Jetsetter Destinations: Charleston, Savannah, St. Augustine

 This past weekend was another fun filled trip for the HOL girls, this time in the form of a few days on the open road! The itinerary wasn't planned and included stops in St. Augustine, Savannah and Charleston. Each destination has amazing amounts of charm and personality, and honestly it would be difficult to choose a favorite.

Some of our favorite places to wander, snap photos and of course eat a delicious meal are as follows: 

Charleston: 

Rainbow Row: One of the most visited parts of Charleston, this historic row of colorful houses are charming and full of history. A nice long walk down Bay street is a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

Middleton Place: Home to the oldest landscaped gardens in the US, the middleton plantation has been around since the 1700's! A vast expanse of gorgeous landscapes, horseback riding and a museum- we definitely recommend taking the self guided tour, you never know what you will stumble upon.

Squeeze: Number one choice for a cocktail in Charleston. Tucked away on East Bay, Squeeze has an amazing happy hour with creative, delicious and well priced drinks. Also, the amazing bar staff make for a seriously enjoyable, relaxed time. 

Savannah:

Antique Shopping: Jefferson Street is home to quite a few very full antique shops. You can get lost for hours in the multiple rooms of furniture, books and everything in between.

 (make sure you go upstairs to see the thousands of chairs they have in one room)

River Street and City Market: Shopping, eating, live music and wonderful people watching are all great things to do while strolling around these beautiful Savannah neighborhoods. You may even stumble upon an art fair if you're lucky!

Goose Feathers: An adorable cafe in the historic downtown area of Savannah. We grabbed a fantastic breakfast and cup of coffee, but they offer healthy, fresh selections all day long. 

St. Augustine:

St. George Street: Antiquing, shopping and sightseeing. The streets of St. Augustine are charming and very fun to explore. Each unique shop and restaurant has a personality of it's own where you can find truly unique items.

Crucial Coffee: Hands down the coolest and most delicious coffee shop we've ever been to. They have fun names for the drinks they create, and an adorable interior filled with fun magnets and little things to keep you entertained while you wait. Don't forget to try something they have baked fresh. You definitely won't regret it. 

The Floridian: Their slogan says it all; Innovative Southern Fare for Omnivores, Herbivores and Locavores. They create unique dishes using local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients. Also, the laid back reggae music playing atmosphere inside is just as inviting as the cozy front patio. 

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Jetsetter Destinations: Chicago

This past weekend we made an extremely fun filled trip to Chi town! Filled with food, wine, more food,  and tons of fun, these are some of the highlights from the trip:

Navy Pier: A long walk down the pier in beautiful weather was a great way to spend an afternoon

Girl & The Goat: A gastro pub with a fantastic, contemporary menu. Just make sure you make reservations early! 

John Hancock Observatory: A great view of the city, and delicious martinis!

Strolling down Michigan Ave. is a fun way to spend a day as well, stopping in your favorite shops, and restaurants along the way.

 A fall trip to Chicago is an absolute must, taking long walks in the gorgeous weather while leaves change is quite a nice change from the palm trees and sunshine here in Florida. Keep an eye out for our next exciting destination in the coming months!

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Jetetter Destinations: London

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Jetsetter Destination: Barcelona

Barcelona, known for its classic Gaudi architecture, summer sangria and tapas, is one of the top destinations for people from all over the world. Especially popular in the summer, it can also be equally as popular in the winter due to its location in the south of Spain. We've put together a guide of classic things to see, chic restaurants and bars, luxurious places to stay and what to do in this history filled Catalonian city. 

La Rambla

One of the most famous boulevards in the world, La Rambla is worth a stroll down. A gateway to rural Catalonia, the mile-long road bustles with tourists, artists, human statues, fortune-tellers, dancers and musicians. Vibrant flower stalls, the superb La Boqueria market, and cafés line the street.

Get a Close up of Guadi's Work

In Barcelona, you can gaze in wonder at Gaudí's fairytale architecture. The Sagrada Familia is breathtaking and grotesque by turns. At first glance, it seems as though some has dripped sand over a Gothic cathedral but a closer look reveals that it creates a stone tapestry of Christ's life. Take the lift to the top for a breathtaking view. 

Park Güell is a magical place that emulates an English garden city. After seeing the gatehouses, based on designs for the opera Hansel and Gretel, you can walk up a splendid staircase, past a mosaic lizard to what once was a marketplace. Outside, climb to the heights of the park to gaze down at the magnificent panorama view of Barcelona. 

Plaza del Rei

This wholly preserved medieval courtyard of the Palau Reial (Royal Palace) is where Ferdinand and Isabella are supposed to have received Columbus on his return from the New World.

Parc del a Ciutadella

After the War of the Spanish Succession ended in 1714, a large fort was constructed on this site to keep the city in line. The fortress was demolished in 1869 and redesigned as a park containing a zoo, a boating lake, gardens and a large fountain worked on by the young Gaudí.

Barceloneta Beach

The most famous beach in Barcelona, known for it's summer time fun. With a bundle of beach side cafes and tapas restaurants, you can lounge on a beach chair with sangria, tapas and friends.

Explore Your Inner Artist

In Barcelona, a walk in the park is not just a relaxing experience for the locals but an artistic journey as well. Stroll through the leafy gardens of the Teatre Grec and then head to the Fundacio Joan Miro, one of the greatest museums in the world. It is home to a collectin of over 225 paintings, 150 sculptures and pieces by the the Spanish surrealist artist, along with his contemporaries. Wander over to the Jardins Laribal, designed by the French landscape artist Jean-Claude Nicolas Forestier.

Become Picasso for the Day

Picasso remembered Barcelona as beautiful and bright, a city where he spent his early years. Follow in the footsteps of him by visiting the landmarks that shaped his youth. Stroll along the Calle Reina Christina and then cross over to 3 Carrer de la Merce to see where his family lived, though the original building was later destroyed. For an artistic break, stop by the Els Quatre Gats, a cafe frequented by Catalonia's fin-de-siecle avant-garde. Then head to the Museu Picasso, a gallery that records Picasso's formative years.

The W Hotel

Plaça de la Rosa del Vents, 1 · Barcelona 08039

Hotel Market

Pasatge de Sant Antoni Abad, 10, Barcelona 08015

Bagues Hotel

La Rambla, 105 Barcelona 08002

Hotel 1898

La Rambla, 109, Barcelona 08002

Hotel Cram

C/Aribau 54, Barcelona

Grand Central Hotel

Via Laietana, 30, Barcelona 08003

Luxury Personal Apartment and Villa Rentals

Sagardi Cocineros Vascos

A great hidden little Pinxtos bar, these tapas are served on fresh bread with tookpicks. Save your toothpicks until the end of your meal and the server will add them up for your total. Enjoy a glass of Sangria while you sit outside on the patio or at the bar. Reservations are recommended for those who want to sit at an actual table.

c/ Argenteria, 62 _ 08003 Barcelona

MariscCo. 

This unique seafood restaurant is situated in the heart of the Eixample district. When you walk through the door you are greeted with the fish counter where you choose your own fresh fish or seafood. Let the chefs behind the counter know how you want it to be prepared and cooked and they then take it to the open kitchen. Sit back, relax and wait for your food. The decor and atmosphere are exquisite. It is an experience that is a must in Barcelona.

Two locations: MariscCo. Corsega c/ Corsega 272 and MariscCo. Placa Reial Pl. Reial 8

Xurreria + La Granja

Xurreria, the Catalan spelling of Churreria, and La Granja go hand in hand. The churro and "milk" bar are located just a few doors down from each other. It is tradition to buy your churros dripping in chocolate served in a paper bag and walk to La Granja and get yourself a hot chocolate or a different milk drink.

Carrer de Cartagena, 314 08025

Photos: One, Two, Three, Four

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