#PuertoRico2015

I visited San Juan (specifically Isla Verde) in February 2015, for my 27th birthday. It was amazing.
I have recently decided that I must travel. There's no other option. #wanderlust. I have a thirst to see every reach and corner of the Continental United States and the World.
San Juan is essentially destination number one. I went with my younger sister and a very good friend from way back in high school. We had a blast. I am so happy that my international travels have officially kicked off with San Juan. (PLUS! I picked the destination in case my friends didn't have passports! US Citizens do not need a passport to travel to PR!)

Hotel La Playa 
I wanted to stay somewhere right off the beach. As young 20-somethings, we love the beach. :) Hotel La Playa is located in Isla Verde, with 2 beaches to choose from, and literally steps from your hotel. There are only 15 rooms! So, that was a consideration in staying there for the time we were there. You have all of the amenities typical of a hotel: daily room cleaning, toiletries, TV, WIFI, in room refrigerator, safe and continental breakfast. On the one day we rented a car, they allowed us to Valet Park for free. Also, I got a handle of Don Q for my birthday! Really, can you beat free Caribbean rum, in the Caribbean on your birthday? The hotel staff was extremely knowledgeable and friendly! They were eager to help, make your stay the BEST, and always had answers to our questions!

The continental breakfast was pretty basic, but I personally do not need a lot to get myself started in the morning. There was cereal, bagels, fruit, coffee and tea. It was served in their restaurant, which I never got to try. The view was amazing however. You sat overlooking the beautiful water, with the waves rolling in. It was absolutely breathtaking.

The Eats
We ate twice at Alambique just off the beach in San Juan. It was about a 10 minute walk from our hotel. We ate dinner twice there. It was just delicious, laid back, and reasonably priced. On our first day at the beach, a local recommended the place to my Sister and I. Since we had no other plans, we tried it out! I'll definitely be going back and DEFINITELY recommend it! I shamelessly ate the Spicy Ahi Tuna wrap both nights (it was amazing), and drank my Puerto Rican beer, Medalla Light.

              

We also stopped at Lupi's. (NOTE: The link takes you to their restaurant page for their location in Old San Juan, we went to the one in Carolina.) The wait staff was more than accomodating-they let us sit wherever. They brought out chips & queso. In all honesty, we were there for the drinks, and the Puerto Rican Margarita was AMAZING. GET IT! TRY IT!!!

The Beach
Most of our time was spent laying out on the white beaches and swimming in the Caribbean. It's a vacation-what more do you need to do?! The alligator below, we passed on the beach. So much more cool than a sand castle!

                                         

We did go on a banana boat ride. We had never done that before, and had a blast! The name of the place we used has completely left me at the moment. I'll edit this post if/when it comes to me or post a quick blurb with a link back to this specific post. They were located behind ESJ Towers, and had blue flags next to their booth! There were a couple of booths, all owned by the same people with similar set up! GO TO THEM! It was $20/person!

HOWEVER, going on a banana boat ride was not our first choice. Originally, my father had contacted Kenny at Parasail Puerto Rico about reserving kayaks for the 3 of us. It was his gift to me for my birthday. The website listed kayaks as $20/rental for SINGLE kayaks. Kenny responded to my father that reservations were not needed as they had plenty of kayaks. So, on the day of my birthday, we located the booth. It was a GOAT ROPE.
FIRST, they only had double kayaks, and said, "one of you won't be able to go alone, you'll have to find a fourth." um...ok!
SECOND, the price went up to $30/person.
When I asked to speak with Kenny, they of course said he wasn't available. I showed them the emails I had, and their response was, "well our website hasn't been updated, it's $30." Obviously, they did not get my business. Nor, will they ever. I was extremely let down, but thoroughly happy that we went on the banana boat ride.

Casa Bacardi
We also went on a tour of Casa Bacardi . How can you not visit the famous Bacardi distillery??? I thoroughly enjoy visiting breweries, wineries, distilleries, etc. So, this was definitely on the must see list. We opted for the $12 tour. Included in the tour of the grounds is history, a welcome drink (rum punch, right here), and you get a commemorative Bacardi cup to take home! Free souvenir! Well, relatively free. I saw some reviews on tripadvisor.com that stated the tour guides weren't informative, but I found mine to be very informative. There was also a short video on marketing of Bacardi over the years. Tons of historical information, about how the Bacardi had to flee Cuba, and thus, arrived in Puerto Rico. You also learned how Bacardi is actually distilled in KENTUCKY BOURBON BARRELS. I literally gasped. I'm a huge whiskey and bourbon fan, AND live in Kentucky. So, now I'm a big fan of Bacardi as well. ;) The man that discussed mixology, and how Bacardi "invented" the Bacardi & Coke (NOT rum & coke) ;) was also very knowledgeable! The website for Casa Bacardi linked above now gives information on the tours, which was not there prior to February 2015!

Will I go back to Puerto Rico? Abso-freakin-lutely. I'll visit San Juan again-besides Casa Bacardi, I was unable to visit OLD San Juan, which is very historical. I didn't get to the mountains or rain forest. Still so much to see!

I hope this post is useful to fellow travelers! I hope it highlights some of the tourist-y place AND local dives! I hope someone get some use out of this, and visits some of these places in Puerto Rico. You'll have a blast!!!

xo,
*Dee*

Snappy Tomato Pizza

My first post for "Explore Your Town Series," or #ExYTS.

I'll make this snappy! ;) Too corny?

So Snappy originated in the Northern Kentucky area. Fort Mitchell to be exact!! They are known for their DAILY made from scratch dough, and their REAL tomato sauce, not paste! DEELISH!!! Also, I don't think their pizza is overly greasy! (sidenote!)

Being a former vegetarian, I still looove my veggie pizza. So, I got a medium (6 square slices), half veggie, half cheese. The veggie came with: sliced black olives, diced onions & green bell peppers, and mushrooms. I loved it. I am a huge fan of diced veggies on pizza, if they're not diced, I find my mouth pulling off too much and cheese, leaving a naked slice. So, kudos for the slicing & dicing! It makes a difference!! And the cheese was just as good! ALSO, VERY IMPORTANT!!! The first pizza I've reheated that didn't lose its flavor & get soggy! SCORE!

FIVE STARS! Especially for Kentucky based pizza. ;)

Their full menu is online; they offer much more than pizza including hoagies, pasta, and salad!

Support local, eat local! (I specifically ordered from the Cold Spring location!!)

Web: www.snappytomato.com
Twitter: @Snappy_Tomato

XO,
*Dee*

#ExYTS1 #Explore #YourTown #NorthernKentucky #Kentucky #ExYTS #local #pizza

Harry & Izzy's

Well, this post is a little late coming. It's been hectic around here since the holiday's. I moved to a different state, and then I had my birthday in Puerto Rico (that post is coming soon!).

For Christmas with my father (sister and step mother as well) this year, we all went to dinner in Downtown Indianapolis at Harry and Izzy's. THIS PLACE GETS *****FIVE STARS*****

It was amazing. 

History
Harry and Izzy's is the sister restaurant to the iconic St. Elmo's Steakhouse. It also resides in the historic Ross Jewelers store on Meridian Street in Downtown Indianapolis. The old clock is still outside of Harry and Izzy's. The Restaurant offers casual dining compared to that of St. Elmo's. I have never been to St. Elmo's, but I hope to give it a try when I go back to Indy sometime, especially after my amazing experience at Harry and Izzy's. They also have a Harry and Izzy's at the Indianapolis International Airport, fellow travelers!!!

Our VisitThere was something for everyone on their menu.  All meals came with salad. My sister ordered a pizza, that was the size of something you'd have delivered, my step mom got fish, and my father and I both ordered the BBQ chicken-we could have split the plate! The food was delicious, and I literally had 2 days worth of leftovers. I think I had a whole chicken on my plate (not really, but it felt that way). We also "sampled" their margaritas. I was still on my margarita bender from the Bahamas. They were delicioso!! I had a traditional margarita on the rocks, and my sister opted for strawberry. The bartenders and cooks can definitely rival each other in their skills. 
                               BBQ Chicken                                                    Margaritas

 
                     Salad                                                                

Again, this place gets five stars. I have heard great things about it from others, and I will DEFINITELY be going back. They've got history and amazing food & drinks, what's not to love? Thanks SO much to my dad for taking my tastebuds there, and I definitely can not wait to give St. Elmo's a try a try as well! It's on this foodie's bucket list of restaurants!!

Close it out with a selfie from that night:

xo, 

*Dee*

Barhopping in Indy: Part I

Traveling to Indy? Just live there? I decided to do a piece on some of the bars in Indianapolis that I have been to. This list is not exclusive. Let's not go back to my college years of barhopping (do I even remember those anyways?). Also, this is Part I! I will definitely be adding to this list, especially now that I have reviewing in mind. Hopefully, this will give you a feel of the people at the bar, prices, atmosphere, etc.

Wild Beaver (Downtown Indianapolis)
My new favorite place to be! My sister and I discovered this gem on her birthday this past summer. We've been back a handful of times since, but only on "Thirsty Thursday," as they have 8oz "Beaver Beer," on special, and let me tell you...I have no idea what it is (other than a light beer,) but it is delicious. And can anyone beat 50 cent beer? I didn't think so.
Thursday's are also karaoke night (ugh, I think I'm the only person in the world that HATES karaoke).
It's got a country feel to it. Lot's of camo and boots, which is a-okay with me, as I'm a country girl myself. We have found that it starts to get packed between 9p-11p.
The beaverette's (s/p?) get up on the bar and "dance," but I'm not sure if that's nightly or just a Thursday thing. We've been invited to get up on the bar, but I would hate for those poor girls to lose their jobs (; Maybe one night when "I'm feelin 22..."

8 Seconds Saloon (West Indianapolis)
THE ONLY COUNTRY BAR IN INDIANAPOLIS. Do not be fooled by imitations. 8 Seconds is truly the ONLY bar that is pure country. Wednesdays, ladies get in free, and they offer free line dancing lessons. I've been dying to learn, but it's never worked for me to go out on a Wednesday. That's what YouTube is for, right?
Drinks are always reasonably priced. Mixed drinks run an average of  $5/drink. I'm a Jack & Diet girl, and they mix them up JUST RIGHT.
Let's not forget concerts! I have attended 85% of the concerts at 8 Seconds. If you regularly attend, you have the chance to snag discount tickets, that you can bring in the day of the show (no up front costs). I have shamelessly stopped in throughout the week, just to grab some if I know I'm going to be going to a show. On concert nights, bud light buckets are $18, and there are SIX in the bucket. (I hate places that only give you 5. How do you share 5 beers?). 8 Seconds also has pool tables, a full dance floor (biggest in Indy I've seen), games, several bars, shot girls walking around, and plenty of seating. I've rarely had to stand for a show.
I've also been fortunate enough to do some Meet and Greet's. Some of the shows I've seen: Colt Ford, Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch, Thompson Square, Joe Diffie, Jason Michael Carol, Love and Theft, The Cadillac 3, LoCash Cowboys, Chris Cagle, Keith Anderson, Neil McCoy, and there are plenty more. Sometimes, the performers will do signings after the show, which is how I met Jon Pardi!
8 Seconds is and always will be my favorite hometown bar.
Many people know of 8 Seconds because of a tried (and failed?) hip hop club that used to be in the back, Tremors. Well, that has been replaced by MarX, which is a sports bar. Since it's opening, my sister and I go straight back there, have a seat and get into our first bucket before the show starts. There's always open seating, the games are on, there's an additional dance floor, as well as pool tables.

Saddle Up (Castleton)
Um, ew. Advertised as a country bar, and so far from it. I've been a handful of times, as my best friend literally lives around the corner. We HATE it. You'll hear hip hop then country, then pop & repeat. I guess this is for a younger crowd that enjoys music, and likes to occasionally listen to country. There's a cover (ew) and the drinks are pricey (ew). I've been wanting to take my sister, as I think it's more her scene-younger & twerking on the dance floor, but for us, it is a bit of a drive, and quite frankly, not worth it to make the effort. Plus, IT'S IN A BAD NEIGHBORHOOD. Or rather, on the outskirts of it, but still. I've had issues in the parking lot (I'm not the girl you wanna holla at at 2am, trust and believe LOL).

Howl at the Moon (Downtown Indianapolis)
Seems to be a good bar, always lined up out the door, always packed. Not my scene. Full of college kids. (Was I that annoying at bars in college. College self apologizes!) They do have good drink specials, just check before you go. The cover is SEVEN DOLLARS? Am I cheap, or just used to get in for free?

Kilroys (Downtown Indianapolis)
The menu at Kilroy's is amazing. They have an extensive list of long island iced teas, shooters and shots. Try them all! I used to go regularly for their half priced long islands, but they did away with, which in my opinion was a pretty awful business move. I've been to lunch/dinner in Broad Ripple, but that's it. They do seem to have better service in Broad Ripple! IF YOU ARE A FEMALE CUSTOMER AT KILROYS IN DOWNTOWN INDIANAPOLIS, DO NOT EXPECT EVEN SUB AVERAGE SERVICE. Order multiple things at once. It's truly ridiculous. It's the one pitfall to Kilroys-their female wait staff is just so awful. I have never been ignored, and I always tip 20% or more! I have walked out of Kilroy's without tipping, except a life tip on the receipt. If I'm out for a drink, I don't want to sit at my table for 30 minutes with an empty glass.

Bartinis (Downtown Indianapolis)
Bartinis was a college frequent, but I've still popped in over the years. However, the last few times I've been in, it hasn't been busy...hardly at all. Once was on a Friday. I guess they are jam packed on Saturday nights though. So, give that a go.
It's really only good on the weekend, feel like it's dropped off since I was in college

Peppers (Greenwood)
Honestly, I think this is a gem. It's lowkey. DOES have a dance floor...They have karaoke, pool tourneys. I've been in on a few holidays, and they decorate, have special drinks. I always get good service. The drinks are definitely reasonably priced. I've also never had them make a drink incorrectly. It does get pretty packed on the weekends. I guess it's kind of hit or miss. The kitchen stays open til midnight (unless that's changed). I was popping in here through the week, and just have not been able to go recently, but I've been going to Peppers for about 4 years now. It's a good little in town bar.

Robby's Pub (SW Indianapolis)
I've only been here once, but their fried pickles are absolute perfection, and I'm a connoisseur of fried pickles. hahahaha! They have different beers on tap special every night of the week. Just a nice, south side bar. I definitely look forward to going back. It was a cheap night out with some friends. The food was good, it wasn't too terribly busy the night we went (we got a booth), and we drank the beer that was on tap special that night. Service was very good. I had kind of been leery, as I live close by. So, driving by, I would always see a ton of people congregated right out front smoking (of course due to the smoking ban), but I guess it just kind of made me avoid the place of "the loud outside drunks," totally the opposite though. Worth a looksy.

That's just about all I've been too, in recent months. I'll probably definitely add to this list and check more places out in the future now though.

Wishlist:
Downtown Indianapolis
Tilted Kilt
Broad Ripple
Wild Beaver Saloon
Landsharks
Mass Ave

xo,
*Dee*

Currently Watching: Real World: Skeletons

Why do people hate blondes so much?

Bahama Mama Adventures

Flying in...

I was recently fortunate enough to travel to Nassau, Bahamas in my former position as a Household Manager. Their oldest daughter got married AND IT WAS GORGEOUS.

Selfie from my patio, with ocean & palm trees in background

We stayed at The One and Only Ocean Club, which overlooked the beautiful Caribbean. Here is a snippet from their website: "The secret escape of the world's elite, this island resort exemplifies tropical colonial elegance, reflecting the refined qualities of an elegant estate. The terraced steps of the Versailles Gardens with 12th-century Augustinian cloisters, lead down to the finest beach in the Bahamas, Ocean-view dining and all manner of water play." The resort map is beyond useful, especially as my travel adventures have only just began: 

 

 I had traveled in my youth, with my parents. Then I went to college, I was living with a boyfriend, and with finances, traveling just was not an option. So, this was my first adventure as a full fledged adult. On the map, my room was in the Hartford Wing (23). I frequented Dune Bar (4), and my beach access (; was 9. 
The Hartford Wing was gorgeous. Of course there are villas and private residences, but can anything beat hearing the ocean through your door at night, and waking up to the sounds of waves hitting the shores? I don't think so! The following are pictures taken from The One and Only Website: 

The bathroom was perfect. Of course, complimentary toiletries. There was a seperate (doored off) area for the toilet and bidet. Double sinks, robes and slippers & the tub was perfect to soak in. 

Yup, this was my view. In addition to the table seen above, there were two lounge chairs on the balcony. I ate a few dinners out here, and the view just could not be beat. 

The bedroom! Obviously huge, comfortable bed, small sitting area. There was also a wet bar, restocked daily, or as requested. Flat screen television and a full closet with hangers, and several suitcase racks. Double sliding doors for balcony/patio entrance. 

Here are some pictures from my personal collection of The One and Only private beach. They gracioualy kept the mimosas and margaritas coming (; 

In addition to room service, I ate several of my meals at Dune Bar to eat where I endulged in breakfast, drinks, and lunch/dinner. Being a resort that caters to the upper class, breakfast (with my roommate) ran about $100. I keep it simply with eggs and turkey bacon (nom! turkey bacon!). I also found out that I greatly enjoy mimosas, and have been drinking them since I came back stateside. I believe my margaritas were in the $6-10 range. Lunch and dinner, I'm not entire sure what that ran, but I would guess approximately $150. I must stress that these prices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, are all for TWO PEOPLE with 15% included gratuity. I always tipped more, as the staff was SO INCREDIBLY ATTENTIVE.

What should you try on the menu? 
The "Jerk Chicken Sandwich," with avocado, watercress and sauteed mushrooms, and of course I took a picture of my favorite meal: 

Jerk Chicken Sandwich and Margarita

The following are pictures from the One and Only of Dune Bar:

A few from my camera roll of the view of the beach from Dune:

I also got to play at Atlantis! The group I was with had a cabana most of the time we were there. The service was exceptional. At the time we were in the cabana, I was technically on the clock. So, no drinking for me, more just observing, helping to keep track of the group. The service was exceptional though! I did get to go the casino. I only gambled once, but I did double my bet as a first time Blackjack player! A few nights in, my roommate and I went back to the casino. The original plan was to gamble, but then I ran into my friend Rosemary, who is a travel journalist. Her and I had actually met on the plan from Charlotte to Nassau! Since that double chance encounter, we have remained friends! Rosemary and I ended up going off on our own, and my roommate went off with some of her friends from home (Indianapolis). Rosemary knew a group of women who had VIP at Aura Nightclub! IT WAS AMAZING! Bottle service! Champagne and Strawberries! Dancing! It was by far my most exciting night. I met some amazing people from all over the world, and got to dance the night away with my new friend Rosemary. (: On my last night in the Bahamas, I went back to the casino to cash out my chips (blackjack winner!!!), and hung out at the Mesa Grill Bar, where I continued to indulge in my new found love for margaritas. 

Obviously, it was a five star trip, and I would go back in a heart beat if I could! The "brief" details above do not even encompass the trip. There were so many activities due the wedding, but that would probably triple this "snippet" that I have tried to write. I had already began my Traveling Bucket List, but this trip only fueled the thirst to travel more more more more!!!! 

Until my next adventure...

xo,

*Dee*

Currently Watching: Are You The One, Season 2 Reunion

Conga line dancer, pre wedding entertainment
One and Only Resort

Flying out of Miami, on my way home! 

SELFIE! <3
One and Only Resort