Bahama Mama – {#3 visit a foreign country}

Even though I’m not exactly positive the Bahamas is a foreign country (it is to me!), I am officially crossing off #3 of my list, the one I never thought would happen this year!

In our 4 years, Dave and I have never taken a true vacation together. Cape Cod and Vermont trips here and there, and one trip to Texas to visit his Grandmother, but this one was just us, no plans, just relaxation time and boy — it was amazing.

If you’re thinking about a cruise, I highly recommend Norwegian Cruises. We went on the Jewel and had nothing but positive things to say about it. However, if you talk to 10 different people you’ll hear 10 different things, but all I can say is that the food, drinks, entertainment, staff, atmosphere and ports of call were incredible, so, what else do you need!?

We met a couple who did a 3 week cruise around Europe, and now they’ve got me thinking… maybe not 3 weeks, but that seems like the best way to explore Europe if you’ve never been. I loved not having to fly, go through the airport, and the fact that you were surrounded by so many things to do while getting to your destination, you forgot where you were actually going!

Some highlights of our trip:

-Dave had never been to Florida before, so we visited Cocoa Beach for a few hours on our stop in Port Canaveral

-Visiting Great Stirrup Cay (Norwegian’s private island on the Bahamas)

-Nassau and everything there… the beaches, our tour of the island and seeing all the different areas (from the richest to the poorest), trying Bohemian beers, Senor Frogs margaritas on the water, the straw market, shopping, Atlantis Resort (holy moly!), meeting new friends from around the world, and the list goes on and on…

And of course the boat itself! I think my favorite part was we were free to do whatever we wanted, whenever we wanted. Want to grab a drink? Sure. See a show? Sure. Tour the islands? Why not…

If you have any questions about the cruise or Bahamas before you plan a trip, let me know! It was an awesome time and I’m glad I get to share it! I already can’t wait for the next one

xoxo
B

#21. Go camping with a group of friends: Check

So, what are the chances the weather drops 40 degrees on the weekend I pick to go camping?

…Pretty good!

But, we braved it, and spent the weekend in East Dorset, VT at Emerald Lake State Park. We had a blast. I’ve been wanting to go on a camping trip with my friends forever and finally got a big group to go. Crossing off #21 of the list as we speak!

Here’s some pictures from the weekend:

I’m hoping we can go one more time before the weather gets too cold. OH! And I can also cross off #11 Sleep under the stars (without getting eaten alive by mosquitoes). I know it sounds weird, but I’m allergic to mosquito bites, and it totally sucks. The fact that it was so cold meant no bugs! I guess you could say sleeping under the stars and camping kind of go hand in hand, but some of my friends slept in a pop-up, and I was roughin’ it in a single sleeping bag, so I think I win. 2 birds, 1 stone… go me.

Where’s your favorite spot to go camping in New England? Do tell.

xoxo,
B

#13: Explore new cities: Portland, ME

This weekend, Dave, my mom and I went up to visit some family in Maine. We spent Saturday at Pine Point Beach and exploring the Old Port in Portland, ME. It’s kind of like the town I live in, Northampton, but add some cobblestone streets and oh yeah, a giant ocean and beautiful yachts!  

The Old Port is an old, revilatized warehouse district, one of the most successful in the country, and is full of great seafood places, quirky, one-of-a-kind shops, gorgeous views, brew pubs, history… the list goes on and on!

Left: Bucket of steamers from J’s, Top right: my cousin Joe and my mom, Bottom right: My mama and I

We ate dinner at J’s Oyster Bar, right on the water. It’s one of the best places to get seafood, and somehow, hidden away from all the tourists so it’s not as busy and overpacked as some of the rest of the places.

All photos from J’s Oyster Bar, except bottom left, the only leftovers from our nachos at Gritty’s Brew Pub!

We had an after dinner drink at DiMillo’s on the Water, a floating restaurant. It’s actually where my aunt and uncle got married 28 years ago and this was their first time back since.

 

We headed to Portland Lobster Co. for one more drink – homemade sangria.  There was a live band playing right on the water to make the night simply perfect.

Dave and I 

Well, you all know what this means (or do you?). I can cross off another city from my list! #13 is now down to 7 cities to explore from 10. I’m hoping Chicago is next for the 20 Something Bloggers Summit… just need to find a way there!

Xoxo,

B