitely happy to say that the Hotel William Gray will be my first and only recommendation for accommodations in Montreal and I cannot wait until I myself get to go back this summer.

To book a room at Hotel WIlliam Gray click -> HERE
To make a reservation at Maggie Oakes click -> HERE