Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion
If you're taking a road trip along PCH, make sure to stop for a visit at the enchanting Hearst Castle to experience this "never-never land" yourself! Come explore this opulent palace in San Simeon where Old Hollywood royalty would gather together for a night of fun.
Hearst Castle: A Stop at San Simeon's Enchanted Hilltop Mansion
The legendary Hedda Hopper once said, "A visit to the Hearst Ranch was a ticket to never-never land. Never has there been such a place and never will we see its like again." If you're taking a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, make sure you pencil in a visit to the enchanting Hearst Castle during your journey to experience this never-never land yourself! This magnificent estate, once owned by the media mogul William Randolph Hearst, sits upon a beautiful hilltop in the heart of San Simeon. Some have argued that it is the closest thing to a "royal palace" that we'll ever see in the United States.
After the turn of the 20th century, Mr. Hearst commissioned Julia Morgan, an incredibly talented architect and designer of her time, to bring the house of his dreams to life. The two worked together on the project for over 28 years, and never quite finished due to Mr. Hearst's failing health. However, much of the project was completed in that time allowing for guests to enjoy the property as it is today. The opulent Castle--including its many gardens, pools, terraces, priceless works of art, and 165 rooms--takes up 127 acres of the entire estate. In its prime, Hearst Castle became widely known as a popular gathering place for some of Old Hollywood's elite.
Join along our journey of Hearst Castle so you can properly plan your trip, or just get serious wanderlust looking at the pictures of this incredible estate!
Pre-Trip Planning
Because of the long lines you may encounter at the Visitor Center of Hearst Castle, I recommend you start planning your excursion before your arrival. Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours, with ticket prices starting at just $25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased on their website here. You can still purchase tickets at the Visitor Center; however, reserving your tour in advance will allow you to save some time and headache when you arrive, especially if a tour becomes sold out.
The Tours
Hearst Castle offers a variety of tours for guests to be able to enjoy different parts of the estate. Signing up for a tour is the only way you can gain access onto the grounds. Depending on how much time you have for your visit, you can book 1 or as many of the tours as you want! We only booked 1 tour, but wished we could have had time for more!
The main tours of the Castle include the following:
Grand Rooms Tour: Recommended for first time visitors. This tour provides an experience of Casa Grande (the main house of Hearst Castle) and all of the opulent social rooms.
Upstairs Suites Tour: Explore up the winding staircases into the Castle's most private rooms, including Mr. Hearst's own personal quarters.
Cottages & Kitchen Tour: Discover the Castle's surrounding cottages, wine cellar, and enormous kitchen.
Evening Tour: Turn back time to the 1930s and come experience the house at night! Book your reservation for a night tour, where Living History Docents will be dressed up as if they were heading to an evening soiree at the Castle with Mr. Hearst himself. This tour is the longest tour available and can only be booked at certain times of the year.
*Additional tours, including private and accessible designed tours, may be found on the booking website.
After the tour(s), you're allowed to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens at your leisure. Unfortunately, you can't gain access into any of the other rooms without a tour, which is why I advise reserving multiple tours if you want to see more rooms! You can purchase your tickets for any of the tours here.
Arriving at Hearst Castle
When you arrive at the estate, you'll pull up to a large parking lot in front of the Visitor Center. Once inside, you will have the option to view "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," which is a 40-minute film about the history of Hearst Castle. It helps set the stage for what you're about to see on the incredible hilltop. You can choose to watch it before or after your tour, but I recommend watching it before your departure. *This short film is included in most daytime tour tickets. Check your reservation to be sure!
Once you're ready to start your journey to the Castle, you'll head to the bus area to catch a 15-minute shuttle ride up the Enchanted Hill. The bus ride, where you'll be able to see thousands of acres of beautiful land, includes an audio narration from none other than Jeopardy's Alex Trebek. You'll learn interesting bits of Hearst history and info as you ascend towards the mansion at the top of the hill.
While You're There
After you exit the bus, you'll be greeted by your tour guide who will take you along your path through the house. Once your tour(s) is concluded, you're able to explore the Neptune Pool, the Roman Pool, and the gardens on your own before heading back to the Visitor Center on the shuttle.
If you're interested in doing a walking tour of your own, download the Hearst Castle app on your smartphone to listen to a guided tour of the grounds! There is a ton of really interesting information that you'll learn about all of the public spaces around the Castle.
Once you're finished exploring, simply head back to the shuttle area to catch a bus back down to the Visitor Center.
Good to Know Information
Booking your tickets in advance is recommended, but not required. You can select your tour and book your reservation here. You must have a tour reservation in order to gain access to the grounds. *I also recommend booking your ticket in advance because they can sell out!
As of right now, the world famous Neptune Pool is empty because it is undergoing a massive restoration project. At this point in time, the pool is expected to be completed by Summer 2017.
You cannot bring any food or drink on your tour of the Castle, with the exception of bottled water. The property can get pretty hot on sunny days, so definitely bring your H2O!
Download the Hearst Castle App on your smartphone to enjoy a virtual guide while exploring the grounds on your own! We did this and loved it!
There is a food court available inside the Visitor Center, but you can also pack a lunch or some snacks to eat by your car to save money.
Movie times for the film "Hearst Castle Building the Dream," vary, so you can plan to see the screening either before or after your tour.
One thing I wish we would have planned for was more time for tours! We only did the Grand Rooms Tour, but would have loved to stay and go through the other ones. You can easily spend an entire day and evening at the castle taking tours because there is so much to see and learn! We're definitely planning on returning for more tours (especially the night tour!) once the Neptune Pool is fully restored!
Have you ever been to Hearst Castle? Comment below with your favorite part of your trip!
Hearst Castle
750 Hearst Castle Rd.
San Simeon, CA 93452
(800) 444-4445
Thank you to Hearst Castle for hosting our visit. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Santa Barbara Food Tour: Taste the City from a Local's Perspective
When traveling, eating the local food is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture. Experience the Santa Barbara culture by eating your way around it with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours!
Santa Barbara Food Tour: Taste the City from a Local's Perspective
I've said it before and I'll say it again: Food is the key to any culture around the world. Period. When you try the local food, you're immersing yourself into the culture. But what if you're pressed for time? Or what if you want to experience and taste a lot in a shorter period of time? A local food tour just might be the answer to all of your problems.
Anytime I travel somewhere new, I'm so eager to try the food. And based on some of my previous posts, you'll know by now that I absolutely love getting local recommendations on where to eat. When you want to taste the best a city has to offer, there's nothing better than doing it from a local's perspective. When I knew I was coming to Santa Barbara for a few short days, I immediately set up a food tour with one of the city's finest: Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours.
The fabulous, local foodie, Evan Elizabeth Berger, officially founded Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours back in 2014, after spending years conducting smaller, private tours of her own. Evan and her wonderful team of expert guides lead you on a 3.5 hour walking tour of Santa Barbara, where you'll eat, play, and love local. Evan and Aiyana (who was our other guide for the day) were so welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about what they do that it made the entire experience so much more enjoyable than it already was. Read on for more details on our adventure!
A Little Something Sweet to Start the Day
Evan mentioned that she had found some research that stated that starting out your meal with something sweet is actually good for you because it can help the digestion process along (plus it's just really fun). Now, I'm not sure of the validity of that statement, but I'm 100% NOT arguing with it. I will always start my meal with sweets if someone tells me to--especially FRENCH sweets. UGHHHH.
Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, 1324 State Street
Our first stop of the day began at the deliciously tasty Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro. Our friend Emma at RP&B brought out a variety of Parisian Macarons in different flavors for us to sample. Up until this moment, my favorite macarons were none other than the original Parisian heavy hitters: Ladurée and Pierre Hermé (coming in at a very close 1st and 2nd place, respectively).
After I tried the Parisian Macarons from Renaud's Patisserie & Bistro, I was left speechless. I honestly don't know how to rank my favorite macarons anymore! These were incredible!!! AND they were a really nice size macaron, not leaving you feeling like you just ate a small crumb. *I actually went back after the tour and bought a big bag to take home with me! :)
To say that I loved starting at Renaud's is an understatement. They set the bar for the tour pretty high. I'd recommend coming here any day of the week to enjoy a morning coffee and breakfast! Their entire bakery selection, which is baked fresh every day, looked amazing.
Pre-Lunch Snacks 'n Apps
After our little sweet treat, we were off to the next stop of the day! What I loved about walking from location-to-location with Evan and Aiyana was that they kept us so entertained with fun facts and trivia about Santa Barbara throughout the day. They taught us about the history, the architecture, the hot spots around town to know about, and a ton more. It definitely kept us on our toes!
But by now, our bellies were ready for round 2!
Santa Barbara Public Market, 38 West Victoria Street
Our next stop was at the Santa Barbara Public Market, which is kind of like the hip, new kid on the block in this city. This trendy, urban marketplace is home to a wide range of restaurants, shops, and merchants all operating within one communal space. You can hop over to the bar at Empty Bowl for some Asian Fusion cuisine, buy a bottle of wine at Wine+Beer, try some seafood at I`a Fish Market & Café, or grab some cupcakes at Enjoy Cupcakes. There are lots of unique options to choose from!
We had a taste of the popular noodles from Empty Bowl Gourmet Noodle Bar, where they specialize in authentic noodle dishes and small plates from Thailand and Taiwan. It was so good that I had to stop myself from eating too much Pad Thai and not sharing with the others... Oops (sorry, not sorry...)!
Cielito Restaurant and Tequila Bar, 1114 State Street
After having a little taste of Asia, it was time to try another style of food. Enter Cielito's: the Latin American Inspired Central California Cuisine. Cielito Restaurant and Tequila Bar is a lively spot in the heart of the historic La Arcada courtyard.
Here we had a little tequila tasting, some fresh guacamole and salsa, and quinoa-kale fritters to eat. Everything was very fresh and very delicious. I'm pretty sure everyone at our table kept eyeing the mango habanero glaze and avocado aioli to see who would actually step forward first to lick the plate (yes, it was that good). Hint: It was Jay...
Isabella Gourmet Foods & Cebada Winery, 5 East Figueroa Street
Just around the corner from Cielito's is the adorable Isabella Gourmet Foods. This one-of-a-kind downtown spot is a boutique artisan grocery that focuses on serving its customers the best and most unique local foods. You'll find so many wonderful things in here from cold-pressed elixirs to fine chocolates, exotic cookbooks, to savory nuts and superfoods. I could have spent all afternoon admiring every little corner of goodies in this picturesque boutique!
Upon entering the shop, we walked up the stairs to the Cebada Winery Tasting Room. This petite tasting room sits in the open loft-space area within Isabella Gourmet Foods. It was the perfect combination of merchants: unique foods with unique wines.
At this stop, we had some gourmet popcorn from Isabella's and a flight of wine from Cebada (one of those wines being a blueberry one, which I was very pleasantly surprised with...). Both offerings were creative and tasty, just as you would imagine!
Lunch Time
Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria, 905 State Street
I'll totally admit this: When I walked by Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria when I first arrived in Santa Barbara, I totally thought it was some common pizza chain and completely overlooked it. Now, I actually sort of feel like how the sales women in Pretty Woman must have felt when Julia Roberts came back in and said "Remember me? BIG mistake! HUGE!" So wrong of me to think that. BAD ANA!!!
Alright... This place, my friends, is still stuck in my mind. What have you done to me, Persona Pizzeria?! This popular "fast-pizza" place is a wonderful DIY pizza joint that allows you to pick and create your own pizza from scratch (which is ready in 90 seconds!), or order from the expert's award-winning pizza selections. *And OMG I just found out it's coming to Chicago! Yeeeeee!
We had the pleasure of trying their award-winning pizzas with a side of beer. The Chipotle Chicken Pizza was the shining star of the show here. It was even the Winner at the International World Pizza Competition in Napoli, Italy (that's how you know it's serious)! This baby came fully loaded with chipotle dressing, shredded mozzarella, roasted chicken topped with crema, more chipotle dressing, and fresh pico de gallo. Ay dios mio! My mouth is still watering from this pizza.
Quite the French Way to End a Meal: Cheese, Sweets, & Wine
As the tour began coming to an end, it was time to enter the final courses of food. In true French style, we ended the day's meals with a round of cheese, a round of sweets, and a bonus round (or two) of wine.
C'est Cheese, 825 Santa Barbara Street
The first stop after our pizza lunch was the gourmet food and cheese boutique, C'est Cheese. How can you not love a place with a name that cute and clever?! I never thought I would see a cheese shop with so many authentic and artisanal cheeses outside of Europe, but this place proved me wrong.
We tried a few different samples of their best cheeses while learning a little background info on each one! We were even able to head inside and taste some other ones at our leisure. It was a super cute spot to check out, and definitely a downtown SB staple.
McConnell's Fine Ice Creams, 728 State Street
Last (but certainly not least) on the incredible Taste Santa Barbara Food Tour was the world-famous McConnell's Fine Ice Creams. I would say that they saved the best for last, but that might be too bold of a statement to make on a list as good as this one. However, I can say this: a trip to Santa Barbara is absolutely NOT complete without a stop at McConnell's.
McConnell's is a locally owned ice cream company that was founded in Santa Barbara almost 70 years ago. Today, they are still making ice cream exactly how they started making it back in the day: in small batches, all from scratch, and with the best local, organic ingredients. Every bite is pure, creamy bliss.
Try my favorite flavor when you're there: Churros con Leche! And you better get that thing in a waffle cone! That delicious smell will haunt you if you don't, and you will regret it.
Unfortunately, after McConnell's, the 'Official' Taste Santa Barbara Food Tour was over :( However, some of us still wanted to keep going a little bit and finish off the tour with a proper goodbye. We said our farewells to our new friends who had to leave...and decided to keep the party going down the street at Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room!
BONUS: Grassini Family Vineyards, 813 Anacapa Street #6
What better way to end a long day of eating and walking around than with a fresh glass of wine?! Located in the beautiful, historic El Paseo shopping plaza is the Grassini Family Vineyards Tasting Room. I was so excited to come to Grassini's Tasting Room because a few friends of mine had told me how great it was.
What I loved about the tasting room (besides the amazing Sauvignon Blanc) was the warm energy that greets you as soon as you walk inside. The staff was so friendly and inviting, and they were eager to share all of the interesting details about the winery and vineyards, as you tasted each glass! It was a perfect way to end our afternoon.
I was so sad to end our time with Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours, but I knew I had walked away with a few things: a full and happy belly, some fun facts about Santa Barbara, a bag of snacks for the road, and new friends (awwwww)! The TSBFT was such an incredible experience and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone who is visiting through Santa Barbara, even just for the day! It's only a few hours, so that gives you plenty of time to explore the city and eat your way around it with your new foodie friends!
Good to Know Information:
You can book your tickets for Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours here. Tickets range from $79-$99, and I highly recommend buying the ticket that includes alcohol if you can. This is an incredible price for a food tour that includes all the food, drinks, and fun entertainment (aka cool SB trivia!).
Eat a light breakfast early in the morning so you have room for all the food. You will not leave the tour feeling stuffed or uncomfortable, but you will definitely leave feeling content. They portion everything out very well.
Consider bringing a bottle of water or sunscreen if it is really hot. Not necessary, but good to think about.
Participate in the trivia because it is really fun and you might learn something (or get a prize)!
You will receive a brochure that includes exclusive discounts to a lot of great local spots around Santa Barbara for you to use post-tour. This is something you absolutely will not get without participating in this awesome tour!
*All food and restaurants on this list for the TSBFT are subject to change at any moment.
Thank you to Taste Santa Barbara Food Tours for hosting our tour. And a special thank you to Evan, Aiyana, and all participating businesses who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Where to Stay in the Santa Ynez Valley: Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
It's time to take a step back, unplug, and unwind in the country. Experience the authentic Old West with me at The Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort. Join along as we explore this iconic, luxury ranch nestled away in the Santa Ynez Valley!
Retreat to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort: Unplug and Unwind in the True Wild West
As a full-time entrepreneur, I'm always connected to the outside world in some way, whether it's through social media, texting, emails, etc. I'm always ON. It's kind of exhausting sometimes! Amirite fellow entrepreneurs?!
After spending some time in the heart of Santa Barbara, I wanted to take a break from the urban lifestyle for a bit, which is something I rarely do. I was ready to test my limits and go "off the grid" for few days. I get so used to the comforts of city living that I forget how necessary it is to just unplug and unwind for a bit! I wanted to have an experience where I could really immerse myself into California's rich, western culture and retreat into the depths of the countryside.
I came across the iconic Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort and instantly loved what I saw. This secluded, romantic ranch and resort is tucked away in the Santa Ynez Valley (aka Santa Barbara's premiere wine country) and sits upon a property of over 10,000 acres. The spirit of the Old West is alive and well at this seductive getaway, which has even been a hotspot for old Hollywood royalty (à la Clark Gable and Doris Day) since their doors opened in 1946. With all the lush, rolling hills, natural beauty, and wide-open spaces, I knew it would be the perfect place for Jay and I to get some R&R for couple of days.
Escaping into the True Wild West
We've all seen the old movies and pictures of the "Wild West," but how many of us have actually experienced it? Can you imagine a life where you wake up early to the sounds of the birds flying around the crisp, cool morning air? A morning when you can practically smell the beads of dew that sit on the grass... And as you smell the fresh dew, you start to hear the sounds of the animals on the ranch waking up and moving around. You go outside to see the sun peaking out on the green, rolling valleys and you know it's going to be another beautiful day. Well that, my friends, is exactly the life you get to experience when you come to Alisal for a visit.
I was almost on sensory overload with all the natural beauty that surrounded me at the resort! From the moment you pull up to the property, which is about an hour away from downtown Santa Barbara, you're greeted by lush, open fields that are filled with magnificent horses and cattle that are grazing the property. On one side of the road, you see the large, wood barn and stables where the animals roam freely in their spaces. On the other side, you see all of the charming guest cabins and accommodations surrounded by beautiful trees in bloom with colorful flowers dancing around them. It instantly felt like we had left the world we knew behind us and entered a bygone era of the authentic Wild West.
A Luxurious "Camp for Adults"
After you drive up to the main office and get all checked in, you're given the key to your guest room and access to the grounds, where a whole other world awaits you. As you enter your room, you're immersed into a stylish and spacious accommodation that is filled with authentic Western decor, a wood-burning fireplace, and even a private outdoor seating area.
Every room comes equipped with its own little "kitchenette" that includes a small refrigerator and coffee maker, wood for the fireplace, and all of your other typical in-room amenities. One thing that is unique about the accommodations here is that there are no televisions or phones in the guest rooms. Alisal does this to maintain the integrity of the true ranch experience. It definitely helped me "unplug and unwind."
Once you're all settled into your adorable new room and you're ready to explore, you have virtually every outdoor activity you could imagine available to you. You could go horseback riding, hit up the tennis courts, go for a hike, swim at the pool, play a round of golf, take your shot at archery, go for a bike ride, fish on the lake, have a picnic... The list goes on and on! You could even take a break and get a massage at the spa, play some Ping-Pong or pool in the Billiards Room, or go to the gym and have a nice workout. It was seriously like we were in a luxurious camp for adults! There was so much available to us, and we didn't have to respond to anyone in the outside world! HOORAYYYY!
How to Spend Your Time Here
What I loved most about visiting Alisal is that we never had to leave the resort for anything. It was truly an immersive ranch experience that did not require us to go far for anything we wanted to do. All of our activities were right there, all of our dining options were steps from our front porch, the wonderful staff was incredibly responsive and attentive to anything we requested, and best of all, we spent all the time we desired in the gorgeous nature around us.
The list of things you can do when you visit is so extensive that you really can't go wrong with what you choose. However, these are my personal favorite things to do when visiting Alisal:
Experience a Morning Horseback Ride (or any ride for that matter)
One of the most memorable experiences Jay and I had during our stay at Alisal was the morning horseback ride we scheduled on our second day. We arrived early to the stables, where there was coffee and hot chocolate waiting for us. As soon as we got our horses assigned, we were split into our respective groups (either Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced) and sent off on the trail.
**TIP: Jay and I had both ridden a small handful of times, but weren't sure what the dude ranch equivalent to a "Beginner" was (I seriously thought it was probably some advanced stuff because...you know...it's a ranch and all...), but we put that down anyways. We could have easily been in the Intermediate group because we were more skilled than we thought. So if you have some experience and you're on the fence, just try "Intermediate."
Going along that trail in the morning was one of the most calming and extraordinary experiences I've ever had. The crisp, fresh air, the sounds of the horses walking, the views of the rolling mountains with the sun peaking over them, the trees with the Spanish moss growing all over them... It was breathtaking! I was seriously speechless with the beauty that surrounded me.
Once we reached the end of the trail, we came upon a few small, old cabins with a large outdoor dining area. The Alisal staff was hard at work preparing a massive breakfast feast for everyone to enjoy. The smell of the fresh eggs, the sizzling bacon, the massive buttermilk pancakes with the signature "A" branded in the middle... It was incredible! And to top it all off, they had a man playing guitar and singing country songs, while another man came out to tell some old folk stories. Talk about that "camp for adult" feeling again!
After our bellies were full and our hearts were warm, we got back on our horses and rode back to the resort. The views on the way back were just as spectacular, and we even got the chance to see some of the local cattle and other wildlife during our ride! I could have spent the entire rest of the day riding around the grounds on my wonderful horse, Jesse. If we hadn't already scheduled the rest of our day with activities, we would have immediately signed up to do another ride.
Enjoy Fine Dining Cuisine On Site
Let me tell you something... The food here is out of this world. No joke. Jay and I never left one meal feeling dissatisfied or hungry. Everything we had was un-be-lieve-a-bleeee. Plus, breakfast and dinner are both included in your resort package! So make sure you head to the Ranch Room for your meals and enjoy everything your little heart desires.
Tour the Grounds
There is so much to explore and do on site at Alisal. But before you get after it, walk around the grounds a little bit and just take it all in! It's not too big to be able to walk from one end of the main property to the other. Walk into the many rooms and buildings, explore the pool, hit some Ping-Pong around, etc. It's really fun to just walk around and explore!
Build a Fire in Your Guest Room's Wood-Burning Fireplace
Besides the horseback ride, this might have been our favorite little experience. Since Jay and I are both city dwellers now, we don't have a lot of opportunities to build a real fire in a wood-burning fireplace. It was a really sweet "country" experience for us to have together. Truth be told, I didn't do much (read: anything) besides sit back with a glass of wine and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the crackling fire. Jay really did all the work here :) But I still loved it so much!!
Retreat to the Post-Dinner Events
After dinner each night, there is typically some sort of entertainment in the magnificent Oak Room, which is just down the hall from the Ranch Room. It's a nice spot to come and sit by the fire, grab a drink, and listen to whatever type of entertainment they may have.
During our stay, we had the pleasure of seeing local legend, Bill Powell, play some beautiful piano songs. I actually cried because it was so lovely! Bill has been playing at Alisal for several decades now and is known to many guests. He was so sweet too!
You can also head to the Library after dinner if you want some adults-only time (and access to a TV!), or head to the Billiards Room for some post-dinner games. Either way, you can't go wrong with what you choose!
Other Notable Mentions:
Hit the Tennis Courts
Play a round of Golf
Schedule a massage at the spa
Take the shuttle lake (where you can fish, picnic, or explore)
Try your best at Archery
Take a small boat on the lake
Go for a bike ride around the property
Take a run around the property
Watch the sunset from your patio
Head to the gym for a workout
Good to Know Information
Breakfast and dinner are both included in your rate, but alcohol is not. Like I said before, the food is incredible and you're never going to leave hungry.
Adults and children are expected to keep a semi-formal attire for dinner. Men must wear sport coats or blazers. *I really loved this rule! Everyone looked so wonderful and dressed up for dinner. Why don't more places do this nowadays?!
Lunch can be found at any of the four restaurants on site. If you're heading to the lake for the afternoon, you can even order a boxed lunch to be delivered during your excursion!
Before and/or after dinner every night there is typically some sort of entertainment in The Oak Room Lounge (which is such a stunning room). It becomes adults-only after 9pm!
There is another adults only Library that is located just across the lawn from the main dining building. It's a nice place to go and hang out or watch TV. Yes, one of the few TVs on the property!
Every day you are given an itinerary of events that are happening around the resort. It's helpful to keep handy if you want to know where and when everything is going on (i.e. meals, activities, etc.)
Wi-Fi is included throughout the property, but remember you're there to relaxxxx! Enjoy yourself and unplug for a bit :)
After our time at Alisal, I felt relaxed, rejuvenated, and ready to head back into the city. It was such a wonderful, romantic escape and an incredible experience to be part of. Who knew that this little city girl could actually come to love the country?! I'm definitely looking forward to returning to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort again, perhaps next time with my whole family in tow!
Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort
1054 South Alisal Rd
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-6411
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Alisal Guest Ranch and Resort for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Escaping to Lotusland: Santa Barbara's Magical Garden
Next stop of our Santa Barbara journey! After researching what to do in Santa Barbara, I came across some whimsical images of a place that looked like a secret, magical garden hidden in the depths of Santa Barbara. Join me as I explore the world renowned Ganna Walska Lotusland!
Escaping to Lotusland: Santa Barbara's Magical Garden
Before our arrival to Santa Barbara, I had done a little research and digging to find the best ways we could immerse ourselves in the SB culture (after all, isn't that the way we should all travel?!). I came across some beautiful images of a place that looked like a secret, magical garden hidden in the depths of Santa Barbara. "What is this gorgeous place?!" I thought to myself. "TAKE ME NOW!"
These incredible, lush images I saw were from the world-renowned Ganna Walska Lotusland. Lotusland boasts a 37-acre estate filled with botanical beauties and natural wonders. There are numerous gardens and additional areas to explore throughout the property from Mid-February to Mid-November. I'm a big believer in spending time in nature for the mind, body, and soul, and so I knew that this was a place that Jay and I needed to check out.
How it All Began: The Woman Behind the Name
This whimsical garden was brought to life because of an extraordinary woman named Madame Ganna Walska. Originally from Poland, Ganna Walska was an unstoppable force who lived by her own rules (my kind of gal!). One of her mottos was, "I'm an enemy of the average." She was a well-known opera singer and socialite who performed for audiences in Paris, New York, and many other cities across the Americas and Europe.
After purchasing the estate in 1941 (which was formerly called Tibetland), Ganna Walska spent the next 43 years of her life curating and growing one of the world's most beautiful, personal horticultural collections. She would travel high and low throughout the world to find the perfect additions to her colorful landscape collection. It was even said that if Madame Walska was out for a drive and saw something she liked, she would send her driver inside the establishment to make an offer on purchasing what she wanted. Her hard work certainly paid off because today Lotusland is full of unique and enchanting tropical and subtropical plants from around the world.
Lotusland Today and How to Explore
After Madame Walska passed in 1984, the property was turned over to the Ganna Walska Lotusland Foundation. This nonprofit organization made the garden open to the public in 1993. People from all over the world are now able to come and visit the magical gardens of Ganna Walska Lotusland!
Because the property is located in a private, residential area of Santa Barbara, reservations are required to enter (more information below). When you call to make your reservation, you will be given the 2 time options for your guided tour. The guided tours are led by wonderful and extremely knowledgeable docents of the property. The tours will lead you around the entire estate while explaining some of the history and details of each garden.
The extraordinary collections, which take after the woman who created them, range from rare cycads, cacti, palms, succulents, ferns, aloes, and so many more! Some of the most popular attractions are the lotuses and waterlilies, which are typically seen in full bloom in the summer months. There are currently about 25 different main areas and gardens that you will see on your tour.
What to See and When to Go
Luckily, when you go on your guided tour, you will have a chance to walk through and see every breathtaking sight. There are gardens, statues, fountains, exotic and rare plants, and even a horticultural clock! However, these are my personal favorite things to see that you cannot miss:
The Succulent Garden: Because I'm a frequent traveler and I'm always on the road, the only plants that I can ever successfully keep in my home are succulents! So because of this, I had a special connection to the Succulent Garden. Those plants are my favorites! And I also love how cute and small they can be, just like me :)
The Water Garden: This is the famous garden where you will find all of the lotus flowers and water lilies. They typically start to bloom in the summer months, sometimes even around Ganna Walska's birthday in late June!
The Blue Garden: Right in the heart of Lotusland is the Blue Garden, which was one of the most iconic gardens of the property. I fell in love with the blue and silverish colors of all the plants here. So magnificent!
The Butterfly Garden (or Insectary Garden): This garden is the epitome of sustainable preservation and maintenance. Everything in this area is meant to recycle essential energy and nutrients, as well as attract positive pollinators, while deterring invasive species. We learned a lot about the sustainable practices here in this garden!
The Orchards: You'll find lemon trees, orange trees, olive trees, and more amongst the orchards of Lotusland.
The Cycad Garden: The cycad garden of Lotusland is world-renowned because of the extensive collection of specimens that live here. Ganna Walska sold over a million dollars worth of her personal jewelry to make this garden possible! Make sure to pay a visit to the three special Encephalartos woodii (aka "The 3 Bachelors"), which are among the world’s rarest cycads and extinct in the wild. They pleasantly sit on top of a small cliff which overlooks their own koi pond.
The Parterre and Topiary Garden: This area is located just near the main house and is home to the iconic horticultural clock, rose gardens, and the Neptune fountain of Lotusland. It's a whimsical place to wander around.
Theatre Garden: This little garden was unique to me because I could totally imagine Ganna Walska hosting performances or plays here. You're greeted into the garden by these small stone statues (which are kinda funny and creepy looking in my opinion) which Madame Walska brought with her from France. You can even buy replicas in the gift shop!
The Tropical Garden: This was the first thing we saw when we entered the property and it took me by surprise. I was not ready for how beautiful the gardens would be and this one set the bar very high. You really feel like you are immersing yourself into a tropical garden! Look for the beautiful glass stones that line the path on the ground, which Madame Walska recycled from a glass factory!
The Japanese Garden: I love this garden because it truly makes you realize how diverse the entire estate is. It is peaceful, unique, and filled with a variety of different species. A must-see!
I would recommend visiting Lotusland at any point in the year! There is always something in bloom or something changing in the gardens. We visited in the spring, which made for cooler weather and sunny skies. However, if you want to see the lotus flowers, book your reservation for a summer visit (or during LotusFest in July). Be sure to check the website beforehand to see if there are any fun events scheduled during your visit!
Good to Know Information
Lotusland is completely sustainable and all-natural in the way that they conserve and maintain their gardens. There are absolutely no pesticides used anywhere; and they've even adopted natural preservation methods to attract positive pollinators, while deterring invasive species.
Since Lotusland is tucked away in a private, residential area of Santa Barbara, reservations are required to enter. Tickets for admission are $45, but don't let this deter you; it is worth every penny. Call 805-969-9990 to schedule your reservation.
Guided tours for your visit take place at 10am or 1:30pm every Wednesday-Saturday from mid-February to mid-November. You must schedule a tour if you are not a member.
Annual memberships start at only $75 and it grants you free access (and other perks) whenever you make a reservation! Plus, your money goes right back into preserving this horticultural treasure. This is a great opportunity if you live in Central California and want to come visit often! (I would totally get this if I lived there or visit CA often...)
Members also get exclusive invitations to private events hosted by Lotusland throughout the year.
Lotusland is only permitted 15,000 guests per year due to community restrictions; so make sure you book your reservation ASAP by calling 805-969-9990.
Bring sunblock and water if you are visiting on a warm day!
Ganna Walska Lotusland was a truly spectacular sight to see. I highly recommend making a stop here if you are in the Santa Barbara area, if only to escape into nature for a moment and smell the fresh air! Ahhhh :)
Ganna Walska Lotusland
695 Ashley Road
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-9990
Thank you to Ganna Walska Lotusland for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. All opinions are my own.
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Where to Stay in Santa Barbara: Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
Join me along my California coast road trip! FIRST STOP: A romantic getaway to the elegant Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Spanish architecture, hidden bungalows, and oceanfront views. Doesn't get better than that!
A Romantic Getaway to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
My goodness, it has been a hot minute since I've been able to sit down and share my recent travel adventures with you all! If you've been following along on Instagram, you've probably seen that I've been all over the West Coast and the Caribbean in the last month! Wheeewww! It's been a beautiful whirlwind, and I'm so thrilled to finally share it with you!
_____
After a successful Women in Travel Summit last month, I was ready to kick back with Jay for a few weeks and relax. I had never been up the coast in California, so we drove up PCH all the way from Irvine and started our romantic getaway in beautiful Santa Barbara. As if the city wasn't spectacular enough, we checked into the incredibly romantic Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara for our stay.
I believe that where you stay when you travel can make or break the experience, and I can confidently say that our visit to Santa Barbara was exponentially better because we stayed at The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Everything at the Resort, from the gorgeous Spanish architecture and decor, to the warm hospitality, to the charming location made me absolutely fall in love with Santa Barbara.
Arriving at the Resort
Conveniently tucked away in the exclusive enclave of Montecito is the elegant Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara. Since their doors opened in 1927, it has been a hotspot for locals, celebrities, and travelers alike. The minute you drive up to the property you can feel the incredible history that practically oozes off the walls. It is such a unique property because you feel like you are truly escaping from all reality.
As you enter the resort, you're immediately immersed into a magical wonderland of natural gardens and Spanish architecture. I was absolutely in awe from the minute I walked in. Every corner is more breathtaking than the next! You walk in and see the wood beam ceilings with the multi-colored ceramic tiles, the red tile roofs and white stucco walls, the radiant bougainvillea growing alongside the native plants and trees; and as you look out just in front of the property, you're greeted by a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean from Butterfly Beach. I felt like I was in a Spanish-themed Alice in Wonderland!
A Spanish Colonial Modern Fusion
I know that this might come as a shock, but I love that there are no high rise buildings in Santa Barbara. I know...shocking statement coming from the city girl! But seriously, it adds so much charm and elegance to the city. The Biltmore Santa Barbara is no exception to that rule. The Resort is actually comprised of multiple low-lying buildings and single-storey bungalows, which enhances that "mysterious wonderland" feel. Once you exit the main building, you'll probably follow one of the many winding sidewalk paths through the gardens towards your guest room or bungalow.
Entering our room was an experience in and of itself. The rooms are a beautiful marriage of old-world Spanish Colonial style with a touch of modern aesthetic. Jay and I were both blown away at the attention to detail of this luxurious accommodation. The room was filled with gorgeous green and white decor, colorful bathroom tiles, a cute work station under the window, and there was even a mini living room with a gas fireplace. The living room led out to our private outdoor patio, which was our favorite place to relax and have breakfast in the mornings. It was truly a home away from home. And let me just say...that was probably the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in. Ugh. Gimme!!!
How to Spend Your Time Here
The wonderful thing about staying at a place like the Four Seasons Resort Santa Barbara is that you really never have to leave the Resort if you don't want to. There is so much to explore and do while you're spending your time on the grounds that you could literally just escape here and say goodbye to the outside world. *That is actually what a lot of old Hollywood celebrities would do! I told you...the history here is fascinating!!
However, when you do come for your visit, I recommend doing these things:
Watch both the sunrise and the sunset over Butterfly Beach
Yep, you heard me. The sunrise AND the sunset over the beach. Say what?! When our wonderful concierge told us about this, I was so confused. I thought to myself, "It's California... There's only sunsets over the beach, sweetheart." Oh man, I was surely mistaken. SB is along a south-facing curve of California, thus allowing for visitors to actually see the sunrise and sunsets over the beach!
Butterfly Beach is conveniently located just in front of the hotel, so Jay and I woke up early one morning--coffee in hand--and headed to the beach to get a look. The tide was pretty high, but we made an adventurous trek across the rocks to get an exclusive view; and wow, was it breathtaking. You can head back here for sunset as well, or catch a different view from the Coral Casino next door, which is accessible for guests of The Biltmore Santa Barbara.
Tour the gardens
The horticulture on this property is one of the most immaculate and stunning collections I've ever seen. I could seriously spend most of my time just wandering around the gardens and spending time in nature. Grab one of the mini botanical guides that are in your room or at the concierge and tour the property to see the exotic plants, trees, and flowers!
Dine on site at Bella Vista or the Ty Lounge
The dining options on site are just as beautiful as they are tasty. Step into the main Bella Vista restaurant (or as I called it, "the Aladdin room") and take in the gorgeous view of Butterfly Beach from your dining table. It is a spectacular oceanfront, al fresco dining experience with a decadent menu. This is also a hot spot for people to come and brunch on Sundays!
By night, head into the trendy Ty Lounge for some happy hour cocktails and live entertainment. They recently finished some minor renovations in this lounge and painted the gorgeous wood beam ceilings! It's a must-see for sure!
Visit the Coral Casino and drink at the Tydes Coral Reef Bar
The Coral Casino, which was built in 1937, is an exclusive members-only club that is located adjacent to the Resort. Luckily, all guests of The Biltmore Santa Barbara are granted complimentary access to part of this property. You must check out the incredible Coral Reef Bar that is in the lounge upstairs. It is round 275-gallon aquarium that sits on top of the main bar, and it's filled with a live coral environment and fish!
Jay and I came here for a couple of happy hour drinks and to watch the sunset. The view was unbeatable, and the cocktails were pretty damn good themselves... We didn't dine here, but the food looked awesome.
Hit up the Gym, Resort Jungle Pool, and Spa (especially on Meditation Monday!)
The Gym, Resort Jungle Pool, and Spa are all conveniently located within steps of each other. If using any of these facilities is your jam while traveling, then Four Seasons Resort is the place to do it!
The Gym is spacious and full of great equipment for a travel-workout. They also have some little snacks you can purchase if you want to load up on nutrients before/after your workout.
The Spa was lovely and had an extensive menu of luxurious treatments (and also a really delicious smelling pear scented soap in the bathroom! OMG, I need to have it!). Also, make sure to attend "Meditation Monday" at the Spa during your visit if you can! The Resort began this new experience in March 2016 and is offering this complimentary service on the first Monday of every month. I was so bummed we missed it, but will definitely be back for it!
The Resort's Jungle Pool is exactly what is sounds like: a pool that looks like it's in the middle of the jungle. There is one large pool and 2 smaller hot tubs with different temperatures (I learned this the hard way by getting into the colder one first). Make sure to dip your head underwater in the pool and listen for the music playing! YES, underwater music! Super fancy! Jay and I spent our last afternoon here lounging by the pool; it felt like we were in our own little oasis :)
Other Notable Mentions:
Check out the tennis courts, croquet lawn, and putting green
Rent a bike from the spa to ride into town
Grab your board and go paddle boarding or surfing around the Santa Barbara area
Tour the gardens with the Resort's landscape manager
Order 24-hour room service and chill out on your patio or in front of the fireplace (ahhh...yes. My favorite!)
Good to Know Information
Download the Four Seasons app on your smartphone to enhance your visit. You can check out, plan activities, make reservations, or even contact housekeeping all from your phone! We tried it out for the first time and loved it.
Having a car isn't essential (especially if you are really trying to have a getaway experience and stay on the grounds), but it helps if you want to go in and out of downtown frequently. We parked ours in the self-parking lot, which was just behind the hotel, so that we could get around whenever we needed.
Complimentary coffee and tea is available every morning in the lobby.
There is a local train that passes through relatively close to the Resort. We never heard it from our room (or maybe we're just used to the city noise?); but just in case, there are ear plugs provided in each guest room.
Butterfly Beach, which is located just across the street from the property, is a wonderful public beach to hang out at.
My only regret of staying here is that we didn't have more time! I fell so in love with this property and Santa Barbara that I'm definitely looking forward to returning in the future. Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara was the perfect romantic getaway for us. It will be our hotel of choice when we come back to SB!
Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara
1260 Channel Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93108
(805) 969-2261
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS HOTEL, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK BELOW
Thank you to Four Seasons Resort The Biltmore Santa Barbara for hosting our stay. And a special thank you to all of the incredible staff members who made our visit spectacular. This post may include affiliate links, which comes at absolutely no cost to you. All proceeds go directly back into maintaining this website and making it better for you. All opinions are my own.
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
What To Do After A Blogging Conference: 6 Steps to Ensure Success
Blogging conferences can be an integral part of the growth to a digital entrepreneur’s business. With these 6 post-conference steps, you can be sure that you'll be making the most of your time at the conference, get everything done to grow your business, and do it all stress-free!
What To Do After A Blogging Conference: 6 Steps to Ensure Success
Blogging conferences are becoming increasingly more popular within the digital world, and have really become an integral part of the growth to a digital entrepreneur’s business. It’s a time when us bloggers can step away from the computers and cameras and come face-to-face with other people to network and learn vital information for our businesses.
The Women in Travel Summit just came to a close last week and it got me thinking... There is so much incredible information to learn and people to meet that it can become extremely overwhelming. How can you manage the stress in a positive way and be sure that you are making the most of your time at the conference?
I’ve been to enough conferences now--and even suffered through that information overwhelm--that I’ve learned the secret recipe to post-conference success. With these steps, I can assure that you’ll be making the most of your time, absorbing all of the information, putting everything to good use, and staying in touch with the people you interacted with. Keep this guide handy for your next conference!
1. Decompress
Unless you are an extreme extrovert, networking conferences can be extremely exhausting and overwhelming. You're meeting new people, getting business contacts, learning new information... It's a lot to handle! It can take a lot of energy to constantly be "on" throughout the conference, and you need to give your body time to decompress and relax afterwards.
It's important to allow yourself at least 1 evening (or day, morning, afternoon, whatever you want!) to kick back and chill post-conference. It basically lets the juices in your head marinate, if you will, and you'll feel much more refreshed and ready to go once you allow yourself to decompress a little bit. For example, if a conference ends in the afternoon, I will usually go home and order food, have a glass of wine, and maybe cuddle up on the couch with some Netflix for the evening. That way, I can just chill out and be ready to hit the ground running in the morning. It's so important to listen to your body and let it relax!
2. Organize your business cards/contacts
Once you've decompressed, open up your bag and pull out all of the business cards and contacts that you collected throughout the conference. If you're thinking ahead, you've probably already organized them all in the same spot so they aren't scattered amongst your things. *I learned this the hard way and now I bring a small ziplock bag to put all of the cards I collect so I don't lose any!
Organize your new contacts however you prefer--in a binder, on excel, in a rolodex, etc.--and maybe even start making little notes about each interaction you had. Maybe you talked to Sally about a sponsorship opportunity and you remembered that you spoke about her 2 daughters. Those are nice little things to include and remember if you want (definitely not necessary though). Start creating a small to-do list from your new contacts so that you know who you need to contact for what and save it for later.
3. Organize your notes
Now that you're in the organizing mood, start going through your notes you took over the weekend. If you attended some awesome lectures, seminars, or sessions, maybe you have some killer notes that you want to review. Organize those notes however you prefer--in excel, Google Drive, etc.--and feel free to reach out to your peers and do a note swap!
All of this organizing is leading up to something big--I promise!
4. Create an action item list
Here we go! Now that you're all organized--your business cards and contacts are in place, your notes are looking good, and everything is feeling right--it's time to put all of this into action. You're going to create a nice, neat, and compartmentalized action item list. Choose your preferred method of how you want to draft up this to-do list. I love physically writing it down, but a lot of people like digitally creating lists. Whatever works!
For all of those new contacts you neatly organized, you're going to create a column of all the follow-ups you need to do (i.e. Thank You's, sponsorship deals, intros, scheduling, etc.) and put due dates next to them. Robin Sharma once told me, "If it doesn't get scheduled, it doesn't get done." So schedule it into your calendar so you can get it done!
Once you're done combing through your contacts, look at the notes you put together to draft another action column. There's usually a reason why you took those notes. Are you trying to rebrand and create a better message for your audience? Are you starting to dabble in video content? Are you implementing some new writing skills? Look at the common theme amongst your notes to figure out what you are trying to accomplish. From there, create a detailed and very specific action item list for those things you want to accomplish (you can even create multiple columns if you need). The more detailed, the better! And don't forget to include deadlines to hold yourself accountable!
5. Execute
Now that you have your handy action item list, it's time to execute. You've included deadlines and due dates for everything you want to do, so you're already halfway there! Just follow through on the things that you promised yourself and execute every column on your list. You can do it!
2016 WITS Planning Team
6. Stay in touch
Staying in touch with people that you met at these conferences is one of the best parts of attending a blogging conference. It's so important to maintain these relationships because you never know what could happen down the road! Business opportunities could arise, new friendships could blossom, or maybe you could be traveling to a new city and someone you met at the conference lives there and could give you great advice (or a place to sleep!). Plus, it's so easy to stay in touch now with social media. Lots of conferences even have private Facebook groups that you can join before attending so you can connect with people that way. Whichever method you prefer to stay in touch, just make sure you do so.
What are your favorite networking conferences? Do you use similar methods to ensure post-conference success? Comment below with your opinions!
_____
*All images are from JasonSeagle.com from the Women In Travel Summit 2016 in Irvine, CA
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
7 Instagram Shortcuts to Start Using Today
Handling multiple social media channels at once can be exhausting, so it helps to know a few efficient tips. Become an Instagram master (and maybe even put a little more time back in your day...) by implementing these 7 Instagram shortcuts into your daily repertoire.
7 Instagram Shortcuts to Start Using Today
If you have a blog, brand, or business that you are trying to promote on social media, it can be exhausting trying to handle all of those different accounts at once. You might as well know a couple shortcuts here and there to help you become more efficient and put a little more time back in your day. Here are 7 great Instagram shortcuts to add to your repertoire today!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
1. Create a Hashtag Keyboard Shortcut
Instagram recently changed their hashtag algorithms so that the most recent photos show closer to the top. It used to be that you could just go back and add a hashtag to a picture whenever you wanted and it would be added to the top of the feed; but now, if you want to increase your chances of getting exposure faster, you need to add those hashtags immediately when you post. So it's very important to know which hashtags to include right away--especially if you want to use a series of them!
One way to include all of those hashtags you want in a matter of seconds is by creating a keyboard shortcut so that you can easily type in one word or phrase and have all of your hashtags pop up. Follow these steps below to create your keyboard shortcut on your iPhone:
- Click on "Settings" on the main home screen
- Click "General"
- Click "Keyboard"
- Click "Text Replacement" and the "+" button at the top
- Enter your hashtags into the "Phrase" line
- Enter your shortcut name in the "Shortcut" line and click "Save"
- Open Instagram and select the photo you want to add the hashtags to
- Type your hashtag shortcut into your caption or into a comment
2. Suggested Follow
The suggested follow feature isn't a new one, but it's a great tool to use if you want to find and follow similar accounts to the ones you already enjoy. Just click the drop down arrow next to the "Following" button and you'll instantly see other similar accounts!
3. Hold & Explore
A great shortcut on the "Explore" tab (or on a profile) is the ability to look at a picture on the full screen without clicking out of the tab. All you have to do is select the picture you want to look at, press and hold down, and then swipe up to have additional functions.
4. Manage Your Filters
If you like using the preset filters on Instagram, you can move them around to put your favorite ones closer to the beginning. All you do is press and hold down the filter you want to move, drag it to the spot you want, and drop it. You can also drag the ones you don't want to the center of the screen and delete them if you'd like.
5. Send a Post
If you come across a post that you like and want to send it to a friend, you can use the steps in Shortcut #3 to select the photo and then click "Send as Message". Type in your friend's name and your message, and then click "Send".
6. Link to Your Social
If you haven't linked your other social media accounts to your Instagram profile, do it now. This is especially important if you are a blog, brand, or business and trying to grow your presence on multiple platforms. Follow the following steps to link your accounts:
- Go to your IG profile and click the "Settings" gear on the upper right hand corner
- Scroll down to "Linked Accounts"
- Select the social account that you would like to attach
- Enter your verifications into the prompts
- *For Facebook: You can select whether you want to share to your "Timeline" or "Page" (Select "Page" if you want it to push to your blog, brand, or business' account)
- Select the social account you want to push to when you're uploading your photo
7. Add Your Location Later
One of last year's updates made it possible to include a location on your post after you have already published it. It used to be that you had to be near the actual location to have it show up on the Geotag, but now you can be half way across the world and still tag something from your vacation last summer in Europe. Follow these steps to add your location later:
- Select your photo and click the drop down arrow on the upper right hand corner
- Click "Edit"
- Click "Add Location..."
- Enter your location and click "Save"
_____
What are other Instagram shortcuts you love? Comment below with other great tips!
Want to learn how to get paid for your passion on Instagram and start making money with the following you already have?
My Instagram E-Course for bloggers, brands, and creatives will show you the way.
JUST CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
10 Travel Books To Put On Your Coffee Table Now
It's time for you to bring some travel home so that you can spark your interest and find inspiration for your next journey. Check out these 10 travel books that you should put on your coffee table now!
10 Travel Books To Put On Your Coffee Table Now
One thing I love about travel is that you can find inspiration for it almost anywhere. I personally love adding little touches of that inspiration all around my home. What better way to do that than having a fabulous coffee table book to flip through when you're all cozied up?!
A great travel book could spark your interest to go somewhere new, show you places you've never seen before, or, at the very least, feed your soul's love and desire for the exotic destinations of this world. So if you're a travel junkie like me, grab a copy of at least 1 of these 10 inspiring travel books so you can bring a little travel home with you today!
Paris in color
Explore the colorful streets of Paris through this photographer's eyes. Every beautiful corner will definitely make you swoon!
The Best Place to be Today
Explore and know where in the world you should be on every day of the year. You could be spending 4th of July in NYC, or dressing up for Carnivale in Venice on the 15th of February.
36 hours series
This series of books goes through detailed itineraries of what you should do and experience in cities all around the world in a short amount of time! Great for weekend travelers!
Follow Me To
This unbelievable collection of images was shot by a lovely couple who wanted to remember their journeys around the world. Each photo is more stunning than last. #RelationshipGoals
The Travel Book
Get some serious wanderlust flipping through this book of every country in the world and see where you might want to travel next.
Humans of New York
Brandon Stanton became a household name after this incredible personal project where he went around and photographed New Yorkers while learning about their journeys. See and read about each of their unique stories in this book.
Ultimate travel
Explore 500 of the best places to see in the world according to the travel experts at Lonely Planet.
Places to go, People to see
I think I'm particularly drawn to this book's title because my mom always said that to me to get me out of the house fast! This adorable book is the perfect combination of inspirational quotes, old world glamour and photography, chic cities around the world, and ways to incorporate those travel experiences back home.
1,000 places to see before you die
Another book to spark your wanderlust. Each adventure will make you want to book that plane ticket ASAP!
Journeys of a lifetime
Explore 500 of the world's greatest trips that you should add onto your bucket list if they aren't already!
I also love having destination specific travel books by Fodor's, Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, etc. around the house! What are some of your favorite coffee table travel books? Comment below with other suggestions!
And just as a special bonus... Here are a few more of my favorites :) Happy reading!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
A Foodie's Guide to Eating Around Chicago
If you need one reason to visit Chicago, do it for the food. Browse this guide of over 50 places to eat your way around Chicago's delicious food scene.
A Foodie's Guide to Eating Around Chicago
If you need 1 reason to go to Chicago, go for the food. The Chicago food scene is absolutely booming right now. With rents skyrocketing in NYC and LA, chefs and restaurateurs are starting to see the value in bringing their businesses to the Windy City, which makes hungry Chicagoans very happy.
I've done my fair share of eating my way around the city the last few years and think it's time to pass along my knowledge to other foodies living in or traveling through Chicago. Whatever you're in the mood for, I've got you covered. I've included a place for almost every occasion you can think of--girls night out, cheap eats, power lunches, rom-din (new abbreviation for romantic dinner??), and even places #FTB. So without further ado, here are my top restaurant recommendations around Chicago! Bon appétit!
Brunch
Summer House Santa Monica, $$, 1954 N Halsted St, *Retractable roof in the summer time!
Zella, $$, 1983 N Clybourn Ave, *Good spot if you want to party during brunch
Bongo Room, $$, 1470 N Milwaukee Ave, *Typically have seasonal menus, but red velvet pancakes are amazing
Taverna 750, $$, 750 W Cornelia Ave, *Great outdoor patio in the warm season
Blackwood BBQ, $, 305 W Lake St, *Amazing BBQ for any meal / More of a grab-&-go spot
Sable Kitchen & Bar, $$$, 505 N State St
Yolk, $$, 355 E Ohio St
La Creperie, $$, 2845 N Clark St, *Check out the darling patio in the back too!
Tavern On Rush, $$$, 1031 N Rush St, *Great location for people watching / Try the breakfast pizzas
Stanley's Kitchen & Tap, $$, 1970 N Lincoln Ave, *Near a ton of great sports & dive bars
"Power" Lunch
Slurping Turtle, $$, 116 W Hubbard St
Siam Rice, $$, 117 N Wells St, *Great power lunch spot to sit with fast service/ Basil Chicken is out of this world
LYFE Kitchen, $$, 413 N Clark St, *Very healthy spot with great food
Luke's Lobster, $$, 134 N LaSalle St, *One of the best lobster rolls in the city
HUB 51, $$, 51 W Hubbard St
Smoque BBQ, $, 3800 N Pulaski Rd, Ste 2
Bridge House Tavern, $$, 321 N Clark St, *Beautiful location along the river
Big Star, $$, 1531 N Damen, *Famous taco spot in Wicker Park / Cash only
Chicago French Market, $$, 131 N Clinton St, *Open market to walk through and stop at different kiosks
Bub City, $$, 435 N Clark St, *Cool, country vibe / Also has karaoke and live music on most nights
Protein Bar, Roti, or Freshii, $, Multiple Locations, *All great, fast eats for when you're in a hurry
Cheap Eats
Del Seoul, $, 2568 N Clark St, *Omggggg this place owns my heart... Get the shrimp tacos and thank me later
Crisp, $, 2940 N Broadway Ave, *Korean BBQ comfort food
Chicago Bagel Authority, $, 953 W Armitage Ave
Urbanbelly, $$, 1400 W Randolph St, *Attached to BellyQ / Just as good, but for half the price
Pierogi Heaven, $, 169 N Wells St
Naansense, $, 171 N Wells St
Torta Haüs, $, 926 W Diversey Pkwy
Belly Shack, $$, 1912 N Western Ave
Chicago Staples
Lou Malnati's, $$, Multiple Locations, *Best pizza in the city / The thin crust is delicious
Al's Beef, $, 169 W Ontario St, *Classic Italian beef sandwich
Portillo's, $, 100 W Ontario St, *Everything on the menu is amazing and you can't go wrong here
Pequod's, $, 2207 N Clybourn Ave, 2nd best pizza in the city IMO
Billy Goat Tavern, $, 430 N Michigan Ave, *Made famous by the likes of SNL
Wiener's Circle, $, 2622 N Clark St, *Go here late night for the "show"
Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse, $$$, 1028 N Rush St
Drinks & Sports Bars
D.O.C. Wine Bar, $$, 2602 N Clark St, *You can order the food from Dunlay's next door, too
RM Champagne Salon, $$$, 116 N Green St, *Cute date spot that feels like you're transported to Paris!
Old Town Ale House, $, 219 W North Ave, *Iconic stomping grounds of current & former Second City cast members such as Chris Farley, Billy Murray, and more!
The J Parker, $$, 1816 N Clark, 13th Floor, *Great rooftop view from Hotel Lincoln
Pops for Champagne, $$$, 601 N State St
The Pump Room, $$$, 1301 N State Pkwy, *Historic and popular bar in the Public Hotel / Food is great too
Berkshire Room, $$, 15 E Ohio St
Benchmark, $$, 1510 N Wells St, *Sports bar with retractable roof in nice weather!
Old Town Pour House, $$, 1419 N Wells St
State, $$, 935 W Webster Ave, *Great place for trivia night and watching a game
Fairways, $$, 1141 W Armitage Ave, *Sports bar with golf simulators
Public House, $$, 400 N State St
Bull & Bear, $$, 431 N Wells St, *Good happy hour spot & great food menu too
Dinner
Au Cheval, $$, 800 W Randolph St, *LITERALLY the best burger you will have in your life
Longman & Eagle, $$, 2657 N Kedzie Ave
Dunlay's on Clark, $$, 2600 N Clark St, *Get the turkey burger--my fave!
Glenn's Diner, $$, 1820 W Montrose Ave, *One of the city's hidden gems of seafood
Maude's Liquor Bar, $$$, 840 W Randolph St, *French onion fondue... yes.
Sunda, $$$, 110 W Illinois St
Kuma's Corner, $$, 2900 W Belmont Ave, *Great burger spot
GT Fish & Oyster, $$$, 531 N Wells St
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, $$$, 218 W Kinzie St, *Get the thick cut bacon
Gilt Bar, $$$, 230 W Kinzie St, *Best steak tartare on earth
Fat Rice, $$, 2957 W Diversey Ave
Mana Food Bar, $$, 1742 W Division St, *Healthier vegetarian and vegan option
Roka Akor, $$$, 456 N Clark St
Girl & The Goat, $$$, 809 W Randolph St, *Stephanie Izard of Top Chef runs this awesome West Loop spot
Mercadito, $$$, 108 W Kinzie St
BellyQ, $$$, 1400 W Randolph St
Butterfly Sushi, $$, 1139 W Grand Ave, *Great BYOB sushi spot
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba, $$, 2024 N Halsted St, *My favorite tapas bar in the city
Crosby's Kitchen, $$, 3455 N Southport Ave, *The rotisserie specials and skillet cookie are amazing
Chicago Pizza & Oven Grinder, $$, 2121 N Clark St, *Legendary place with delicious "pizza pot pies"
Boarding House, $$$, 720 N Wells St
Sweets
Molly's Cupcakes, $, 2536 N Clark St. *SO yummy / Appeared on Cupcake Wars
Glazed & Infused, $, 30 E Hubbard St
Doughnut Vault, $, 401 1/2 N Franklin St
Firecakes, $$, 68 W Hubbard St
Stan's Donuts, $$, 2800 N Clark St
Bang Bang Pie Shop, $$, 2051 N California Ave
This list is just scratching the surface on all the amazing eats there are in Chicago! Try these places out, ask other locals for their opinions, or walk around and stumble upon some quality spots yourself! You really can't go wrong with dining in Chicago...
What are your favorite places to eat in Chicago? Comment below with more spots!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Guest Post: 10 Life Changing Things I Learned From Living In Another Country For A Year
Guest Poster Annah Rose shares her journey of 10 great things she learned from living abroad for 1 year.
Guest Post: 10 Life Changing Things I Learned From Living In Another Country For A Year
By: Annah Rose of AnnahRose.com
It was January 21st, 2015 and I found myself leaving the country to embark on what I had thought would just be a month trip that turned out to be a year of living outside the U.S and having the best adventure that I never imagined I would experience in my life.
Before I get ahead of myself, let me start from the beginning.
Having had been to Asia a few months before, my then boyfriend and I had this idea to leave the country to live and work in Argentina for a month. We had some friends that were about to do the same so we would have a mini community upon arriving. I was totally on board.. I mean of course who wouldn’t be right?
We were living in Austin at the time with a plan to move back to LA immediately after, so we packed up our things, put them in storage and left the country.
Enamored with the Latin culture since I was a kid, I was immediately in love with Palermo Soho where we found an amazing 3 bedroom 2 story AirBnB for next to nothing. Already it was turning out to be a great trip I had thought to myself.
Two days into the trip, my boyfriend and I broke up (it was a long time coming) he left to Uruguay and after much thought, I decided to stay by myself with my friends nearby. Having never really been in a country alone this made me nervous but also excited. There was a whole city out there just for me to explore and experience and that’s exactly what I did.
Annah in Boca Chica, Argentina
I found myself eating the most amazing food, sometimes alone and venturing off on mini explorations during the day also sometimes alone. I found myself sparking up conversations with strangers and then sitting for hours chatting with them. It was an interesting experience and just the beginning of my journey.
What was going on was that I had started to taste this freeness inside of me, this itch to keep going, meet more people, speak Spanish everyday, and be completely outside of my comfort zone.
My friends decided that we should all go to Uruguay for a week during my last week. So 5 of us set off on the most epic week I ever had in my life at the time. We took the ferry to Colonia, stayed in a hostel in Montevideo, drove on dirt roads next to farm animals to a special little place called Cabo Polonia which isn’t even on map and then got an AirBnB in La Barra, just a few blocks from the beach. It was amazing and these people became apart of my heart. By the end of the trip we were making jokes that we were siblings, gave each other nicknames and have still been planning future trips together.
On the way back from Uruguay to Buenos Aires, I was talking to my brother in Sayulita, Mexico where he was spending a few months chasing waves while it was cold in New York. He had mentioned that our mom was coming to meet him. Having just spent a month away from the U.S, and feeling like I had just started my journey, there was no chance I was coming back soon. So I found a cheap one way flight from LA to Mexico and timed it to be super close to arriving from Buenos Aires.
And just like that I was on my way to Mexico for an undetermined amount of time. Upon arrival I was greeted by my brother, he showed me around the beautiful small fishing village, introduced me to some of the local people and it really became history from there.
I made friends with the most amazing people I have ever met in my life.
I experienced things I never imagined.
Things like walking around town with no shoes, eating fresh fish caught by friends literally caught a block away from my apartment, hiking through the jungle to secret beaches, staying on the beach with friends until 6am, spear fishing (although I got seasick), scuba diving, watching whales breach from the shore, snorkeling in an old volcano that is now a hidden beach and lots of tequila.
Annah in Marietas Island
It was never my intention to stay, it just happened naturally, in fact I was on a secret jungle beach, watching the most epic sunset (photo right below) with new friends that solidified staying for me. Initially I thought just for 3-6 months, but that quickly turned out to be a full year of growth, change, adventure and self-love.
"THE NIGHT IN EARLY FEBRUARY THAT I DECIDED TO MAKE THIS PLACE A HOME"
Here are 10 life-changing things that I learned from living outside of the U.S for a year in no particular order.
Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there.
This was the theme of my trip. I wanted to do as much as I could as meet as many people as I could. I sparked conversations with anyone I found interesting at any time without hesitation. The only downside was always having to say bye to people who are now some of my great friends. I have now built a tribe that live all over, from Canada, Brasil, Australia, Asia, Europe and Mexico.
Happiness is from within.
I was actively working on this at the time but, everything that I was working on internally kind of just clicked here. I was cracked wide open in this place, ready to take on the world, own my own crap and work out my baggage. I learned by being solely responsible for my own happiness that I then became a lighter human. This all simultaneously happened from mindfully acknowledging that I indeed create my own happiness and by proxy not only are you happier and more appreciative but everyone around you as well because you aren’t putting your inner crap on them.
Your relationship with yourself is most important.
I was essentially by myself so this allowed the space for me to see in what ways I was loving myself and in what ways I wasn’t. I was able to have a clear mind.What I learned was that I was creating my own insecurities in my mind and my own fears. When you are traveling alone you can’t hide from yourself. You meet yourself in the most vulnerable way for the first time. I needed to learn to fully love myself and feel comfortable with myself in order to be fully present in my experiences. Without the self love that I was giving me, I wouldn’t have been able to feel super comfortable with new people in a new surrounding. (See 7 Ways to Love Yourself More)
Anything can be an adventure if you allow it.
I had always thought that adventures were just something like jumping off a cliff into the ocean or something of that nature, what I didn’t realize that any moment can become an adventure if you let it. Something as simple as saying yes to something you were hesitant to do before can become an adventure, like surfing, scuba diving, trying a new restaurant alone, taking a bus to a new town to explore and meeting people along the way. When you allow adventure in your life you will instantly feel more alive. It’s really great for the soul.
Grounding yourself in nature is good for the soul.
Nature is massive; it’s the ground we walk on, the air we breathe, the ocean we swim in, the waves we surf on, the woods or jungle we hike in. I learned how grounding myself in nature, appreciating it and feeling at home in it helped me ground myself in me. I was able to take so many quiet moments to admire the earth by sitting in the sand and watching the waves, walking through the jungle or climbing hills to see beautiful views and sunsets. Just simply walking barefoot (which I was doing all day everyday because Dorito kept eating my shoes) grounds you into the earth. The earth holds such boosting energy, and it is waiting for you to just plant your feet on it. Once you do you will immediately feel invigorated and it even has anti-inflamatory and calming properties which you can reep the benefits of once you simply walk barefoot in sand, grass, or soil.
Living Simply creates more fullness in life.
When you’re outside of the U.S not everything you’re used to is readily available. There was virtually no AC, not many people have phones and no supermarket in town to get things that you think you need. At first I thought I would need things and made lots of trips to the nearest Walmart an hour bus ride away… but then I realized, I really didn’t need anything.. I could shop local with the fruits and vegetables that were in season and live with the things already provided to me in my apartment like; blankets and kitchen stuff. I didn’t have to spend money for things just because I thought they were better quality. I learned you don’t need excess in anything. I found myself weekly going through my clothes and giving them away. I no longer needed excess. In fact, I only owned one pair of flip flops and one pair of vans… that was it. And when my dog would chew my flip flops I would walk barefoot until it rained or something and was time for shoes. I found my life fuller from simply de-cluttering my living space.
Disconnecting from technology regularly creates space for presence.
The wifi wasn’t the best and not everyone owned a phone or had a data plan. So I learned the second most valuable lesson which was to be disconnected, to really appreciate the moments with the people I was with. I didn’t need my phone which I had always felt like I did. Interestingly enough, I have found myself now being more disconnected than I was in mexico. If I don’t have to check my phone I won’t and I have learned the gem of do-not-disturb when I’m sleeping. I also have been incorporating not checking my e-mail or phone upon first waking up as well which is the hardest thing for me. This disconnecting has also helped me live more presently, and more simply.
Time is relative.
When you’re not really on a particular schedule, time doesn’t actually exist, it’s something we create. I was working on my own time and so was everyone around me. We never really knew what day or time it was unless we had something scheduled. This allowed for all of us to develop deeper friendships with each other and your time to be spent more wisely since with so many new friends coming and going it was always someone’s last night. I learned to fill my days up with experiences and even on days where I wanted to just chill at home, I would run into someone while I was walking and end up doing something. This is the most important thing I learned that has now carried into my daily life. I am very contientious about tasks that are time wasting not time spending. I have also found myself attracting new friends in with the same mindset.
Freedom is a choice.
I learned what the feeling of freedom actually is. The feeling to go and do whatever I choose each day from morning to night, the freedom of routine, of monotony, of judgments, of belief systems, and of U.S society even. I learned how other cultures see the world all differently while all living in the same village… I learned how many other’s view the U.S especially during election times. I learned what it’s like to just be me fully and to create a life of fullness and aliveness. All of these are how I define freedom. This feeling is something that has changed my life, a way I now live every day without hesitation. Freedom iscomplete authenticity and vulnerability every waking moment of my life and I EFFING thrive in it.
Change is the seed of growth.
This interesting thing happens once you leave the country no matter if for a weekend, week, month, year or indefinitely; you change and grow. You learn to see the world with totally different eyes. You pick apart your belief systems and judgements and let them go, at least that’s what I did. With all that change comes worlds of growth as a person and as a women. I can’t explain just how at home I now feel in my body and mind. I have become more free, fearless, light as a feather and completely authentic. A me that I was striving to become for years.
These are the most valuable lessons that I have ever learned in my life. This way of thinking and living are now deeply engrained in me and have completely changed my outlook on life and my internal self.
We as people are in endless change and growth but what I will say is, if you want a crash course of getting out of your comfort zone, head out of the country for a bit and take a moment to meet yourself for the first real time.
A year ago, I left the country with a boyfriend, came back single, full of love and immensely full of inner happiness more than I ever have before.
I have only been back in the U.S for 2 weeks but if I could do it all over again I would…but then again I probably will, who am I kidding
Want to follow Annah's journey? // Sign up for Annah's newsletter here
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
How to Create a Cohesive Instagram Feed
Having a cohesive Instagram feed is one of the key elements to growing your Instagram following. If you have a beautiful and consistent cover story, people will be more likely to follow you. Here are 5 steps to creating a cohesive Instagram feed so you can quickly build your audience.
How to Create a Cohesive Instagram Feed:
5 Steps to Having a Consistent Cover Story So You Can Quickly Grow Your Following
Did you know that it takes two-tenths of a second for someone to decide whether or not they will follow you on social media? That means you have less than 1 second to "WOW" a new visitor into hitting that follow button.
Do you think your profile has what it takes? In this article, we'll uncover how to create a cohesive Instagram feed by making sure your cover story is consistent and beautiful so that you can quickly grow your following!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
What is a cover story and why is it important?
Creating a cohesive and consistent cover story is one of the key elements to having a successful Instagram account. Your cover story--a.k.a. the first 9 photos of your IG profile--is essentially your brand's first impression, what gets people in the door, and what keeps 'em there. It's what gets people interested and engaged with your Instagram profile, and what makes new visitors want to follow you.
People love consistency, and this is especially true on social media. Having a consistent cover story is incredibly important for anyone who is serious about growing their Instagram following. Not only does it give off the first impression to any new visitors, but it continues to keep people interested as they start to follow your account. Post 1 inconsistent or bad picture and it could turn off your followers...or worse...make them unfollow you.
5 Steps to Creating a Cohesive Cover Story
1. Take Great Photos
Probably the most obvious step to having an amazing cover story is taking great photos. Make sure that every photo you take is visually pleasing and engaging. You can follow some of these simple photography rules to make sure your photos stand out from the crowd:
- Take multiple shots to have variations to choose from. Move around, shoot vertically and horizontally, get different angles, etc.
- Practice the rule of thirds
- Consider the composition and framing of the photo
- Select a subject and try out variations with it in the middle or off center
*Bonus points for pictures that stir up emotions (especially those of happiness)!
2. Be Consistent
Being consistent with your Instagram photos is extremely important to having a cohesive feed. Make sure you are consistent with each of these things at all times :
- You color palette. Pick a color palette and stick with it. Bright, dark, contrasted, etc. Just stick to it.
- Your editing technique. Use the same (or similar) editing process for all of your photos so they all look consistent. *I like using VSCO and Snapseed for all of my photos.
- Your layout. Make sure you have the same layout for all of your photos. If you're going to do a white frame on one photo, you have to do it on all of them. Same goes for photos in landscape or portrait frames so that they all look cohesive on your feed.
- Your theme. Pick a theme and make sure your photos go with it. You can try to choose 3-5 different types of images that all fit within that theme and alternate between posting those photos. Example: You have a food blog and you post 1) food pics, 2) restaurant interiors, 3) selfies of you eating the food and/or hanging at the restaurant, and 4) ingredients to make food.
3. Match Your Photos to Your Bio's Expectations
Use the space you have in your bio to set up expectations for what your followers can expect from you. If you say that you are a fashion blogger posting about street style, don't post a random photo of your little cousin's birthday party or a frog that you saw outside your window. It just doesn't make sense and it doesn't go with the flow. Yes, those pictures might be nice; but if you're trying to create a cohesive profile, stick to what you said you would in your bio.
4. Tell Your Story
Use your feed to tell your brand's story. It is your opportunity to use visuals to convey your message and story to your followers. Choose a theme and editing style that can align well with your brand's story and keep with it. Maybe you're a travel blogger who loves sharing pictures from the places you travel, so you share those colorful images. Or maybe you're a bike rental company and you want to show off how much people love (and look good) riding your bikes, so you share simple and beautiful images of people enjoying the bikes. Get creative with it and have fun!
5. Grow It Frequently
If you've gone through this article and feel disappointed that your Instagram feed isn't where you want it to be, don't worry! The best thing you can do to create a cohesive IG feed is to grow it frequently. Have a consistent posting schedule that you stick to every day (or week) and always be adding to your feed. You can always try and test out new ways that work best for you, but just make sure you are growing your feed frequently and being consistent with how often you post.
_____
Growing your Instagram feed can take time; but once you start practicing these tips, you'll start creating a feed that will undoubtedly make people want to join in on your journey.
Just remember to be consistent and always be growing!
Want to learn how to get paid for your passion on Instagram and start making money with the following you already have?
My Instagram E-Course for bloggers, brands, and creatives will show you the way.
Just click here for more info!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
The 5 Most Beautiful Parks Around Paris
Many of the most beautiful parks in the world are lucky to call Paris home. If you're planning a trip to Paris and want a little inspiration, here is a list of parks around Paris for you to decide where you would like to spend your time moseying along.
The 5 Most Beautiful Parks Around Paris
Many of the most beautiful parks in the world are lucky to call Paris home. It's no wonder that all of the impressionists painted Parisians strolling through the park and lounging around them every chance they got. The parks are immaculate and breathtaking! Who wouldn't want to do that?!
If you're planning a trip to Paris and want a little inspiration, we're exploring some of the most beautiful parks around Paris so that you can get a good idea of where you would like to spend your time moseying along. Here are the 5 most beautiful parks around Paris, and a few bonus ones for you at the end!
5. Jardin des Tuileries
The beautiful Jardin des Tuileries is Paris' oldest and largest public garden. It's amazing because of it's central location to everything. It is right next to the Louvre, the Seine, Place de la Concorde, Arc de Triomphe, Musée de l'Orangerie, and more! It's great to come here early in the mornings before the crowds of people, but you won't regret if you come at any other time of the day either. Be sure to visit when the ferris wheel is up, or when the impeccable trees on the grounds are changing foliage throughout the year.
4. Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Situated in the 19th arrondissement is the one of the best local parks in Paris. Tourists don't usually frequent this park, but locals know that it's one of the city's best getaways. There is a stunning little temple/gazebo on top of the main cliff that you're not supposed to climb up into...but if you do, I won't tell! The views from inside it are unbelievable!
The park is quite large and even has a cute local restaurant to grab some food and drinks if you didn't bring your own. I'd definitely recommend coming here on a beautiful day with a picnic in one hand and your lover in the other.
3. Parc Monceau
This public park, which is located in the middle of the 8th arrondissement, is one of the most diverse parks in the city. There are influences from Egyptian, Italian, Chinese, English, Dutch, and Corinthian cultures. The entrance of the park greets you with a gorgeous rotunda as you enter an extraordinary and quiet oasis in the middle of the city. Definitely an ideal spot to come for a walk.
2. Jardin du Luxembourg
Jardin du Luxembourg is an amazing park that is a favorite amongst both locals and visitors. This popular 17th-century garden, which was created by the Italian monarch Marie de Medici, is a wonderful place to come at any point in the day and eat, relax, walk, nap, or people watch.
Take in the gorgeous architecture and sculptures, catch a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower, admire the Medici Fountain, or even sail a mini boat in the fountain. Your kids can also enjoy pony rides or traditional puppet shows, locally known as "guignols." There isn't too much grass to sit on, so come early if you want a chair, or be prepared to hunt around for a good spot under the shade.
1. Parc de Sceaux
This might be one of Paris' best kept secrets, but just on the outskirts of town (or a quick metro ride away) is the adorable and picturesque town of Sceaux. Imagine cute, little, French-country-style-looking houses, cobblestone streets, and an unbelievable park with 17th-century gardens that is right in the center of it all.
This park has a sweeping views of the land, an immaculately manicured landscape, a grand country house and museum, and elegant water fountains all throughout the park. The first time I came to this park, I felt like my soul was home. It is breathtaking and absolutely worth a visit. The best part is that it's relatively quiet compared to the other parks since it is further away from the city center of Paris (aka: no annoying tourists!) so you can enjoy a pleasant stay.
Other notable parks and gardens around Paris:
Parc de Saint-Cloud - Located just on the outskirts of Paris is the cute little town of Saint-Cloud. The park is free for pedestrians and has a wonderful view of the city center of Paris. It's a nice place if you want to escape the tourists.
Musée Rodin - It's hard to choose what is more beautiful of the gardens of the Rodin Museum: the sculptures or the flowers and pristine landscape.
Bois de Vincennes - Located just on the eastern tip of Paris is the largest public park in the city. They have everything from boats, theatres, a zoo, a historic chateau, and acres of land to be able to relax and enjoy.
Jardin des Plantes - Once a royal botanical garden in the Latin Quarter, this park is a perfect place for the whole family since it is adjacent to the Museum of Natural History.
Jardin du Palais Royal - A nice area in the middle of Paris to walk through and enjoy the architecture and perfectly manicured trees
Gardens of Versailles - The garden of all gardens. Probably one of the most beautiful places in the world and definitely worth a visit at least once in your life.
Place des Vosges - A great spot in the heart of the Marais to enjoy the architecture and people watching!
Parc de Belleville - This park boasts a great view of Paris from the 20th arrondissement.
What is your favorite park around Paris? Comment below with other spots not listed here that would be great to visit!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Brooklyn Food Crawl: Eat Your Way Through Williamsburg
Food is one of the universal keys to understanding any culture, so it's time to dive "fork first" into the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg. Come hungry and spend the day eating and drinking your way around Williamsburg with this food crawl itinerary!
Brooklyn Food Crawl: Eat Your Way Through Williamsburg
I think we can all agree that food is one of the universal keys to understanding any culture, right? So what better way to get to know a new place than by eating your way around it? I mean...all you have to do is say "there will be food" and I will be there.
My recent explorations brought me to the trendy Brooklyn neighborhood of Williamsburg, a place that has been calling my name for years. Williamsburg has this relaxed, home-y, but-still-city vibe that reminds me so much of Chicago. The bf and I decided combine our loves for travel and food and do a little food crawl through Williamsburg to see what it was all about.
Thanks to many local recommendations, we made a list of our favorite places to eat your way through Williamsburg. We stopped at each of these places for a drink, an appetizer/small plate, or a full meal (and there's a few spots that we just stopped in to see the vibe). Check out our itinerary below for ideas on crafting your own personal food crawl! You can pick and choose from each category, or try to go to all of them!
Early Morning: Breakfast, Coffee, & Walk through the park
Blind Barber, 524 Lorimer St
Start your morning off at Blind Barber in Williamsburg. We got a later start and headed here around 11:45am, which was right when they were about to start cooking their Grilled Cheese offerings on their menu. GO HERE FOR THIS. Literally one of the best grilled cheese sandwiches I've had in my life. It was a daily special with veggie sausage, fried egg, tomato chutney, jalapeno, sharp cheddar, and pesto...*mouth watering*. Definitely a cute spot, and you'll start to notice a trend of cafes + barber shops after this one.
Variety Coffee, 368 Graham Ave
Cute cafe to stop in on Graham when you're walking up towards the McCarren Park. We already had a coffee at the previous spot, but would definitely come back here to grab a cup or sit near the window to work (aka people watch).
McCarren Park, 776 Lorimer St
After hitting up Variety Coffee, you can walk north on Graham, turn left on Driggs Ave, and then walk through McCarren Park. It is a nice spot to walk off the morning food and take in some urban nature. Once you're walking south on Driggs, you'll eventually hit N 12th St, which is where you can decide where to go next! We chose to walk all between Driggs and Kent Ave.
Grilled Cheese at Blind Barber
Late Morning: Snacks, Treats, & Walk to the shore
Cafe Colette, 79 Berry St
I can't get over how much I'm obsessed with Cafe Colette. The decor, the food, the neighborhood charm, the walk up coffee stand... It's amazing! Since it was a cold winter day, we opted for having a Hot Toddy and a small plate to share. Food and drinks were both phenomenal, and we got hooked up with recommendations on other places to go from the sweet bartender!
Bakeri, 150 Wythe Ave
We stopped in at Bakeri after our late morning snacks for a sweet treat to have while we were walking. This adorable, little, French style bakery has lots of wonderful sweets to enjoy--and even some gluten free and health conscious choices! There was even a cute patio out back that looks like it's open when it's nicer out. Even though I wanted to stay longer, we grabbed our snacks and headed out for a walk. *This place is cash only, so bring your $$!
East River State Park
If you walk out of Bakeri and head east towards the river down N 8th St, you're going to hit the State of New York - East River State Park, which was a lovely spot to enjoy our cookies and take in the view of Manhattan. It was a quiet Monday morning, which made for a peaceful view of the city. Definitely a nice spot to see a different view of NYC.
Early Afternoon: Appetizers & Snacks
Surf Bar Restaurant, 139 N 6th St
After heading to the park, go back west and walk around a little bit until you find yourself near Bedford Avenue. We spotted Surf Bar out of the corners of our eyes and immediately headed right in. When you walk into this restaurant you basically forget that you are in the middle of New York City and imagine that you're in a surfing town somewhere in California. There is literally sand on the floor! It was definitely a great place to come and cheer up the winter blues! Get the shrimp tacos and thank me later.
Juliette Restaurant, 135 N 5th St
Juliette is another spot that is sure to put you in a good mood. Think French brasserie meets NYC. The interior decor transports you to Paris, where you'll feel like you're lost somewhere deep in the heart of Saint Germain. Lots of greenery hanging from the ceilings, a lovely bar to sit at, and even a rooftop area to enjoy when it's nice out! I just absolutely loved being here because it felt so cozy and charming.
Bedford Cheese Shop, 229 Bedford Ave
At the very least, you have to stop by this Brooklyn institution to get a picture of the facade. The Bedford Cheese Shop is a great place to grab something small to snack on and go. Tons of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie to choose from, which makes for great pre-lunch snacks.
Afternoon: Lunch
Allswell, 124 Bedford Ave
If you feel like sticking around Bedford after your early afternoon snacks, try out Allswell. It is a rustic pub with a seasonal and daily changing menu that they write up on a chalkboard. Food is tasty and ambience is cozy.
Café de la Esquina, 225 Wythe Ave
If you're feeling like Mexican for lunch (maybe after you had those killer shrimp tacos at Surf Bar?!), head to Café de la Esquina for a bite to eat in their retro diner or outdoor patio. Imagine stepping into a dive-like taqueria/diner that serves good food and portions. That's what you will get here!
Radegast Hall & Biergarten, 113 N 3rd St
If you're looking to kick back with a few beers at lunch, stop in at Radegast Hall & Biergarten. It will give you the chance to get a few blocks away from Bedford, but still have a unique Williamsburg experience. You can expect some classic and delicious German food at this authentic beergarden in the middle of Brooklyn.
Late afternoon: Snacks, Coffee, & Sweets
Sweethaus, 135 Metropolitan Ave
If you're at Radegast or Café de la Esquina (or just looking to head south for a bit), come to Sweethaus right after lunch. I'm obsessed with everything about this cute bakery from the bright colorful facade to the delicious cupcakes and sweet treats they serve. Definitely stop in here for a post-lunch dessert!
Diner, 85 Broadway
From Sweethaus, head south on Berry until you're between S 6th St and Broadway. On your right hand side will be the super funky spot, Diner. When you step in here, you'll feel like you're in an old vintage diner on a retro railcar. Grab some late afternoon snacks here if you can, or go around the corner to Marlow & Sons, which is owned by the same people. Menus are updated daily!
Black Brick Coffee, 300 Bedford Ave
After exploring some of the "downtown" Williamsburg area near Broadway, we headed back north on Bedford up towards Black Brick Coffee. At this spot, we were able to get a little work done and grab some coffee before dinner. It was a cute local spot, and the vintage decor was darling. Great spot to come to before heading out to drinks!
Early Evening: Pre-dinner Drinks
Maison Premiere, 298 Bedford Ave
Finally time for some pre-dinner drinks and oh my goodness... How can I properly describe Maison Premiere (which is conveniently located next door to Black Brick)? The Great Gatsby + New Orleans + Oyster Bar + Absinthe + Secret Garden = Maison Premiere. I think that sums it up. Just go. And make sure you have one of their signature absinthe drinks while you're there.
St. Mazie, 345 Grand St
St. Mazie is another great alternative for pre-dinner drinks. It is also located near a lot of the spots that I listed for dinner locations below; so if that's important to you, then take this place into consideration. St. Mazie is a funky cocktail bar that has live music, beautiful antique decor, amazing drinks, and a garden and basement room to enjoy other alternatives to the upstairs lounge.
Evening: Dinner
Bozu, 296 Grand St
Once you have your pre-dinner drinks, head over to Bozu for dinner if you're feeling like having some Japanese style tapas or sushi. Decor is cute and cozy and the food is incredible. We ordered about 6 or 7 (or maybe more...that's when I lost count) small plates and spent less than $100. For those of you who know New York dining, you know that that's an incredible price for great food at a chic dinner spot.
St. Anselm, 355 Metropolitan Ave
St. Anselm is one of the tastiest places to grab some steak or seafood in Brooklyn. It's located in the same area as these other spots, so come here if you're feeling like splurging a bit on a steak dinner. Decor is chic and rustic, and you won't be disappointed about the food. They don't take reservations, so be prepared to wait on busy nights!
Caracas Arepa Bar, 291 Grand St
Caracas is a really tasty Venezuelan restaurant that offers creative renditions of the traditional arepa dish. It's a good place if you're craving Latin food and are interested in getting multiple dishes to try out their different styles.
Late Evening: Post-Dinner Drinks
Larry Lawrence, 295 Grand St
Larry Lawrence is an amazing, unassuming, and unpretentious speakeasy located right next to 2 of the dinner spots that I recommended, and around the corner from the other, making it ideal for walkability. I absolutely love Larry Lawrence as a first stop for post-dinner drinks. We came here after Bozu and wouldn't have even noticed the secret entrance if we hadn't searched for it on the internet ahead of time. The decor inside is extremely minimalist, but somehow very intimate. The cocktail list is really great too!
Hotel Delmano, 82 Berry St
To say that we saved the best for last might be a bold statement, but I mightttt be willing to take that risk with Hotel Delmano. Regardless of that, it was fabulous to end our long day of eating and drinking at this quaint Williamsburg spot. The decor is opulent and gorgeous, making you feel like you've stepped back in time into Old New York, and the cocktail list is incredible. This is a really wonderful spot if you're looking to share a romantic end to the day over some specialty cocktails.
After post-dinner drinks, you'll probably be ready to head straight home after eating and drinking your way around Williamsburg. But hopefully, with this itinerary, you were able to walk around all day, become more acquainted with the neighborhood, and fill your stomach with delicious food! Comment below with some of your favorite spots to eat or drink in Williamsburg!
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
4 Steps to Creating an Unforgettable Instagram Profile
It only takes 1 second for someone to decide whether or not they will follow you on Instagram. Power up your profile in less than an hour with these 4 easy steps to make your Instagram profile unforgettable!
4 Steps to Creating An Unforgettable Instagram Profile
Did you know that it takes the average person less than 1 second to decide whether or not they are going to follow you on Instagram? TWO-TENTHS OF A SECOND TO BE EXACT! That's crazy! It makes you start to wonder if your profile has the key ingredients to capturing people's attention...
There are 4 easy ways to create an unforgettable Instagram profile. If you're looking to power up your profile and start getting more attention, follow these simple steps below to optimize your account now. The good thing is that you can do it all in less than an hour! It's time to level-up and create a stellar IG profile!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
1. Have an easy-to-find name
Having an Instagram name that is easy to find and remember is so important for creating a stellar IG profile. The great thing is that you can change your user name at any time, so don't worry about being stuck with the one you currently have if you're not happy with it. Don't forget to also make your profile public if you're trying to increase your following and engagement!
Follow these guidelines when choosing your name:
- Make sure your name is easy to type (no crazy letter combinations, emojis, or characters) so people can find you
- Also use your actual name in the "Name" box so people can search for you either way
- Try not to bucket yourself (ex: "singlefemaletraveler") in case things might change down the road
- DON'T pollute your user name or name with multiple emojis. Just don't.
2. Upload a killer profile pic
Your Instagram profile picture is one of the biggest things that will attract new users. It is the first thing they will see and use to decide whether or not they want to follow you. You only have 1 chance to make a first impression, so make sure it's a good one!
Follow these guidelines to choosing the perfect profile picture:
- Choose a photo that people can see your face. Faces are more relatable and new users will connect more with faces than full body, landscape, logo, or product images. There are few exceptions to this; but for the majority of people, faces are the way to go!
- Have your picture be cohesive with the color schemes you use in your gallery
- A solid background is better than something with distraction
3. Have an informational bio
Think of your bio as your welcome mat. It is the place where you will greet new followers and let them know what to expect. It is also a great way to utilize keywords that make you easier to find in searches, and it's a place where you can promote and grow your e-mail list.
Follow these tips to crafting a great bio message:
- State who you are or what you do (Blogger, Business Coach, Photographer, etc.)
- Share what followers can expect ("Blogging tips for entrepreneurs", "NYC street style photos updated daily", "Food pics from European cafes", etc.)
- Include a call to action ("Contact me here", "Download my free library of resources here", "work with me here", etc.)
- Include your website URL
- A couple emojis are fine, but don't overdo it. EVER. *See a pattern here? :)
4. Create an amazing story
The most important ingredient that will get people to follow you is your content. Are you creating incredibly awesome content that makes people not want to look away? If you're not, do something about it now. You want your cover story--the first 9 photos of your profile--to be so enticing that people will have no choice but to hit "follow".
Follow these tips for creating an amazing story:
- Use a cohesive color palette
- Stick to the same editing styles with formatting and colors. Try using apps like VSCO or Snapseed for great effects
- Take photos that are visually appealing... and when in doubt, use the rule of thirds!
- Upload photos that match your bio's expectations
- Be consistent and continue to upload gorgeous pictures to build your story
_____
If you follow these 4 easy steps, you will undoubtedly be headed in the right direction to having an unforgettable Instagram profile that will encourage people to follow you the second they find you.
And you can do it all in less than 1 hour! Go power up your IG profile now!
Want to learn how to get paid for your passion on Instagram and start making money with the following you already have?
My Instagram E-Course for bloggers, brands, and creatives will show you the way.
Just click here for more info!
*PS: You can watch my FREE INSTAGRAM TRAINING by clicking RIGHT HERE!
Similar Posts For You
Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World
Traveling to a new place can be intimidating, so heading to a place that is known for being friendly and welcoming can be a relief. Check out these top 10 friendliest cities in the world to get ideas for your next vacation!
Top 10 Friendliest Cities in the World
Traveling to a new city or country can be intimidating. You don't know the people, the places are unfamiliar, and it is completely out of your comfort zone. But one of the best feelings in the world is when you travel to a city that naturally has such a pleasant environment. The places are spectacular, the food is delicious, and the people are incredibly friendly and welcoming.
Every year, top travel companies like Travel+Leisure, CNN, and Condé Nast Traveler poll their readers to find out what the friendliest (and sometimes unfriendliest) cities in the world are. Today I'm highlighting some of those places and sharing some of the top 10 friendliest cities in the world.
10. Reykjavik, Iceland
Image via flickr.com/photos/toshio1
It seems like most of the world has been rushing to get to Iceland lately--and with good reason! The rolling glaciers, colorful lakes and geysers, and stunning natural landscape are all amazing sites to see. It's no wonder people are so cheerful here with all the beauty around them!
9. Kraków, Poland
Image via Jan Włodarczyk / Culture.pl
The city of Kraków has been taken over by a cultural revolution in the recent century making this a wonderful hub for people who enjoy a relaxed, bohemian lifestyle. Enjoy the Old Town with it's medieval influence, take in the 14th century Gothic-style architecture, or spend the afternoon people watching in the Main Market Square. Any city that is this artsy and laid-back is bound to be friendly for travelers.
8. Auckland, New Zealand
Image via iceangels.co.nz
This New Zealand metropolis is the perfect marriage between big city living and small town comforts. Despite it being the country's largest city, Auckland has been said to have remarkably clean, beautiful, and safe streets, gorgeous Victorian-style architecture, and very friendly citizens. Here you can spend the day at the beach, hang in the city, or lay low at a cozy B&B.
7. Cape Town, South Africa
Image via capetownpics.com
Imagine waking up early morning to take an African safari, then heading to the local boutiques to shop in the afternoon, and finally ending the evening dining at an upscale restaurant in downtown. You can do all of this in 1 day (or weekend) in Cape Town, South Africa. Travelers have also noted that the people of the city are incredibly warm and welcoming as well.
6. Kyoto, Japan
Image via macaronmagazine.com
Kyoto has been getting a lot of love on the tourism front lately. People are beginning to rediscover the beauty and charm of this town making it a popular destination for lovers. There is so much to admire from the bamboo gardens, to the cherry blossom trees, to the stunning Japanese architecture and design seen all over the town. It's no wonder Kyoto is so friendly since it oozes romance!
5. Edinburgh, Scotland
Image via escv2015.com
This elegant, classic medieval city is gem for all travelers to enjoy. The romantic streets, exquisite castles, and welcoming townspeople make Edinburgh an enchanting city to visit over and over. Try exploring the town squares, heading to the outskirts to take in the nature, or spending your time seeing the beautiful Scottish castles.
4. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is wonderful because it offers travelers so many different experiences. You can come to hike around the mountainous jungle terrain, explore the ancient Khmer ruins or temples of Angkor Wat, walk through the town to grab some local food, or take in the gorgeous ruins of Ta Prohm that are surrounded by strangler figs and silk roots. But what makes this city so friendly is the undeniable energy of peace and tranquility that surrounds it.
3. Sydney, Australia
Image via atp.com.au
It's no secret that the Aussies have a special and friendly way of living down-under. Sydney is full of natural and urban beauty from every corner you look. Hang out or surf at the beach by day, cruise the harbor or city by afternoon, and catch a show at the Opera House by night. The city, which is continuously expanding, has so much culture to enjoy making it a great destination to continuously return to!
2. Charleston, USA
Image via charlestonaddress.com
The great American town of Charleston, South Carolina boasts some of the friendliest and most beautiful streets in the world. It's southern charm and comfort all the way here. In Charleston you'll find romantic cobblestone streets, pre-war architecture and houses, horse-drawn carriages, and smiling locals who are proud to call this city their home.
1. Galway, Ireland
Image via thousandwonders.net
Many of Ireland's cities (such as Dublin or Cork) have made the lists of friendliest cities, but Galway consistently took the top spot. This destination is known countrywide for being the "most Irish" city of Ireland! The people of Galway see their town as the cultural hub of Ireland and do everything they can to preserve and share it with visitors. Come here and enjoy music in the streets, partake in seasonal festivals, and hang out around the sprawls of pubs and bars that line the medieval streets of the town.
These places just barely begin to scratch the surface of wonderful and friendly cities around the world. What are some other friendly destinations around the world that you love?
PS - See my favorite travel things that I can't live without here!
SIMILAR POSTS FOR YOU
Hi, I'm Ana Rebeca! Welcome to The City Sidewalks. Here you’ll find tips on Travel, Lifestyle, and Wellness.
AS SEEN IN:
FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM
