Destinations – A Sweet Paradise

Time for an October Getaway in the U.S.

Posted on January 13, 2026January 13, 2026 by Nicole Benedetta

Here are my top five picks for traveling to the U.S. in October:

Acadia National Park, Maine

Though I have not yet been, Acadia National Park looks amazing! And October seems to be a great time to visit due to the smaller crowds and cooler hiking weather along trails such as Beehive Loop or the Shore Path. While there, it is recommended to drive the scenic Park Loop Road, bike the historic Carriage Roads, and visit the Bass Harbor Head Lighthouse, located on the southwestern corner of Mount Desert island within the park.

Hilton Head, South Carolina

Though I visited here in the month of April (and it was nice), October is another good choice as well. You will experience warm days in the mid-70s mixed with fewer summer crowds and warmer ocean water. Dolphin watching, golfing, kayaking, and fall festivals can all be enjoyed at this time of the year. You won’t want to miss the Hilton Head Island Oktoberfest or Kiwanis Chili Cook-Off & Jeep Island.

Oahu, Hawaii

Oahu is a magnificent island, with warm weather in October and the Hawaii Food & Wine Festival happening. This is ideal for hiking to Diamond Head, snorkeling at Hanuama Bay, relaxing on Waikiki Beach, and exploring Pearl Harbor. Plus the first whales start arriving from Alaska this month, so be on the lookout for them!

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta — Photo by Mark Bonica

This city is known for its world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, which is at the beginning to mid-October. It also makes for perfect mild weather to walk around the Albuquerque Old Town area. The Sandia Peak Tramway also offers incredible views of the fall foliage and the city. A hidden gem is said to be the Tinkertown Museum, full of unique architecture, eccentric collections, and interactive displays.

New England

A Road Through Autumn — Photo by Andy Thrasher

If you love fall foliage, New England would be a great road trip to take during this season. Stop in Woodstock, Vermont for a cute town known for its classic beauty, ride Mount Washington Cog Railway for exceptional sights, or take a trek at Dixville Notch State Park to see a lake, colorful trees, and Table Rock, a steep granite ledge. Other options include Salem, if that is your cup of tea, or the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island.

Have a great October vacation if you plan to take one. Or I hope this helped you choose where to go!

Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

A Weekend in Miami

Posted on August 6, 2025August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

After visiting the South Beach area of Miami for a long weekend, here is what I did there with a few other people.

The first day, we arrived in the evening, at the perfect time for dinner. So, we walked to Taco Taco, where we sat out on the patio and sipped on their huge margaritas. After that, we explored a small area of the city including the shops on Lincoln Road as well as the Miami Beach Boardwalk. Then, we stopped at Icy-n-Spicy for their jumbo specialty milkshakes (shown above).

The second day, we woke up early so we could have time to relax at the beach. After doing so, we took a cab to downtown, where we explored the Bayside Marketplace and took a boat ride along Millionaire’s Row, with celebrity homes such as Jennifer Lopez and Shaquille O’Neal. After that was done, we got ready for dinner at Barton G. Though it was pricey, the dinner was a unique experience, with my lobster pop-tarts being served to me in a toaster. We also stopped by Soundscape Park to check out the outdoor movie they were playing that night.

The third day, we went back to the beach for a little bit. Traveling past downtown again to Wynwood, we then visited the Superblue museum (pictured above). This was a neat, interactive experience with 5 different exhibits. Not too far of a walk away from that was the World Famous House of Mac, which was delicious! At night time, we went to the Treehouse nightclub then rode around South Beach in the slingshot rentals. Another club that looked interesting is Mango’s Tropical Nightclub. Other high-end clubs such as LIV and E11EVEN look fun as well, although the cover charges can be high, around $60 (from what I’ve heard).

The fourth day, we were heading back home. We stopped by the Miami Beach Botanical gardens for a few minutes before though, then took a ride to the airport.

Below, I’ve listed more recommended attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Miami for you!

Wynwood/Downtown

Attractions:

Miami Design District – known for modern architecture, upscale interior design stores, art, and jewelry boutiques

Wynwood Graffiti Experience – tickets for $42

Jungle Island – tickets for $30

Dolphin Mall – Miami’s largest outlet mall with over 240 shops

Metromover – free automated train system to transport around the town

Brickell City Center – shopping center with upscale stores, coffee shops, and cocktail bars

Miami Riverwalk – pedestrian walkway extending from along the north side of the Miami River and the Biscayne Bay

The Citadel – food hall with live music, game nights, a vintage store, and a rooftop bar

Restaurants:

Maman – cafe/bakery with pastries, breakfast bowls, and sandwiches

Mr. Baguette – cafe with salads and acai bowls or the ability to build your own wrap, croissant, or sandwich

Cowy Burger – if you don’t want a burger, you can try the chicken sandwich or veggie patty with a few different options for fries

The Taco Stand – eatery with tacos, burritos, corn, and a salsa bar

CRAFT Bayside – American restaurant with cocktails, juices, omelettes, sandwiches, and pizzas

Hotels:

South Beach

Attractions:

Lummus Park Beach – combination of greenspace and beach access with volleyball courts from 5th to 15th Street

Ocean Drive – known for Art Deco buildings but also for its lively nightclubs and various dining options

Fifth and Alton – indoor shopping plaza containing Chipotle, TJ Maxx, Ross, Publix, and more

Carnaval Rooftop – label themselves as only rooftop on Ocean Drive, serving bottomless brunch on the weekends and dinner all throughout the week

South Pointe Park Pier – used by visitors and locals for fishing and magnificent views of the ocean

Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach – tickets for $15-28

Restaurants:

MILA – Mediterranean restaurant with a 2-hour multi-course buffet

Montana’s Miami Beach – Scarface-themed American restaurant with steak, seafood, burgers, and pasta

Sola Miami Beach – seafood/sushi restaurant with two patios and a rooftop lounge

Cafe Americano – serves breakfast combos, lunch, and dinner, including chicken/seafood bowls, pasta, and tacos

Macchialina – Italian cuisine featuring handmade pasta

Hotels

I hope this was informative for your upcoming Miami trip. Thanks for the read! (:

-xo, Nicole

A Day In Lauderdale-By-The-Sea

Posted on April 23, 2025July 30, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

If you’re looking to spend a day at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, here are a few suggestions for you!

Attractions

Lauderdale By The Sea - Anglin's Pier 5 of 9 — Photo by Rob Olivera

Anglins Square – made up of plazas on the waterfront with Adirondack chairs for you to sit, relax, and occasionally listen to live music
Shops – Coast Boutique, Beach King, 7-Six The Vacation Supply Company, Digs N Gifts
Beach
Gug Underwater Gallery
Frame ’n Art by the Sea
El Prado Park

Activities

Murals - Lauderdale by The Sea — Photo by Rob Olivera

Diving/snorkeling
Paddleboarding
Shuffleboard
Renting a bike
Kayaking
Boat ride

Restaurants

Tacocraft Tequila Bar — Photo by Rob Olivera

Aruba Beach Café
101 Ocean
Tacocraft Taqueria
Harat’s by the Sea
Mickey’s Downtown Bistro
Chicago Stuffed Pizza Co
The Village Grille & Pump
Vinnie’s by the Sea

September Getaways in the U.S.

Posted on August 6, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Washington D.C.

I do have to admit, seeing the cherry blossoms in D.C. during March-April is a beautiful sight. But September would be another grand time to take a trip to the capital of the United States. You will never get bored exploring this city, with the free museums, as well as the national zoo! You can easily spend a day there, at attractions such as the botanical gardens and taking a tour of the White House during the day, then attending a concert at one of the many venues at night!

Yellowstone National Park

As it is off-season, September may be a good choice for taking a road trip to Yellowstone. It is an enjoyable time for fishing, backpacking, hiking, camping, and wildlife sightings. The best-known locations are the Old Faithful geyser, Mammoth Hot Springs, and Grand Prismatic Spring. Some moderate trails to hike would be Elephant Back Mountain Trail or Mount Washburn.

Chicago, Illinois

Having visited Chicago during September, I can say it is a good time to go! Though I attended for the North Coast Music Festival, I also got the chance to experience the Chicago Riverwalk, The Bean/Chicago Jazz Festival at Millennium Park, eating deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, and getting drinks at Howl at the Moon. The Windy City Wine Festival and World Music Festival are note-worthy, and the Navy Pier or Skydeck Chicago are other popular attractions to try out.

Outer Banks, North Carolina

The temperature here in September is in the 70s and 80s, making it nice for swimming at Rodanthe Beach and climbing the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Interesting events include the Outer Banks Kite Festival and the ESA Easterns Surfing Championship. Water sports available are jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and surfing. Dolphin tours, tiki boats, and sunset cruises are offered too!

San Francisco, California

You won’t want to miss out on the Ghirardelli Square Chocolate Festival that takes place in San Francisco during September. I have learned that it is also the best time to go, due to fewer crowds and great weather. At Presidio Tunnel Tops, you will have fantastic views of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. Important points of interest may be Pier 39, right down from Fisherman’s Wharf, Aquarium of the Bay, or a tour of Alcatraz Island.

Around the Globe in August – My Top 5 Picks

Posted on July 3, 2024June 19, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Niagara Falls, Canada

Having visited Niagara Falls, Canada in August, I can say it is a nice time to visit. Though it was somewhat crowded, the weather was great. There is a gift shop, restaurants with views of the falls while you dine, and boat rides available to get an up-close experience. The Niagara SkyWheel and Skylon Tower offer pretty overlooks as well. Besides just that, this city offers a Butterfly Conservatory, Seneca Niagara Resort and Casino, Niagara Wine Trail, Clinton Hill, hot air balloon rides, ziplining, shopping, and so much more!

Croatia

Waterfalls at Plitvice Lakes — Photo by Naval S

With how beautiful Croatia is, it’s hard to narrow it down to just one spot! On the top of my bucket list there is Plitvice Lakes, consisting of 16 lakes that are connected by waterfalls and streams. Dubrovnik is a city on the sea that is plentiful in the culture, history, and shopping. Golden Horn Beach, Krka National Park, Velebit Mountains, and Cres Island are all lovely at this time of year as well.

Stockholm, Sweden

The weather in Stockholm, Sweden is pleasant in August, with lower chances of rainfall. Taking a ferry ride of the archipelago to Fjäderholmarna will present you with cute cafes and shops. If you ride to Grinda, you can play volleyball, on the clear-water beach, kayak, or take a hike. Cycling around Stockholm is an ideal way to explore the city waterfront and historical landmarks. The Stockholm Culture Festival takes place in August too, with music and craft workshops.

Banff National Park, Canada

Besides some crowds, August is the best month of the year to visit Banff, Canada due to the weather. It is absolutely gorgeous, including Cascade Gardens, Glacier Fed Lake, Cascade Mountains, Peyto Lake, and Lake Louise Summer Gondola to easily access these majestic mountains. Biking, canoeing, rock climbing, and white water rafting are amongst some other activities that visitors enjoy.

Berlin, Germany

August 12th-13th, 2024 is the proclaimed the Night of Shooting Stars, where up to 100 shooting stars are visible in the sky between 2am-4am. August 26th to 27th is when Long Night at the Museums take place, with 75 museums around the city staying open until 2am, with only one ticket and shuttles for transport. The city has theatrical performances, sporting events, food tours, street art, and observation decks. And you can’t forget to see the Berlin Wall Memorial!

Hilton Head Island – My Personal Itinerary

Posted on June 26, 2024August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

This past April, I took a visit to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina with my sister. It was an absolutely gorgeous location, and we would both love to visit again! Here’s what we did after arriving at the Savannah/Hilton Head airport and picking up our rental car.

Day 1

The first area we stopped in was Bluffton, South Carolina. We got lunch at Cahill’s Market then headed over to Calhoun Street. There, we walked around the block, window shopping at a few boutiques. Then was our Publix trip for essentials and groceries for some meals.

Next up was our Airbnb on Hilton Head Island. We stayed at a condo in The Dunes. It has a pool right next to our place, so of course we unpacked and walked over to take a swim.

After drying off and getting ready, my sister and I went exploring. We took the walking path covered in palm trees across the street to Alder Lane Beach (pictured above). It was very pretty and the water was actually relatively warm, especially compared to the beaches up north! The last part of our day consisted of taking a drive around, exploring and finding a unique location called The Bank. It is an outdoor venue offering a brewery, bar, a creamery, and 5 restaurants. When I was visiting, they had live music, as well as, a vendor event going on, and yard games such as cornhole. I highly recommend stopping here!

Day 2

After stopping at Carolina Crumbs for a quick breakfast, it was back to Alder Lane Beach for a couple of hours. Wanting to try out other beaches as well though, we drove over to Folly Field Beach. While it was nearly the same as the other one, I do think I liked Alder Lane Beach better.

For dinner, we ate outside at The Sandbar (the pulled pork tacos are an excellent option). Since it was raining that evening, we didn’t have much else to do besides go shopping. So, I drove down South Forest Beach Drive to the Sea Pines Community, which (apparently) has an admission fee. But, we enjoyed perusing through it, viewing all of the gorgeous mansions. At South Beach Marina (pictured above), you can find shops, such as The Salty Dog T-Shirt Factory and a few restaurants too.

Day 3

At Healthy Habit, I ordered an acai bowl, which is where I discovered that I love acai (it was my first time trying it). Because the rain had stopped, it was the perfect day to take a little journey to Harbourtown, located in Sea Pines. It is a cute mini town set along the water, with stores, a cafe/bakery, and a lighthouse, which costs $7/person. However, the panoramic landscape at the top is beautiful!

The community even has its’ own hiking trails. The Sea Pines Forest Preserve will take you down boardwalks that lead to a lake with picnic tables. It is a wonderful spot to stop and have lunch.

Our condo neighbor actually recommended going to Fish Haul Beach (pictured above) when the tide was low, so we did and it was worth it! My sister and I were surrounded by sand and very shallow, clear water, making it easy for her to find a few seashells. Close by was a cute lunch spot called Lucky Beach Bar & Kitchen, which was good.

We were hoping for the Village at Wexford to have a few more stores we were interested in, but didn’t see much. So, we moved onto Shelter Cove. Though not too many shops there either, we both got a drink at the Poseidon restaurant/bar.

Day 4

Every Tuesday, Hilton Head has a farmer’s market, hosted by the Coastal Discovery Museum. It was smaller than expected, but had some nice people and interesting vendors!

The Frosty Frog Cafe is a great spot for having an outdoor lunch. They are quick (perfect, since we were on a time crunch), and both liked the wraps we got.

Next up on the agenda was our dolphin tour we had booked. I was worried that we may not see them, but we saw them a good bit! The boat ride out to the bay was cold, yet relaxing, and the tour guide was very friendly and informative. I definitely wouldn’t mind taking another one if I went back.

When the tour was over, we went on a walk around the Shelter Cove park, and headed back to the condo. We took another dip in the pool, showered, and played a round of mini golf at Legendary Golf. They have an easier course and a more challenging one. Our challenging one was pretty tough, but still fun!

Day 5

This was sadly our last day in South Carolina. After checking out of the Airbnb, we got coffee from Sweet Al’s Cafe in Coligny Plaza. Of everywhere else on the island, this is the spot I would recommend for shops. There are a decent amount of them, some great for finding souvenirs.

That was about all we had time to do so we could catch our flight on time. But the both of us would absolutely love going back there. Everyone was so kind and the island itself was immaculate. It’s a perfect April/May vacation for a 4-5 days!

I hope this gave you more insight on Hilton Head Island. Thanks for the read! (:

-xo, Nicole

Short Trips in the U.S. for August

Posted on June 19, 2024August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Adirondacks, New York

A summer in the Adirondacks is bound to be a good one, whether it be spent boating, hiking, camping, swimming, at the beach, or at a distillery. It is suitable for either families or friends, offering a drive-in movie theater, museums, ziplining, fishing and more!

Delaware Beaches/Ocean City, Maryland

Along east coast, you will find multiple beaches starting at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware, connecting all the way down to Ocean City in Maryland. There are three different boardwalks in that area filled with rides, games, shops, dining, and activities such as mini golf and Ripley’s Believe it or Not! At night, you can walk over to Seacrets for dancing or head to Dewey Beach for bar hopping. I also recommend Fish Tales for good drinks and dining on the bayside!

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Since Minnesota is usually frigid in the winter, I would say that August would be a good time to take a mini vacation there. Of course, the Mall of America is a must-visit. Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, and Chain of Lakes are great outdoor options as well.

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Virginia Beach sunrise [06] — Photo by Ben Schumin

Having visited Virginia Beach in August before, I would go during that month again. I went solely for the Luke Bryan concert at Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater. However, I made the most of the trip by laying out on the beach, exploring First Landing State Park, spending the day at Ocean Breeze water park, and watching the fireworks over the ocean.

Jersey Shore

I’ve been to the Jersey Shore many times. I can say that Wildwood has a nice boardwalk and Seaside Heights is cool if you watched the Jersey Shore reality show. If you visit the Shore Store, you might see Danny, who will give you a tour of their house from the show for $10, if there are no guests staying at that time. Atlantic City would be the best for casinos such as Bally’s or concerts. Last August, I attended Tidalwave Music Festival, staying at the Tropicana (pictured above), and this year will be seeing Illenium at Harrah’s!

The Most Beautiful Place Sophia Bush Has Ever Been

Posted on June 9, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

In a recent Instagram post, the lovely actress who plays Brooke Davis in the iconic tv show, One Tree Hill, shares the “most beautiful place” that she’s ever been. Sophia Bush posted pictures of herself looking stunning in St. Lucia, along with the Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia.

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A post shared by Sophia Bush (@sophiabush)

Jade Mountain Resort has actually been rated the number one Caribbean resort by Travel + Leisure magazine, and I can see why. Just take a look at the view from your enormous, personal infinity pool!

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A post shared by Jade Mountain (@jademountainstlucia)

This resort is perfect for your honeymoon or a romantic getaway. Guests can partake in tasting and making their own chocolate in the Chocolate Laboratory located on site. They can also participate in a truffle-making class or an hour-long, chocolate-infused spa treatment. Complimentary yoga is also offered, along with jungle biking, kayaking, private charters, and a waterfall walk to Piton Warm Waterfall, where you can take a swim. The pristine beaches are a pivotal reason why visitors come to the island too.

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Would you contemplate going here for your honeymoon? Let me know in the comments below! Thanks for the read.

-xo, Nicole (:

Traveling the World in July – Where To Go

Posted on May 29, 2024August 6, 2025 by Nicole Benedetta

Seychelles Islands

July is a wonderful time of the year to visit the Seychelles Islands, located off the coast of East Africa. It boasts an average temperature of 80 degrees with little rain, and the surfing conditions at Anse Intendance are top tier. Praslin Island is enjoyable, as it is has nightclubs and luscious jungles with a wide variety of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, Cote d’Or is ideal for sunbathing, volleyball, and water sports. If you’re feeling like taking a more upscale approach one night, you could even take a sail in a luxury yacht!

Greenland

If you’re looking to have an adventurous hike, cruise along the bay filled with icebergs, or discover Viking ruins in the town of Qassiarsuk, July is a great month to do so. You also have the opportunity to see the black sand beaches of Disko Island, take a tour of the museums in Ilulissat, step into the hot springs at Uunartoq, or even have the chance to view the midnight sun!

Amsterdam, Netherlands

July is recommended for exploring the vibrant region of Amsterdam. It offers wine and cheese cruises along the canal, walking tours of the Anne Frank House, open air museums in Volendam, the Red Light District, and the Amsterdam Ice Bar! Activities could be riding a bicycle, taking a walk along the beaches, or attending one of the festivals that occur.

Kenya, Africa

Masai Giraffe / Masai Mara / Kenya — Photo by Esin Ustun

At a maximum temperature of 75 degrees, July is a perfect time to catch a flight to Kenya. A safari is likely the main reason why someone would want to visit Africa, but that’s not the only reason to go! There is colonial architecture, the beaches, markets, and Mount Kilimanjaro. Hell’s Gate and Mount Kenya are well-known national parks to stop by as well.

Montreal, Canada

The summer festival season of Montreal draws in tourists for shopping, music, and eating. The Montreal Completement Cirque,includes an 11-day circus, and the Mural Festival lasts for 10 days, displaying urban art and digital installations. At the Jardins Gamelin, you will find outdoor performances, karaoke, and yoga all for free! The La Grande Roue observation wheel will give you 360 degree views of the city, or trek to Mont-Royal Lookout.

Where to go in July – U.S. Edition

Posted on April 30, 2024 by Nicole Benedetta

Seattle, Washington

Seattle is full of festivals during the month of July, including the West Seattle Summer Fest, Timber Outdoor Music Festival, and Kirkwood Wine Festival. Besides that, a visit to the top of the Space Needle is recommended, along with the Olympic Sculpture Park, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and tickets to Dining in the Dark at the Lotte Hotel.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Though summer may be peak season in Bar Harbor, Maine, it is still a great time to visit! Acadia National Park, Bar Island, and Cadillac Mountain are popular stops for hikers. Meanwhile, Agamont Park is home to movie nights on Wednesdays in July right on the water. The Bar Harbor Music Festival takes place during this month as well, hosting more than 2,300 aspiring instrumentalists, singers, and composers.

Glacier National Park, Montana

July is peak time for visiting this location too. However, the days are warm and the nights are cool, which is a bonus. Even with that being the case though, there’s always still a chance of snow any time throughout the year! As for trails, Hidden Lake, Lake McDonald, and Iceberg Lake are all beautiful. Plus fishing, camping, and bus tours are available throughout the park if you want to do more than just hike.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park

The waterfalls, wildlife, and sunshine are three great reasons to go to the Great Smoky Mountains in the midst of summer. White-water rafting, ziplining, and horseback riding are all fun-filled activities, other than visiting sites such as Clingman’s Dome or The Chimney Tops.

Anchorage, Alaska

Anchorage is a good option during the summertime, with various locations to visit and numerous activities to partake in. You could try the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge, Anchorage Trolley Tours, Alaska Botanical Garden, Crow Creek Historic Gold Mine, paddleboarding in Mirror Lake, or the beach at Point Woronzof. Or, visiting during the 4th of July will allow you to catch the fireworks, carnival, and parade in downtown.