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Around the World.

One Day in V-A Beach

Angel Elliott

So, sometimes, you just want to get away. Chill with your family. But you don't want to travel far... This was the case this past weekend when my sister and I hopped on 95 South and headed down to Virginia Beach. Now don't go guest-stimating where I live, but it was about, enh, a four and half hour drive. We hit the beach, some restos, got some dranks, saw the famous Cape Henry Lighthouse, Sandbridge Beach, did a beer tour at Back Bay Brewing Co., and rolled out to one of our FAVORITE amusement parks... Busch Gardens Williamsburg. 

Now this isn't an in-depth post, just a little quicky to give you an idea of some spots you can hit if you ever decide you and bae, or you and your girls need a little quick weekend away. This kind of only applies to my D-M-V or eastcoast based readers, unless my post inspires you sooo much that you want to make a week out of it. But never fear! I'll have some day jaunts for you west coast based readers, as B and I will be taking a road trip to Sedona this coming weekend. Enjoy your day!

- Angel

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categories Travel, Hotels, Weekend Getaway
tags virginia, Virginia Beach, Angel Elliott, Travel

Fishing in Fairhope

Angel Elliott

The Break Down: 
Fly Into | Pensacola International Airport
Stay | Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa
Play | Downtown Fairhope
Eat | Grand Steakhouse; Shux on the Pier
Drink | Bucky's Birdcage Lounge; Sunset Pointe
Sun | Orange Beach

I'm definitely a woman who enjoys being outdoors; hiking, camping, rock climbing, zip lining - I'm a natural bucolic thrill seeker. But my duality is that I love laying on a soft, 420-count Egyptian Cotton sheet set, a crisp, smooth glass of Sauvignon Blanc, and sunset sail through the ocean. And guess what? Fairhope, Alabama - with it's secret southern charm, perfectly fulfills and exceeds my dual wanderlust. 


I was told to keep it a secret, I can understand why it's residents would want to keep it's southern waterfront-goodness to themselves. I mean imagine a luxe beach/fishing town, with gorgeous pre-war stately homes, antique and boutique shops galore, huge, Southern Live Oaks that seemingly touch the skyline, all against the backdrop of an ocean basin who's water rivals Miami's. Okay, I think I've painted enough of a picture. 

My boyfriend (from herein, "B") and I headed down to Fairhope, AL for a fishing trip - one of his favorite pastimes, for the weekend. Of course I was excited to immerse myself in something he loves so much, but my Katniss, apocalyptic-nature-woman interest was peaked just as much at the prospect of catching, and then eating our food! Omg.

We flew into the Pensacola International Airport. His long time friend picked us up from the airport and we set off to Fairhope. Along the way we stopped off at a dope restaurant called The Fish House - where I had great "Fish House Punch," and shrimp and grits. We proceeded to our hotel, the historical and bucolic Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa. This hotel deserves a post of it's own -- but I won't. The quick is that it was built in 1847 and after many iterations of itself became the grand, luxury, 405-suite, bay front resort that it is today. We settled in, grabbed drinks, and got ready for the next day of fishing to come. 

B's friend set us up with an amazing two-day adventure, the first - fishing inshore with an awesome angler named Captain Skylar Beagle. We left at about 5:00am, set out from the pier at our hotel, and went about 8 miles into the Gulf of Mexico. We caught tons and tons (and by we, I mean, my man, who just happens to be an amazingly dope, and skilled fishermen) Spotted Sea Trout (I caught at least four of these particular joints), Tripletail, Atlantic Spanish Mackerel, and a huge Redfish (which we threw back because I was advised that it would be a big bloody mess inside, when it weighs in at over 30 pounds).

After coming to Skylar's rustic and beautiful crafted dock in Week's Bay so that he could fillet and wash the best cuts of the fish for us, we headed back to the hotel. Dinner at the Grand Steakhouse with B's friends consisted of a delicious fried Red Snapper, dirty rice and beans. Yum! The next day we fished offshore with Captain Joey, caught a huge Red Snapper and grouper, and then stopped at Tacky Jack's for the BEST spiked milkshake I've ever had, they called it, "Tacky Jack's Famous Bushwacker." 

That night, we feasted on the fish we'd caught the day before, brussel sprouts, cheese grits (which I'll definitely post a recipe for soon,) carrot cake, and more. Needless to say, the southern hospitality and warmth at the dinner table made my heart smile - and I mean that in the sappiest way possible. 

Fairhope, with it's charming people, fishing prowess, warm countenance, turquoise waters, unique boutiques, and unbelievably good food is definitely one of the South's best kept secrets. It's a must visit -- just don't tell the folks there, I told ya' so. 

- Angel 

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categories Hotels, Travel
tags Fishing, Angler, Travel, Angel Elliott, Fairhope, Alabama, Gulf of Mexico, Tacky Jacks, The Grand Hotel Point Clear

Wanderlust of the Week: Queenstown, New Zealand

Angel Elliott

Honestly, I've been wanderlusting after a trip to New Zealand, ever since I became a hiking obsessed, part-time granola, which has been, pretty much, forever. My lust reached a fever pitch just now, when I happened to be looking for hotels for a little island getaway, and Pounamu Apartments in Queenstown dipped across my screen. Imagine, apartments that you can rent, that are spacious, with floor to ceiling windows, overlooking New Zealand's bucolic majesty, with a fully stocked and loaded kitchen that you can cook in (the cooking part might not sound like a vacation to some, but for meeee? I love to cook.) 

Featuring 5-star, luxury accommodations, views overlooking The Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu, an outside, acclaimed spa, complimentary concierge, and up to 2-bedroom apartments so you can take your little brats, I mean! Babies, kids, if you have any, this place is a no brainer. I'll let the photos speak for themselves. 

- Angel 

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categories Hotels, Travel, Wanderlust of the Week, New Zealand
tags New Zealand, Queenstown, Pounamu Apartments, The Angel Era

Wanderlust of the Week: Verana Hotel in Yelapa, Mexico

Angel Elliott

Any place where you have to take a 3 hour plane ride, and then a drive, and then a 30 minute boat ride, and then a mule, yes mule ride up to location? You know it must be exotic. Enter the beautiful, bucolic Verana Hotel in the fishing village of Yelapa, Mexico. 

With a rustic yet modern aesthetic the 8 individual guest rooms known as "V-houses" were designed by Heinz Legler. Each room at the Verana features plush bedding, and stunning views of the Caribbean sea from their high perch atop the Yelapa hillside. Though secluded, this luxurious hotel features and infinity pool, spa, restaurants and a yoga hut. Although you have to take a boat to get here, with the 5 star food and personalized amenities, you won't want to get back to the mainland anytime soon. 

Imagine having Cinco de Mayo here? Enjoy the photos above!

- Angel

 

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categories Wanderlust of the Week, Mexico, Travel
tags Verana Hotel, Yelapa, Mexico, The Angel Era

The Essential Overnight Bag

Angel Elliott

I personally, have the tendency to overpack. Even if I know I'm only going somewhere overnight, you will find me mulling over outfits, shoes, accessories and various and sundries for hours. This, is a problem, and since I'm only going somewhere literally for a day, a night, and some portion of the following day, I've decided to have it down to a science. Packing shouldn't take that long.

I though maybe you ladies might encounter the same dilemma. So in the spirit of womanly-time-saving, I've decided to help a sister out. Above is basically what you find in my overnight bag, and here's a list of what you can put in your own:

Clothing:

  • A dress, or skirt
  • Simple (But hot) nude or black heels
  • A white tee (You'll often find me rockin' a tee and leather skirt or heels)
  • A hoodie
  • A warm jacket
  • Leggings, or jeans in a neutral color (I always have black or leather because you know, I'm gothic and shit) 
  • Relatively small sneakers (Like Converse) 
  • Pajamas (A compact pair) 
  • I don't have to tell you a change of uh, under essentials, right? :-/ 
  • Sunglasses
  • Jewelry that will go with whatever outfits you brought


Toiletries: 


Other Essentials: 

  • CHARGER (Yes, folks often forget this)
  • iPad (I keep mine with me, because if I'm not going somewhere for business it's like a mini laptop just in case)
  • A book
  • Beats (Or, whatever headphones you use)


That's it! I hope this list saves you a little time when you're in a rush to pack for an overnighter. Whether you're visiting a boo, on a business trip, or just need to get away, these are the essentials. Some modifications here and there should help you pack perfect.

- Angel

1 Comment
categories Travel, Hotels