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Where to Eat in Placencia, Belize: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Local Spots

Thu, 07 May 2026 14:58:47 GMT

Where to Eat in Placencia, Belize: A Food Lover’s Guide to the Best Local Spots

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

Why Placencia Is a Must-Visit for Food Lovers

Placencia may take a little more planning to get to—but that extra effort is exactly what keeps it feeling like a true hidden gem. Tucked along a narrow peninsula in southern Belize, this is one of those travel destinations that rewards you the moment you arrive… especially when it comes to the food.

What makes Placencia stand out in the world of culinary tourism is its deep cultural roots—most notably the influence of the Garifuna people . The Garifuna are descendants of West African, Caribbean, and Indigenous Arawak populations, and their traditions are woven into Belize’s identity through music, language, and, of course, food. Think rich coconut-based stews, freshly caught seafood, and recipes passed down through generations—this is world cuisine in its most authentic, meaningful form.

And while there are so many incredible places to eat here (truly, you could spend weeks exploring), these are the spots that rise above—the ones that define the destination.

If you’re planning your trip and looking for the best travel ideas centered around food, these are the must-visit restaurants in Placencia that deserve a spot on your itinerary.

5 Must-Visit Restaurants

Momolicious Kitchen: A Hidden Gem Worth Seeking Out

If you’re looking for a true hidden gem in Placencia, this is it.

Momolicious Kitchen is the definition of small but mighty—where everything feels homemade, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in flavor.

We couldn’t get enough of Momolicious. It’s a family-run business (always a plus in my book), and you can feel it the moment you walk up to the counter. The women in the kitchen were so warm and welcoming—hard at work making everything from scratch. Even the hot sauce is homemade… and trust me, you’ll want to bottle it up and take it home.

What to order:

Why it’s worth it:
This is where you can put your toes in the sand and enjoy an authentic meal—no fuss, just great flavors, and definitely Road & Table approved.

Travel Tip:

Have everyone order something different and share. This is one of those places where you want to try a bite (or more ��) of everything.

Omar's Creole Grub: Authentic Belizean Flavors

This is where you go when you want to experience true Belizean seafood cuisine.

Omar’s Creole Grub delivers bold, comforting dishes that reflect the heart of local cooking—simple ingredients, layered flavors, and recipes that have stood the test of time.

What to order:

Why it’s worth it:
It’s one of the best places to connect with the culture through food—perfect for travelers interested in world cuisine and authentic experiences.

Rumfish y Vino: Elevated Dining, Island Style

For a more refined night out, Rumfish y Vino offers a polished take on Belizean flavors.

This is where local ingredients meet global technique—ideal for travelers who want a bit of luxury without losing the soul of the destination.

What to order:

Lionfish crudo (lionfish are an invasive species in the Caribbean, so eating them actually helps protect the reef—plus they’re incredibly delicate and flavorful)
Conch fritters
Pork belly
Fish tacos

Why it’s worth it:
It strikes that perfect balance between upscale and relaxed—exactly what you want in a culinary travel experience.

Travel Tip:
Make a reservation and request to sit out on the deck. The atmosphere is upscale yet still casual—in a way you can only experience in Belize.

Barefoot Beach Bar: Toes in the Sand, Drink in Hand

This is Placencia at its most iconic.

Barefoot Beach Bar is less about formality and more about the vibe—live music, ocean views, and drinks that somehow taste better with salt in the air.

Okay, this might be a little controversial… there’s definitely a debate about where to go for a beach bar in Placencia. Many will say Tipsy Tuna is the spot—but after talking with locals, we were told to head to Barefoot instead. And honestly? It delivered.

It’s right next door (almost attached), but feels a bit less crowded, a little more relaxed, and—dare I say—better food.

What to order:

Enchiladas with their homemade green sauce
Salbutes (go for the smoked chicken)

Why it’s worth it:
Don’t expect the best meal of your trip—but it’s a solid choice, and the atmosphere is lively, fun, and exactly what you want for a great night out.

Travel Tip:
Come for sunset and stay for the music. This is one of those places that turns into a full evening without planning to.

Doyle’s Smoke Yaad: Bold Flavors & Local Soul

For something smoky, rich, and unforgettable, head to Doyle’s Smoke Yaad .

This is where Caribbean BBQ meets deep, slow-cooked flavor—one of the most satisfying meals you’ll find in Placencia. The open-air, waterfront setting—with the Belize breeze carrying the smell of smoked meats and BBQ—really isn’t a bad way to spend the evening.

What to order:

Strawberry grouper (don’t be fooled—it’s not strawberry flavored; it’s the name of the fish. A type of reef grouper found in the Caribbean, it’s known for its mild, slightly sweet flavor and flaky texture that holds up beautifully to grilling and bold seasonings)
The brisket
And if you can’t decide… go for the surf and turf

Why it’s worth it:
It’s bold, it’s flavorful, and it’s a must for anyone serious about food-focused travel.

Final Thoughts: Why Placencia Belongs on Your List

Placencia is the kind of place where time slows down and you’re met with friendly faces at every turn. It’s easy, it’s welcoming, and it has a way of making you settle in without even realizing it.

If it’s not already on your list, it should be.

This is truly a Road & Table destination—filled with unforgettable flavors, hidden gems, and authentic experiences that go far beyond the expected. From beachfront bites with your toes in the sand to family-run kitchens serving recipes passed down through generations, every meal feels like part of the story.

It’s slow, it’s immersive, and it’s exactly the kind of destination I look for—and love to recommend to my clients.

Ready to experience Placencia the Road & Table way?

�� Let me design your food-first Belize itinerary—complete with hidden gems, must-reserve restaurants, and a fully curated travel guide delivered before you go. Contact me HERE!

��Read my Ultimate Belize Travel Guide for more!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Jamie Cassidy is the founder and travel designer behind Road & Table — a boutique travel brand curating food-forward journeys and authentic travel experiences around the world. From truffle hunts in Tuscany to oyster farms in Connemara, she believes every road leads to a great table (and an even better story).

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

I’m that friend everyone teases for being overly organized — color-coded folders, printed confirmations, outfit charts, the works. Honestly, it’s how I keep my anxiety in check. When it comes to travel, my organizational skills shift into high gear.

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Discovering an expired passport right before a trip is every traveler’s nightmare — but it doesn’t have to ruin your plans. With quick action, preparation, and a little patience, you can often get a new passport in time to still make that flight.

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Savannah-Inspired Pimento Cheeseburger with Bacon Jam

Fri, 01 May 2026 20:33:29 GMT

Savannah-Inspired Pimento Cheeseburger with Bacon Jam .

Jump to Recipe

In This Post

Savannah is a city that makes you slow down and truly savor the moment. It’s the kind of place where meals linger, conversations stretch a little longer, and certain dishes become inseparable from the memories you make while traveling. There are always a few food experiences you carry home with you—the ones you can’t quite recreate exactly, but you can bring back to life just enough to remind you of a time and place you never want to forget.

That’s the heart behind this Savannah-inspired pimento cheeseburger with bacon jam . It was inspired by a burger I enjoyed while sitting at the bar at Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market inside the Perry Lane Hotel , sipping good whiskey sweetened with a touch of honey from the Savannah Bee Company . It was one of those perfectly Savannah moments—unrushed, indulgent, and rooted in the city’s food-forward culture. If you’re planning your own trip and wondering where to eat in Savannah, I’ve rounded up my favorite restaurants in a complete where to eat in Savannah guide.

This recipe is my way of bringing that experience home—layering bold Southern flavors, a little bourbon, and classic pimento cheese into a dish that instantly transports me back. And if you’re still in the dreaming or planning phase, be sure to explore my Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide , where I share why this romantic, charm-filled city continues to be one of my favorite food destinations in the U.S.

*Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!

Pimento Cheese: The Star of The Show

Pimento cheese is a Southern staple. Often called “the caviar of the South,” pimento cheese has long been a refrigerator essential across Georgia and the Lowcountry—served at gatherings, spread on crackers, tucked into sandwiches, or melted onto burgers. In Savannah, you’ll find it everywhere from casual cafés to elevated restaurant menus, each version putting its own spin on the classic.

In this recipe, the real star of the show is the pimento cheese . Creamy, slightly spicy, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of thing that’s worth making just to keep in your fridge. It’s endlessly versatile and instantly brings a taste of Savannah home.

Why You’ll Love This Savannah-Inspired Burger

Deeply Southern and comfort-forward, with creamy pimento cheese and rich bourbon bacon jam
The pimento cheese is the real star—bold, creamy, slightly spicy, and worth keeping stocked in your fridge
Sweet, smoky, and savory flavors balanced perfectly in every bite
Restaurant-worthy but approachable enough to recreate at home
Perfect for entertaining, grilling nights, or an elevated weeknight dinner
A true travel-inspired recipe that brings the flavors of Savannah, Georgia into your kitchen

If this recipe inspires you to dream of Savannah, let Road and Table help you turn that dream into a journey. C ontact me to plan your next unforgettable culinary experience.

Savannah-Inspired Pimento Cheeseburger with Bacon Jam

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

This sauce is the real star of today’s recipe. It’s tangy, spicy, creamy, and totally addictive. Honestly, I should apologize in advance because once you taste it, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything—tacos, grilled meats, roasted veggies, sandwiches, you name it.

�� Note: The sauce makes a generous batch, so plan to use it throughout the week—it’s especially amazing on tacos or spread over a grilled chicken sandwich.

Ingredients

For the Burgers:

Burger patties
Brioche buns

Pimento Cheese

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (from block)
4 oz cream cheese, softened
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 oz pimentos, drained
2 tbsp pickled jalapeños, finely chopped
⅛ tsp garlic powder
⅛ tsp onion powder
⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
¼ tsp smoked paprika
1 green onion, thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced

Bacon Jam

1 lb bacon, chopped
1 cup shallots, diced
2 cups sweet onions, diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp chili powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
½ cup bourbon
½ cup real maple syrup
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup brown sugar

Instructions

Make the Pimento Cheese:

In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese and softened cream cheese.
Add the mayonnaise, pimentos, pickled jalapeños, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, green onion, and minced garlic.
Stir until fully combined and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Make the Bourbon Bacon Jam:

In a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until crispy.
Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the pan.
Add the shallots, sweet onions, and garlic to the pan. Cook over medium-low heat until soft and caramelized, about 15–20 minutes, stirring often.
Stir in the chili powder and smoked paprika.
Deglaze the pan with the bourbon, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly reduced.
Add the maple syrup, balsamic vinegar, brown sugar, and cooked bacon. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and jam-like.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. (Jam will thicken more as it cools.) Set aside.

Cook the Burgers:

Preheat a grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
Season burger patties generously with salt and pepper.
Cook burgers to your preferred doneness, about 3–4 minutes per side for medium.
During the final minute of cooking, spoon a generous amount of pimento cheese onto each patty and allow it to soften and slightly melt.

Taste of The Holidays: Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Let me hear you if you indulge in one too many magic cookie bars during the holiday season? Imagine….Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream….Yes, my friends it’s a thing, and oh my is it, oh…so….good!

Every year at Christmas my mother makes my husband a batch of Magic Cookie Bars, and even though we have eaten way too much over the course of a month, we some how manage to shove those babies in, like chipmunks getting ready for the winter!

All summer long, I drive past our local ice cream heaven, Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream , and I have to convince myself not to pull in! Between their peanut butter ice cream, and their graham cracker ice cream, I just can’t get enough!

I can’t even tell you how I thought of Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream, but I kind of hate myself for it! It was really good, like get out your ice cream maker and get to churning ASAP good!

Road and Table loves to travel and we love to eat. It doesn’t matter if we are at a chic new restaurant in some trendy city, rolling up to a food truck or whipping up something in our kitchen. We are passionate about travel and food and we love sharing our recipes with you!

Jamie Cassidy

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 Eggs
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Cold)
24 Whole Grham Crackers
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Method

Dissolve graham crackers in heavy cream.
Whisk eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Strain the heavy cream from the graham crackers. If the graham crackers dissolve well you don't have to strain it.
Whisk in sweetened condensed milk into the heavy cream mixture.
Whisk the heavy cream mixture in with the eggs.
Add to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the ice cream is stiff, add your desired amounts of coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

What kind of crazy ice cream flavor do you love? What kind of crazy ice cream flavor would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!

Be sure to follow us on Instagram , Facebook , and Pinterest ! And if you really like us, share our posts with your friends! When you share a post on your social media it helps us grow. Growing allows us to offer you more delicious and day dreaming worthy content! Who wouldn’t want that?

Where to Stay in Iceland: Luxury Hotels & Hidden Gems

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 11:00:20 GMT

Where to Stay in Iceland: Luxury Hotels & Hidden Gems

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

Where to Stay in Iceland (The Road & Table Way)

(And Why Most Travelers Get It Wrong)

Iceland isn’t just a destination, it’s an experience shaped by the drastic landscapes, dramatic light, and the quiet luxury of slowing down.

Distances between destinations can take considerable travel time, making for long days. The weather is unpredictable. Dining options are limited in remote regions. And if your hotels aren’t thoughtfully chosen? You’ll spend more time driving than experiencing, and who wants to travel like that?

Where you stay in Iceland will define your entire trip.

That’s where the Road & Table way comes in— intentional pacing, immersive stays, and a food-forward lens turning ordinary trips into unforgettable experiences.

This guide isn’t a generic list. It’s a strategically curated route of where to stay in Iceland , designed for travelers who want:

Luxury without pretension
Incredible food in unexpected places
Seamless logistics without stress
Hidden gems alongside iconic experiences

Why Choosing the Right Hotels in Iceland Matters

“ We didn’t realize how far everything was… and we felt rushed the whole time.

This happens to be o ne of the biggest issues I see as a travel designer . Iceland is not a “hop-around” destination unless you plan on spending a long enough time there so you don't feel rushed.

A poorly planned itinerary = exhausting drives
The wrong hotel location = missed experiences
Generic stays = missed connection to e verything Iceland has to offer

The solution? Strategic hotel placement that:

The Best Places to Stay in Iceland (Region by Region)

Reykjavík: Your Arrival Reset

Hilton Reykjavik Nordica

Why Stay Here:
After an overnight flight, you need comfort, ease, and a soft landing, not chaos. Take a few days here to get acclimated.

Spacious, modern rooms (rare in Reykjavík)
On-site spa to reset your body clock
Easy access to the city without being in the busiest tourist core

Food & Drink Scene Nearby:
Reykjavík is Iceland’s culinary hub—expect:

Elevated Nordic cuisine
Creative seafood
Cozy cafés perfect for slow mornings

Road & Table Tip:
Skip rushing into the Golden Circle immediately. Give yourself a half-day to arrive, eat well, and settle in.

Snæfellsnes Peninsula: Iceland in Miniature

Fosshotel Hellnar

Why Stay Here:
This is where Iceland starts to feel wild.

Set dramatically on coastal cliffs
Near lava fields, glaciers, and black sand beaches
Quiet, remote, and deeply atmospheric

Food Experience:

On-site restaurant with panoramic ocean views
Fresh, local ingredients—simple but memorable

Insider Tip:
Walk the coastal path between Hellnar and Arnarstapi at sunset—it’s one of Iceland’s most underrated experiences.

West Iceland: A Hidden Gem Stop

Hotel Varmaland

Why Stay Here:
Most travelers skip this area—and that’s exactly why you shouldn’t. Less-traveled areas are where you really get an immersive experience.

Boutique feel with modern Icelandic design
A perfect buffer stop between regions
Peaceful countryside setting

Food & Drink:

Thoughtfully prepared, locally inspired dishes
A quiet, intimate dining atmosphere

Road & Table Insight:
This is what I call a strategic luxury pause—breaking up the drive while enhancing the experience.

North Iceland (Akureyri): Culture Meets Culinary

Berjaya Iceland Hotels Akureyri

Why Stay Here:
Akureyri feels like Reykjavík’s cooler, quieter cousin.

Located in Iceland’s second-largest town
Walkable with a surprisingly strong food scene
Ideal base for exploring North Iceland and whale watching

Food Scene:

Local seafood
Creative Nordic menus
Cozy, design-forward restaurants

Insider Tip:
Plan dinner reservations in advance because Akureyri’s best spots fill quickly.

Mývatn: Otherworldly Landscapes

Berjaya Iceland Hotels Myvatn

Why Stay Here:
This region feels like another planet.

Close to geothermal landscapes and lava formations
Minimal light pollution = incredible northern lights potential
Quiet, immersive, and raw

Food & Drink:

Simple but elevated dishes
Ingredients inspired by the surrounding region

Road & Table Tip:
End your day at the Mývatn Nature Baths —a quieter, more authentic alternative to the Blue Lagoon.

Eastfjords: Iceland’s Quietest Beauty

Fosshotel Eastfjords

Why Stay Here:
This is where Iceland slows down.

Historic building with character
Located in a tiny fishing village
Surrounded by dramatic fjords

Food Experience:

Fresh seafood
Local, seasonal ingredients
A quiet, intimate dining setting

Insider Tip:
Drive slowly here—this is one of the most scenic (and overlooked) parts of Iceland.

Glacier Region: Iceland at Its Most Iconic

Hotel Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon

Why Stay Here:
This is one of the most extraordinary places in Iceland.

Near Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach
Surrounded by glaciers and vast open landscapes
Modern luxury meets raw nature

Food & Drink:

Elevated dining with glacier views
Locally sourced ingredients
A memorable, atmospheric setting

Road & Table Insight:
Staying nearby means you can experience the lagoon early morning or late evening—without crowds.

South Iceland: Geothermal Luxury & Relaxation

Frost and Fire Boutique Hotel

Why Stay Here:
The perfect ending to your journey.

Built around natural hot springs
Riverside setting with geothermal steam rising around you
Relaxed luxury atmosphere

Food & Drink:

Farm-to-table style cuisine
Dining with views of bubbling geothermal activity

Insider Tip:
Book a riverside hot tub in the evening—it’s the ultimate way to reflect on your trip.

How to Plan Your Iceland Stay (Without Overwhelm)

The Reality

Planning Iceland isn’t just about booking hotels—it’s about:

The Road & Table Solution

This is exactly why clients hire a travel designer.

Instead of:

You get:

Final B ite

Ready to Travel Iceland the Road & Table Way? If you want Iceland done right, slow, immersive, and deeply connected to food and place. You came to the right place.

I design journeys like this every day.

From my table to yours.

Skip the overwhelm and let me handle the details.
�� Fill out my travel design form to get started

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Where to Eat in Savannah: A Culinary Travel Guide for Food-Forward Travelers

Sun, 18 Jan 2026 17:16:33 GMT

Where to Eat in Savannah: A Culinary Travel Guide for Food-Forward Travelers

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

Where to Eat in Savannah: A Food-Lover’s Planning Guide

Savannah is one of the best food cities in the U.S., where Southern tradition, Lowcountry flavors, and elevated dining come together in a way that feels both romantic and deeply rooted in place. From coffee shops to unforgettable candlelit dinners at some of the best restaurants in Savannah, this city rewards travelers who plan their itinerary around food. Hello?! Isn't that what Road and Table is all about?

Whether you’re searching for where to eat in Savannah, planning a weekend getaway, or building a full culinary travel itinerary, Savannah delivers all the goods. It’s a destination I always find myself thinking about. With exceptional stays like Perry Lane setting the tone we sipped, snacked, and indulged our way through the city. For my food-forward travelers, Savannah isn’t just charming—it’s a dream destination.

If you’re still deciding whether Savannah is right for your next trip, be sure to read my full Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide: A City Full of Old School Charm and Romance , where I share where to stay, what to see, and why this city continues to draw us back again and again.

Breakfast & Coffee Stops Worth Planning Around

Goode Feather Cafe & Bakery

Best for: Breakfast pastries & a relaxed local start
A favorite among locals for a reason, Goode Feather is the kind of place you pop into “just for coffee” and leave with a bag of pastries. Expect thoughtful baked goods, great coffee, and a cozy, unfussy vibe—perfect before a morning stroll.

Serves: Breakfast & light lunch
Don’t miss: Fresh pastries and seasonal specials

Savannah Coffee Roasters

Best for: Reliable, locally roasted coffee
If you’re serious about your morning coffee, Savannah Coffee Roasters is a must. It’s a no-frills, high-quality stop that’s ideal for fueling up before a full day of sightseeing.

Serves: Breakfast
Don’t miss: Freshly roasted drip coffee or espresso drinks

Lunch & Casual Eats

Emporium Kitchen & Wine Market

Best for: Elevated café fare & wine-friendly lunches
Emporium bridges the gap between casual and refined. It’s a great midday stop when you want something fresh, well-executed, and unfussy—but still very Savannah. My Pimento Cheese Burger with Bacon Jam travel-inspired recipe was inspired here! Check it out and create a little taste of Savannah in your own kitchen!

Serves: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Don’t miss: Seasonal plates and their wine selection

Savannah Picnic Company

Best for: A unique al fresco lunch experience

For a laid-back but unforgettable lunch in Savannah, The Savannah Picnic Company turns a simple meal into a stylish outdoor experience. This full-service luxury picnic setup lets you enjoy gourmet sandwiches, curated cheese and charcuterie baskets, fresh fruit, French pastries, sparkling water or coffee, and more—all beautifully arranged in iconic spots like Forsyth Park (you choose the scenic location). Plush blankets, pillows, fresh flowers, and thoughtful details make it feel like a cozy living room under the mossy oaks—perfect for a romantic midday break, a picnic with friends, or an intimate Savannah lunch you won’t forget.

FraLi Gourmet

Best for: Italian
FraLi is a hidden gem for a reason. This is no fuss sport where you go when you want authentic, homemade pasta and Italian cuisine without the crowds.

Serves: Lunch
Don’t miss: Authentic, homemade pasta and Italian cuisine

Brochu Family Tradition

Best for: Southern flavors with French influence
A little unexpected and absolutely delicious, Brochu Family Tradition blends Lowcountry ingredients with French technique. Ideal for a long lunch or relaxed dinner. Savor the moments, the Road and Table way!

Serves: Lunch & dinner
Don’t miss: Rotisserie chicken and Southern-inspired sides

Fish Bar

Best for: Casual seafood in a stylish setting
Fish Bar is a great choice when you’re craving seafood without committing to a formal dinner. It’s lively, approachable, and consistently good.

Serves: Lunch & dinner
Don’t miss: Fresh fish dishes and oysters

Dinner Destinations (Book These Early)

The Olde Pink House

Best for: A quintessential Savannah dining experience
This is Savannah dining royalty. The setting alone is worth the reservation, but the refined Southern menu makes it unforgettable. Consistently featured on “where to eat in Savannah” lists, this restaurant is understandably popular. And while it’s worth trying for a reservation, Savannah’s dining scene runs deep—with many restaurants offering an equally impressive experience.

Serves: Lunch & dinner
Don’t miss: Classic Southern dishes in historic surroundings

Alligator Soul

Best for: Intimate, candlelit fine dining
Alligator Soul feels like a secret—tucked away, romantic, and ideal for a special night out. The menu is globally inspired with deep Southern roots, offering thoughtfully crafted, out-of-the-ordinary dishes that often feature game meats and adventurous flavors. Think wild boar, venison, rabbit, python sausage, frog legs, and, of course, alligator—executed in a way that feels elevated rather than novelty.

Serves: Dinner
Don’t miss: The Bone Marrow & Chef-driven seasonal dishes

Local 11 Ten

Best for: Modern Southern cuisine & rooftop vibes
A longtime favorite that balances innovation with comfort. Dinner here pairs beautifully with drinks upstairs before or after your meal. We chose the chef’s tasting menu and were blown away—elevated dishes, thoughtful pacing, and exceptional service throughout.

Serves: Dinner
Don’t miss: Seasonal tasting menus and rooftop cocktails

Cotton & Rye

Best for: Thoughtful Southern cooking
Cotton & Rye consistently delivers beautifully executed dishes that feel elevated but not stuffy. Ideal for food-forward travelers.

Serves: Dinner
Don’t miss: House-made pastas and seasonal mains

Noble Fare

Best for: French technique with American comfort
Warm, welcoming, and consistently excellent, Noble Fare is the kind of place you return to again and again.

Serves: Dinner
Don’t miss: If the mushroom bisque is on the menu, don't skip it! You can thank me later!

Drinks, Rooftops & Dessert

Peregrin Rooftop Bar

Best for: Sunset cocktails with a view
Plan your evening around golden hour here. The views alone make it worth it. This is a place to see and be seen in Savannah. Peregrin Rooftop Bar, located at the Perry Lane Hotel , is a popular spot and can get quite busy. Access is often managed via a waiting list, so plan accordingly—especially if you’re hoping to visit around sunset.

Serves: Drinks and small bites
Don’t miss: Craft cocktails at sunset

The Vault Kitchen & Market

Best for: Cocktails in a historic bank vault
Moody, atmospheric, and uniquely Savannah, The Vault is ideal for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Serves: Drinks
Don’t miss: Signature cocktails

Bootlegger Speakeasy

Best for: Hidden speakeasy vibes
This is a fun, immersive stop for cocktail lovers who enjoy a little mystery with their night out.

Serves: Drinks
Don’t miss: Prohibition-style cocktails

Strange Bird

Best for: Tropical cocktails & creative drinks
Strange Bird is currently rebuilding after a fire—but when they reopen, they deserve your support. They’re known for playful, expertly crafted tropical cocktails.

Serves: Drinks
Don’t miss: Rum-forward, tiki-inspired cocktails (once reopened)

Final B ite

Savannah rewards travelers who plan their meals with the same care as their sightseeing. Whether you’re lingering over coffee, grabbing the perfect sandwich between tours, or settling in for a memorable dinner, this city delivers at every turn.

If you’d like help building a Savannah itinerary centered around food, pace, and unforgettable experiences, that’s exactly what I do at Road & Table.

From restaurant reservations to thoughtfully paced days that leave room to savor every bite, I’ll help you experience Savannah the way it was meant to be enjoyed. Reach out to start planning your food-forward escape.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

2026 Travel Trends: Slow Travel, Small Cities & Big Flavor

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:46:19 GMT

2026 Travel Trends: Slow Travel, Small Cities & Big Flavor

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

The Shift Toward Traveling with Intention

Travel in 2026 isn’t about collecting passport stamps or squeezing in as many long weekends as possible. It’s about choosing fewer trips — and choosing them well . Travelers are moving away from rushed itineraries and peak-season crowds in favor of intentional travel , deeper cultural connections, and food-focused experiences where meals linger long after the plates are cleared.

As travel becomes more thoughtful, many travelers are realizing they don’t want to plan these trips alone. This shift is bringing more people to the table with travel designers who can align destination, timing, and experience into a trip that truly fits each traveler. At Road & Table , we help travelers navigate bucket-list planning, shoulder-season travel, and culinary-driven itineraries , ensuring every detail supports a richer, more meaningful journey.

This is how we’ve always believed travel should be planned: slower, smarter, and seasonally timed , built around culture, connection, and the meals that make a destination unforgettable.

TREND #1: Fewer Trips, Higher Value (The Rise of Bucket-List Travel)

Everyone has that trip — the one they’ve talked about for years but never quite planned. 2026 is the year many travelers are finally saying, “no more waiting.” Life feels fuller, priorities are clearer, and people are ready to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Instead of packing in multiple short trips, travelers are choosing fewer journeys and going deeper into their dream destinations — staying longer, slowing down, and truly experiencing a place rather than skimming the surface.

This shift toward intentional, immersive travel is what’s shaping the bucket-list trend in 2026. Hands-on experiences — cooking, tasting, learning, connecting — are no longer add-ons; they’re the reason for the trip. And nothing excites me more than when a client reaches out ready to finally start planning the journey they’ve been dreaming about for years.

These are the kinds of bucket-list journeys that align perfectly with the Road & Table way of traveling — slower, richer, and built around food, culture, and connection:

Iceland Slow Ring Road & Regional Stay

A deliberately paced journey focused on one or two regions rather than the entire island, with time for geothermal spas, coastal walks, local seafood, bakeries, and seasonal experiences like the Northern Lights or midnight sun — not a rushed checklist of stops.

African Safari Immersive Lodge Stay

A once-in-a-lifetime safari built around fewer camps and longer stays, allowing travelers to fully experience wildlife, conservation efforts, local culture, and regional cuisine — pairing adventure with meaning and connection.

Tuscany Slow Stay

A multi-week stay centered around hill towns, cooking classes, vineyard visits, truffle hunting, and market mornings — with afternoons left intentionally unscheduled and no rushed city hopping.

Ireland Beyond the Postcards

A slower journey through coastal villages and rural regions, focusing on pub culture, storytelling, local seafood, hands-on food experiences, and time to truly settle into place rather than race across the country.

TREND #2: Shoulder Season & Off-Peak Travel Takes Center Stage

Don’t sleep on off-peak and shoulder-season travel . If your schedule allows you to travel just before or just after peak season, you’ll often enjoy the best parts of a destination — great weather, full restaurant and tour offerings, and lively local energy — without the crowds or peak-season price tag . This approach fits perfectly with the 2026 travel trend toward slow travel , where staying longer, moving less, and experiencing more matters far more than hitting every highlight.

Traveling during shoulder season isn’t about compromise — it’s about traveling smarter . It’s one of the easiest ways to slow down, stretch your budget, and experience a destination the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Here are a few Road & Table–approved destinations and their ideal shoulder seasons to consider:

Belize — Late April–Early June | Late November

Belize shines just outside peak season, offering warm weather, fewer crowds, and better value on boutique resorts and excursions. This is an ideal time for food-focused travelers to enjoy coastal cuisine, market visits, and inland cultural experiences without the high-season rush.

Why it works:
Culinary immersion, relaxed pace, excellent value.

Check out our Belize Travel Guide!

Ireland — April–May | September–October

Ireland’s shoulder seasons deliver mild weather, greener landscapes, and quieter coastal villages. It’s the perfect time for slow drives, pub culture, seafood, and storytelling, with far fewer tour buses and more access to local experiences.

Why it works:
Cool climate, smaller towns, culture-first travel.

Read our West of Ireland Travel Guide!

Italy — April–May | Late September–October

Italy truly shines in the shoulder season, when temperatures are comfortable, crowds thin, and food experiences take center stage. Fall brings harvest season, while spring offers markets, festivals, and slower village life — ideal for Tuscany, Umbria, and smaller cities.

Why it works:
Culinary travel, wine regions, slower pacing, bucket-list appeal.

Want to experience Tuscany the Road and Table way? Read our Tuscany Travel Guide!

Scotland — May | September

Scotland’s shoulder months offer longer daylight, cooler temperatures, and fewer crowds in both cities and the Highlands. It’s an ideal time for whisky tastings, coastal seafood, and immersive regional stays without summer congestion.

Why it works:
Cool climate, food & drink culture, intentional travel.

Portugal — April–May | October

Portugal’s shoulder seasons bring comfortable temperatures and a more local feel, especially in wine regions and smaller towns. Travelers can enjoy markets, seafood, and slow coastal living without peak summer crowds.

Why it works:
Smaller cities, culinary focus, excellent value.

TREND #3: Smaller European Cities Are Outshining the Classics

After our trips to Anghiari, Italy and Clifden, Ireland I realized something clearly: smaller cities outshine the classics every time . It’s in these places that you feel a deep connection — where you start to feel like you belong, rather than just being another name in the crowd. This trend isn’t about seeing more; it’s about experiencing more .

It’s finding a small restaurant overlooking the Tuscan valley, sipping wine all afternoon while indulging in gnocchi, local meats, and cheese — the sun warming your face as you stroll the streets at an unhurried pace on your way home for the night. Or it’s discovering an Irish pub just around the corner, tucking yourself into the back by the fire with a Guinness in hand, listening to traditional music late into the evening. Nowhere to go. Nowhere to be. This is the heart of slow travel — and why smaller cities are defining travel in 2026.

Small cities invite you to slow down enough to notice the details — the meals, the music, the moments that turn a trip into a memory. And in 2026, that’s exactly the kind of travel more people are choosing.

Small European Cities That Make the Road & Table List

These destinations reward travelers who slow down, stay longer, and travel with intention:

Anghiari, Italy

A perfectly preserved Tuscan hill town with panoramic views, intimate trattorias, and a rhythm of life built around food, conversation, and community.

Clifden, Ireland

A charming coastal town that serves as the heart of Connemara, known for live music, cozy pubs, local seafood, and dramatic landscapes that invite lingering.

Saint-Émilion, France

A storybook wine village where cobblestone streets, vineyard lunches, and slow afternoons tasting Bordeaux wines define the experience.

Cadaqués, Spain

A whitewashed coastal town with an artistic soul, relaxed seaside dining, and a pace that encourages long lunches and sunset walks.

Hallstatt, Austria

A lakeside village where early mornings and evenings offer quiet beauty, local cuisine, and a sense of calm far removed from major cities.

Lucca, Italy

A walkable walled city filled with markets, bike rides along ancient walls, casual wine bars, and the kind of everyday Italian life travelers crave.

TREND #4: Cool-Climate Travel Is Replacing Heat-Heavy Destinations

Cooler climates often mean richer food cultures and longer meals , and I’m loving this travel trend for 2026. When the weather cools, travel naturally slows down — meals linger, conversations stretch longer, and cozy spaces become part of the experience. On my own personal bucket list is Finland in winter , where snow-covered landscapes, saunas, and candlelit dinners create one of the most magical and romantic getaways imaginable.

One of the most enchanting trips Jeff and I have ever taken was to Old Quebec City in winter. The snow-dusted streets, fire pits lining the cobblestones, and the warmth of cozy restaurants tucked into centuries-old buildings made it feel like stepping into a storybook. Cool-weather travel does take a bit more planning — from packing the right layers to choosing accommodations and experiences that keep you comfortable — but when done well, it’s incredibly rewarding.

Road & Table Picks: Cool-Weather Destinations to Consider

These destinations shine when temperatures drop and travel slows:

Old Quebec City( Read Our Travel Guide )

European charm without crossing the Atlantic, featuring French-inspired cuisine, cozy bistros, winter festivals, and walkable streets made for slow evenings and lingering meals.

Iceland

A cool-climate dream for travelers who love dramatic landscapes paired with hearty cuisine, geothermal spas, and intimate dining — especially magical in winter and shoulder seasons.

Finland

Winter travel at its most romantic, with sauna culture, snow-covered forests, Northern Lights experiences, and meals designed to warm you from the inside out.

Scotland

Cool temperatures, rich culinary traditions, whisky tastings, coastal seafood, and cozy pubs make Scotland ideal for travelers who enjoy atmosphere as much as scenery.

TREND #5: Cultural Cities Where Food Is the Experience

In 2026, travelers aren’t just choosing destinations — they’re choosing tables . And nowhere is this more apparent than in culture-rich cities where food isn’t an activity added to the itinerary, but the heartbeat of daily life . This is where the rise of Latin American cultural cities and the evolution of culinary travel naturally merge into one powerful trend.

Travelers are looking for places where meals tell stories — where recipes are passed down through generations, markets are central gathering places, and food reflects history, geography, and identity. Instead of hopping between destinations, travelers are settling into one city or region , slowing their pace, and letting the rhythm of local life guide their days. Long lunches, late dinners, cooking classes, market visits, and neighborhood exploration are shaping trips in a way that feels personal and immersive.

This trend isn’t about chasing reservations or trendy restaurants. It’s about choosing destinations where food is part of everyday life — and planning trips that leave room to savor it. In 2026, the best travel experiences happen when you slow down, pull up a chair, and stay awhile.

Road & Table Style: Culinary Destinations to Watch

Mexico City – One of the world’s most exciting food cities, blending street food, markets, and modern dining with deep cultural roots.
Placencia – A relaxed coastal destination where fresh seafood, local flavors, and barefoot dining define the experience.
Lima – A global culinary capital where food, history, and innovation come together seamlessly.
San Sebastian – A food-forward city built around tradition, technique, and lingering meals.
Bologna – Italy at its most delicious, with markets, pasta traditions, and a slower pace of life.
Savannah- Slow-paced Southern charm with an evolving food scene, historic squares, cocktail culture, and long, leisurely dinners that fit perfectly with intentional travel.
Hudson Valley - A region rooted in local ingredients, seasonal dining, charming towns, and market-driven cuisine — ideal for travelers who want food-led experiences close to home.

Final Thoughts

As we look ahead to 2026, one thing is clear: travel is becoming more intentional, more personal, and more rooted in experience. Fewer trips, slower pacing, shoulder-season timing, smaller cities, cooler climates, and food-led destinations all point to the same shift — travelers want to feel connected , not rushed. They want trips that reflect who they are, how they live, and what they value. At Road & Table, this is exactly how we believe travel should be planned: thoughtfully, seasonally, and with plenty of time at the table. Because the trips that stay with you the longest aren’t the ones where you saw the most — they’re the ones where you truly experienced it.

Plan Your 2026 Travel the Road & Table Way

If these 2026 travel trends have you dreaming about your next trip, Road & Table is here to help you plan it with intention — slower, smarter, and always with time at the table.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Top Travel & Food Blog Posts of 2025: Road & Table Reader Favorites

Sun, 28 Dec 2025 19:13:02 GMT

Top Travel & Food Blog Posts of 2025: Road & Table Reader Favorites

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

A Year of Culinary Travel: Road & Table’s Growth in 2025

As 2025 comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on just how much Road & Table has grown this year — not just in traffic, but in community. More readers found their way here through a shared love of culinary travel planning , thoughtfully curated journeys, and experiences that feel personal rather than cookie-cutter.

With the launch of the newly designed Road & Table website, I’ve been able to create fresh new content, update longtime reader favorites, and introduce new services that support travelers in every stage of planning. Whether readers book a custom culinary trip through our full-service travel booking , engage in our custom itinerary planning services , or use Road & Table as a trusted culinary travel blog to plan their own adventures, there are now more ways than ever to travel the Road & Table way.

That journey might look like recreating travel-inspired recipes and culinary moments from around the world in your own kitchen, following along on social media for daily Road & Table travel inspiration , or joining the Journey & Bites travel newsletter for a weekly dose of food, travel, and storytelling.

Or it might be cozying up with a book recommended by our Wanderlust Reads book club — always paired with thoughtful food and wine pairing suggestions — and exploring the world one page (and plate) at a time.

From international travel guides and culinary travel itineraries to family travel planning resources and travel-inspired recipes , these posts rose to the top as the most-read, most-shared, and most-loved pieces of the year.

If you’re new here — or looking to revisit a favorite — these are the five posts that truly defined Road & Table in 2025.

Planning a Perfect Trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail

This post quickly became a standout thanks to its blend of practical planning advice and culinary storytelling . From choosing the right distilleries to mapping out the best places to stay, this guide goes beyond “where to drink” and focuses on how to experience the Bourbon Trail the Road & Table way.

Perfect for bourbon lovers and travelers looking for a uniquely American road trip with depth and intention.

The Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-See Spots

Belize continues to be one of the most searched destinations on the site, and this guide explains why. Readers loved this post for its honest advice, curated must-see locations, and food-forward approach to exploring Belize.

Whether you’re dreaming of the coast, the jungle, or a mix of both, this guide helps travelers plan smarter — and avoid the overwhelm that often comes with researching a destination like Belize.

Are We There Yet? Road Trip Binders for Kids

Family travel content consistently performs well, and this post struck a chord with parents everywhere. These DIY road trip binders are designed to keep kids engaged, curious, and excited about travel — while giving parents a little peace and quiet along the way.

This post became a favorite for its printable resources, simple setup, and real-life practicality , making it one of the most shared Road & Table posts of the year.

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream: A Sweet Travel-Inspired Treat

Food and travel are inseparable at Road & Table, and this recipe perfectly captures that connection. Inspired by holiday traditions and the flavors we collect while traveling, this Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream recipe quickly became a reader favorite.

It’s indulgent, nostalgic, and a reminder that some of the best travel memories are recreated right at home — one bite at a time.

Peruvian Chicken Wings with Green Sauce | A Travel-Inspired Recipe

Final Thoughts

These top posts of 2025 capture the heart of Road & Table — culinary travel, thoughtful planning, and experiences that feel personal . Whether you’re booking a trip, planning your own, or finding inspiration through recipes and stories, I’m so grateful you’re here and part of this community.

Here’s to more meaningful travel, great food, and unforgettable journeys ahead.

Ready to Travel the Road & Table Way?

✉️ Join the Journey & Bites Newsletter for weekly food and travel inspiration
✈️ Book a Custom Trip with Road & Table and let me plan every detail
�� Explore January Travel Offers designed for value, experience, and ease

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Hidden Gems of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail: Small Distilleries Worth the Detour

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 11:01:21 GMT

Planning A Perfect Trip To The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!

Table of Contents:

Are you planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

Everyone knows the big names along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — Maker’s Mark , Woodford Reserve , and the iconic Buffalo Trace (even if it’s not technically part of the official trail). They’re the headliners for a reason: steeped in history, beautifully run, and beloved by bourbon fans around the world.

But while the big names get the glory, the hidden gem distilleries are where the real spirit of Kentucky shines. These small-batch, family-owned operations are where tradition meets innovation , and where you’re more likely to be greeted by the master distiller than a tour guide. If you’re searching for a bourbon experience that feels more like a conversation on a front porch than a polished production, this is where you’ll find it.

At Road & Table , I always make time for the must-sees, but I plan journeys around the off-the-beaten-path bourbon experiences — the tucked-away distilleries pouring stories as rich as their whiskey. Because while the crowds gather at the big-name attractions, it’s often the quieter corners that serve up the most memorable moments.

Planning a bourbon adventure? ��️��
Browse the foodie, bourbon, and one-of-a-kind experiences along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that will add even more flavor to your glass. Explore experiences →

Here are the lesser-known distilleries on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that every true bourbon lover should add to their map.

5 Hidden Gem Distilleries to Add to Your Route

Buzzard’s Roost Whiskey – Louisville, KY

Overview: Buzzard’s Roost is redefining what small-batch bourbon can be. Founded by industry veteran Jason Brauner (one of the masterminds behind Louisville’s bourbon bar scene), this distillery is all about finishing innovation. Instead of traditional barrel aging, Buzzard’s Roost takes meticulously chosen barrels and re-toasts them to create unique layers of flavor — proof that creativity and craftsmanship can coexist beautifully in bourbon.

Signature Pour: Try the Char #1 Rye or Toasted Barrel Bourbon — both are smooth, complex, and perfectly showcase the brand’s signature re-barreling technique.

Experience: Located in downtown Louisville, their tasting room offers an intimate, guided experience that dives into the science of re-barreling and the art of blending. Don’t miss their “Flavor Experience” — it’s one of the most educational tastings on the Trail.

Road & Table Tip: Visit in the late afternoon, then walk to one of Louisville’s nearby bourbon-inspired restaurants for dinner.

Pairs Well With: A cozy night in, comparing tasting notes with your Whiskey Tasting Journal – a sleek notebook to jot down notes from each pour.— Light a candle, pour two drams, and see how your palate evolves with each sip.

Barrel House Distilling Co. – Lexington, KY

Overview: Housed inside the old James E. Pepper Distillery District, Barrel House is where old meets new in the best possible way. This small distillery started as a passion project between friends who wanted to bring distilling back to Lexington’s historic heart — and it’s now one of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Signature Pour: RockCastle Bourbon — a smooth, wheated bourbon made entirely with Kentucky-grown grains. Their Devil John Moonshine also has local legend written all over it.

Experience: The tour is down-to-earth and personal, often led by one of the founders themselves. You’ll hear stories of Lexington’s bourbon past while standing in the same industrial brick buildings that once helped shape it.

Road & Table Tip: After your tasting, explore the Distillery District — grab a bite at Elkhorn Tavern or wander the nearby shops. It’s one of the few stops where you can truly sip, stroll, and stay awhile.

Pairs Well With: A home tasting flight of small-batch bourbons using Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stave Flight Board – handcrafted from reclaimed bourbon barrels, and don't forget a local charcuterie or sharp Kentucky cheddar.

Chicken Cock Whiskey – Lexington, KY

Overview: Once one of the most famous pre-Prohibition brands, Chicken Cock has been beautifully resurrected in Kentucky, bringing back a piece of bourbon history that nearly disappeared. Known as “The Famous Old Brand,” it was once served at The Cotton Club in Harlem and is now making a name again through its small-batch releases crafted with care and storytelling flair.

Signature Pour: The Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey and Rye are both fantastic, but the Beer Barrel Select — finished in collaboration with Bardstown Bourbon Company — is a standout.

Experience: While Chicken Cock doesn’t have a large-scale visitor center (their brand experience is hosted through collaborations like Bardstown Bourbon Company), their guided tastings and pop-up events offer deep insight into one of bourbon’s most fascinating comeback stories.

Road & Table Tip: If you’re visiting Bardstown Bourbon Company, ask if the Chicken Cock collab pours are available — they often feature limited releases. Grab a bottle to take home; it’s a conversation starter and collector’s gem.

Pairs Well With: Jazz playlist, a Vintage-Style Whiskey Decanter Set – nods to the brand’s Prohibition-era roots. + an old-fashioned made with Chicken Cock Rye — the perfect toast to bourbon history reborn.

Bluegrass Distillers – Midway, KY

Overview: Bluegrass Distillers began as a true farm-to-bottle dream. Founded by friends who wanted to create bourbon using Kentucky-grown, non-GMO grains, the distillery recently expanded to a historic farm property outside Lexington — where they now grow their own heirloom corn and continue crafting small-batch spirits by hand.

Signature Pour: Blue Corn Bourbon — earthy, rich, and slightly sweet, made from their signature blue corn grown locally in Kentucky.

Experience: The new Midway location offers a charming, countryside tasting experience where you can sip bourbon steps away from the fields that produced it. Small groups, genuine hospitality, and a sense of connection make it feel deeply personal.

Road & Table Tip: Visit during golden hour — the views over the farmland are stunning. It’s one of those stops that feels like pure Kentucky magic.

Pairs Well With: A fresh-mint julep made with Copper Bar Spoon & Mixing Set – to elevate your farm-to-glass cocktails. E njoy it outdoors as the sun sets — simple, pure, and Kentucky through and through.

Wilderness Trail Distillery – Danville, KY

Overview: Founded by two fermentation scientists, Wilderness Trail brings precision and passion together in every barrel. It’s one of Kentucky’s fastest-growing craft distilleries — yet it’s managed to stay grounded in its small-town charm. Their grain-to-glass philosophy and commitment to scientific consistency make their bourbon both refined and authentic.

Signature Pour: Small Batch Bottled-in-Bond Bourbon — a wheated masterpiece with balance, sweetness, and depth.

Experience: The tour blends science and soul — showcasing their unique sweet mash process and cutting-edge equipment while maintaining that intimate, welcoming feel. You’ll walk away smarter and maybe a little more in love with the craft.

Road & Table Tip: Pair your visit with dinner at Copper & Oak in downtown Danville. Their bourbon-inspired menu and cozy atmosphere make it a perfect end to a tasting day.

Pairs Well With: An evening of bourbon tinkering — pour, taste, and test how time changes flavor. It’s a nod to Wilderness Trail’s meticulous approach to the craft, right from your own kitchen or bar. Try a Bourbon Aging Barrel Kit – a fun way to experiment with your own small-batch aging at home, inspired by Wilderness Trail’s fermentation-first philosophy.

General Tips & Suggestions:

While exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can also experience other attractions that Kentucky offers. You can take scenic drives through the horse farms and bluegrass hills of Kentucky, and enjoy some classic Kentucky dishes along the way. Don’t miss out on Bourbon-infused dishes, BBQ, and Hot Browns!

Be sure to remember these tips when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Check each distillery’s website to see if they require reservations, except walk-ins, and if they are 21+ only if you are traveling with minors.
Spread your visits across multiple days. Don’t try to visit too many distilleries in one day. They add up in price, and you want to drink responsibly.
Plan extra in your budget to bring home some fantastic bottles of your favorite finds.
Check to see what local events are happening while you are visiting. You might get lucky and get to experience some great food & Bourbon tastings and maybe even some limited edition releases.
Before you set out for your adventure be sure to purchase a Bourbon Trail Passport! The passport is a 150-page Guide booklet that contains information on distillery experiences throughout Kentucky. Participants can collect stamps and “unlock exclusive benefits” at participating distilleries.

If you’re ready to sip your way through Kentucky , don’t miss our companion post: Planning a Perfect Trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail — it’s filled with insider tips, must-visit stops, where to stay and everything you need to make your bourbon adventure unforgettable.

Prefer something fully customized? I’ll plan every pour, plate, and pause — all you need to do is raise your glass.

My Bespoke Itinerary Services take the stress, guesswork, and hours of research off your plate — no more juggling maps, tasting schedules, or trying to figure out which distilleries are actually worth the detour. Every route, restaurant, and recommendation is handpicked to fit your travel style, timing, and taste.

Whether you want to blend bourbon tastings with scenic drives, stay in charming inns instead of chain hotels, or add in culinary experiences that celebrate Kentucky’s flavor, I’ll design a trip that feels seamless, authentic, and entirely your own.

Because travel — like good bourbon — is best when it’s crafted just for you.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Your Ultimate Tuscany Travel Guide: From Truffles to Chianti

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 20:16:05 GMT

Your Ultimate Tuscany Travel Guide: From Truffles to Chianti

Table of Contents:

Where Flavor Meets Slow Living

Few places capture the heart (and appetite) quite like Tuscany. Rolling hills, cypress-lined drives, and long lunches that linger until sunset — Tuscany isn’t just a destination, it’s a way of life.

Confession time: Italy wasn’t always at the top of my travel list. I know, shocking — a foodie and a wine lover admitting that! But when my best friend and I made a pact to celebrate our 40th (shhh, that part stays between us) with a trip to Tuscany, everything changed.

Sipping Chianti beneath olive trees, the evening breeze dancing through the vineyards, I realized what everyone meant when they said Tuscany stays with you. It’s not just the food or the wine — it’s the pace, the people, and the way life feels beautifully unhurried.

I want you to experience the same magic I did — the authentic, flavor-filled Tuscany beyond the guidebooks. This post will give you a perfect starting point for planning your own journey, from truffle hunts to Chianti tastings.

✨ Want to take it a step further? My Tuscany Digital Travel Guid e & Itinerary includes a full curated itinerary, my favorite restaurants, winery recommendations, and hidden-gem stays — designed to help you experience Tuscany the Road & Table way.

{Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content.}

When to Visit Tuscany

Timing in Tuscany is everything — the way the light hits the hills, the rhythm of the vineyards, the scent of truffles drifting through autumn air. I mean the truffles......Sorry, I got distracted...Anyway, each season offers its own flavor, and choosing the right one can completely shape your experience.

Spring (April – June)

Wildflowers bloom across the countryside, vineyards wake from winter, and café terraces fill with locals and travelers alike. It’s warm enough for enjoying lunches outside and cool enough to wander medieval hill towns without the crowds.

Road & Table Tip: May is prime time for vineyard picnics and early summer cooking classes.

Autumn (September – November)

If you’re visiting for truffles, wine harvests, and cozy slow evenings , this is your season. HMMM, my kind of season... The air turns crisp, olive harvests begin, and every village seems to host a festival celebrating food, wine, or both.

Summer (July – August)

Tuscany in summer is long golden days, slow lunches, and evenings that stretch late into the night under twinkling lights. But let’s be honest — it’s hot.
When we visited in July , we got lucky with a small break from the heat, but most days are toasty, and the midday sun can be intense. While the evenings cool off beautifully and make for dreamy dinners outside, if you don’t love the heat, consider another time of year.

Road and Table Tip: For a true local feel, escape to smaller towns like Anghiari or Pienza and skip the mid-day rush in Florence. Plus the heat and the city....let's just say it's a lot!

Winter (December – March)

Winter is Tuscany’s best-kept secret. The tourists are gone, the prices drop, and you can have Florence’s art galleries (almost) to yourself. It’s also the best time to cozy up with hearty Tuscan dishes like ribollita or pici cacio e pepe.

No matter when you go, Tuscany rewards those who slow down and savor.

Tuscany Region Breakdown: Where to Stay & What to Expect

Chianti Classico

Best for: Wine lovers, scenic drives, romantic countryside stays
Vibe: Rolling vineyards, cypress trees, stone villas, and the iconic “Under the Tuscan Sun” feel

The Chianti region is pure Tuscany — all sun-soaked vineyards and long lunches under vine-covered pergolas. Towns like Greve in Chianti , Radda , and Castellina are filled with wineries, farmhouses, and small trattorias that serve local wines right from the source.

Road & Table Book Club Pick: Want to be inspired and dream about Tuscany? Read:Under The Tuscan Sun

Val d’Orcia

Best for: Photography lovers, peaceful escapes, wine and cheese trails
Vibe: Storybook views, golden hills, and postcard-perfect villages

Val d’Orcia is Tuscany.....think Pienza , Montepulciano , and Montalcino . It’s quieter, more rural, and deeply rooted in food and wine culture (hello, Brunello di Montalcino and pecorino from Pienza).

Arezzo & Anghiari

Best for: Hidden gems, market lovers, wine, foodies and art enthusiasts
Vibe: Medieval charm, antique markets, authentic local life

This corner of eastern Tuscany feels undiscovered — and that’s exactly why I love it. Arezzo hosts one of Italy’s best antique fairs, while Anghiari is all winding lanes, artisans’ workshops, and views that make you want to stay forever.

Road & Table Pick: Anghiari feels like stepping back in time. It’s the perfect base if you love slow mornings, farmers markets, and fewer tourists.

Where to stay: Buccia Nera (35 minutes from Arezzo) A family-run wine estate and agriturismo set among rolling vineyards and olive groves. Offers charming farmhouse apartments, a pool, and on-site wine tastings for a relaxed countryside escape .

Get all the inside scoop to Anghiari and Arezzo with my Tuscany Travel Guide: Arezzo & Anghiari Culinary Itinerary!

��️ Florence (Firenze)

Best for: Art lovers, culture seekers, and aperitivo enthusiasts
Vibe: Renaissance grandeur meets modern café culture

Florence is Tuscany’s beating heart — a city where Michelangelo, espresso, and aperitivo all belong in the same sentence. Stay here for a night or two to immerse yourself in the museums and piazzas, then escape to the countryside for a slower pace.

Road and Table Tip: If standing in long museum lines isn’t your idea of vacation bliss, skip the long museum lines and visit the Medici Palace instead. It’s quieter, beautifully preserved, and filled with stunning artwork, frescoed halls, and secret courtyards — a glimpse into Florence’s Renaissance splendor without the crowds.

Lucca & Pisa

Best for: Family-friendly stays, cycling, and classic sightseeing
Vibe: Elegant, laid-back, and easily accessible

Lucca’s city walls are made for biking — a perfect way to take in the view while enjoying a gelato stop (or three). Pisa, of course, has its famous Leaning Tower, but beyond that, it’s a charming riverfront city with a growing culinary scene.

Siena & San Gimignano

Best for: History lovers, architecture buffs, and those chasing that “classic Tuscany” feel
Vibe: Medieval charm, piazza life, and sweeping vineyard views

Siena is a stunning mix of Gothic architecture and Tuscan warmth, while nearby San Gimignano offers one of the best skyline views in Italy — all those medieval towers rising from the hills.

Maremma & the Tuscan Coast

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers, beach lovers, and wine with a sea breeze
Vibe: Wild coastlines, olive groves, and seaside villages

The Maremma region is Tuscany’s wild side — part countryside, part coast, and all authenticity. Think long beaches, seafood feasts, and boutique stays hidden among olive trees. Towns like Bolgheri are known for their “Super Tuscan” wines, while Castiglione della Pescaia brings a coastal charm that pairs perfectly with a glass of Vermentino.

Eat & Drink: A Foodie’s Map of Tuscany

If Tuscany had a love language, it would be food. Every meal here tells a story — of family, land, and centuries of flavor perfected with simplicity. From earthy truffles to full-bodied Chianti, Tuscany invites you to slow down, savor, and experience the region one bite (and one sip) at a time.

Truffle Heaven: San Miniato & Mugello

There’s a certain magic in following a truffle dog through the forest, the earth rich with scent, the anticipation building until that small, precious treasure is unearthed.
Tuscany’s San Miniato and Mugello regions are truffle country, especially in autumn when the air turns crisp and the white truffles make their grand appearance.

Many local farms offer guided truffle hunts followed by rustic, home-cooked meals — think tagliolini tossed in butter and shaved truffle, paired with a glass of local wine.

✨ My Tuscany Travel Guide: Arezzo & Anghiari Culinary Itinerary includes trusted truffle-hunting experiences and the trattorias that serve these treasures the authentic way.

Chianti & Beyond: Wine Regions You Can’t Miss

No trip to Tuscany is complete without time among the vines. The Chianti Classico region, stretching between Florence and Siena, is the heart of Tuscan wine culture — rolling hills, centuries-old estates, and family-run wineries where tasting feels more like being welcomed home.

But don’t stop there. Venture beyond Chianti into Montepulciano , known for its velvety Vino Nobile, and Montalcino , home of the world-famous Brunello. Smaller producers here often offer intimate tastings, personal stories, and bottles you’ll never find on U.S. shelves.

Farm-to-Table Tuscany: Local Markets & Cooking Classes

Food in Tuscany starts at the market. Wander through Florence’s Mercato Centrale , where locals shop for pecorino, fresh pasta, and baskets of sun-ripened produce. Or visit Arezzo’s weekly market , where the air is thick with the scent of herbs, cheese, and fresh bread.

For a deeper taste of the culture, join a cooking class in a farmhouse kitchen — learning how to roll out pici by hand or prepare bruschetta over open flame. These experiences connect you to Tuscany in the most delicious way possible.

If your planning a trip to Arezzo get my Anghiari and Arezzo Itinerary.

Tuscan Classics You Can’t Miss

Every region has its culinary icons, but Tuscany’s dishes are a masterclass in rustic perfection.

Tagliata di Manzo – Grilled steak drizzled with olive oil and rosemary.
Pici Cacio e Pepe – Hand-rolled pasta tossed with pecorino and black pepper.
Ribollita – Hearty vegetable and bread soup, rich with olive oil.
Cantucci with Vin Santo – Almond cookies dipped in sweet dessert wine to end your meal on a warm note.

These dishes embody everything that makes Tuscany unforgettable — simplicity, seasonality, and a whole lot of love.

�� Want restaurant recommendations? Inside my Tuscany Travel Guide: Arezzo & Anghiari Culinary Itinerary — includes my favorite hidden trattorias, wine tastings, and foodie stops

Tuscany Itinerary Snapshot

If you’re anything like me, Tuscany isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience you want to live, not just visit. Whether you have a few days or a full week, this snapshot itinerary gives you a taste of the Road & Table way to explore: equal parts food, wine, slow mornings, and unforgettable views.

✨ For a complete 8-day digital itinerary — including hidden-gem stays, Road & Table–approved dining, attractions and more — find it all inside my Tuscany Digital Travel Guide: Arezzo & Anghiari Culinary Itinerary

Day 1 – Market Morning & Tuscan Pantry

Ease into slow living with a visit to local markets and charming alimentari shops. Stock up on fresh olive oil, cheeses, and local wines for the week ahead.

Day 2 – Truffles & Twilight in Arezzo

Follow a truffle dog through the forest, enjoy a truffle-infused lunch, then spend your evening in Arezzo sipping wine and dining under the stars.

Day 3 – Olive Oil, Nature & Michelin Nights

Tour family-run olive presses and taste liquid gold straight from the source. Relax in the countryside before indulging in a Michelin-starred dinner.

Day 4 – History & Culinary Heritage in Anghiari

Explore medieval streets, browse artisan shops, and eat at farm-to-table restaurants. and stroll the village as the sun sets behind the hills.

Day 5 – The Wine Road

Sip your way through Tuscany’s iconic vineyards — from Chianti Classico estates to Brunello tastings.

�� Extend Your Stay

Add extra days to explore Florence , Siena , or the Tuscan Coast — or let me design a custom 7- or 8-day itinerary with private tastings, hidden-gem stays, and driver arrangements.

Bringing Tuscany Home

One of my favorite parts of traveling is finding ways to bring a little piece of that place home —
not through souvenirs, but through flavors, stories, and simple rituals that make travel feel alive long after the suitcases are unpacked. The heart of Road & Table is creating travel-inspired moments that connect us to the world through food, wine, and story.

When I can’t be in Tuscany, I recreate it in my kitchen with my Ricotta Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream and Pears , inspired by candlelit dinners under olive trees.

Join my Journey & Bites Newsletter for Italian-inspired recipes, upcoming travel stories, and behind-the-scenes glimpses from my culinary adventures.

Don’t miss the Wanderlust Reads Book Club , where each month’s pick pairs perfectly with a destination — from Tuscan vineyards to Parisian cafés and seaside escapes.

Plan Your Road & Table Journey

Ready to turn your Tuscan daydream into reality?
My Tuscany Digital Travel Guide has everything you need to plan your perfect trip — from truffle hunts to Chianti tastings, boutique stays, and restaurant recommendations.

Prefer to have it all done for you? Inquire about my Custom Curated Itinerary Services or my full booking services and travel the Road & Table way.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Ireland & Scotland Fairy Guide: Fairy Pools, Fairy Forts & Enchanting Spots

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 11:01:04 GMT

Ireland & Scotland Fairy Guide: Fairy Pools, Fairy Forts & Enchanting Spots

Table of Contents:

Fairy Places in Ireland & Scotland: Fairy Pools, Forts, Glens & Hidden Gems

Growing up, my Irish heritage was always at the forefront — from the stories passed down at family gatherings to the recipes that were shared in the kitchen. Being the only girl on my dad’s side of the family since 1897 made me something of a rare gem, at least according to my grandfather. He used to call me his little Irish fairy, and maybe that’s why fairy folklore always makes me smile.

When I travel through Ireland and Scotland , places steeped in fairy myths, it feels like more than just sightseeing stops. They’re pieces of my story — a mix of folklore, natural beauty, and hidden gems . From the Fairy Pools on the Isle of Skye to Ireland’s fairy forts, wishing bridges, and mystical caves , these are the most enchanting fairy places to explore.

Fairy Places & Hidden Gems of the Isle of Skye, Scotland

Main Attractions

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye

Crystal-clear cascading pools at the foot of the Cuillin Mountains, famous for their blue-green shimmer. Folklore says these pools were once the bathing place of fairies, and dipping your face in the icy water is said to bring good fortune. Best seen early morning or at golden hour when the light adds to the magic.
�� Address: Glen Brittle, Carbost, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, Scotland (Car park at the start of the trail).

The Old Man of Storr

One of Skye’s most iconic rock pinnacles, created by an ancient landslip. The jagged landscape has long been tied to myths of giants and earth spirits. Local folklore says the Old Man is a giant who fell asleep and turned to stone.
�� Address: Old Man of Storr Car Park, A855, Portree IV51 9HX, Scotland.

The Quiraing

A dramatic, otherworldly landscape of cliffs, plateaus, and rock pinnacles. Legends claim ancient spirits and fairies shaped the strange formations. With mist rolling through the valleys, it feels like stepping into a mythical realm.
�� Address: Quiraing Car Park, Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9LB, Scotland.

Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland’s postcard-perfect castle, located at the meeting point of three sea lochs. While not strictly tied to fairies, its mystical setting has made it a backdrop for countless myths and legends. It’s also considered one of the most photographed castles in the world.
�� Address: Dornie, Kyle of Lochalsh IV40 8DX, Scotland.

Neist Point Lighthouse

Perched dramatically at the westernmost tip of Skye, Neist Point is famous for sunsets that feel like the edge of the world. Folklore whispers that the headland was once a gathering place for spirits, adding to its eerie beauty.
�� Address: Glendale, Isle of Skye IV55 8WU, Scotland (Neist Point Car Park at end of single-track road).

Hidden Gems

The Fairy Glen, Uig

A whimsical miniature landscape of grassy mounds, spirals, and cone-shaped hills. Locals believe this glen was formed by fairies, and it remains one of Skye’s most enchanting hidden gems. Many visitors build stone spirals here, though tradition warns against disturbing fairy land.
�� Address: Near Uig, Isle of Skye IV51 9YG, Scotland.

Sligachan Old Bridge

This 19th-century stone bridge sits at the gateway to the Cuillin mountains. Legend says if you dip your face in the river beneath the bridge for seven seconds, fairies will grant you eternal youth and beauty.
�� Address: A87, Sligachan, Isle of Skye IV47 8SW, Scotland.

Brother’s Point (Rubha nam Brathairean)

A stunning coastal hike often overlooked by tourists. Folklore links the area to ancient brothers who settled along the coast, though the wild cliffs and sea stacks also give it a fairy-tale feel.
�� Address: Start from a lay-by on the A855 north of Staffin, Isle of Skye IV51 9JT.

Camasunary Bay

A remote beach with sweeping views of the Cuillin Mountains. The journey itself feels enchanted, requiring a hike along a dramatic coastal path. Folklore claims the area was once haunted by spirits who guarded the bay.
�� Address: Accessible by hike from Kilmarie car park, Isle of Skye IV49 9DJ.

Loch Coruisk

One of Skye’s most dramatic lochs, often described as the most beautiful in Scotland. Folklore says it’s home to kelpies — shape-shifting water horses from Celtic mythology. The loch is reachable only by boat from Elgol or a long mountain hike.
�� Address: Loch Coruisk, Isle of Skye IV47 8TA, Scotland.

Ireland – Fairy Rings, Waterfalls & Coastal Magic

Main Attractions

Ring of Kerry

This classic scenic drive circles the Iveragh Peninsula, revealing mountains, lakes, and sweeping Atlantic views. While not strictly fairy-linked, the route passes ancient ringforts and standing stones that carry mystical ties to Ireland’s legendary “fairy folk.”
�� Address: Begins and ends in Killarney, County Kerry, Ireland (N70/N71 loop drive).

Cliffs of Moher

Ireland’s most iconic cliffs rise over 700 feet above the Atlantic. Folklore speaks of spirits and fairies gathering here, with the dramatic sea spray believed to carry whispers of the Otherworld. Best visited at sunrise or off-season to avoid crowds.
�� Address: Cliffs of Moher Visitor Centre, Lislorkan North, Liscannor, Co. Clare, V95 KN9T, Ireland.

Connemara National Park

Covering boglands, mountains, and shimmering lakes, Connemara feels like Ireland at its wildest. Folklore ties its rugged peaks to fairy mischief and ancient warrior legends. Hike Diamond Hill for panoramic views that feel truly otherworldly.
�� Address: Connemara National Park Visitor Centre, Letterfrack, Co. Galway, H91 VEV4, Ireland.

The Burren

A surreal limestone karst landscape, dotted with wildflowers, caves, and historic ruins. Ancient myths suggest the Burren’s rocky surface was a meeting place for spirits. The stark beauty feels like walking across a lunar fairyland.
�� Address: Burren National Park Information Point, Church St, Corofin, Co. Clare, V95 VX83, Ireland.

Glendalough

Nestled in Wicklow’s “Valley of the Two Lakes,” Glendalough is famous for its monastic ruins and tranquil scenery. Local legends say fairies and monks coexisted here, the lakes serving as portals to spiritual worlds.
�� Address: Glendalough Visitor Centre, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, A98 HC80, Ireland.

Hidden Gems

The Fairy Bridges & Wishing Chair (Bundoran, Donegal)

Rugged sea arches where locals believed fairies danced. The stone Wishing Chair is said to grant wishes to those who sit and make a secret request.
�� Address: Tullan Strand Rd, Bundoran, Co. Donegal, F94 X2K0, Ireland.

Poulnabrone Dolmen (The Burren)

A 5,000-year-old portal tomb believed to be a doorway to the “Otherworld.” Folklore says it marked a passage for fairies and spirits. Most magical at sunrise or sunset.
�� Address: R480 Road, Caherconnell, The Burren, Co. Clare, Ireland.

Kesh Caves (Sligo)

These ancient limestone caves are tied to Ireland’s mystical Tuatha Dé Danann and feature in legends of Queen Medb. Their dramatic hilltop setting makes them feel otherworldly.
�� Address: Keshcorran, Ballymote, Co. Sligo, Ireland (trailhead in Kesh village).

Assaranca Waterfall (Donegal)

This roadside cascade near Ardara thunders down into lush greenery. Locals once believed water spirits and fairies guarded such waterfalls. It’s especially stunning after heavy rain.
�� Address: Assaranca Waterfall, Maghera, Ardara, Co. Donegal, Ireland.

The Dark Hedges (Ballymoney, Antrim)

A tunnel of beech trees said to be haunted by a “Grey Lady,” believed by some to be a fairy spirit. Famous from Game of Thrones, but folklore predates the show by centuries.
�� Address: Bregagh Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Co. Antrim BT53 8PX, Northern Ireland.

Fairy Forts (Scattered Across Ireland)

Thousands of ringforts dot rural Ireland, seen as portals to the fairy world. Folklore warns against disturbing them — many farmers still refuse to build on or plough through these sites.
�� Address: Common across Ireland; visible examples in Co. Kerry, Co. Clare, and Co. Donegal .

Slieve League Cliffs (Donegal)

Far taller than the Cliffs of Moher, Slieve League is tied to stories of fairy gatherings and spirit worlds. The cliffs are raw, wild, and breathtaking.
�� Address: Slieve League Viewing Point, Teelin, Carrick, Co. Donegal, F94 W8KC, Ireland.

Kylemore Abbey & Victorian Walled Garden (Connemara)

This dreamy lakeside abbey looks straight out of a fairy tale. While not strictly linked to fairy legend, its romantic setting and misty backdrop feel otherworldly. Be sure to stroll the Victorian walled garden and search for the fairy house plant along the way.
�� Address: Kylemore Abbey, Pollacappul, Connemara, Co. Galway, H91 VR90, Ireland.

Stepping Into the Magic of Fairy Places in Ireland & Scotland

From the shimmering Fairy Pools on Skye to the mystical fairy forts of Ireland, these landscapes are more than just beautiful—they’re woven with centuries of stories, legends, and traditions. Whether you believe in the fairies or simply love the romance of folklore, exploring these spots lets you step into a world where myth and nature collide.

If you’re planning a trip, I recommend mixing a few of the well-known attractions with hidden gems. Hike to the Fairy Glen, pause at a fairy fort tucked in an Irish field, or linger in the Victorian walled garden. These are the moments that make a trip unforgettable.

Ready to Plan Your Own Fairy Adventure?

✨ I’d love to help you design your next trip through Ireland or Scotland. Whether you’re dreaming of wandering fairy trails, sipping whisky by a Skye fireplace, or chasing Atlantic views in Donegal, I can take the stress out of planning and make sure you don’t miss the magic.

�� Let’s work together to design your next adventure. Contact Road and Table today to start planning.

And if you can’t get enough of Ireland, don’t miss these:

�� Wine & Dine Through Connemara Digital Guide – my curated foodie + travel guide packed with hidden gems, restaurants, and scenic stops.
�� Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure – another blog post full of inspiration for exploring Ireland’s wild west coast.

Dive Deeper Into Fairy Folklore

If wandering fairy landscapes sparks your curiosity, you don’t have to stop at the cliffs and glens. Ireland and Scotland’s folklore has been preserved in countless stories, and two of my favorite collections bring those legends to life:

Irish Fairy Tales and Folklore — Originally published as two separate volumes in 1800s, this premier collection of Irish stories edited and compiled W. B. Yeats is the perfect gift for any lover of Irish literature and folklore. The lyrical prose and rich cultural heritage of each tale will captivate and enchant readers of all ages and keep them entertained for hours on end.

The Scottish Fairy Book — A timeless anthology filled with kelpies, brownies, and woodland spirits that have haunted (and helped) Scottish villagers for centuries. It’s a wonderful companion if you’re exploring Skye or the Highlands and want to understand the folklore woven into the landscapes.

�� Add one (or both) to your reading list before you go — it’s a magical way to connect the stories you read with the places you’ll see.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 20:29:20 GMT

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed.

Cue full-blown panic.

Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center
Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.
Print Everything — Seriously, Everything
You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.
Complete the Passport Renewal Form
Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.
Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately
Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.
Prepare Your Documents
Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee
Arrive Early — Way Early
Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.
Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers
The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

What To Do If You Discover Your Expired Passport (Yes, It Happens to the Best of Us)

By Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

✈️ The Morning My Travel Plans Almost Fell Apart

So imagine my horror when, the day before a trip to Quebec, I discovered my passport was expired .

I had everything planned:

Dinner reservations made
Attraction tickets printed
Outfit list perfectly packed two days ahead

Then, as I unlocked our safe to grab my passport — that pit-in-your-stomach moment hit. The expiration date had passed. Cue full-blown panic.

�� Step One: Don’t Panic (Easier Said Than Done)

If you’ve just realized you have an expired passport before your trip, take a deep breath. It happens — even to seasoned travelers and professionals.

Here’s exactly what to do to hopefully get your passport renewed in time:

�� Step-by-Step: How I Renewed My Expired Passport in One Day

Call the National Passport Information Center

Ask for an appointment at a National Passport Agency .
If possible, choose a less populated city — they often have shorter wait times and easier same-day processing.

Print Everything — Seriously, Everything

You’ll need printed proof of travel (flights, hotels, confirmations, etc.) dated within 14 days.
The passport agency will not accept phone screenshots as proof.

Complete the Passport Renewal Form

Download it online (Form DS-82 or DS-11 depending on your situation).
Fill it out in black ink and double-check all details.

Get Passport Photos Taken Immediately

Stop at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, or a post office that offers photo services.
Bring two printed passport photos.

Prepare Your Documents

Old passport
Printed travel confirmations
Completed renewal form
Passport photos
Check or money order for the passport fee

Arrive Early — Way Early

Don’t wait for your exact appointment time.
Arrive hours early to ensure you’re seen and to handle any unexpected paperwork.

Be Kind, Stay Calm, and Cross Your Fingers

The staff truly want to help you — patience and politeness go a long way.

�� The Good News

I drove two and a half hours to a regional passport agency, walked in with every document ready, and seven hours later… I walked out with a brand-new passport in hand.

Was it stressful? Absolutely.
Worth it? 100%.

�� Key Takeaways for Avoiding Future Passport Panic

Always check your passport expiration date at least six months before international travel .
Set a calendar reminder six months before it expires.
Consider keeping a digital copy of your passport for reference (never for travel).
If you frequently travel, renew it early rather than waiting until the last minute.

✨ Final Thoughts

Take it from someone who’s lived through it — and made it to dinner in Quebec with a glass of wine and a new passport in hand. ��

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

From Hidden Gems to Local Eats: Why Foodies Need Digital Travel Guides

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 11:01:01 GMT

From Hidden Gems to Local Eats: Why Foodies Need Digital Travel Guides

Table of Contents:

From Hidden Gems to Local Eats: Why Foodies Need Digital Travel Guides

As someone who spends hours (and I mean hours ) every week planning trips, researching destinations, and chatting with clients about where to go, what to see, and—most importantly—where to eat, I know firsthand how overwhelming travel planning can be. And let’s be real: most travelers don’t have the time or energy to sift through hundreds of Google search results or endless TripAdvisor reviews that all say the same thing.

That’s exactly why I create digital travel guides. And no, these guides aren’t thrown together from a quick online search. They’re built from real experiences, countless conversations, and meticulous notes (seriously, if you ever scrolled through the notes app on my phone, your brain might actually explode). I’m always jotting down hidden gems people rave about, foodie spots locals swear by, and experiences that make a trip unforgettable.

The result? Guides designed to take the stress out of planning so you can skip the tourist traps, savor authentic flavors, and spend more time gathering around the kinds of tables worth traveling for.

Here are some reasons why you need a digital travel guide.

Say Goodbye to Overwhelm
We’ve all been there—17 tabs open, trying to figure out if “that one pasta spot” on TripAdvisor is actually authentic or just a tourist trap. Digital guides cut the noise. They narrow down the research rabbit hole into one neat, curated package so you can stop scrolling and start sipping wine, Win-win, right?
Hidden Gems Without the Guesswork
Your foodie heart wants the hole-in-the-wall dumpling shop, not the chain restaurant near the train station. But finding those spots? Stressful. A digital guide built by someone who knows food travel (hi, that’s me) guarantees you’ll uncover authentic, local tables worth gathering around. A paid guide filters through all that noise and delivers curated, insider picks that have actually been researched, vetted, or even personally experienced. Less fluff, more substance. I also share plenty of free foodie travel tips and destination guides right here on the blog —perfect for a little pre-trip inspo or when you’re just daydreaming about your next getaway. But when you’re ready to skip the overwhelm and actually plan your trip, that’s where my digital guides come in. Think of the blog as your appetizer, and the guides as your full-course meal.
Easy to Pack, Easy to Use
Digital guides live on your phone, iPad, or computer—light, searchable, and accessible whether you’re at a café in Florence or in line for tacos in Austin. Because the easier to access the better, especially when you're busy stuffing your face with tacos!
Time Saved = More Bites Savored
Planning eats up hours, and who has that kind of time? (Not you, between work, family, and trying to sneak in a yoga class.) Digital guides give you ready-to-go itineraries, so instead of planning your trip, you can focus on enjoying it—one plate, one sip, one hidden alley at a time.
Updated, Real, and Relevant
Digital guides evolve—new restaurants, seasonal food festivals, and fresh chef-driven experiences can be updated in real time. That means you’re not stuck following “must-try” lists that went stale five years ago. Paying for a resource means the creator has invested time into keeping it accurate, current, and genuinely useful — not just SEO clickbait.

Travel should be about chasing flavors

Travel shouldn't be about stressing over logistics or wasting meals in tourist traps. That’s why I believe digital travel guides are the future for foodies. They’re curated, thoughtful, and designed to help you savor more of what really matters.

At Road and Table, every guide, itinerary, and booking I create is built with hours of research, local insight, and a whole lot of love for both the road and the table. Whether you’re dreaming of a quick weekend getaway or a bucket-list adventure, I’ve got you covered with curated itineraries, full-service bookings, and foodie-approved digital downloads.

Ready to spend less time planning and more time eating? Explore Road and Table’s digital travel guides , and let’s start chasing more of what you love.

You can also find more of my travel content on the travel booking site Plannin . Plannin is partnered with booking.com and priceline for your one-stop shop for pulling together a trip without having 47 browser tabs open. You can search and book accommodations, experiences, and more—all in one place. I love that it combines inspiration with the actual tools you need to book, which makes planning your next adventure way less stressful. Be sure to sign up for a free account, and the next time you’re getting ready to book a getaway, head over to Plannin to see what they have to offer.

��✈️ Ready to skip the endless Googling and dive straight into the good stuff? Grab one of my digital travel guides —built with foodies in mind—and start planning your next trip around unforgettable meals and hidden gems. Your taste buds (and your sanity) will thank you!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean & Central America

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 09:00:40 GMT

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Caribbean & Central America

Table of Contents:

My Top All-Inclusive Picks in the Caribbean & Central America For Foodies

If you’ve been burned by bland buffets or watered-down cocktails at an all-inclusive before, you’re not alone. Too often, booking “all-inclusive” means sacrificing something—whether that’s quality food, drinks, or service.

The one thing I’m never willing to sacrifice? The quality of food and cocktails.

And because I want to be honest and keep it real with you— all-inclusives aren’t usually where you’ll find world-class culinary experiences. There are a few exceptions, of course, but for the most part, you’re not booking a Michelin-starred restaurant when you choose an all-inclusive. That said, I’ve done the research (and plenty of the traveling!) to handpick the resorts that consistently offer solid food, great drinks, and experiences that meet the expectations of Road and Table.

That’s why I’ve curated this list of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean and Central America for foodies. These are the exact properties I recommend to clients every single week, because they reliably deliver outstanding dining, cocktails, and service.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Jamaica

Sandals Royal Caribbean – Montego Bay (Adults-Only)

This iconic Sandals resort is famous for its private offshore island with overwater bungalows and a collection of eight restaurants. Guests can enjoy everything from traditional Jamaican jerk chicken at the beach grill to elegant French dining, all paired with premium cocktails and attentive service.

Pros: Private offshore island, wide dining variety, premium liquor included.
Cons: Busy during peak times; overwater villas are a splurge.

Excellence Oyster Bay – Montego Bay (Adults-Only)

Set on a private peninsula, Excellence Oyster Bay is designed for couples who want both seclusion and variety. The resort’s 11 restaurants cover everything from fresh-caught seafood to international cuisines, with a cocktail program that goes beyond the standard poolside daiquiri.

Pros: Secluded, excellent dining variety, chic oceanfront suites.
Cons: Remote location limits off-property exploring.

Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa – Lucea (Family-Friendly)

Perfect for families, this large resort offers more than a dozen restaurants spread across its sprawling property. Options range from authentic Jamaican flavors to international favorites, with kid-friendly meals and a water park that keeps little ones entertained.

Pros: Huge dining variety, family-friendly, casual and international options.
Cons: Large property; walking distances can be long.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic

Excellence Punta Cana (Adults-Only)

A long-time favorite for couples, Excellence Punta Cana offers 12 dining venues ranging from tapas to lobster. Guests consistently rave about the resort’s attentive service, romantic beachfront setting, and carefully crafted cocktails.

Pros: Extensive dining options, great cocktails, romantic setting.
Cons: Remote location requires transfers for off-site exploring.

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa – Punta Cana (Adults-Only)

Tucked into the exclusive gated community of Cap Cana, this resort combines luxury with foodie-approved dining. The seafood restaurant is a highlight, as is the extensive wine list. Elegant settings and personalized service make it a standout for couples.

Pros: Upscale location, excellent seafood and wine, attentive service.
Cons: Smaller beach, premium price point.

Dreams Onyx Punta Cana (Family-Friendly)

Dreams Onyx offers a lively, family-friendly atmosphere without compromising on food. From French fine dining to beachside seafood, there’s something for every palate. Families love the kids’ and teen clubs, while adults appreciate the well-made cocktails.

Pros: Great dining variety, family-friendly, strong kids’ amenities.
Cons: Large layout can feel spread out.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Antigua

Galley Bay Resort & Spa (Adults-Only)

Galley Bay is a boutique adults-only resort where the focus is on intimacy, beachfront dining, and authentic Caribbean flavors. The menus highlight local ingredients and fresh seafood, making every meal feel like a special occasion.

Pros: Romantic, boutique vibe, authentic Caribbean cuisine.
Cons: Fewer restaurants than larger resorts, though quality is high.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in St. Lucia

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa (Family-Friendly, with Adults-Only Wing)

This versatile resort splits into two sections: Splash for families and Harmony for adults-only. Both sides enjoy a variety of restaurants with island-inspired dishes, from fresh fish to jerk chicken, and cocktails that showcase tropical flavors.

Pros: Two-in-one design, dining variety, good balance for families and couples.
Cons: Rooms lean casual, food is solid but not gourmet.

Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort (Family-Friendly)

Spread along a hillside, Windjammer Landing feels like a Mediterranean village with Caribbean flair. Multiple restaurants offer everything from wood-fired pizzas to elegant seafood dinners, while cocktails can be enjoyed overlooking the bay.

Pros: Villa-style accommodations, varied dining, family-friendly.
Cons: Hillside layout requires shuttles; beach is smaller.

Anse Chastanet (Adults-Only)

Foodies love Anse Chastanet for its commitment to organic, farm-to-table cuisine. The resort’s own farm supplies many of the ingredients, and the chocolate-themed menus are a unique highlight. With stunning views of the Pitons, it’s as much about the dining experience as the scenery.

Pros: Farm-to-table dining, organic menus, chocolate-focused cuisine.
Cons: Rustic luxury; open-air design not for everyone.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Belize

Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas (Family-Friendly with Adults-Only Feel)

A boutique gem, Sirenian Bay offers personalized service and chef-driven menus that highlight Belizean flavors like fresh lobster, coconut curries, and tropical cocktails. With its intimate size, dining feels more like a private experience than a resort buffet.

Pros: Boutique vibe, locally inspired cuisine, attentive service.
Cons: Smaller size means fewer restaurant options.

Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Mexico

Grand Velas Riviera Maya (Family-Friendly with Adults-Only Sections)

Considered one of the best all-inclusives in the world for food, Grand Velas brings Michelin-starred talent into its restaurants. From French gastronomy to authentic Mexican flavors, every meal is designed to impress. Cocktails and wine lists are equally elevated.

Pros: Michelin-starred chefs, fine dining, expansive wine list.
Cons: Premium pricing, formal atmosphere may not suit all.

Excellence Playa Mujeres (Adults-Only)

A favorite for romantic getaways, this resort offers 12 restaurants that cover everything from casual Mexican tacos to French fine dining. Guests praise not just the food but the beautifully prepared cocktails and romantic ambiance.

Pros: Wide dining range, excellent cocktails, romantic suites.
Cons: Quieter nightlife, geared more to relaxation than partying.

Paradisus La Perla – Playa del Carmen (Adults-Only)

La Perla brings a modern and vibrant atmosphere to the Paradisus brand. Guests love the à la carte restaurants, contemporary design, and creative cocktails. With the adult-only focus, it’s perfect for couples who want a mix of energy and relaxation.

Pros: Modern vibe, great dining, adult-only atmosphere.
Cons: Shared grounds with the family-friendly side can feel busier.

Final Bite

Let’s be real: all-inclusives are not the go-to destination for world-class culinary experiences. You’re not booking a Michelin-star table here—but that doesn’t mean you have to settle for bland buffets and sugary cocktails either.

At Road and Table, I’ve researched, traveled, and tasted my way through to find the resorts that consistently deliver solid dining, creative cocktails, and an experience that meets my Road and Table standards. These are the all-inclusives I recommend to my clients week after week because they combine convenience with a genuine taste of the destination.

�� Ready to plan your own foodie-approved all-inclusive escape? Let’s design your trip together — Work with Road and Table

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Peruvian Chicken Wings with Green Sauce | Travel-Inspired Recipe

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:01:10 GMT

Peruvian Chicken Wings with Green Sauce ( Ají Verde) – A Travel-Inspired Recipe

Jump to Recipe

In This Post

At Road and Table, every recipe has a story. My kitchen is often the final stop on a journey that begins with travel—whether it’s across the globe or just a short drive from home. This recipe, Peruvian Chicken Wings with Green Sauce, is inspired by one of those “you have to try this place” moments that turned into a true hidden gem discovery.

I didn’t have to travel far to find this dish. One of my dear friends returned from the trip of a lifetime in Peru and was determined to keep the flavors alive back home. When a Peruvian restaurant called Canggio opened a few towns over in Norwich, Connecticut, she insisted it was a must-visit. I kept saying, “It’s on my list, we have to go,” and when I finally did, I knew I had stumbled upon something special.

(Pro tip: If you’re visiting Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods, step outside the casino bubble and take a detour to Canggio—you’ll thank me later!)

Want a peek inside? I shared my full experience in a reel on Instagram—be sure to check it out.

Peru: A Destination Full of Flavor

Peru is more than just Machu Picchu (though that alone is worth the trip!). It’s a country bursting with diversity—towering Andes mountains, lush Amazon rainforest, vibrant coastal cities, and colorful markets that bring daily life to the streets. In Lima, often referred to as the gastronomic capital of South America , you’ll find world-class restaurants blending Indigenous, Spanish, African, and Asian influences into one unforgettable culinary experience.

The cuisine of Peru is as varied as its landscapes. Coastal towns are known for fresh ceviche , while highland regions offer hearty dishes like aji de gallina (creamy chicken stew) and roasted meats seasoned with local spices. Street food favorites like anticuchos (grilled skewers) capture the country’s soul, while sauces like ají verde (the green sauce you’ll see below) elevate even the simplest ingredients. It’s no wonder Peruvian cuisine has become a global sensation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Travel-inspired flavor – brings a taste of Peru right to your kitchen. I use this Peruvian Seasoning , it's always in my spice rack!
Crispy perfection – the refrigerator trick + spice rub gives you the crunch you crave.
That sauce! – tangy, spicy, creamy ají verde you’ll want to drizzle on everything.
Flexible cooking methods – bake, grill, or air fry—whatever works best for you.
Party-worthy or weeknight easy – impressive enough for guests, simple enough for dinner.
Leftover magic
– the green sauce doubles as the ultimate topping for tacos, sandwiches, and more.

If this recipe inspires you to dream of Peru or even a visit to Mohegan Sun or Foxwoods Casinos, let Road and Table help you turn that dream into a journey. Explore my curated itineraries or contact me to plan your next unforgettable culinary experience.

Peruvian Chicken Wings with Green Sauce (Ají Verde)

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

�� Note: The sauce makes a generous batch, so plan to use it throughout the week—it’s especially amazing on tacos or spread over a grilled chicken sandwich.

Ingredients

For the Wings:

2 lbs chicken wings
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Peruvian seasoning blend (I use this one)
Salt & pepper to taste

For the Green Sauce (Ají verde):

1 bunch cilantro, stems trimmed
1–2 jalapeño peppers (add more or less for spice level)
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp white vinegar
⅓ cup shredded Cotija cheese (sub queso fresco or Parmesan if needed)
¼ tsp cumin
4 cloves garlic
2 tbsp green onions

Instructions

For the Wings:

Remove wings from packaging, rinse, and pat dry. Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Lay wings on a wire rack set over a cookie sheet. This helps air circulate, ensuring the skin gets extra crispy.
Season tops and bottoms generously with Peruvian seasoning .
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before cooking. Why? Resting in the fridge dries the skin, which makes for crispier wings once they cook.
Cook wings using your method of choice: oven, grill, or air fryer—flipping halfway. I personally used my charcoal grill for that smoky flavor.

Make the Sauce:

In a food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, green onions, cumin, and cheese. Blend until it forms a paste.
Add mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, and vinegar. Process again until smooth and creamy.
Adjust seasoning to taste.

Serving:

You can keep the sauce on the side as a dip—or do what I did: place your wings in a large bowl, drizzle the sauce generously over the top, and serve with a little extra on the side. Best of both worlds!

Taste of The Holidays: Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Let me hear you if you indulge in one too many magic cookie bars during the holiday season? Imagine….Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream….Yes, my friends it’s a thing, and oh my is it, oh…so….good!

I can’t even tell you how I thought of Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream, but I kind of hate myself for it! It was really good, like get out your ice cream maker and get to churning ASAP good!

Jamie Cassidy

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 Eggs
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Cold)
24 Whole Grham Crackers
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Method

Dissolve graham crackers in heavy cream.
Whisk eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Strain the heavy cream from the graham crackers. If the graham crackers dissolve well you don't have to strain it.
Whisk in sweetened condensed milk into the heavy cream mixture.
Whisk the heavy cream mixture in with the eggs.
Add to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the ice cream is stiff, add your desired amounts of coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

What kind of crazy ice cream flavor do you love? What kind of crazy ice cream flavor would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!

September Eats & Escapes: A Culinary Traveler’s Bucket List

Fri, 26 Sep 2025 16:29:11 GMT

September Eats & Escapes: A Culinary Traveler’s Bucket List

Table of Contents:

Are you looking for the ultimate culinary traveler’s September bucket list? I’ve got five fall culinary bucket list trips you don’t want to miss. From truffle hunting in Tuscany, an oyster festival in Ireland, sipping wine in Spain, lobster season in Belize, and farm-to-table flavors in Vermont’s Champlain Valley, these fall foodie adventures are the perfect mix of travel and taste. September never looked (or tasted) this good.

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you purchase through them at no extra cost to you.

Italy: Truffle Hunting in Tuscany

You don’t have to ask me twice to go back to Tuscany. The Tuscan countryside is a food lover’s dream all year long, but fall in Tuscany takes things to a whole new level. September marks the start of white truffle season—rarer and more luxurious than the black truffle. If you’ve ever dreamed of joining a local guide (and their adorable dogs) on a truffle hunt, September is the time to do it.

Why White Truffles Are Special

You might be wondering: what’s the difference between a white truffle and a black truffle?

White truffles : prized for their musky, garlicky aroma and delicate flavor. Best shaved raw over fresh pasta, risotto, or even scrambled eggs.
Black truffles : richer, earthier, sometimes chocolatey , and perfect for cooking into sauces or with roasted meats.

Both are delicious, but the chance to taste fresh white truffles in Tuscany in September ? That’s a true bucket list foodie moment .

Other September Flavors in Tuscany

It’s not just about truffles—fall brings a bounty of seasonal flavors:

Figs & grapes (harvest season = wine tastings galore)
Pumpkins & squash (perfect for cozy Tuscan soups)
Porcini mushrooms (another autumn delicacy you’ll find on menus everywhere)

If you’re a culinary traveler , put Tuscany in September at the very top of your fall travel bucket list. A bonus, you’ll beat the crowds and the heat of the summer rush!

Where to Stay: Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel, Tuscany

If you’re looking for the ultimate truffle hunting experience in Tuscany , check into Castello di Casole, A Belmond Hotel . This restored castle estate offers guided truffle hunts with expert guides and their adorable dogs .

The best part? Your hunt ends exactly where it should— around the table , with dishes showcasing the truffles you just found, paired with Tuscan wine and countryside views. It’s a foodie fantasy come true.

Galway Oyster Festival

Galway is one of my favorite counties in Ireland. Every September, Galway hosts the world’s longest-running oyster festival —and it’s a bucket list event for any culinary traveler . Over three days, you can enjoy:

Seafood trails through the city’s best spots
Oyster hot spots to taste the freshest catch
Oyster opening (shucking) championships —including the world-famous Oyster “Olympics”
Foodie talks & tastings in Galway’s top restaurants

And of course, the perfect pairing: champagne, stout, and what I truly believe are the best oysters in the world .

If you’re up for the drive (1 hr. 30 mins) from Galway city, make your way to DK Oyster Farm for an oyster farm tour you’ll never forget! It’s one of my favorite culinary experiences!

Where to Stay: The House Hotel, Galway

This boutique gem puts you right in the heart of Galway. Just steps from Eyre Square and the Spanish Arch, it’s the perfect base to dive into the festival buzz, catch live music, and—most importantly—slurp your way through the best oysters Ireland has to offer .

For food lovers, Galway in September is an experience you’ll never forget.

You can dive even deeper into my Ireland content right here on Road and Table. Start with Wine and Dine through Connemara: A Digital Travel Guide for food-focused adventures, or wander through Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure for more emerald isle inspiration.

Spain: Wine Festival in La Rioja

If you’re a wine lover , September in Spain should be at the top of your bucket list. The San Mateo Festival in Logroño (La Rioja) is one giant celebration of the grape harvest—and yes, it’s every bit as fun (and delicious) as it sounds.

What to Expect at San Mateo

This week-long festival (starting around September 21st , the feast day of Saint Matthew, and running until early October) is a full immersion into Spanish wine culture .

Highlights include:

Pinchos (small snacks) perfectly paired with local wines
Traditional grape treading (yes, you can stomp grapes!)
Bullfighting events for those curious about Spanish tradition
Live music, fireworks, and dancing that keep the streets buzzing all night

It’s part food festival, part cultural celebration, and part wine-fueled street party—all set against the backdrop of La Rioja’s famous vineyards .

Where to Stay: Áurea Palacio de Correos, Logroño

This historic hotel—once a grand post office—is now one of Logroño’s most stylish stays . With elegant rooms, a spa, and a wine bar that pays homage to the region’s roots, you’ll be right in the heart of the festival action while still having a luxurious retreat to recharge.

For food and wine travelers, the San Mateo Festival is the ultimate way to kick off fall in Spain.

Belize: Lobster & Rum by the Sea

I get it— September in Belize might make you pause because of the word “hurricane.” But here’s the truth: this is actually Belize’s Green Season , and it comes with some serious perks for culinary travelers.

Why Visit Belize in September

The rainforests are lush and vibrant , with wildlife (like monkeys and toucans) extra active.
It’s prime time for spotting manatees along the coast.
Rain usually shows up in short bursts—often early morning or evening—leaving most of the day sunny, warm, and beach-perfect.
Fun fact: Belize tends to be hit less frequently by major storms compared to other Caribbean destinations. But it wouldn’t hurt to be sure you purchase travel insurance just in case a storm sneaks up and wants to rain on your plans!

Lobster Season = Foodie Paradise

Here’s the real reason September in Belize makes the bucket list: lobster season runs from July 1 to February 28 . And trust me—you don’t want to miss the way Belize does lobster.

The focus is on the tails of the Caribbean spiny lobster .
Must-try dishes include: lobster creole , grilled lobster , and even lobster guacamole (yes, it’s a thing, and yes, it’s life-changing).
Pair it all with a rum punch or a Belikin beer, and you’ve got yourself a proper Belizean feast. For me, I’m pairing it with an ice-cold Belikin Beer!

Where to Stay: Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas, Placencia

This all-inclusive beachfront resort is luxury meets laid-back Caribbean. Enjoy private villas, fresh lobster dinners steps from the sea, and tropical cocktails under the stars. The staff is unmatched in their customer service! Don’t miss the organic garden tour, or you’ll regret it! Placencia has that easygoing vibe, and lobster is always on the menu.

September in Belize = fewer crowds, fresh lobster, and all the rum punch or Belikin beer you can handle .

Want the full scoop on my time in Belize? Check out The Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-See Spots where I share my personal experiences and insider advice.

Vermont: Mountains & Cider in the Champlain Valley

Living in New England , I can say this with confidence: fall here is pure magic. Cozy clothes, the smell of fallen leaves, crisp air, fire nights, and all the tasty treats— apple cider, cider donuts, apple pie, pumpkin pie … it really doesn’t get better.

Why September in Vermont Belongs on Your Bucket List

Peak foliage begins the last week of September and typically runs through early October.
The Champlain Valley is perfect for a fall road trip—think winding drives framed by mountains bursting with color.
Stop at apple orchards to pick your own fruit (and yes, eat a donut or three).
Many local farms like Cloudland Farm offer fall-inspired farm-to-table menus , showcasing the best of Vermont’s seasonal bounty.

Set a weekend aside, drive through the valley, sip some cider, and end the day with a cozy dinner that makes you feel like you’re living inside a postcard. It’s an unforgettable New England vibe that no other place can replicate. If you’ve never experienced it, hands down, you need to add it to your bucket list.

Where to Stay: The Ellis Inn

This charming Bed and Breakfast offers a warm, quintessential Vermont stay —cozy rooms, local hospitality, and the perfect location for exploring the Champlain Valley during peak foliage. After a day of apple picking and cider sipping, it’s exactly the kind of place you’ll want to curl up and relax.

�� September in Vermont is for foodies, leaf peepers, and anyone ready to embrace the cozy magic of fall.

Wrapping Up Your September Culinary Bucket List

From truffle hunting in Tuscany to slurping oysters in Galway , stomping grapes in Spain , feasting on lobster in Belize , and sipping cider in Vermont , September is packed with bucket-list-worthy foodie adventures. Each destination offers its own unforgettable flavors and experiences—whether you’re chasing rustic countryside charm, tropical seafood feasts, or cozy fall vibes. Be sure to book these experiences early, as accommodations book quickly and you don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

At Road and Table , it’s always been about two things: discovering roads to travel down and tables to gather around . That means helping you find not just the big-name sights, but the flavors, festivals, and hidden gems that make travel truly memorable.

We offer:

✈️ Full travel bookings (so you can skip the stress)
��️ Curated itineraries (tailored to your style, time, and budget)
�� Digital travel guides (for instant inspiration at your fingertips)
�� And of course, fun food + travel content that keeps the wanderlust alive

Ready to start planning your own September culinary escape ? Work with Road and Table to create a trip that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable.

*Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Ricotta Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream & Pears: A Taste of Tuscany

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 11:24:12 GMT

Ricotta Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream & Pears: A Taste of Tuscany

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In This Post

When I think back on my time in Tuscany, one of the most vivid memories isn’t just the golden light over the rolling hills—it’s the food. While sipping wine at Giardini Del Vicario Caffè in Anghiari, I tasted a dish that was truly unforgettable: gnocchi with gorgonzola cream and pears. It was simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.

A Hidden Gem in Tuscany: Anghiari

Nestled in the province of Arezzo, Anghiari is one of Italy’s most enchanting medieval towns. With its winding stone streets, breathtaking views over the Tiber Valley, and authentic Tuscan charm, Anghiari feels like stepping back in time. Food lovers will find no shortage of inspiration here—from rustic trattorias to refined cafés, the culinary scene reflects the very best of Italy: fresh ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and flavors that linger long after the last bite.

At Giardini Del Vicario, the combination of sweeping views, warm hospitality, and food made with love created one of those perfect travel moments. Sharing plates, sipping wine, and savoring gnocchi that melted in the mouth—it was a memory in a bowl.

From Travel Memories to My Kitchen

Here at Road and Table , I love recreating recipes inspired by my travels, bringing the flavors of the world into my kitchen and yours. This dish is a perfect example of how travel and food are intertwined: a meal that tells a story.

Gnocchi con Gorgonzola e Pere (Ricotta Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream & Pears) combines the softness of potato, the lightness of ricotta, and the delicate balance of sweet pear with creamy, savory gorgonzola. While gnocchi may sound intimidating, this recipe is approachable—and the results are worth every step. If you love making homemade pasta at home, I've got a great kit on Amazon !

And remember, if Italy is calling your name, I’d be delighted to help plan or book your trip. From curated itineraries that come with keepsake travel books or full travel booking services, Road and Table helps you uncover authentic experiences and hidden gems across Tuscany and beyond. You can also check out my Anghiari travel guide on Plannin if you want to book your own Anghiari experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Combines authentic Tuscan flavors with a touch of elegance.
Perfect balance of savory and sweet .
A lighter gnocchi thanks to the ricotta.
A dish that will transport you straight to Anghiari, Italy from your own kitchen.

If this recipe inspires you to dream of Italy, let Road and Table help you turn that dream into a journey. Explore my curated itineraries or contact me to plan your next unforgettable culinary experience.

Recipe:

Ricotta Potato Gnocchi with Gorgonzola Cream & Pears

Serves 4 | Prep Time: 45 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

8 oz potatoes (after riced)
8 oz whole milk ricotta (well-drained)
8 oz “00” flour (such as Caputo)
2 egg yolks
¼ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano
A pinch of fresh ground nutmeg
Salt to taste

For the Sauce:

1 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
2 oz gorgonzola dolce
¼ of a Bosc pear, finely diced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Make the Gnocchi:

1. Boil the potatoes until tender. While warm, rice the potatoes with a potato ricer onto a flat surface.

2. Press excess liquid from the ricotta with cheesecloth or paper towels.

3. Combine ricotta with potatoes, forming a well in the center.

4. Add egg yolks, flour, parmesan, nutmeg, and salt. Mix until just combined.

5. If the dough feels sticky, add a bit more flour.

6. Roll dough into ¾-inch ropes and cut into ¾-inch pieces.

7. Shape each piece with your thumb on a fork or gnocchi board.

8. Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil.

Make the Sauce:

9. In a pan over low heat, melt butter and add pears. Cook until just softened, then remove pears and set aside.
10. Add cream and gorgonzola to the pan, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened. Keep the heat low to prevent boiling.
11. Return pears to the sauce and keep warm.

Cook & Finish:

12. Drop gnocchi into the gently boiling water. When they float to the surface, remove with a slotted spoon.

13. Toss gnocchi in the gorgonzola-pear sauce and serve immediately, and enjoy!

Taste of The Holidays: Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Let me hear you if you indulge in one too many magic cookie bars during the holiday season? Imagine….Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream….Yes, my friends it’s a thing, and oh my is it, oh…so….good!

I can’t even tell you how I thought of Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream, but I kind of hate myself for it! It was really good, like get out your ice cream maker and get to churning ASAP good!

Jamie Cassidy

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 Eggs
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Cold)
24 Whole Grham Crackers
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Method

Dissolve graham crackers in heavy cream.
Whisk eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Strain the heavy cream from the graham crackers. If the graham crackers dissolve well you don't have to strain it.
Whisk in sweetened condensed milk into the heavy cream mixture.
Whisk the heavy cream mixture in with the eggs.
Add to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the ice cream is stiff, add your desired amounts of coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

What kind of crazy ice cream flavor do you love? What kind of crazy ice cream flavor would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!

Boston Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay, & Explore.

Fri, 30 May 2025 12:15:00 GMT

Boston Travel Guide: Where to Eat, Stay, & Explore.

Table of Contents:

I couldn’t pass up writing a Boston Travel Guide. As a proud New Englander, it’s hard for me not to love the city of Boston! The cobblestone streets, the history, and the food! There is so much to love about Boston! Recently, my husband and spent a few weekends enjoying some great experiences in the city of Boston, so I had to sit down and write a Boston Travel Guide to share with you. In this Boston Travel Guide, you will find how to get around the city, where to stay, what neighborhoods to explore, where to eat, and tours/events to experience.

How to Get Around

Walk : The city of Boston is very walkable! So be sure to pack your walking shoes and hit the road. Who knows, you might find some hidden gems along the way!
Take the T : The T is Boston’s version of the subway! Here is a great link to the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority’s website on how to use the T! CLICK HERE!
Uber : You can always Uber around the city. Uber/Lyft are widely available!
Bike rentals/scooters : If walking or taking the T isn’t your thing, you can always rent a bike or scooter!

Top Neighborhoods to Explore

Back Bay: Back Bay is a vibrant area, it’s centered around Copley Square. If shopping is your thing, this is a neighborhood you don’t want to miss. With streets like Newbury, you will be able to shop designer boutiques and stop in cafes to enjoy a treat along your shopping route. Luxury Brownstones line the residential area of Back Bay, adding a calm and elegant vibe.
Where To Stay: Enco re Boston (Click the link for more information)
North End: Otherwise known as Little Italy, it’s packed full of Italian delights, festivals, the Freedom Trail, and tourists. If you’re a history buff, you can find the Paul Revere House here too!
Where To Stay : The Eliot Hotel (Click the link for more Information. Technically, this hotel is in Back Bay, 2 miles from the North End)
Beacon Hill: The cobblestone streets and brick sidewalks don’t disappoint in Beacon Hill. You can even still find gas street lights. If antique shopping is your jam, this is a neighborhood you want to have on your itinerary.
Where To Stay : The Liberty, a Luxury Collection Hotel (Click the link for more information)
This is one of my all-time favorite hotels! It’s a whole vibe! If you love true crime, this building was the old Charlestown prison! Also, do yourself a favor and make a reservation a Scampo. You’re welcome in advance!
Charlestown: I’m spilling the tea on Charlestown. Charlestown is full of history, you might have heard of a little event in history called the Boston Tea Party? Charlestown is where it all went down. Experience the maritime heritage and stunning water views in this vibrant Boston neighborhood.
Where To Stay : Boston Harbor Hotel (Click the link for more information)
Fenway: You either love them or hate them……Boston sports fans! But if you love them, Fenway is home to the Red Sox and Fenway Park, you will have your fill of baseball and Boston sports fans, that is for sure!
Where To Stay: The Eliot Hotel (Click the link for more Information.)

Iconic Boston Eats

Lobster roll: Try them at Neptunes, Paulies, or James Hook and Company. There is a big debate about who has the best lobster roll, so please let me know your thoughts! SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS WITH ME!
Clam chowder : Grab a bowl at Union Oyster House or Legal Sea Foods.
Cannoli: The truth is, you can find delicious cannolis all over the city. There is a very big debate on Mike’s vs. Modern!
Boston Cream Pie: Originally called a chocolate cream pie, the now-famous Boston Cream Pie made its debut at the Omni Parker House Hotel in 1856. The hotel is also known for its famous Parker rolls and for being haunted!
Fenway franks : This explains itself, catch a game and grab a Fenway frank! A fun fact about me….I absolutely love a good frank, hot dog, whatever you call it. Like borderline obsessed!

Food Tours or Walkable Itineraries

DIY North End food crawl : Create an itinerary and hit up all of the culinary delights the North End has to offer! Or you can CLICK HERE and send me an email, and I can create you a custom DIY North End Food Crawl just for you based on the things you savor the most!
Hit up the Brewery trail (Harpoon, Trillium, Samuel Adams)
History lovers? Set out on the Freedom Trail and explore the history of Boston at your own pace.

If you love spooky adventures and history…maybe even a little true crime, and a cocktail or two, try the Boston Ghosts Boos and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl hosted by US Ghost Adventures! Check out my Instagramreel “Ghosts & Guinness: Booze & Boos Tour” for a sneak peek of this haunted night out! You can also book the tour HERE !
Duck Boat or Trolley Tours! Click the link to book these tours and find more tours that Boston has to offer!

Events & Festivals to Catch

St. Anthony’s Feast: Each year, the people of the North End invite you to celebrate with them as they honor their patron Saints, Saint Anthony and Saint Lucy, with colorful parades, religious services, strolling singers, live entertainment, and of course, an abundance of great Italian and American food LEARN MORE
Head of the Charles Regatta: Since its origin in 1965, the Head Of The Charles Regatta has welcomed the world’s best crew teams to the banks of the Charles River for the ultimate three-day rowing competition. LEARN MORE
Marathon Monday: Grab your spot and watch the Boston Marathon. Since 1969, the holiday has been observed on the third Monday in April. It’s often referred to locally as “Marathon Monday.”
Misneach Festival: Misneach, meaning courage in Irish, is an event where through live music and culture, you celebrate the power of this message with thousands of fans. It is far more than a St. Patrick’s Day festival, it’s a time to unite and for Irish Americans to acknowledge their heritage and tradition, in a modern way, but still respect the old. This is a new tradition that will last for years to come. LEARN MORE

I hope this Boston Travel Guide helps you to get some direction on how to create your Boston travel itinerary. I’m always here to help and would love to create a tailor-made itinerary to help you fit in all that Boston has to offer. I can assist with everything from taking care of all of your bookings, chatting with you, and designing an itinerary that is designed just for you. Giving you a step by step, daily, plan so you can save yourself the time it takes to plan and you can explore the city stress free.

If you are interested in any of the services Road and Table offers, contact me HERE and we can chat more! Be sure to follow me on social media and sign up for our newsletter so you stay up to date with what’s happening at Road and Table, get insider tips, and deals.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

The Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-See Spots

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 12:03:49 GMT

The Ultimate Belize Travel Guide: Top Tips and Must-See Spots

Table of Contents:

Is Belize on your bucket list? If not, it darn well should be. This ultimate travel guide will answer the questions that I’m sure you’re searching the internet for. Belize is full of adventure, beaches, and delicious food. The people of Belize are kind and welcoming and will make you never want to leave. From the blue waters of Ambergris Caye & Caye Caulker, to the vibrant town of Placenia, and into the adventurous jungle area of San Ignacio there is something for everyone. There are plenty of things to do including, snorkeling, scuba diving, ziplining, cave tubing, wildlife viewing and so much more.

Affiliate Disclosure : Hey there! Just a heads-up—some of the links on this site are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you!). These earnings help fuel my adventures, allowing me to travel more, discover incredible food experiences, and bring you even more exciting content. I only recommend products and services I genuinely love and believe will add value to you. Your support means the world—thank you for being part of this journey!

Best Time to Visit

If you are looking for the best weather, traveling during the dry season (November to April) is when you want to book your ticket. Although, this time of year the prices are higher.

However, to save money or for fewer crowds, consider booking your ultimate Belize vacation from May to October. There is more rain, as it’s the rainy season, and there is the possibility of hurricanes. If you choose to travel this time of year, I encourage you to consider purchasing travel insurance and be sure you understand all the cancellation policies.

Because culinary travel is our thing at Road and Table, I couldn’t forget Lobster season is from July 1st to February 28th, in an ultimate Belize travel guide! So, if you’re a fellow foodie a trip within that date range might be best for you.

Transportation

The Belize international airport is the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport. Due to the small size of the airport, it can get busy quickly. The busiest day tends to be Saturday, so consider arriving Tuesday or Wednesday when it’s not as busy.

Beware of the luggage porters. They don’t work with the airlines and will get very upset if you use their service and don’t tip them $2 per bag.

If you plan on driving to your final destination once you are in Belize, rental cars are available but understand that the roads can be rough. If you have a long drive consider opting for a local flight or water taxi. Domestic flights are fairly inexpensive and allow you to get to your destination much quicker. We used Tropic Air and were very happy with our domestic flight. In areas like Placencia, Ambergris Caye or Caye Caulker golf carts are a fun and popular way to explore.

Best Places to Visit

When deciding where you want to stay in Belize, you will have to decide what you are looking for. Is it a beach destination to splash around snorkeling and diving or just soaking up the sun on the beautiful white sand beaches. If so, Ambergris Caye, Caye Caulker, and Placencia are great destinations. Or, is it the jungle you want to experience? Are you interested in Mayan ruins, cave tubing, and ziplining? If so, consider San Ignacio.

Regardless of you where you stay you will be able to find plenty of tour companies to help you explore as much of Belize as possible. Also, Viator offers some great tours as well and can be booked right through the app on your phone before or while traveling. We used Captain Jak’s for two tours when we stayed in Placencia. We did the Monkey River & Manatee Watch and Snorkeling at Silk and Moho Caye . Our guides with Captain Jak’s made our experiences even better! Doyle and Nicole (aka Niki) were fabulous!

Here are a few hotel/resort suggestions:

San Pedro/Ambergris Caye: Victoria House Resort & Spa
Placencia: Sirenian Bay Resort
San Ignacio: The Lodge at Chaa Creek

Food & Drinks

Here on Road and Table, I’m always sharing the culinary side of every vacation, and Belize did not disappoint. So, I had to include foods to try in this ultimate Belize travel guide. Add this to your must try list, stewed chicken with rice & beans, fresh seafood with a cold Belikin beer, fry jacks, conch fritters, and ceviche. Depending on where in Belize you are staying be sure to check out Viator for some food tours! They have some one of a kind culinary experiences that you don’t want to miss!

Here are some restaurant suggestions:

Restaurants in Ambergris Caye:

Mesa Bistro:Ambergris Caye
Rain Restaurant & Rooftop Terrace: Ambergris Caye
Someplace South CafeBar: Ambergris Caye
Robin’s Kitchen: Ambergris Cay

Restaurants in Placencia:

Rumfish: Placencia
Omars: Placencia
The Galley: Placencia
Momolious Kitchen: Placencia

Restaurants in San Ignacio:

Erva’s Restaurant: San Ignacio
Crave House of Flavors Restaurant: San Ignacio
Cucina 1904: San Ignacio
The Guava Limb Restaurant & Cafe: San Ignacio

Safety & Travel Tips

Last but not least, in this ultimate Belize travel guide, I wanted to talk about safety. Belize is generally safe. We stayed in Placencia and traveled at night by golf cart and felt very safe. Avoid Belize City and beware of petty crimes like theft and pickpocketing. Drinking tap water might not always be safe, so it’s best to stick to bottled or filtered water. When it comes to money, the U.S. dollar is widely accepted.

Start planning your adventure today an unforgettable experience awaits. Planning a trip can be overwhelming—but that’s where I come in! I take the stress out of travel by crafting a custom itinerary tailored just for you. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems, luxury escapes, or adventure-packed days, I design every detail to fit your style, budget, and interests. If all you want to do is pack your bags and enjoy the journey, then contact me to day!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Top 2025 Travel Trends You Need to Know

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 11:46:45 GMT

Top 2025 Travel Trends You Need to Know

Table of Contents:

2025 is here. Road and Table Travel Company has done our research, and we want to share 2025 travel trends with you. We are excited about some of the travel trends for 2025. We love this year’s travel trends. These include culinary travel, boutique inclusives, and rural or off-the-beaten-track travels, to name a few

Let’s dive right in to ten of the biggest 2025 travel trends.

Culinary Travel

First, This 2025 travel trend we are very familiar with at Road and Table. Also, as a travel agency, we specialize in culinary travel. You can check out some of our suggestions and read posts on the blog about our culinary experiences . Picking destinations based on what they offer in the culinary department is hot right now. Imagine traveling for food markets, farm to table restaurant experiences, and food tours. Furthermore, these experiences are guiding travelers to pick destinations that offer something special for their palate. Think about traveling to Belfast, Ireland for St. George’s Market . Visit Boston, Massachusetts for Quincy Market . Explore Galway, Ireland for the farmers market . Experience Barcelona, Spain for the La Boqueria market . Culinary travel also includes jetsetting to vineyards, breweries and distilleries all around the world. Or check out the culinary experiences that Viator has to offer.

Off The Beaten Track Vacations

In reality, I am always getting “lost” on vacation. Finding hidden gems and the roads less traveled down is not slowing down anytime soon. Traveling to smaller cities is becoming popular in 2025. Countryside villages are also preferred over the “must-see” destinations. Road and Table travel agency loves this trend. Rent that car and stay off the highway! Explore places like the Medina River in Texas or discover hidden gems in Ireland . Road and Table offers tailor-made itineraries. They help our clients discover the roads less traveled at their own pace. We lay out all the details and guidance to make it happen.

Custom Self Guided Pre-Packaged Vacations

Speaking of tailor-made itineraries this hot 2025 travel trend provides travelers with meticulously crafted itineraries. It also includes all reservations, tickets, and more for experiences. The pre-packaged vacations are designed to offer hidden gems, culinary delights, and immersive experiences. This also includes booking hotels that offer packages along with their bookings. Think about a romance package provided by one of my favorite resorts. At the Cliff House M aine , you can book a 3 night stay. This includes a 50 minute spa treatment for two. Breakfast for two is also part of the package. Head over to my Instagram and check out my reel to see what the Cliff House offers.

Boutique All Inclusives

Although, traditional all-inclusives like Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and W indjammer Landing St. Lucia are still giving us all the goods in 2025. However, boutique all-inclusives like Sirenian Bay Resort & Villas Belize and Hermitage Bay Antigua are having their time in the sun right now. Boutique all-inclusives are small independent properties that offer a more personalized experience. They don’t just offer the cookie-cutter experience that you get at traditional all-inclusives. Expect a more immersive cultural experience, slower pace, remote destinations and exquisite culinary adventures. If you are interested, Road and Table Travel Agency can help you. Learn more about boutique all-inclusives, Contact me today!

Hotels Offering Unique Experiences or Collaborations

As a matter of fact, this might be one of my personal favorites on the list for 2025 travel trends. These hotels offer unique experiences and amenities. They are not just a place to lay your head at night; the hotel is part of the destination. Many of these types of hotels partner with brands and collaborate to offer a leveled-up experience. The Marriott Long Wharf partnered with Titanic: Artifact Exhibit and Boston Vintage Society. Together, they created for a limited time The Titanic Presidential Suite. Likewise, The Weekapaug Inn offers a naturalist to lead stargazing. Also, Guests can also enjoy biking and bird watching. They have a borrowing closet that offers Hunter brand boots and outerwear to their travelers. Also, there’s the Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland. Moreover, Road and Table Travel Agency specializes in Ireland so this hotel is a hot one our list. Imagine strolling thorough the castles kitchen gardens on a guided walk. You can give clay shooting your best shot. Even better, you can take a morning walk with the Castle’s very own Irish Wolfhounds. Also joining the walk is their Irish Red & White Setter.

Literature Travel

Furthermore, book lovers are rejoicing over this 2025 travel trend. Travel-inspired book clubs are making themselves known online. You can join Road and Table’s Wanderlust Reads , a travel-inspired online book club. You will find a book of the month to read, along with travel/food content based on inspiration from the book. Travel inspired by literary experiences on the top seller’s list. Jetset off to London to explore the Charles Dickens Museum or tour places where Sherlock Holmes visited. Don’t forget, Paris, the backdrop of Victor Hugo’s Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Grab a croissant and a coffee and stroll the endless number of bookstores through out the city.

Natural Phenomena Adventures

To clarify, the definition of natural phenomena refers to physical events that are not artificial or man-made. They are events that occur in our atmosphere, on or underneath the ground, or in our seas and oceans. Pack your adventure bags and explore natural events that are going wild on the 2025 travel trends list. Some of these spectacular events include the Monarch Butterfly migration in San Diego, the Serengeti Migration, and the Northern Lights. The Northern Lights are probably the most popular. Get lost in Great Smoky Mountains. Let the Fireflies be your guide. Stroll through the tulip fields in Holland. The options with this 2025 travel trend are endless.

Micro-Vacations

While most of us imagine travel to be an extended adventure. Let’s start to chat about the micro-cation! The 24-72 hour quick getaway has returned. It’s ready to make its mark with the 2025 travel trends. Here in the US, explore New England. Take road trips that are within a 4 to 5 hour drive. Grab a quick flight on the East Coast and visit Savannah, Georgia, or Charleston, South Carolina.

Cool Vacations

Additionally, 2025 travel trends are anything but frosty. Swap your bathing suits for sweaters and cozy jackets. Add destinations like Iceland, Finland, and Canada to your travel calendar. One of my favorite romantic vacations is Old Quebec City in late February or early March. The snow-covered streets and warm, cozy fires have me dreaming about going back as soon as possible. Curious about a cool vacation check out our blog post on Old Quebec City . I’m sure once you read it you will be adding it to your list.

Athletic Adventures

Athletic adventures are off to the races for 2025 travel trends. Get on the horse and book your next travel adventure in a city hosting a sporting event. Kentucky Derby, of course, is on many travelers’ bucket lists. Also, consider soccer/football games in Spain. Score a touchdown by traveling to a different city to watch your favorite NFL team play.

As you can see, there are a lot of exciting 2025 travel trends. I can only encourage you to think outside of your usual box and experience something new on this list. That’s what travel is all about, right? Discovering new roads to travel down and new tables to gather around.

We save you time by doing all the planning and research. We craft a custom travel package from the ground up. This provides clients with a one-of-a-kind experience. No two trips with Road and Table are the same. Our specialty areas include Ireland, Culinary Travel, and Romantic Vacations. Fill out our questionnaire to request a free quote from Road and Table Travel Agency. Don’t forget to follow us on Social Media!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

The Medina River: A Hidden Gem of Texas

Mon, 31 Jul 2023 11:35:17 GMT

The Medina River: A Hidden Gem of Texas

Table of Contents:

The Medina River, An Exceptional Hidden Texas Gem Experience

Often times when people book vacations they get caught up in the “must see” attractions. Unfortunately, many of those “must see” attractions are extremely busy, hard to see, include long waits and can lead to stressful experiences. Road and Table specializes in searching for the hidden gems. Along with recommending “must see” attractions, Road and Table always includes hidden gems to give our clients special one of a kind travel experiences. The Medina river is a hidden gem of Texas with it’s crystal clear waters and bald cypress trees that line the river banks.

An exciting way to experience the river is by kayaking or tubing. The Medina River Company is a great choice if you are looking to kayak or rent tubes. They provide a shuttle to and from the river, along with extremely friendly service. We were very pleased with our experience.

Our trip to the Medina river is one of my favorite family travel memories. We had such a great time paddling down the river, laughing, swimming and making some of the best memories. The morning of our Medina river adventure we woke up to cloudy skies and some rain showers. Although, we were disappointed at first, we didn’t let it ruin our plans. It’s Texas after all and it’s hot, so we went anyway. I’m glad we did. By the time we got to the river and got in our kayaks, the clouds broke up and the sun began to shine. We ended up having the river to ourselves. It was pure perfection. Check out my post on what to do when it rains on your vacation !

Here’s some information to make your experience on the Medina River the best it can be.

Rentals: Kayaks and Tubes~ The Medina River Company
Bring snacks and drinks to enjoy while on the river. Remember NO GLASS or STYROFOAM.
Pack sunscreen.
Go first thing in the morning, The Medina River Company is first come, first serve, so don’t sleep in!
Get a waterproof case for your phone.
Don’t be afraid to take the kids.
Don’t rush. Take your time and enjoy the river.

If experiencing the Medina river is on your travel bucket list, I would love to create a trip just for you. Contact Road and Table today to book your trip to a hidden gem of Texas.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 11:18:03 GMT

Ireland Travel Guide: The West, A Splendid Adventure

“Ireland, once you live there, you’re seduced by it.” ~Frank McCourt

Table of Contents:

Ireland travel is a specialty at Road and Table and I wanted to share with you an Ireland Travel Guide focused on the west coast of Ireland otherwise known as, the Wild Atlantic Way. The west coast of Ireland will grace you with brilliant peninsulas, tiny islands and gigantic cliffs. Furthermore, the rugged coast line will draw you in and the ever changing scenery will astonish your soul. Additionally, modern cities and the natural beauty of the country side are full of warm and friendly people. Finally, visiting the west coast of Ireland is a trip you will never forget, so let me get to the good stuff.

Road and Table’s Ireland Travel Guide

In this Ireland Travel Guide I suggest starting your trip in Doolin, traveling to Galway and finally making your way to Connemara.

Doolin

Where to Stay

Photo Credit: Fiddle & Bow Collection

Fiddle & Bow Collection , is located in the heart of Doolin. It provides excellent access to many must see sights, like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren Way. Best of all, the hotel includes a variety of accommodations, including luxury rooms, self catering lodges, and luxury cottages. Lastly, you can’t forget the delicious onsite restaurants as well!

On The Road: What To Do

Visit the Cliffs of Moher : Be sure try to get there right when they open. By 10:30am the tour busses begin showing up so to avoid the crowds get there before to enjoy the views with less people.

Experience Burren National Park

See Poulnabrone Dolmen : Because, it is one of Ireland’s most iconic archaeological monuments and is the second most visited location in the Burren after the Cliffs of Moher.

Around The Table: Where To Eat

The Ivy Cottage : Most importantly, try the goat cheese salad and their soup.

OAR: For a fine dining experience, paddle your way over to OAR. Be sure to order the scallops!

McDermotts Pub: Some notable dishes include the lamb shank, fish and chips and guinness stew.

Galway

Where to Stay

Photo Credit: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate

Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate : First of all, who wouldn’t want to stay here? An astounding 5 star luxury hotel the Glenlo Abbey Hotel is full of undeniable luxury. Also, the hotel offers two restaurants and the opportunity for private dining, always an outstanding culinary experience. Finally, do you golf? If so, you can do that at the Glenlo Abbey Hotel also.

On The Road: What To Do

Galway Food Tours : *AFFILIATE LINK* Walk around the city of Galway and experience local dishes and ingredients. Furthermore, at Road and Table we love a great culinary experience and why limit yourself to one experience when you can stroll the spectacular city of Galway and enjoy some delicious food tastings along the way?

Visit the Galway Market : Open every Saturday 8am-6pm. Grab some tasty treats and enjoy a picnic in Terry Forest Park outside of the city.

Stroll Quay Street : Of course, take in the buskers, the people and the shops. It’s a great way to experience Galway at your own pace.

Around The Table: Where To Eat

Blake’s Bar Galway : Blake’s serves up steaks, whiskey, cocktails and a warm Irish welcome.

The Quay Street Kitchen : Dishes to try at The Quay Street Kitchen are the mussels and the lamb shank.

West : Award winning and innovative Irish food. West is a fine dining experience 10 minutes from Galway City. West also features a champagne bar……WINNING!

Connemara

Where to Stay

Photo Credit: Connemara Sands Beach Hotel & Spa

Connemara Sands Beach Hotel & Spa: Moreover, this family owned hotel is located in a lovely area with direct access to the glorious blue waters and sandy white beaches of Mannin Bay. Moreover, the charming village of Clifden is only 10km away. They also offer a fantastic onsite restaurant and offer some relaxing spa treatments. There is something for everyone at the Connemara Sands Beach Hotel & Spa.

On The Road: What To Do

Guided Sea Kayaking to Connemara Islands & Roundstone: *AFFILIATE LINK* If you are looking for something adventurous to experience, sea kayaking exploring the stunning coastline of Connemara and Roundstone is the way to go.

Visit Kylemore Abbey : The breathtaking 1000 acre estate features a gorgeous walled garden. If your visiting with kids explore the fairy gardens hidden through out. Stroll the grounds, take a tour of the abbey, visit the gift shop, visit the gothic church and more.

Take a tour at DK Connemara Oyster Farm : This is a great experience. Enjoy learning the in’s and out’s of oyster farming and have some tasty treats! The staff at DK Connemara Oyster Farm are so welcoming and friendly, you will be thrilled you made the visit.

Around The Table: Where To Eat

Mitchell’s Seafood Restaurant : Be sure to make a reservation if you want to enjoy Mitchell’s. Located in the adorable village of Clifden, Mitchell’s offers some great seafood dishes, the hake and the sea bass to name a few. The ribeye is delicious also!

Ardagh Restaurant : With the spectacular views, fire place and ever changing menu, the Ardagh is a perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner.

Mannions Bar & Restaurant: Last but not least, Mannions Bar is a great place to enjoy Connemara Irish Lamb Stew and a burger. They also specialize in locally sourced seafood.

Start Planning Your Trip to Ireland Today!

The beauty and magic of Ireland captivates the soul. If you’re not the planning type, contact us and we can design the perfect trip, taking care of all the bookings, reservations and details for you! Finally, Contact us today!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe: Fantastic Food That Warms The Soul

Mon, 15 Feb 2021 10:58:48 GMT

Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe: Fantastic Food That Warms The Soul

If you’ve ever strolled the streets of downtown Keene, you’ve most likely passed the warm and inviting Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe. Now, I have to be honest, I had never eaten at Mediterranean restaurant before….CRAZY, right? Well, what a perfect introduction. Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe, was nothing short of the perfect evening.

Table of Contents:

PHOTO CREDIT: LUCA’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFE http://lucascafe.com

As we walked from our car, parked along the snowy downtown street of Keene, the wind chilled our bones, and we were anxious to warm up. Stepping into Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe, we were greeted with not only the warmth of the room, but also an incredible warm welcome. Upon, giving our name to the host, we were quickly directed to our cozy table.

Luca opened Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe in August of 2000. After deciding to make a big change and move from New York City, Luca and his wife settled back in New Hampshire, and opened Luca’s. Luca is funny, friendly, and easy to talk to. As Luca speaks on the start of his restaurant, you can see the passion he has for his craft. As we chatted about the area, I was pleasantly surprised that he was more than happy to recommend other restaurants in the area. “That’s how we are in this town, we look out for each other.” Luca stated. To me, that was an impressive statement. Working together, supporting others allows everyone to thrive. Well done.

The atmosphere at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe…

The atmosphere at Luca’s was cozy and inviting. Pulling up my chair to the table, felt like I was settling into a familiar place. The soft lighting and the laughter from other the tables, surrounded us with the feeling of a delightful dinner party. The type of dinner party, where the host doesn’t miss a beat, the atmosphere is friendly and delightful, and the food is spectacular.

The Food at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe….

Generally speaking, it’s hard to eat out when you have celiacs disease. One of the guests we were dining with has celiacs, and inquired about the gluten free options. Luca was sure to inform us that anything on the menu could be adjusted or tailored to fit the needs of those who are gluten free. The accommodations for a guest needing a gluten free menu were superb.

To start with, we ordered, the Almond Crusted Fried Mozzarella, Mediterranean Pork Street Tacos, and the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. We also ordered a Shrimp Special, which was Shrimp in a fabulous red sauce. The pesto that came with the Almond Crusted Fried Mozzarella was flavorful, a perfect addition to the plate.

Now, let’s talk about the bacon that came with the Roasted Brussel Sprouts. I could have just had a plate of that, but mixed with the brussel sprouts and honey, the salty and sweet flavor profiles, were spot on.

Next, we ordered entrees. Two of us ordered the carbonara special and added shrimp! The dish was incredible, with just the right amount of sauce. Dry pasta is not appealing, but pasta saturated with too sauce can overwhelm the dish and this entree was neither of those, it was perfectly balanced. In my opinion this dish should be on the menu because I have been craving it ever since our visit. We also ordered the Koto Avgolemono, and the Moroccan Lamb Tagine. The Lamb Tagine was delicious but spicy, so be sure that you love some spice if you order the Lamb Tagine.

Despite, this visit being our first, I can promise you, it won’t be our last.

Altogether, Luca’s was the ideal choice for a cold night, with great company. It’s not often that you walk into a restaurant for the first time and feel as if you’ve dined there many times before. Despite, this visit being our first, I can promise you, it won’t be our last.

Have you dined at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe? Please share your favorite dishes with us in the comments below!

If you are looking for a great weekend, full of delectable culinary experiences, in the Keene area, be sure to check out our post, Create Your Own Culinary Experience At The Birches!

Be sure to follow Road and Table on Facebook and Instagram for great food and travel content!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Create Your Own Culinary Experience At The Birches Cabin

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 10:42:56 GMT

Create Your Own Culinary Experience At The Birches Cabin

Table of Contents:

On a cold weekend in January, while spending an enjoyable weekend at The Birches Cabin in Marlow, New Hampshire, we decided to create our own culinary experience. Supporting small local business is such a great way to give back to the community. At Road and Table Travel Agency, we specialize in culinary travel and Marlow, New Hampshire didn’t disappoint.

First, we created a list of local farms and small specialty food shops, then we set out on our Birches Cabin Food Tour. Each farm or specialty food shop we visited provided us with items we could use to create a delicious dinner, right at cabin. What a fantastic way to get to know the area, soak in the scenery and meet some of the locals!

While, weaving through the beautiful country roads of New Hampshire and Vermont, passing covered bridges, and rambling streams, we were able to get a great feel of the area. The tour consisted of five different stops, all providing us with delicious food options for our culinary experience.

How to create your own culinary experience

Below are all of the places that we stopped and what we picked up at each location. I’ve included the addresses of each as well, so if you are staying at The Birches Cabin , you too can enjoy creating your own culinary experience.

OUR BIRCHES CABIN FOOD TOUR: Create Your Own Culinary Experience

STOP #1

Walpole Grocery

Address: 47 Main Street, Walpole, New Hampshire

Phone: 603-756-9098

At Walpole Grocery we picked up meat from their butcher and grabbed some veggies for our side dishes. Their lamb chops we some of the best I have ever had!

Stop #2

L.A. Burdick Chocolates

Address: 47 Main Street, Walpole, New Hampshire

Phone: 603-756-2882

OH MY! This place is incredible! From the hanging lights, to the smell of fresh ground coffee, it was the perfect spot to grab dessert! We picked up coffee so we could make a coffee rub for our steak, and of course we had to bring home a few sweet treats!

Stop #3

Meditrina Wine & Cheese LLC

Address: 295 Main Street, Chester, Vermont

Phone: 802-875-9463

We picked up some great wines from here. Be sure to check out the wines behind the cashier!

Stop #4

Vermont Country Store

Address: 1292 Rockingham Road, Bellow Falls, Vermont

Phone: 802-463-2224

Who doesn’t want to put together a nice cheese and meat tray to snack on while your cooking? The cheese selection was fantastic, the perfect spot to create a great cheese and meat tray! We also found some great jams and accompaniments for our meal.

Stop #5

Orchard Hill Breadworks

Address: 121 Old Settlers Road, East Alstead, New Hampshire

Phone: 603-835-7845

OK, for those of you who know me well, know that I love fresh bread, I make it at home and I just love everything about it. They had some great loafs! We even grabbed a loaf of cinnamon raisin to make french toast with! YOU’RE WELCOME!!!

Creating your own culinary experiences is a great way to experience new foods and visit locations that you wouldn’t normally. It does take a lot of research and planning, so you can always stop back by Road and Table and see what other tours we have created! For example be sure to check out our NYC Dumpling Tour !

I will say that being cuddled up in a cozy cabin, in the woods of New Hampshire, creating a great meal with the ones I love, was a perfect way to spend our getaway!

Looking for the perfect quick getaway? Book The Birches Cabin for two nights, make a reservation at Luca’s Mediterranean Cafe one night (check out our review ) and create your own culinary experience on another night.

If you have stayed at The Birches Cabin , or have created a great culinary experience of your own, please be sure to share it with us, in the comments below!

Feel free to tag Road and Table and The Birches in your social media posts.

Share your pictures and posts with us using #roadandtable #thebirchescabin

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Matunuck Oyster Bar: A South Kingstown, RI Seafood Delight. One of the Best Restaurants in Rhode Island!

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 10:21:55 GMT

Matunuck Oyster Bar: A South Kingstown, RI Seafood Delight. One of the Best Restaurants in Rhode Island!

Table of Contents:

Rhode Island is the smallest state in the United States but let me tell you, that doesn’t stop it from having some of the best seafood! I have to say in my opinion Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the best seafood restaurants in Rhode Island.

While, the atmosphere is lively and always busy, you can be sure that you will get the freshest seafood dishes at Matunuck Oyster Bar with their farm to table and pond to plate approach. Whether you are out on a date, family dinner or a girls afternoon lunch, you will not be disappointed!

You will want to call ahead or check their website to see if they are accepting reservations as the wait time can be extremely long. Try visiting in off season and on off times to avoid long waits.

The Food

The food is simple, not over thought and just what you want from a seafood restaurant, FRESH!

OH MY…the oysters are AMAZING! Of course you have to get the sampler of raw oysters but the oyster trio is another must have! I love every thing about it. The bourbon oysters are my FAVORITE! I am still trying to master them at home!

I always say that I’m going to try something new but everything I go I just can’t say no to the stuffed lobster. It’s packed with jumbo shrimp and large sea scallops. The stuffing is not abundant making it just the right combination for stuffed lobster. There is nothing worse than ordering stuffed lobster only to find it full of stuffing and very little lobster or seafood.

Matunuck Oyster Bar is one of the best seafood restaurants in Rhode Island.

The Oyster Farm Tours

Also, they offer tours of the oyster farm. I haven’t personally done one yet, but it’s on my list of “must do’s”. The tour starts at Matunuck Oyster Bar and it visits Potter Pond shellfish farm. Lasting, 60 minutes the tour allows you to see where and how the oysters grow. Included in your tour ticket you also receive a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and a variety of oysters at Matunuck Oyster Bar.

Matunuck Oyster Bar

629 Succotash Road

South Kingstown, RI 02879

Phone: (401) 783-4202

Do you have a favorite seafood restaurant or favorite oyster bar? We would love to know your go to spots!

Be sure to follow us on Social Media and don’t forget to sign up for our emails so you can get the newest promotions and newsletters Road and Table.

Where ever the road is takes you or what table you may be gathered around, share it with us using #roadandtable

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide: A City Full of Old School Charm and Romance

Mon, 02 Nov 2020 10:10:31 GMT

Savannah, Georgia Travel Guide: A City Full of Old School Charm and Romance

Table of Contents:

There is a running joke with my friends that everywhere I visit is “my favorite place ever”. Savannah, Georgia is nothing short of perfect in my mind and I think it really is my favorite place ever. I wanted to share with you a travel guide for Savannah, Georgia, so when you make your way to the city full of old school charm and romance, you will be prepared!

“Savannah is amazing with the town squares and the hanging moss and the french colonial houses. It’s brutally romantic.” ~ David Morrissey

I promise once you visit Savannah, you will be daydreaming of strolling through the streets, coffee (or cocktail, you can do that in Savannah) in hand, admiring the beauty, as the moss hanging from the trees waves in the breeze.

Where To Stay

Perry Lane Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel

From the service, to the food and drinks Perry Lane is not to be looked over. Perry Lane offers three different dining options, bicycles to use so you can explore the city, car service, and well let’s not forget the cookie jar in your room!

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/savlc-perry-lane-hotel-a-luxury-collection-hotel-savannah/

The Kehoe House, A Boutique Inn

A bed and breakfast is a great way to experience Savannah. You really get the feeling of old romantic southern charm. The Kehoe House is one of the most photographed mansions in Savannah, so of course when creating a travel guide for Savannah, Georgia we had to include it! They offer cookies too!

https://www.kehoehouse.com

Don’t forget that Road and Table can book you a fabulous get-away to Savannah. We can find the perfect hotel to match your travel needs and your budget. Contact us today!

Where To Eat

Savannah is a city full of great food and drinks. The restaurants are spectacular and the bar scene is classy and impressive! Just so you know, you can take your drink to go! Grab a perfectly created cocktail and stroll the streets of Savannah…..That, right there my friends, is PERFECTION!

Local 11 Ten

Local 11ten was my favorite dining experience by far while in Savannah. If you have never done a Chef’s tasting, please do yourself a favor, step out of your comfort zone and try it! Our tasting at Local 11ten was superb! The restaurant is small so be sure to make reservations.

https://www.local11ten.com/

Noble Fare

While a bit on the quirky side, the food at Noble Fare doesn’t disappoint. The mushroom bisque, which let me be clear isn’t something I ever would order, but my husband did and OH MY GOSH!! UNBELIEVABLE!

New Paragraph

Peregrin @ Perry Lane

The Peregrin offers a swanky rooftop bar scene but without all the fuss! It’s the place to be! The cocktails are always flowing and absolutely delish. I might still dream about these tacos. I have tried to recreate them at home but nothing compares! It doesn’t matter if you are staying at Perry Lane or not, you will want to stop at Peregrin at least once while you are in Savannah! Try to make visit at night, because the city lights are magical!

Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market

The Emporium Kitchen and Wine Market offers great food morning, noon, or night. We really enjoyed their breakfast. I love a good burger and their burger with bacon jam was OH SO YUMMY! We also indulged their meat and cheese plate…maybe more than once…but whose counting?!

If you book your vacation with Road and Table, you receive a free itinerary for your destination. We also offer tailor-made itineraries, where we find out what you like to eat, what you like to do and we create an itinerary just for you! We offer 10% off our tailor-made itinerary packages for all our booking clients! Didn’t book your trip with Road and Table? That’s ok you can still purchase a tailor-made itinerary!

What To Do

There are endless things to do in Savannah. In this travel guide for Savannah, Georgia, we included some of our favorite experiences!

Savannah Wildlife Refuge : We never miss a chance to drive through the Savannah Wildlife Refuge at Laurel Hill Wildlife Drive, unfortunately the drive is closed for renovations for a long time but be sure to check out the website as there are other areas of the refuge that can be explored.
River Street : River Street gives a touristy vibe, with souvenir shops and vendors. Don’t forget to check and see if they are hosting any festivals like the Savannah Food & Wine Festival, the Savannah Bacon Festival, the Savannah Craft Brew Festival as well as family-friendly events like the Blues Jazz and BBQ Festival and Christmas on the River. Every first Friday of the month, head to River Street to see fireworks light up the sky.
Trolley Tour : They offer a great hop on/hop off tour. It’s a great way to get an idea of the layout of the city. I would suggest doing the tour your first day. They also offer ghost tours, if that’s your thing!
Wormsloe Plantation : Is a must see and be sure to have your camera ready when you enter the gates. The road is lined with huge live oak trees for over a mile. It’s stunning. There are some great trails to walk and explore also.

We hope our travel guide for Savannah, Georgia will help enjoy your visit.

At Road and Table we want you to enjoy your travels. We want to give you the best information we can to take the stress out of all the planning! Life’s about memories and it’s time make some! Happy Travels!

Be sure to follow us on social media and sign up for promotions and our newsletter!

Where ever the road is taking you or what ever table you may be gathered around share it with us using #roadandtable

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Restaurant In Mystic Deserves A Strong Standing Ovation : Bravo Bravo

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 09:20:24 GMT

Restaurant In Mystic Deserves A Strong Standing Ovation: Bravo! Bravo!

Table of Contents:

With the hustle and bustle of downtown Mystic, Connecticut, restaurant Bravo Bravo is warm and inviting. The summer breeze was welcomed as we sat inside thanks to the windows that folded open to create a fantastic open air dining experience. Offering authentic contemporary Italian food and making all of their pastas, sauces, breads, and desserts in house, Bravo Bravo is a perfect addition to your travel itinerary while visiting Mystic, Connecticut.

While our visit was during COVID-19 Bravo Bravo did everything to ensure that we still had a fabulous dining experience. Although, I can imagine that during a regular season with more tables available and tables closer to each other it could get a bit noisy. On the contrary, don’t let that deter you, the darker candle light dining room sets a calming tone, that makes for an attractive date night and the hustle and bustle creates an atmosphere comfortable for a dinner out with friends. Just be sure to make a reservation!

What We Ate

First, we indulged in the whipped goat cheese with wildflower honey, chili oil, and grilled bread. Surely, the combination of sweet and spicy with the tart and earthy goat cheese was full flavored and delicious.

Next, we had the crab cakes. I can never say no to a crab cake, so we order those also. They were delectable. I will say we debated on if they were too spicy or not. My husband of course thought they were just right and I thought they were quite spicy. I enjoyed them non the less but if you really don’t like spicy dishes, maybe try something else.

Then, for dinner I had the lobster ravioli with truffle tarragon cream. There were just enough ravioli’s that I didn’t feel I was slighted and I also didn’t feel guilty that I couldn’t finish my plate, which left me with room for dessert, and at Bravo Bravo you don’t want to miss out on dessert!

Additionally, my husband ordered the New York strip special. It was served with walnuts, blue cheese and a bourbon demi glaze! My husband is a huge bourbon lover so he was thrilled with this option. The steak was cooked to perfection and the smokey flavor from the bourbon in the demi glaze was a flavorful combination with the walnuts and the blue cheese.

If you are local to Mystic, Connecticut add Bravo Bravo to your must try list.

Also, If you are traveling to Mystic, Connecticut looking for some divine restaurants add Bravo Bravo to your itinerary, or you can book a tailor-made itinerary package with Road and Table and we will find culinary experience that are ideal for your palate.

BRAVO BRAVO INFORMATION

Location :

19 East Main Street

Mystic, Connecticut 06355

Hours:

Tuesday- Thursday : 4pm-9pm

Friday & Saturday 11:30am-10:00pm

Sunday 11:30am-9:00pm

Happy Hour: Tuesday – Friday & Sunday 4pm-6pm

Closed Mondays

Contact:

860-536-3228

Reservations Accepted

Social Media:

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Finally, be sure to share because we love supporting small businesses, as they are the backbone of the travel industry. The travel industry has been hard hit by Covid-19 and as small business owners ourselves, we want to keep the desire to travel on the forefront.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Fall In Love With Irresistible Gifts For Your Favorite Travel Lovers

Mon, 05 Oct 2020 03:35:58 GMT

Fall In Love With Irresistible Gifts For Your Favorite Travel Lovers

You are going to fall in love with these irresistible gifts for your favorite travel lovers! I can’t believe that I am actually going to say this, but Christmas will be here before you know it! These gifts are all available on Etsy, so you are guaranteed to be supporting small businesses, which is always a plus! These gifts are not just good for the holiday’s, but they are also great for wedding showers, weddings, or a birthday!

Here Are Some Great Finds!

All of the following photos are linked directly to the sellers site, this way you can head on over, and show them some love!

This farmhouse world push pin map is perfect! I am in love with everything about it! Holy Cow Canvas does a great job! They also offer all types of hand made canvas art, including a push pin map of just the USA! I might need that one too!

I love that these necklaces come in silver, gold, and rose gold.

Who doesn’t love a gorgeous luggage tag?

It’s easy to fall in love with irresistible gifts for your favorite travel lovers when they look like these!

This globe is great for those that don’t have room a big push pin wall map.

If you are buying for a travel lover that just went on special trip or has plans to go somewhere special, these glasses are perfect!

I hope you will fall in love with these irresistible gifts for your favorite travel lovers, just like I did! Travel lovers are pretty much obsessed with anything travel related. We love maps and reminders of the places we have gone and the places we long to experience! If you know a travel lover, they will love any of these gifts, I’m sure of it.

Also don’t forget that you can always get a gift card to Road and Table for those traveling who want to book a custom tailor made itinerary! Just give us a call at 860-591-4253 or fill out the contact form to request gift card information!

If you or someone you know is planning on booking a vacation soon, don’t forget that Road and Table is a travel agency and we can help find, book, and design the perfectly planned vacation!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream: A Sweet Travel-Inspired Treat

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 09:11:47 GMT

Taste of The Holidays: Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Jump to Recipe

In This Post

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream: A Sweet Travel-Inspired Treat

*This post may contain affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through one of these links, Road & Table Travel Company may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only share products and resources I personally use, love, or genuinely recommend. Thank you for supporting Road & Table and helping me continue to create food and travel inspiration.

Let me hear you if you’ve ever indulged in one too many Magic Cookie Bars during the holiday season ? Now—imagine that flavor, but churned into creamy ice cream. Yes, my friends, Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream is real, and it’s every bit as indulgent as it sounds.

Every Christmas, my mom bakes a batch of Magic Cookie Bars for my husband. And even though we’ve spent the entire month eating our way through the holiday table, we somehow manage to squirrel away these bars—like chipmunks prepping for winter storage. They’re that irresistible.

But here’s where the travel twist comes in. All summer long, I pass by Buttonwood Farm Ice Cream in Connecticut , a true local foodie gem that’s worth pulling off the road for. From peanut butter ice cream to their graham cracker ice cream, Buttonwoods is a destination in itself. It’s the kind of place that makes road trips memorable—not just for the scenery, but for the flavors you discover along the way. It was actually their graham cracker ice cream that inspired me to create this recipe—the base of my Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream starts with a graham cracker ice cream that makes the whole treat taste just like the holidays.

So when the idea for Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream came to me, I couldn’t help but think of all the times food and travel intersect. Sometimes it’s a trendy new restaurant in a city you’ve been dying to explore. Other times, it’s a food truck on the side of the road serving up the best tacos of your life. And sometimes, it’s as simple as churning something in your own kitchen that takes you right back to your favorite trip.

At Road and Table , we chase down both journeys and bites. From truffle hunting in Tuscany to lobster rolls in Connecticut, we’re passionate about showing you how travel and food go hand in hand. This recipe is just one more way to bring the world to your table—even if you’re not boarding a plane.

So go ahead, dust off your ice cream maker (this is the same one I have), and get ready to whip up a little holiday-inspired, travel-worthy dessert . One bite and you’ll see: whether you’re wandering a new city, pulling off at a roadside creamery, or curled up at home, food really is the best souvenir.

Written By: Jamie Cassidy

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 Eggs
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Cold)
24 Whole Graham Crackers
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Method

Dissolve graham crackers in heavy cream.
Whisk eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Strain the heavy cream from the graham crackers. If the graham crackers dissolve well you don't have to strain it.
Whisk in sweetened condensed milk into the heavy cream mixture.
Whisk the heavy cream mixture in with the eggs.
Add to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the ice cream is stiff, add your desired amounts of coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

What kind of crazy ice cream flavor do you love? What kind of crazy ice cream flavor would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!

Taste of The Holidays: Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Let me hear you if you indulge in one too many magic cookie bars during the holiday season? Imagine….Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream….Yes, my friends it’s a thing, and oh my is it, oh…so….good!

I can’t even tell you how I thought of Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream, but I kind of hate myself for it! It was really good, like get out your ice cream maker and get to churning ASAP good!

Jamie Cassidy

Magic Cookie Bar Ice Cream

Ingredients

2 Eggs
2 Cups Heavy Cream
1 Cup Sweetened Condensed Milk (Cold)
24 Whole Grham Crackers
Coconut
Chocolate Chips
Chopped Walnuts

Method

Dissolve graham crackers in heavy cream.
Whisk eggs until they are light and fluffy.
Strain the heavy cream from the graham crackers. If the graham crackers dissolve well you don't have to strain it.
Whisk in sweetened condensed milk into the heavy cream mixture.
Whisk the heavy cream mixture in with the eggs.
Add to an ice cream maker and follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Once the ice cream is stiff, add your desired amounts of coconut, chocolate chips, and chopped walnuts.

What kind of crazy ice cream flavor do you love? What kind of crazy ice cream flavor would you like to try? Let us know in the comments below!

How To Perfectly Balance School And Family Travel

Mon, 07 Sep 2020 08:54:11 GMT

How To Perfectly Balance School And Family Travel

{Guest Post}

Written by: Kate Troxell from Troxell Five Travels

When you’re a family of five and your children are all under eight years old, people tend to think you’re a bit crazy to travel as often as we do. Truth is-we are crazy, but crazy about giving our kids experiences they will benefit from for a lifetime. As much as we dream to leave behind our mainstream life to travel full-time, we remain a suburban family with kids in public school. Like I am sure for many of you out there, it’s a conflict between responsibility and dreams. We are learning that there is a way of achieving both. How do we balance school and family travel?

When it comes to school (or should I say, missing school…)

We try our best not to take them out too often. In order for them to not miss weeks at a time, we try our best to align our travels with long weekends or holiday breaks. When our kids have a week off for April break we always take them out for a few days the week before break or the week after, this way they only miss 2-3 days of school, but we get to travel for ten days or more! I always print out my kids’ school calendar and highlight the possible holidays and days off that we can stretch out for a trip.

Another sneaky tip is that if we don’t need to leave our house for the airport until later in the morning we will still send our kids to school. Even if we pick them up by 10:30am, they go. This way they get credit for the day and it isn’t considered an absence. This also gives them a chance to gather any schoolwork they’ll need for the trip and gives us some time to do last minute packing, getting luggage into the car and cleaning up the house (I have to come home to a relatively clean house) without the two big kiddos in our hair.

Our school-age kids are still pretty young (kindergarten and second grade), so we have always received a lot of support from their teachers, thankfully. In the summer, when we receive our child’s teacher placement I send the teacher an email. In this email, along with the usual blurb about my kid and their personality, I explain that our children will be missing some days during the school year for family trips and that we will always give the school advance notice. I also tell the teacher that if they feel our child will suffer academically we are happy to take along work. There is always plenty of time on an airplane or at the airport to do this. Our kids always have more enthusiasm about doing schoolwork when we’re traveling than they do at home on a regular weeknight.

Last year we traveled for ten days in Iceland. Our son’s teacher asked that he keep a journal. He wrote in it every night while we were there, sharing details of each day (what he did, learned, ate, saw) all from his own perspective. When we got home we printed out pictures and added them. It came out great! When he returned to school he presented it to the class. We have now kept the travel journal going. Not only does it show the teachers that while we travel our kids are still learning a ton (probably more!) but it is also an amazing keepsake for us!

(Skogafoss, Iceland)

Lastly, there’s always summer break. It is so easy to get sucked into feeling like your kid needs to be signed up for this camp and that camp, but we try to limit our commitments in the summer, so that we have freedom and flexibility to travel. It’s an expensive time to travel, as it is an ideal time to visit most places, so we tend to stay nearby. We live in New England, which is especially great in the summer as so much of New England is coastline. Additionally, my husband can’t take off week after week of work (weird, right?) so often it’s just me with my three kids. Staying nearby is just logistically easier. So my advice for summer travel is to find places you could visit within driving distance.

(Spruce Point Inn, Boothbay Harbor, Maine)

If your heart yearns to travel and you have kids in school, have no fear; it is still possible to go on trips often without them missing too much time in the classroom. Finding that perfect balance of school and family travel takes time, but you will get there!

As the quote by Mark Twain goes, “Travel is the enemy of ignorance.” and there is no better way to learn.

~Kate

Check out some of our other posts that talk about traveling with kids and getting ready for those exciting family vacations!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Planning A Perfect Trip To The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:51:00 GMT

Planning A Perfect Trip To The Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Table of Contents:

Are you planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail?

As a family, we love a good road trip! On this particular road trip, we made our way through Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally back home to Connecticut. We couldn’t be in Kentucky without doing the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. I want to help you plan a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Kentucky is where Bourbon was born. Here’s what you need to know about planning a trip to the Bourbon Trail, whether you are a Bourbon fanatic or a traveler just looking for new experience.

4 Cities and Stops You Want To Include On Your Trip

Louisville, Bardstown, Lexington, and Frankfort are the four stops you will want to dive into when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Louisville is a more urban area with more of a bar scene vibe. Bardstown will grace you with it’s small town charm and historic distilleries. It’s also know as the “Bourbon Capital of the World”, so I would say it’s a must on your Bourbon Trail itinerary. Then you have Lexington , which if you are a horse racing fan, this is a destination you won’t forget. Lastly, in Frankfort you will find Buffalo Trace and if you are a Bourbon lover, nothing else needs to be said about that!

Before you set out for your adventure be sure to purchase a Bourbon Trail Passport! The passport is a 150-page Guide booklet that contains information on distillery experiences throughout Kentucky. Participants can collect stamps and “unlock exclusive benefits” at participating distilleries.

Distilleries To Visit

Here are six of the “big” name distilleries to have on your list. I suggest you pick a few of your favorite well-known distilleries and sprinkle in a few smaller distilleries.

Maker’s Marker : Loretto
Woodford Reserve : Versailles
Jim Bean : Clermont
Wild Turkey : Lawrenceburg
Four Roses : Lawrenceburg
Buffalo Trace : Frankfort: Fun fact, Buffalo Trace is not on the official Bourbon Trail but it’s a must-visit! Trust me, you won’t be sorry!

Here are some smaller distilleries, often the smaller distilleries are where you find some great experiences to book!

Buzzard’s Roost Distillery & Tasting Room: Louisville
Barrel House Distilling Co .: Lexington
Chicken Cock Whiskey Cira 1856 : Bardstown
Bluegrass Distillers at Elkwood Farm : Midway

You can create your own itinerary map on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail website. This site is full of great information, so be sure to take the time and explore what it has to offer. Also, Viator offers some fantastic food and bourbon tours to enhance your Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience.

Is The Kentucky Bourbon Trail Kid Friendly?

Absolutely! When I was planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, I was nervous about bringing the kids. I am not a huge fan of bringing my kids to wineries, breweries, and distilleries, I enjoy that time as an adult, and would rather not take them (personal preference, NO JUDGEMENT to those that do). The grounds of all the distilleries we went to were great to just walk around and explore outside. I never felt uncomfortable having my children with me. I would say that Buffalo Trace was the most kid friendly and Maker’s Mark wasn’t far behind. With being said BE SURE TO CHECK OUT EACH DISTILLERIES SITE to be sure they welcome ages under 21!

General Tips & Suggestions:

Be sure to remember these tips when planning your trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Check each distillery’s website to see if they require reservations, except walk-ins, and if they are 21+ only if you are traveling with minors.
Spread your visits across multiple days. Don’t try to visit too many distilleries in one day. They add up in price, and you want to drink responsibly.
Plan extra in your budget to bring home some fantastic bottles of your favorite finds.
Check to see what local events are happening while you are visiting. You might get lucky and get to experience some great food & Bourbon tastings and maybe even some limited edition releases.

Where To Stay

Here are a few places to consider resting your head after a splendid day exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Louisville: Hotel Distil, Autograph Collection : This hotel is on Whiskey Row in Louisville and is home to Repeal Oak Fired Steakhouse. It’s the only oak-fired steakhouse on Whiskey Row and a huge bonus is the rooftop dining offered in the summer-time.

Photo Courtesy of Expedia

 Lexington: The Manchester : Located in the historic distillery district, this hotel boasts Granddam, a restaurant inspired by grandmothers and bluegrass. You also can get your rooftop bar fix in while enjoying some small bits and sipping cocktails at LostPalm.

Photo Courtesy of Expedia

Now It’s Time To Pack!

For Bourbon lovers, planning a trip to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a bucket-list experience. You will enjoy the southern hospitality that Kentucky has to offer, with a side of outstanding Bourbon and marvelous culinary treats!

I offer custom Road & Table itinerary services , which means I design your entire Bourbon Trail experience for you—distilleries, dining, lodging, pacing, and hidden gems—based on how you want to travel.

You can choose to book your trip with me by filling out my travel request form or simply use my itinerary design services and book independently. Either way, you’ll still receive a thoughtfully curated Road & Table experience without the stress of planning it all yourself.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest to see what road we are traveling or what table we are eating at! We would love for you to join our adventures!

Also, check out our other travel guides !

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Menu

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 08:34:12 GMT

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Menu

Table of Contents:

Every year I host St. Patrick’s Day dinner. I know that all the green beer, parades and festivities that go along with St. Patrick’s Day are fun, but we have always celebrated with a wonderful dinner full of traditional foods. If you are planning a nice dinner this is a great St. Patrick’s Day dinner menu.

St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Menu Starters

Shrimp with Shells and Herbed Butter ~ The recipe call for Dublin Bay Prawns which here in Connecticut are pretty hard to find so I use the biggest shrimp I can find at my local seafood market.

Fresh Oysters from local seafood market

Irish Cheese Plate with Pears and Apples ~ Whole Foods and Stop and Shop usually have a great selection of Irish Cheese around St. Patrick’s Day. It’s a perfect addition to your St. Patrick’s Day dinner menu. I always get a few different cheddars and some blue cheese.

Dinner

Corned Beef ~ For a good St. Patrick’s Day menu, Pot roast or ham is actually more traditional than corned beef on St. Patrick’s day. Corned beef is an Irish-American tradition and it’s just so GOOD! There are many different suggestions on what cut’s to get. I always get the flat cut and look for one that isn’t full of fat. Pick the one that is the hardest. The softer the meat, the more fat. Also there are millions of different ways to cook corned beef. I boil mine alone for HOURS and HOURS on low until it’s pretty much falling apart. If you cook it to hot and fast you will just get a tough piece of corned beef and that is really not good.

Leeks In Cream Sauce ~ This might not sound very good but I promise you it’s delicious. You have to try add it to your St. Patrick’s Day dinner menu.

Colcannon ~ Mashed potato and cabbage.

Buttered Carrots ~ my family loved them mashed, so that’s how we have them!

Soda Bread

Dessert

Irish Cream Cheesecake ~ I always make these using gluten free chocolate chip cookies for the base instead of wafers.

I would love to see what’s on your table for St. Patrick’s Day! Be sure to share with us! #roadandtable

If you are looking for a good Irish Cookbook to help you plan your perfect St. Patrick’s Day dinner menu, click the link to view my favorite!

Be sure to stay up to date with us on social media! Follow us on Instagram , Facebook and Pinterest !

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

South Iceland With Kids

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 07:51:06 GMT

South Iceland With Kids

Table of Contents:

I just recently thought to invite my best friend to write some guest posts for Road and Table. I don’t know why I never thought of it before. Kate loves to travel with her three beautiful children and husband. If you love traveling with kids be sure to check out our FREE Travel Journal Printable ! I hope you enjoy her adventures, and I hope that she will be sharing more often! Be sure to follow her adventures on Instagram ! I mean, south Iceland with kids? Now that is an adventure!

Guest Post~Author: Kate Troxell

Before kids, Iceland had always been at the top of our bucket list, but before we got there, life got away with us. Before we knew it, we had three kids. When April break began to draw near we were throwing around ideas for a trip. South Iceland with kids, didn’t immediately come to mind, but the more we talked about other destinations it occurred to us: our kids are young, therefore energetic. A trip requiring an adventurous spirit is what we needed and TA-DA- South Iceland with kids it was.

In addition to booking our airfare, we also booked an all-wheel drive SUV (required if you drive on F roads in Iceland. April is the tail end of winter so you could definitely experience some harsh weather.) from Iceland 4×4 . They picked us up at the airport and shuttled us to their office, where we loaded up into our SUV. We then drove 2 hours to our home rental.

With three young kids, cramming into a single hotel room isn’t the most appealing.

We opted for a home rental through Bungalo and stayed in this house located in South Iceland. This was the area we chose because it’s close to all of the Golden Circle attractions. Traveling through South Iceland with kids will mean some lengthy car rides. The home rental was central enough that no matter what the plans were that day, we could always make the drive back. It was very comfortable there and the kids loved the hot tub and trampoline.

There is so much to see in Iceland and your jaw will drop just from the car ride from the airport to whatever your destination is. We had 8 full days in Iceland, which was the perfect pace for us. Here’s how we spent our days:

Day One

We started our day at the Fontana Spa in Laugarvatn. This was booked online before going because we knew we wanted to avoid the crowds at the Blue Lagoon. We were so happy with this decision. This spa was such a beautiful way to spend our first, jet-lagged day. We also paid to eat at their cafeteria for lunch and it was nice to not feel like we needed to pack a lunch or leave to find a restaurant.

After the spa we headed to one of the Golden Circle attractions: Geysir. This town is quite appropriately named and likely you can guess what we saw here. Yes, you got it: the incredible, bubbly and erupting geysers! The active geyser, Strokkur, was so unbelievable and was erupting about every 15-20 minutes. We could not get enough of it.

Day Two

After a morning dip in our very hot, hot tub we threw on our rain-gear (necessary for very wet Iceland) and headed to our first stop of the day: Kerid Crater. We walked the entire perimeter of this massive crater, clutching the hands of our toddler and stopping to take many pictures. It was so cool and such a great science lesson for our older two. Can’t miss this Golden Circle attraction if you go to South Iceland with kids!

After the crater, we stopped (like we did every single day) at a gas station for coffees, where the coffee is surprisingly quite delicious. The kids also dropped off their post cards (post boxes can be found at most gas stations) to be sent to their teachers.

As you drive in Iceland, you will see tons of gorgeous Icelandic horses.

We stopped and spent some time petting these beautiful creatures and took plenty of pictures.

From there we ventured to our first (of many) waterfalls: Gullfoss. It was an impressive falls, but very crowded. Worth the visit, but not our favorite of the waterfalls we saw. We had lunch there and visited the souvenir shops and left with three happy kids and three new puffin stuffed animals.

Our next stop was unplanned, but one of our favorite South Iceland with kids experiences. In our planning and Pinteresting (that should be a word, right?) before our trip, we had read of a natural hot-spring pool that was very hard to find known as Hrunalaug . It was worth the effort to get there. With some research on our phone, we hoped we would actually get there! It led us to a parking lot. A woman sitting in her car happened to be the owner and showed us the way to the pool. We climbed over a hill and there was the sweetest turf roofed bathhouse in the distance. We went in, changed into suits. It was such an authentic Icelandic experience.

Heads up-not everyone in Iceland or visitors to Iceland opt to wear a suit, so make sure to have that conversation with your kids ahead of time.

Day Three

On this day we decided to drive into the city of Reykjavik. We started our day here off with a trip to the museum, Perlan . Our favorites here were the northern lights show (too cloudy our entire trip to see the real northern lights) and getting to go into an ice cave. After the museum we checked out the iconic Hallgrimskirkja church as we searched for parking in this darling city.

We shopped; we ate (hot dogs and fish and chips, which are two things Iceland is known for) and just soaked in all the charm of this village-like city. Before leaving the kids played at a playground and I got to meet a mom from Reykjavik and learn more about her incredible country. No matter where you are from, moms are moms and we found so much in common as we watched our kids play together.

Day Four

Day four was a big one for Golden Circle highlights, because we saw two breath-taking, highly photographed waterfalls, likely seen before if you’ve ever googled “Iceland”. Our first stop was Seljalandsfoss. No picture will ever do it justice in showing the actual size. I don’t think I ever felt so small in my life. We stood from afar in awe for quite some time before joining the other tourists in the trek around and under the falls. You will definitely get a bit wet from it’s mist as you walk behind it, but if you’re really brave (like we unknowingly were) there is a spot where you can get an incredible picture, but will also consequentially get soaked. We weren’t expecting it, but we all took it in stride with a lot of laughs and cheers from the crowds around us.

As we drove from Seljalandsfoss (with every piece of our clothing drying on a vent in the car) we made our way to our next falls: Skogafoss.

Standing in front of these impressive falls was a true “pinch me” moment.

As I watched my three kids splashing in the water with the falls just in front of them I knew it was an image that would be imprinted in my memory forever. I am certain they’ll never forget it either.

We left the Golden Circle and headed toward coastal Vik. Before arriving there we took a pit stop to walk the cliffs of Dyrholaey. The wind was so intense we hung onto our kids like their lives depended on it, but was worth it for the most breathtaking views. Though we were too early in the season, this location is known for puffin watching. Just a couple minutes from here, we made it to Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach. This was quite a distance from our home rental (about 4 hours), but was absolutely worth it. We broke up the ride there with the two waterfall stops and the kids slept on the ride home, so it was actually quite nice. Also, driving in South Iceland with kids never feels daunting, because every single sight along the way is so impressive.

At Black Sand Beach, especially if you’re traveling with children, you need to be mindful to not be too close to the water as the waves are enormous and powerful.

There is an employee there just to walk around warning tourists. It was hard for me as a mom to relax, but regardless, I am so happy we went. Living in New England we get to spend lots of time ocean-side but this was so unlike any coast we’ve ever seen.

Toward the back of the beach we were able to climb and sit on the basalt columns. Again, as if anyone thought travel wasn’t as educational as a classroom, go to Iceland!

Day Five

Our fifth day was Easter and our kids woke up to find special gifts, including the traditional Icelandic chocolate egg, filled with lots of little candies. They still talk about this. Celebrating Easter in another country was such a thrill to them (and we’ll be doing it again, this year, in Costa Rica). We spent our holiday at Thingvellir National Park, which was only about twenty minutes from our house. This park is set right between two continental tectonic plates, so one of us had to grab at a once in a lifetime opportunity: swim the Silfra. My husband met up with Troll Expeditions , suited up and dropped right into the cold, crystal clear (in fact, the Silfra is known to have some of the clearest water in the world) water. He snorkeled right in between the tectonic plates of Eurasia and North America. It was such a special experience.

Day Six

With no plans for this day we decided to take the advice of the mom I met in Reykjavik, who mentioned that every town has a public pool and they’re definitely worth checking out. We went into the town of Sellfoss and paid for all five of us to have use of their facility for the day. It only cost $18.00. There was an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. Yes, Iceland is cold, but also Iceland’s geothermal activity means warm water. There were a variety of outdoor pools, but we stayed in the shallow pool with lots of slides for the kids. This is a real local thing to do, so were definitely the only ones with dark hair or speaking English and therefore, got a lot of stares, but everyone was very friendly.

On this day we also ended up going to Skogar Museum , because I truly could not get enough of the turf roofs in Iceland and this was a way to get up close. We all learned a lot that day about the resilience of the Icelandic people from the past all the way to the present.

Because this day was not planned out, we were able to make a lot of roadside stops to explore all of South Iceland’s non-stop beauty and to soak up whatever sun we would get that day.

We ended the day with another visit to the geyser, Strokkur, because we honestly, could not get enough of it.

Day Seven

On this dreary wet day, we brought the kids somewhere they were dying to go. We booked them a tour at Solvangur Icelandic Horse Center . Here, we all learned about what makes these horses completely unique to other horses around the world. The older two kids got to groom and ride them. The owner was such a delight! She sure loves those horses and we loved our time with her.

Day Eight

Our last day was spent going into the town of Selfoss for a delicious bakery breakfast. We stared at the pastries wishing customs would let us take them all home with us! The remainder of the day was spent in our cozy house rental, eating all the food we still had left over from our groceries, sitting in the hot tub, packing and cleaning. It was another rainy day, but we still sat and stared out the window soaking up every image surrounding us. I still remember every detail almost a year later.

I am so happy to have had some slow days like that one during our trip. Could we have seen all of those things in 4-5 days? Sure! But with kids it is important to take your time and do things at a reasonable pace. It’s also important to be flexible, and keeping some days unplanned creates so much opportunity. The only issue we had with our Iceland trip is that we thought we were finally crossing it off our bucket list, but now we can’t stop talking about when we’ll go back! Kids or no kids, get to Iceland!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

4 Awesome Spots For New York City Dumplings

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 07:28:11 GMT

4 Awesome Spots For New York City Dumplings

Table of Contents:

One of my favorite things about New York City is the FOOD! On our last trip we decide to create our own “dumpling tour”! We found four awesome spots in New York City for the best dumplings.

New York City dumplings didn’t disappoint!

Destination Dumplings

We found Destination Dumplings at the World Trade Center. Be sure to check out their website for other locations. We ordered the pork and peking duck dumplings. I have to say I think Destination Dumplings was my favorite. I could have gone back for more!

Address: Fulton Ave next to The World Center every Friday through October.

Shanghai 21

Ok, Shanghai 21 was really just as good as Destination Dumplings. It was nice to be able to go into a restaurant and sit down to eat. The restaurant was small and it was packed at lunch time but well worth the wait. We ordered pork fried dumplings, pork tiny buns, and shrimp dumplings.

Address: 21 Mott St, New York NY, 10013

Fried Dumpling

The Fried Dumpling is a small unassuming spot and to be honest the women making the dumplings is pretty rude. She gets right down to business and whips you out some delish dumplings though! She is pretty well known. It’s a must try!

Address: 106 Mosco St. New York, NY 10013

Nansense

While you might think of dumplings as Asian cuisine, be sure not to limit yourself to that. I had never tried Mantu (beef and onion Dumplings with garlic yogurt, split chickpeas, dried mint and cilantro) and while strolling through all the food tents at the World Trade Center we came across Nansense and noticed they offered a dumpling. It was something different and absolutely delicious! Be sure to think outside the box and try something new!

Address: Fulton Ave next to The World Center every Friday through October.

Do you have a favorite dumpling spot? Be sure to share with us! Comment below.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook . Share your dumpling adventures, food experiences and travel moments with us! Use #roadandtable

If you are planning a vacation check out my travel go box . It’s a great way to make your packing quicker and less stressful!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Do you want to make travel more affordable? USE POINTS programs!

Mon, 13 Jan 2020 07:02:59 GMT

Do you want to make travel more affordable? USE POINTS programs!

Table of Contents:

{ AFFILIATE POST }

When Jeff and I were first married we both wanted to see the world. Travel was on the top of our list but as a young couple how the heck could we afford it? I wanted to make travel more affordable. I researched how to make the most of some travel programs that are out there.

St. Lucia

In fact, points programs are absolutely worth it, and if you aren’t taking advantage of them, you are really missing out!

The one warning I have for you is if you are not good with a credit card then this method is not for you.

I use two programs that help me off set the cost of our travel.

Generally speaking, I use my credit cards for everything. To be sure that I don’t keep a balance, I go right online each night and make a payment. This way, I earn the points, I don’t keep a balance and I don’t rack up interest. I split my purchases between my two favorite points cards. This way I can travel with some great benefits and at an affordable price!

New York City

First, the program I couldn’t live without is Marriott Bonvoy (or previously Marriott Rewards). I have the Marriott Chase Credit Card and I earn points with everyday purchases.

With Marriott Bonvoy you earn points on all eligible hotel purchases, including dining, beverages and more! If you pay to stay at Marriott and use your card to pay instead of using points you will earn 10 points per $1 US Dollar! The only exceptions to that are at Element, Residence Inn and TownePlace Suites hotels where you earn 5 points per $1 US Dollar.

Also, depending on what level you are on you can get added benefits like, upgraded rooms, late checkout, enhanced internet access, exclusive member rates, mobile checkin and more.

Marriott Bonvoy has no blackout dates. You can combine cash and points to get a room a lesser cost and you can instantly redeem your points!

Here’s a tip: Be sure you look into deals that Marriott may be offering or if you are going on a trip find the cheapest rooms and pay for them instead of using your points. Also, it helps grow your points balance fast and soon you will be able to use your points for any trip you want!

We truly have saved thousands and have been able to go so many places with our points! I can’t say enough about it! It has really helped to make travel more affordable.

If you are interested in signing up for Marriott points you can use the link below to apply!

You can earn a 3 Free Night Award with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless™ Credit Card. I can be rewarded too if you apply here and are approved for the card.
https://www.referyourchasecard.com/252a/NRTK1V6HTH

The other card that I use is a Citi American Airlines card. Airfare can really make or break a trips budget. You earn miles by flying and using the credit card for everyday purchases. There are no blackout dates and if a seat is available you can book it! You can use your miles to upgrade to first class or business class.

Old Quebec City
Photo Credit: Everlasting Photography

With a family of four it can cost up to $60 per person round trip to check each bag. That is an extra $240 on top of your airfare! If you get the Citi American Airlines card you get your first checked bag free on domestic flights for you and up to four travel companions. You also get preferred boarding, savings on food and beverages on flight if you use your card, and no foreign transactions fees.

You get 1 mile (point) for every dollar you spend, 2 miles (points) for every dollar you spend at restaurants and gas stations, and 2 miles (points) for every dollar spent on American Airline purchases.

If you are interested in the Citi American Airlines card you can click the link below to apply!

https://www.citibank.com.ph/share-rewards?ecid=&Ref=3982138613

Check out all of our travels here and Be sure to share your travels with us on instagram and use #roadandtable

I hope these tips help you to be able to get out and make some travel memories!

If you have any questions feel free to ask in the comment section below or email me at roadandtable@yahoo.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

My Top Five Favorite Cookbooks

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 05:33:15 GMT

My Top Five Favorite Cookbooks

Table of Contents:

First, I want to say that cookbooks are one of those things, I can’t have enough of. If anyone ever wants to get me a gift, they really can’t go wrong with a cookbook.

I love to snuggle on the couch, flip through the pages of my favorite cookbooks, and get ideas of great dishes to make.

Therefore, feeding my family and friends is something that I love. Food is a universal way of slowing down, taking time to spend with others and enjoying life. When I am able to put out great food, sit down, enjoy a glass of wine, nibble on my creation and spend time with the people I love I am the happiest.

So, I wanted to share with you my favorite cookbooks.

These are my go to’s…. the ones I can’t live without.

1. Irish Food & Cooking ~ Traditional Irish Cuisine With Over 150 Delicious Step By Step Recipes From The Emerald Isle~ By: Biddy White Lennon and Georgina Campbell ~ I grew up in an American Irish home so these recipes are dear to my heart. My best friend got me this shortly after I was married and it’s my favorite!

2. Bernard Clayton’s New Complete Book Of Breads ~ If you have never made bread by hand you don’t know what you are missing. It is my favorite thing to do. When I am snowed in here in New England you can bet I am taking this book out and trying some tasty homemade bread!

3. The New England Clam Shack Cookbook ~ By: Brooke Dojny ~Growing up in New England seafood is a way of life and the recipes in this book are just want every New Englander needs. Again, I got a signed copy of this book as a wedding gift. See my theme? Cookbooks make greats gifts!

4. Glorious French Food ~ By: James Peterson ~ My favorite restuarant is Bouchards in Newport, Rhode Island and it happens to be french. I fell in love with the glorious cooking of french food. This book is a great resource. It is full of all kinds of information. I love to just read it!

5. Project Smoke ~ By: Steven Raichlen ~ This book I actually bought for my Dad as a gift and I borrowed it and I haven’t given it back!!!! Instead I smoke all kinds of stuff and invite him over to eat it! If you are into the smoking and outdoor living this book is a must have! I have loved everything I have made out of it. The smoked deviled eggs are to die for! YUM!

Please share with us your must have cookbooks in the comments below!

I would love to check them out! I might even feature it here on this post!

Happy Cooking!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

5 Tips On What To Do When It Rains On Vacation?

Thu, 24 Oct 2019 06:44:28 GMT

5 Tips On What To Do When It Rains On Vacation?

Table of Contents:

First, let me start with saying that it wouldn’t be a Cassidy family vacation without rain. Seriously, it has pretty much rained on EVERY VACATION we have ever had. Planning for rain on vacation is a must!

Basically, I am an expert in this area!

If you know me, you know that I am a planner. It’s not just with vacation, it’s with everything. Above all, I love my schedules and I CANNOT live without lists. I have lists everywhere and pretty much for every aspect of my life.

In addition, when it comes to vacation my lists, schedules, and planning hit over-drive. I want to be prepared for whatever could come our way.

Of course, one thing you can’t control is the weather. I know we all know this at heart, but we plan a great trip, go to a great location, and we arrive and the clouds roll in and the rain start to fall. Suddenly, you find yourself with a pretty cloudy attitude.

Planning for rain on vacation is often forgotten.

Here are my tips for traveling when it rains.

Have a contingency plan. Planning for rain on vacation is very important. When you are in the planing stages of your trip, find activities that you can do that are inside or that would be fun in the rain. Nothing is worse than finding yourself standing in the rain with no plan. Your back up plan doesn’t have to be any less fun than your original. It’s all in what you put into it!
Don’t let the rain stop you. Just because it’s raining doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun, right? Here’s an example, we planned a trip to the Smokey Mountains and it rained…EVERY DAY! I had a hike planned to a waterfall that we couldn’t wait to do, and guess what? It rained, and you know what? We did it anyway……IN THE RAIN! Walk the beach in the rain, dance in the rain….enjoy it!
Keep your spirit sweet. Hey, it is what it is right? If you get down in the dumps about the weather, you are going to add to the disappointment. Don’t be a downer, no one controls the weather and it’s a day that can be full of adventures and memories, so enjoy it.
Pack rain gear. If you decide to be adventurous and still enjoy some outdoor activities be sure you packed an umbrella and some extra clothes so you don’t have to worry about your wet stuff. Also, when heading out from your hotel or where ever you are staying, bring some towels with you and a plastic bag. Trust me they come in handy!
ENJOY EVERY MOMENT. Bottom line is vacation is a time to make memories and spend it with people you love. We aren’t promised tomorrow and if today was your last, you wouldn’t want to be sulking about the weather. Enjoy every single moment, make memories, and just have an adventure of a lifetime!

Also, I would love to hear your tips on traveling when it rains! Leave a comment below. Happy travels, and enjoy your next adventure!

Be sure to check out our travel page to see all of our adventures and please share your travels with us on Instagram with #vthwtravels

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

Thu, 03 Oct 2019 06:36:42 GMT

The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical

{Affiliate & Sponsored Post}

When Sanaa Brooks from Popcorn and Tequila asked if I was interested in attending The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical on Broadway, I was over the moon. I have been a musical geek for as long as I can remember and my oldest son happens to love the Percy Jackson books. The opportunity seemed perfect for our family!

New York City is only about two and half hours from Voluntown. Every now and again we go to the city but we don’t go as often as we should. After this trip, visiting the city will be happening a bit more. I am always looking for a get away! Check out my travel page to see where I’ve been, and get some great travel tips!

I went straight to Marriott’s website and booked a room at the Residence Inn, as soon as my tickets were confirmed. I absolutely love my Marriott Bonvoy rewards credit card and I use it all the time. If you love to travel and want to start enjoying a rewards/points program, be sure to check out the Marriott Bonvoy Card.

Once we arrived in the city, we made our way to the box office at Longacre Theatre . We grabbed our tickets and walked over to La Rivage for a Prix Fixe dinner before the show. They were great with getting us fed and out the door so we wouldn’t miss our show.

Let me tell you how much I LOVED The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical……. it was funny and strangely relatable. I found myself smiling and giggling throughout the entire show.

THE GOOD

The theatre was beautiful, small but beautiful, and very clean.
It is a great family show. My youngest who is 9 years old, didn’t really understand the plot of the show, but was still intrigued and engaged in the entire time . My oldest who is 13 years old understood the story-line and was loving every minute.
Jorrel Javier who plays Grover Underwood and Mr. D is hysterical stole the show.
It didn’t seem that there was a bad seat in the house.
Depending on your budget they have some very affordable tickets.
The show is 2 hours and 5 minutes including one intermission.

The Bad

We bought four drinks, two cocktails and two sodas and we paid $87.00

If you are looking for a family friendly, funny, enjoyable Broadway show experience The Lightning Thief: The Percy Jackson Musical is a must see. Be sure to go soon because the show is only running for 16 weeks and you don’t want to miss out!.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 :

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Strawberry Shortcake With Homemade Biscuits

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 06:26:46 GMT

Strawberry Shortcake With Homemade Biscuits

When your kids want to help you in the kitchen, you get right on it! Both of my boys asked if they could bake something with me and there was no way I could say no. For whatever reason I was craving strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits and I couldn’t let time fly by and not make any!

So, we set out to work and whipped up some great homemade biscuits. The word “homemade” can make people nervous but don’t be scared it really wasn’t hard at all! Honestly, it took maybe 30 minutes to make them and bake them. It was really quick and I know the summer can get busy so if you want to whip up something homemade, these biscuits are just the thing.

Don’t worry about the batter being lumpy and sticky, it should be that way. I used an ice cream scooper and got 9 biscuits out of the recipe. Keep an eye on the bottoms for whatever reason they cook quick so I cooked them on the top rack. No one likes it when the bottom of their biscuits are burned.

If you are looking for a great outdoor summer dinner menu? Try my Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey and serve these tasty homemade biscuits for dessert! I know we enjoyed our strawberry shortcake with homemade biscuits sitting outside at our farm table and we hope you will enjoy them too!

If you are making homemade whipped cream and plan on adding vanilla I suggest you keep a special bottle of good vanilla for whipped cream! At The Spruce Eats they have a list of the 7 Best Vanilla Extracts of 2019! Take a look and keep one on hand, you won’t be sorry!

Be sure to follow Voluntown Housewife on Instagram and Facebook! You don’t want to miss out on all the fun! Share your strawberry shortcake with us and use the hashtag #vthw!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Tillinghast Pond Management Area

Mon, 27 May 2019 04:09:59 GMT

Tillinghast Pond Management Area

As a family we love to be outside and hiking is one of the ways we love to enjoy the world around us. On a random Sunday drive we came across Tillinghast Pond Management Area and it looked very inviting, so we put it on our list to go back and hike. I don’t know about you but we forgot all about it and life went on. Well, I am so happy that we finally remembered!!!!

We took the long way from our home is Voluntown to get there so we could stop at one of our favorite places Ma and Pa’s Country Store in Hope Valley, Rhode Island to grab grinders (My Husband insists they have the best meatball grinder EVER!).

Once we arrived at Tillinghast Pond Management Area we were happy to see that the trails were clearly marked out. It was easy for us to come up with a plan and get to hiking! We settled on doing the Tillinghast Pond Loop and crossing over and doing the Coney Brook Loop.

If you are in the area and love to get out and hike this is a great spot. There are plenty of benches along the way to rest. The trails are well marked to keep you on track and it’s easy to find intersecting trails with out confusion. As you can see in the picture below some of the trails cross with each other. They are clearly marked so if you aren’t an avid hiker and you just want to enjoy a walk in the woods Tillinghast Pond Management Area is a great place to go.

We absolutely loved it and so did the kids! If you are in the area be sure to check it out!

Along the way we came across so great creatures, birds, snakes, turtles and frogs, of course!

Oh, I don’t know how I almost forgot, but the beavers are clearly busy at Tillinghast Pond Management Area!

If you are looking for a nice coastal hike you can check out our adventure to Barn Island in Stonington, Connecticut!

Share your adventures with us on INSTAGRAM #vthwtravels #vthw

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Ramen Noodles and Broth

Tue, 16 Apr 2019 06:16:59 GMT

Ramen Noodles and Broth

Jump to Recipe

Ramen Noodle Bowl and Broth

First, I can’t tell you how all the instagram pictures of delicious ramen noodle bowls keep me up at night. Honestly, they always look so amazing and they just scream comfort food.

Not to mention, I love ramen noodles and I’ve always wanted to try to make them at home, along with the savory broth that goes so well with them. On Fridays. I go to yoga with a friend, and one particular Friday on our way back, we got to talking about how bad we wanted ramen noodles! I know, get a good sweaty workout in and drive 25 minutes back home chatting about food, what can I say, we love food!

Well, I couldn’t get it off my mind. I got home and immediately started researching and looking to see if I had enough of ingredients hanging around to make some. It was meant to be, because I had everything I needed, my mom even had a nice pork bone in her freezer that she let me have! YUP, IT WAS GOING DOWN!

First, I started the broth, it takes a long time to make a great broth so I wanted to get it going as soon as I could. Unfortunately, I under-estimated how much broth would evaporate, so if you want to make a ton to can or freeze be sure to double the recipe. I got nine cups of broth but I was hoping for more. It made one giant bowl of noodles and I was able to can 3 cups of broth to use later.

The noodles freeze great so be sure to make a double or triple batch so you can enjoy them in the broth or even in a stir fry!

Warning

So, the noodles are hard to work with and they took a few passes through the pasta machine to get smooth. My advice, don’t give up keep working the dough and you will find what works for you and your machine.

Ramen Noodles
serves 6

3 Cups Flour
1/2 Cup Warm Water
1 1/2 TSP Baking Soda
1 TSP Salt
2 Eggs

Directions

In your mixer bowl off the mixer, whisk BY HAND the flour, baking soda, and salt together.
Add eggs and warm water.
Place mixing bowl on mixer and with the dough hook mix slowly. Increase speed until dough is formed. Again the dough is tough your mixer is going to have to work for this one!
Turn dough onto floured surface and wrap with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 HOUR.
After refrigerating for 1 HOUR divide the dough into 6 equal rectangle sections on a floured surface.
Run each section through the pasta machine starting with the thickest setting and moving to a 5. Some machines are different and the thickest setting is 1 in that case move up to setting 3.
Then cut with the spaghetti cutter.
Dust the noodles with flour and toss to coat. Place the pile of noodles on a baking sheet. Repeat until all sections are cut into noodles. Leave out the noodles you will be using and freeze the rest. I found two nests made a generous portion for four and one gave a smaller portion for four. I would use two nests for just noodle soup and one for a bowl full of other toppings like pork, eggs, bean sprouts and anything else you may want to put in it.
Cook noodles in boiling water for 2-3 mins watch them until the are the texture you want. If you cook them too long they will get soggy. Watch them carefully.
Add them to what ever dish you are making and ENJOY!

RAmen noodles
serves 6

1 Large Pork Butt Bone
4 Green Onions
4 Garlic Cloves Smashed
2 Inch Piece of Ginger
1/2 Green Cabbage
8oz Mushrooms
2 Onions
2 TBSP Sesame Seed Oil
4 TSP Salt
1 Cup Soy Sauce
1/4 Cup Mirin
1/4 Cup Rice Wine Vinegar
14 Cups Water

Directions

Coarsely chop all veggies and in a LARGE stock pot sauté them in sesame oil.
Add pork bone, water, salt, soy sauce, mirin, and rice wine vinegar to large stock pot and bring to a boil. Let simmer for at least two hours. Keep tasting, when the flavor is where you want it you can shut it off.
Strain all the broth and serve it or save it!

I might be slightly addicted to this recipe, I can’t lie. I would love to hear what you put in your ramen bowl. We have done sliced pork, bean sprouts, scallions, soft boiled egg and mushrooms. Please comment below with ideas and follow me on instagram to see if your ramen bowl toppings get featured the next time we enjoy a bowl full of ramen goodness!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Want to Visit Old Quebec City?

Tue, 19 Mar 2019 05:51:49 GMT

Want to Visit Old Quebec City?

Table of Contents:

When I was a freshmen in High School I traveled to Old Quebec City for a music trip. So, ever since that trip I have talked about going back, it’s been on my list forever it seems. I couldn’t help but remember the beautiful snow covered streets, the twinkling lights, and the incredible food. Well, I finally went back and I have to tell you I was in awe! It was honestly one of the most beautiful trips I have taken. Let me make it clear to you I usually HATE the cold, but a visit to Old Quebec City made me forget all that, it is breathtaking and romantic, it is truly a winter wonderland. I promise you I will be going back.

PHOTO CREDIT: EVERLASTING STORY PHOTOGRAPHY

Therefore, I wanted to share with you a few of our highlights from our visit to Old Quebec City. After leaving from Voluntown, Connecticut we made the drive in about seven hours and fifteen minutes. Crossing the border wasn’t bad at all, we crossed into Canada on a Friday afternoon around ten in the morning and we were the only car at the border so we didn’t wait at all. Crossing back into the United States we got to the border on a Monday at around three in the afternoon and the same thing, we were the only car at the border! We definitely got lucky on that for sure!

Let’s Talk About The Hotel

We stayed at the Quebec City Marriott Downtown and the service was by far the best I have ever had at a Marriott . We booked the Pride and Joy in Quebec City package which included valet, breakfast buffet for two daily, two mimosas daily, two cocktails at the bar daily, evening turndown service, free wifi, and 2pm checkout.

When we arrived we were greeted by the concierge and I was immediately impressed. Through out our stay they helped with directions, made reservations and when we left they packed our car and they even topped off our windshield wiper fluid and gave us all bottled water for our journey home. The concierge service was top notch, they gave our stay that extra special feel, Kevin, Alex and Pascal deserve an extra shout out for sure!

There was nothing special about the breakfast buffet is was average but it was edible and convenient. It was the only aspect of our stay that I would say could use some improvement.

We would enjoy our day out and about in the city and after dinner we would make our way back to the hotel to enjoy our cocktails that came with our package. Tristian the bartender was great! We looked forward to seeing him each night. When you get great people, who offer great service, it truly makes your stay much more enjoyable.

Food and Drink

We just walked the city explored good food and drinks. Here is a list of some of restaurants/bars we visited through out our visit to Old Quebec City.

1. Korrigane – Great beer! I loved their stout. It was a walk from the city so maybe an uber would have been a better choice to get there. The nachos and poutine were delish!

2. Portofino – Very cozy atmosphere. Great food the gnocchi and cannelloni were perfection.

3. La Buche – I can’t tell you how fun and unique this place was. I loved the picnic table style tables, the sugar shack feel and OMG the bloody mary!!!! The lunch menu was small but the brunch and dinner menu seemed to have a great variety.

4. 1608 Wine & Cheese Bar – Full of class and a great place to enjoy a really well made cocktail.

5. Ceil Bistro Bar – I won’t lie to you I wasn’t really into going to this bar I thought it would be kind of a tourist trap but I was wrong. It’s not your average bar you sit at a table like you would in a restaurant but the views are absolutely worth the stop.

PHOTO CREDIT: EVERLASTING STORY PHOTOGRAPHY

6. Q de Sac Resto Pub – The brick oven adds the perfect touch of cozy to this restaurant. The food was great and the warm cozy atmosphere was just right. My burger was incredible. The brie cheese dish we got was also delicious!

Attractions

Here are a few fun attractions that filled our days with fun and excitement!

1 . Toboggan Silde at 1884 – For only $3 a ride you can’t beat it!

PHOTO CREDIT: EVERLASTING STORY PHOTOGRAPHY

2. Caleches Quebec – This horse and carriage ride was a great way to get an idea of the lay out of the city!

3. Winter Playground at Valcartier -35 yes that is right 35 sliding hills! A must do if you like to play in the snow!

4. Hotel de Glace – There are no words to how awesome and incredible the Ice hotel is. It is definitely something I have never experienced!

Please feel free to share any restaurant, bars or attractions that you loved if you have visited Old Quebec City! I can’t wait to go back! Quebec City is truly a winter wonderland at it’s best!

Be sure to share your travels with us on social media using #vthwtravels #vthw #vthweats

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Traveling With Your Family On A Budget

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 02:48:55 GMT

Traveling With Your Family On A Budget

Table of Contents:

I was thrilled when Stephanie Bates from Military Travel Mama reached out and asked me to contribute a tip to a post on her blog, Budgeting Tips for Families & Households on a Budget. Be sure to head over to her blog and check it out!

She was also kind enough to provide this great guest post for all of you here on Voluntown Housewife.

Traveling With Your Family On A Budget

Written by: Stephanie Bates from Military Travel Mama

Tight budgets don’t need to limit the potential for a fun family vacation. They can, but if you’re strategic, you’ll be able to “have your cake, and eat it, too”. Following are tips to help you maximize family vacations and your wallet.

Always consider budget traveling , but know what your budget is. First things first: what is the mileage your vehicle regularly gets? Are you able to pull 20 miles per gallon? That means twenty gallons gets you 400 miles.

Now you’re going to pay anywhere from $2.55 to $3.55 a gallon, on average. Certainly there are outliers under $2 and over $4, but for the most part, $2.55 to $3.55 is going to cover the “spread” of a country like America, at the present time.

That means 400 miles, before wear-and-tear, will cost you between $51 and $71. Now how far do you need to go? 1,200 miles, round trip? You’re looking at between $153 and $213 in gas—call it the high number to cover incidental driving once you’ve reached your destination.

Other Travel Options and Lodging Considerations

You can travel by air; but that’s going to generally cost more. Still, standby seats and last-minute bookings save you money, if you’re able to fudge your itinerary. All that being said, once you’ve got your travel figured out, now you’ve got to look at how long you’re going to be staying at a location, and what your daily living expenses will be.

Do you have friends or family you can stay with? If you figure a hotel room at $100 a day , on the medium-to-low end of luxury, that’s $700 a week. Meanwhile, if you’ve got friends or family who will put you up for a week, you can cut that cost out entirely; just be sure to keep an eye on the kids.

What does it cost to feed your family for a day while on vacation? Well, if you’ve got a family of five, you and the wife can probably eat fully for about $40 if you go grocery shopping and make full use of a continental breakfast, or the hospitality of friends/family. The same thrifty spending can keep the kids full for $5 a piece, per day. That’s $55 a day, or $385 a week.

Altogether, on the high end, you’re looking at $1,298 for a 1,200-mile trip over the course of a week, without any souvenirs or incidental costs. That’ll cover the family’s food, travel, and lodging. You can cut that down to $153 if you always get cheap gas and stay with friends or family that are hospitable enough to feed you.

Getting More For Less

Once you’ve figured out where you’re going and your budget spread, it’s time to find fun activities that don’t cost much. Still, you might want to give everybody a $100 spending budget for souvenirs and the like. AT $1,798, a family of five can travel to an exotic location for a week, buy souvenirs, eat well, and explore. For most, that’s less than a month’s pay!

If you couple free entertainment, discounts, coupons, or promotions with that budget, you can stretch it. But before you do any of these things, you’ll need to figure out spending thresholds. How far are you going, how long are you staying, what will you do when you get there, and how can you cut down on associated costs?

Answer these questions and you’ll know where you’ve got wiggle-room. If you don’t have relatives or family, but do have supplies at home and a tent, you could go camping for a week at next-to-nothing and still have a fun, memorable vacation.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Bacon Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Sat, 12 Jan 2019 05:46:07 GMT

Bacon Cheese Stuffed Turkey Burgers

Jump to Recipe

I have been making these stuffed turkey burgers for years now. I’m not really sure why I haven’t posted them before. The recipe has evolved over time and I feel like I have it right where I want it.

On Monday’s I grocery shop and usually spend the rest of my day in the kitchen prepping everything that I can for the week. My kitchen always looks like a bomb went off by Monday night. I try to include one meal each week that can be frozen so I always have a few dishes in the freezer so I can get a night off from cooking. If bacon and cheese weren’t enough, these stuffed turkey burgers freeze really well which makes me love them even more.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook and Instagram !

Bacon Stuffed Turkey Burgers
Serves 6

1 LB Ground Turkey
1 Zucchini, Shredded
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Egg Whites
1/4 Cup Red Onion, diced
3 Ounces 1/3 Less Fat Cream Cheese
6 Slices of Center Cut Bacon

Directions

Cook bacon.
Mix ground turkey, zucchini, cheddar cheese, egg whites, red onion all together until well combined.
Chop cooked bacon.
Make 6 burgers. In the middle of each burger place 1/2 oz of cream cheese and about one slice of diced bacon. Wrap the burger mix around the cream cheese and bacon to form a patty.
Place in the freezer until firm.
Heat a skillet on medium heat and cook burgers until cooked all the way through.

I hope you and your family enjoys these bacon stuffed turkey burgers as much as my family does.

From my home to yours, Enjoy.

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen, Mexico {Review}

Tue, 30 Jan 2018 07:07:51 GMT

Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen, Mexico {Review}

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

For years my husband and I have talked about going on a trip with friends. It’s hard to find the time and to make it work with everyone’s schedules and budgets. One night a friend of ours asked if I would look into planning a trip and of course I jumped right on it. (Something I hope to offer here on Voluntown Housewife…..) I honestly love planning and looking into new destinations so much that I didn’t mind one bit.

I came across Paradisus La Perla in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. To be honest I had never heard of the hotel or the brand before but it had great reviews and the price looked great. I was very nervous about traveling to Mexico with all the travel advisories but we decided to go for it. I am very happy we did. You need to aware of your surroundings just be smart. We never left the resort and we had a great time.

The hotel was AMAZING. We were greeted with cocktails and received an upgraded room. You know when you look at a hotel online and of course they post perfect pictures that are just flawless but when you arrive the room is nice and so is the resort but doesn’t look like the photos? The Paradisus La Perla was the first hotel that I felt like I was walking into a photo.

Here are some of the pros:

The resort was clean; actually, it was spotless.
There was plenty of staff.
The service was spot on. Everyone was so happy and accommodating.
The food was the best all inclusive food I have ever had.
The beach was very clean.
There was plenty of things to do at the resort.

Here are some cons:

I thought the frozen and mixed drinks had an artificial sugar flavor that I wasn’t a huge fan of but there were plenty of drinks that I found that I enjoyed.
You did have to wait a while at the pool and beach bars for a drink but it wasn’t excessive and it definitely didn’t damper our time.
The tipping can get to be a bit much but I also didn’t go prepared with enough singles.
You do have to reserve your pool chairs or beach chairs early before 8:30am. They do fill up fast.

If you visit here are a few things you don’t want to miss:

Dinner at La Palapa was incredible so be sure to make reservations.
Make your dinner reservations ASAP so you can enjoy the dinning experiences of your choice.
I believe it’s Saturday night that they have a violinist. He is a must see. He played pop music and we honestly could have sat there all night and listened to him. We were bummed he only played one night.
I didn’t attend but the men in our group went to the cigar making class and they really enjoyed it.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I would be more than happy to answer what I can for you. Happy traveling!

Follow me on Instagram and be sure to share all of your travels with me using the hashtag #vthwtravels

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey

Thu, 14 Sep 2017 05:59:24 GMT

Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey

Jump to Recipe

After years of hard work my husband finally completed phase one of our back yard project! Now that we have an amazing space for outdoor living I’ve been really into smoking meats on our charcoal grill.

Sunday dinners are a huge part of our family life and I am always looking for something that is fairly easy and doesn’t take a lot of prep work on a Sunday.

For this particular week I chose a turkey and let me tell you, it was AMAZING…..I know I am kinda patting myself on the back but WOW…….I honestly can’t wait to cook it again.

My peach trees this year were OUT OF CONTROL! So I knew I wanted to incorporate them into my Sunday dinner.

So with that being said I came up with Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey ! Be sure you are able to brine the turkey ahead of time and you account for that time the day before. Trust me you won’t be sorry. The best part was putting it on the charcoal grill and enjoying my day with my family instead of constantly being at the stove.

I apologize that I forgot to get a picture of the turkey sliced and plated. I was busy enjoying my family time. I would love to see yours though! Please follow me on INSTAGRAM and #vthweats with pictures of your Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey or any recipe that you have enjoyed from Voluntown Housewife.

Whiskey Peach Smoked Turkey

2017-09-14 12:27:15

Serves 10

Write a review | Save Recipe | Print

For Brine

3 Fresh Whole Peaches
8 Cups Water
4 Cups Peach Nectar
6 Cups Apple Juice (4 for the Brine and 2 for Basting)
2 Cups Light Brown Sugar
1 Cup Sugar
1/2 Cup Salt
6 Garlic Cloves
1 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 Tbsp Pepper
1 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes
2 Bay Leaves
12 to 14 Pound Turkey

For Rub

1 Tbsp Onion Powder
1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
1 Tbsp Chili Powder
4 Tbsp Paprika
3 Tbsp Yellow Mustard
1 Tbsp Whole Grain Mustard

For Glaze

1/2 Cup Whiskey
1/2 Cup Honey
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar

For Brine (12 to 24 hours before you plan on cooking the turkey)

Peel the peaches and combine all the ingredients for the brine.
Boil the brine on the stove and remove from heat and let cool.
With a meat injector inject the meat with the brine. Be generous with the brine.
Place the brine injected turkey into the remaining brine.
Brine the turkey for 12 to 24 hours

The Turkey

Start the charcoal grill. Try to keep the temperature at 300 degrees. Push the coals to one side of the grill and place a baking tin full of water on the side with out coals.
Combine all the ingredients for the rub and mix well.
Take the turkey out of the brine and dry. Spread the rub all over the turkey. Cover the legs and wings with tin foil. They will brown faster than the rest of the turkey.
Mix the ingredients for the glaze and set aside.
Place the turkey over the baking tin full of water and keep tending the charcoal. Get it really smokey in the beginning and then just let it cook. You don't want too much smoke for too long it will give the turkey an unpleasant flavor.
Every half hour baste the turkey with apple juice. With about a half hour remaining glazed the turkey. The cooking time will vary depending on how even you keep the temperature it me about 6 hours. Use an instant read thermometer to determine if the turkey is done. It should be a done when the thermometer reads 165.

By Jamie Cassidy from Voluntown Housewife

Road and Table Travel Company https://www.roadandtable.com/

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

2 Must-Visit Restaurants in Glenwood Springs, CO

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 06:45:53 GMT

2 Must-Visit Restaurants in Glenwood Springs, CO

Written By: Jamie Cassidy | Road & Table Travel

Table of Contents:

One of the things that I do before I go on vacation is look up local restaurants. I don’t know about you but I hate being in a place that I’m not really familiar with and having to search for a place to eat. I like to have a cheat sheet!

I thought I would share with you my two favorite restaurants while we were in Glenwood Springs, CO.

The Pullman

I am a foodie, that’s not a surprise to those that know me. I love trying new food. The Pullman has a great menu, it’s imaginative and exciting. The atmosphere was great, it was clean, rustic, and hip. I was on the fence about going since we were on a family vacation and I wasn’t sure about bringing my boys. My children probably aren’t like most, they are mini foodies and love eating out. I took a chance and they were warmly welcomed.

After reading some reviews the pierogis with truffle potato and caramelized onions topped with scallion crème fraiche stood out as a MUST! Not only were they AMAZING but the price was AWESOME $12! My oldest couldn’t eat them fast enough!

The Pullman is a MUST TRY!

Slope & Hatch

Ok, you know that cheat sheet I mentioned earlier in this post……..well……. Slope & Hatch was not on it. While reading up on restaurants in Glenwood Springs it never came up. WHY NOT???? While walking around in downtown we walked past this small almost hole in the wall restaurant. I saw the word TACO and the board on the side walk spelled out some amazing creations. UMMMM…..How had I not heard of this taco place.

I LOVE TACOS!!!!

Really I can’t tell you how much I love them. I could eat them every day multiple times a day.

Anyway, we stopped in for lunch, I couldn’t pass up a taco shop! OMG! UNBELIEVABLE! The cocktails were great and the taco selection was flipping crazy….SO HARD TO PICK. The also had some pretty unique hot dog creations also.

We loved Slope & Hatch so much that we ended up going back. We ate there twice on vacation. That was a first for me, I have never gone back to the same restaurant on the same trip but it was so good I had to go back.

Slope & Hatch is a MUST TRY!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Holy Hanging Lake

Wed, 06 Jul 2016 14:09:12 GMT

Holy Hanging Lake

While planning our family vacation to Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico I was haunted by images of Hanging Lake on Pinterest. OH PINTEREST, it gets me everytime! The beauty in the images made Hanging Lake quickly crept up to the top of my must see list.

We stayed in Glenwood Springs, CO at the Residence Inn by Marriott. Marriott hotels are the way to go! I love earning points through their rewards program and I am always confident I will have a clean, dependable room. *Click below and book your Marriott vacation today!

The four of us piled into the car after breakfast one morning and made our way to Hanging Lake. My excitement grew as we got closer but we were greeted with a LOT FULL sign………….LOT FULL AT 9:30am on a Friday morning!!!!!!!!!! Can you see my crying face!!??

Here’s the thing, Hanging Lake became an extremely popular destination once it was named a National Natural Landmark in 2011. I was so disappointed that the lot was full….I cried……but don’t tell anyone!! We asked the ranger what time would be best to come back the following morning which just so happened to be a Saturday. Her answer was “Oh on a Saturday morning? You need to be here by 6am!” AHHHHH. Well I was determined to go. The following morning we woke up at 5am and we were at the lot right on time! When we arrived only three other cars were in the lot! I could barely contain my excitement.

We made our way down the bike path that leads to the start of the trail. I had read that the trail was difficult, but I started to get nervous when reading all the signs that were posted along the way actually stating it in real life. YIKES! What did we get ourselves into?

We started up the trail and the first part was uneventful, besides the straight hike up a canyon. Once we got going the views were amazing. I was so focused on the final goal seeing Hanging Lake itself, I almost missed all the beauty on my way up. Don’t we do that in life? We all have goals, big or small and we are all trying to get to the final place. While we are trying to work our way there we often miss the beauty and joy of the journey!

The water that flows down the canyon and the beauty of the trees and moss is a great sight in and of itself. The hike is very difficult . The altitude plays a large role and the steep rocky climb doesn’t help. The four mile hike we did the day before at Grizzly Creek was a walk in the park compared to Hanging Lake. I will say though that it is not impossible . We did it with a 6 and 9 year old. We saw all types of various fitness levels hiking it. You just have to be patient and take your time. Be prepared to take breaks and plan most of the day to complete it if you don’t normally hike. It took us two hours and forty five minutes to complete the hike up and down.

When we made it to the top I was awe struck. I couldn’t believe my eyes, the beauty was surreal. It made me wonder how many hidden gems are there in this world that are waiting to be discovered.

There is a small trail off to the side of Hanging Lake that leads to Spouting Rock. It about 200 yards up and again don’t miss it! It’s 3 giant waterfalls that you can walk under! The kids LOVED it.

On our way back down we stopped a few times to chat with other hikers who were just getting started. When we were hiking up we only saw two yes two other hikers. When we got to the top there was maybe 6 other people. By the time we left and got about 1/2 way down the trail, it was packed. We had to keep stopping to let people go by! We were so blessed to have been able to pretty much be alone in the silence of nature and gaze on Hanging Lake!

When we got back to the car there was a line of cars waiting to get in the lot. Once the waiting line is full of cars they close the lot. If you are stuck in the waiting line you have to wait for someone to leave before they will let you in. You could be waiting awhile just to park! Again, plan most of your day around Hanging Lake.

Here is my Hiking Hanging Lake Quick Tip Guide…………

Have you been to Hanging Lake? What were your thoughts or tips? Please share them with me and other readers below!!

***Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Are We There Yet Road Trip Binders For Kids

Mon, 30 May 2016 02:51:43 GMT

Are We There Yet? Road Trip Binders For Kids

Table of Contents:

Jeff and I have always loved a good road trip. When we were dating, we’d hop in the car with no real plan, just driving and hoping to get a little lost. Some of our favorite memories were made that way—windows down, nowhere to be, just us and the road.

When we had kids, I worried those road trip days might be over. Honestly, that couldn’t be farther from the truth. We’ve had some incredible road trips as a family. A few years ago, I’m pretty sure my friends thought I had completely lost my mind when I told them we were driving to Disney. At the time, Luke was 6 and Liam was 3.

Now, listen—we didn’t do a marathon drive to see how fast we could get to Florida. We turned the drive into the vacation. We cruised along Skyline Drive, stopped in Charlottesville, spent a full day in Savannah, walked beaches in Florida, and made memories that still feel vivid today. Honestly? I think I enjoyed that week of driving to Disney more than the park itself. It was truly an amazing experience.

One of the best things I created for that trip was a road trip binder … and I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the BEST. THING. EVER.

Since that first drive to Florida, we’ve taken several more road trips as a family—including a two-week adventure through Colorado, Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico. For that trip, we flew into Colorado and spent our time driving from place to place, turning the journey itself into part of the experience once again.

Both trips included long days in the car, and on each one, the road trip binders came with us. They were just as helpful winding through the Southeast as they were crossing the Southwest—keeping the kids engaged, cutting down on the “are we there yet?” moments, and making the drive feel like part of the fun instead of something to endure.

How I Put The Binder Together

I keep things simple when putting together our road trip binders. I usually order inexpensive binders —or reuse ones I already have at home.

Then I stock up on fresh supplies: pencils, colored pencils, pens, and a pencil pouch that fits right inside the binder. Something about new supplies instantly makes it more exciting for kids.

Next, I grab a few educational workbooks—things like mazes, crossword puzzles, and activity books. One of my favorite finds was the Rand McNally Kids’ Road Atlas . It’s fantastic because it includes kid-friendly maps along with activities tied to each state, which makes it perfect for road trips.

I also head to Pinterest and search for coloring pages and printable activities that match our itinerary or destinations. Once I’ve gathered everything, I go through the pages and group them by day based on what we’re doing and where we’ll be.

I create a packet for each day, three-hole punch all the worksheets, and clip them together. Each packet gets labeled with a Post-it note so it’s clear which day it’s for. Day one goes straight into the binder, and the rest stay organized in a separate envelope.

Road Trip Binder Supply Checklist

☐ Binder (new or one you already have at home)
☐ Pencil pouch that fits inside the binder
☐ Pencils
☐ Colored pencils
☐ Pens or markers (age-appropriate)
☐ Educational workbooks (mazes, crosswords, activity books)
☐ Rand McNally Kids’ Road Atlas
☐ Printed coloring pages and destination-specific activities
☐ Three-hole punch
☐ Paper clips or binder clips
☐ Sticky notes (for labeling daily packets)
☐ Extra folder for organizing future day packets

Each day, the kids have something new to work on, and they genuinely look forward to seeing what comes next. It helps keep them focused on where we’re going and what we’re doing, instead of how much longer the drive feels.

I also include a travel journal page in every daily packet so they can record their adventures along the way. Those pages have become some of my favorite keepsakes—I save them all to scrapbook later, and they’re such a special way to remember our trips through the kids’ eyes.

Here’s a FREE printable Travel Journal page!
Click on the image below and follow the link to download it for your next trip.

 Are you team road trip? Tell me where you’ve gone (or where you’re headed next) in the comments!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Engine Room ~ Mystic, CT

Sat, 23 Apr 2016 16:54:29 GMT

Engine Room ~ Mystic, CT

My husband recently turned 35 and I was looking for just the perfect surprise. He always seems to one up me in the surprise department. Over the past few years he has become a whiskey lover and he had mentioned a few things that he wanted to do for his birthday and of course they all involved whiskey. All of the things he mentioned just didn’t work out, heck just trying to find a free weekend for just the two of us to do something alone seems impossible.

After searching everywhere in our local area for a restaurant with an extensive whiskey list, I finally found the Engine Room in Mystic. I mean Beer, Burgers, and Bourbon? Can one go wrong? I almost couldn’t believe that we had never been there! I looked over their bourbon, rye, and whiskey list and I knew it was the perfect spot for us to visit for Jeff’s birthday.

I emailed the restaurant to see if it was possible for them to help me with some recommendations for Jeff. All I can say is WOW! They were extra helpful and put together a special flight to surprise him when we got there. I thought that that was going to be the end of it, but they took it one step further and Aaron took the time to explain each glass on the flight. I can’t say enough for their customer service!

The atmosphere was awesome! Just make a reservation or be prepared to wait. I can’t wait to go back again!

The food was incredible!

First we started out with a few bar bites. What a great idea…..bar bites! Small snacks if you want just a little something. I don’t know about you but I always want to try everything on the menu so small bites are a great idea!

We had Deviled Farm Eggs, Fried Pickles w House Ranch, and Country Ham and Cheddar Stuffed Cherry Peppers. All three we fabulous and I would order them all again!

Then came the main event………here’s the thing…….here in Connecticut you don’t see Chicken n’ Waffles EVER on a menu. Honestly, I have heard of this combo and have always want to give it a try but never had the opportunity to. I just had to do it. OMG!!!

WHERE HAVE CHICKEN N’WAFFLES BEEN MY WHOLE LIFE????????

I have no words………….

Jeff had the “Steak of The Day” dish and we ordered a side of Baked Mac and Cheese and added bacon! It was plenty to share and it sure was DREAMY! Now please this meal probably exceeded my calorie count for a month but oh my was it DELISH and so worth the splurge!

To end the night we had the Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse, a perfect end to a perfect surprise birthday date!

If you are in the Mystic, Ct area be sure to give the Engine Room a try! You won’t be sorry! Happy Eating!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Sunday Dinners

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:09:23 GMT

Sunday Dinners

So as many of you may know my New Years resolution was to start having Sunday Dinner! We all live crazy busy lives and we often miss out on that old school family time. I wanted to bring our family closer and start to create new memories and traditions. Unfortunately we live in a time where tradition and family values are easily forgotten or pushed aside for all the other stuff that fights for our attention.

I know that it may be difficult to come up with ideas for large family meals every Sunday so I thought I would share with you what we are eating here in our home. I will update this post regularly so keep checking back to find new recipes and ideas.

I hope that you will think about opening your home to your family not for a holiday or special occasion but just to spend quality time with each other. I encourage you to sit down and talk, put aside the every day distractions and love each other. Sunday Dinner ever Sunday might not be in the cards for you but give some thought to doing it once in a while. I promise you won’t be sorry!

Here are some of the dinners we have enjoyed:

~ Guinness Beef Casserole with Bacon Cheddar Biscuits and Mashed Potatoes

~ Burger Bar with Homemade Parmesan Potato Wedges

~ Whiskey Peach Smoke Turkey with Carrots, Stuffing and Mashed Potatoes.

“Laughter is brightest in the place where the food is.” – Irish proverb

If you decide to have a Sunday dinner at your home please share with me what you make! #vthweats #vthwsundaydinner I would love to hear from you! Comment below!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Burger Bar

Mon, 01 Feb 2016 06:01:58 GMT

Burger Bar

I love to entertain. Nothing makes my heart happier than when my house is full of happy people. The laughter and the noise is something that I truly enjoy.

We get together with friends often and instead of me having to make the entire meal everyone always brings something to eat.

Well, we all love burgers so we came up with the burger bar. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal with friends and not have the stress of preparing a huge meal. On any given Friday night you can find up to 16 people including children and adults at my home. What do you feed all those hungry people you might ask??? BURGERS that’s what!!

I provide the burgers and the buns and every one else brings toppings. Toppings don’t take long to make so it’s great for those who work. They don’t have a large dish to make after they have been at work all day.

Here are some of the things we have had at our Burger Bar!

Bacon, Mushrooms, Onions (Raw and Caramelized), Jalapeno’s, Pickles, Banana Peppers, Roasted Red Peppers, Avocados (Sliced and Guacamole), Pickled Garlic, Grilled Pineapple, Tomatoes, Lettuce American Cheese, Cheddar Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Blue Cheese, Gorgonzola, Ranch, BBQ Sauce, Ketchup, Mayo, Mustard (Regular and Whole Grain), and Relish.

AWESOME idea, right?!?!?!

I did do a Burger Bar for Sunday Dinner once and it was a great hit. I provided the burgers and all the toppings but it was a great way to feed a crowd with not that much effort.

When I had a Burger Bar for Sunday Dinner I also made some Homemade Parmesan Potato Wedges . Check them out! They were delish!!!

Have any other ideas for something to add to the Burger Bar let me know! Comment below!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Homemade Parmesan Potato Wedges

Tue, 26 Jan 2016 06:18:05 GMT

Homemade Parmesan Potato Wedges

Jump to Recipe

This Irish girl loves potatoes! I can’t get enough of them and neither can the rest of my family. I am also a burger lover! I can’t tell you how much I enjoy a good burger!

We have been blessed with a large family and large group of faithful friends who we consider family.

“Friends are the family we choose”

Most of our weekends are made up of Friday night dinners with friends and Sunday dinners with family. A few years ago for Friday night dinner we came up with a “ burger bar ” theme! AWESOME! The hostess provides the burgers and buns and everyone else brings toppings! YUM!!!! I have also tried the burger bar for Sunday dinner . It’s a great way to feed a crowd.

I made these wedges to go along with Sunday Dinner and they were fabulous. I will definitely be making them again! They were quick and easy!

Homemade Parmesan Potato Wedges

Serves 10

10 Russet Potatoes
1 1/2 cups Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp Garlic Salt
2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
1 tsp Canjun Seasoning
3-4 tbsp Olive Oil

Wash all of your potatoes and cut them into wedges.
Grated the Parmesan cheese.
Place the potatoes, and all the ingredients into a large ziplock bag. Only use enough oil to coat the potatoes.
Shake the bag to be sure everything mixes well and the potatoes are coated well.
Pour the bag out on to a baking sheet.
Bake the wedges at 400 degrees until semi-soft.
Once the potatoes are semi-soft turn the broiler on and keep flipping them until they start to brown up. WATCH THEM CAREFULLY!!
ENJOY!!

Please feel free to let me know what you think about them! Comment below! I would love to hear from you!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Portsmouth, New Hampshire {Out Of The House}

Tue, 12 Jan 2016 14:14:30 GMT

Portsmouth, New Hampshire {Out Of The House}

My husband and I just recently celebrated our 11th wedding anniversary. Fall is my favorite time of year but between our boys playing football and my husband’s fall work schedule it has become our busiest time of year! We needed to get away for a night and just spend time with each other! THAT IS SO IMPORTANT!

We settled on going away for the night to Portsmouth, New Hampshire. It’s only a two and a half hour drive from Voluntown. We dropped our boys off at school and we were off. We stopped to get a coffee and some sweet treats from our favorite bakery. I’m sad to say that our favorite spot for a weekend treat has now closed after 50 years of business.

After grabbing our treats we started the drive. We wanted to take the back roads so we could enjoy the foliage. This year the leaves have been a reminder of how amazing God is! The colors have been stunning! Small country roads are one of the greatest things New England has to offer so we wanted to take advantage of that!

Here is the route we took:

We drove Route 169 through Canterbury and Woodstock. We followed Route 169 until we reached Route 197 . After traveling on 197 we picked up route 12 through Webster, Mass. Right outside of Webster we followed Sutton Road to Sutton Ave . Sutton Ave. brought us to West Sutton where we jumped on West Sutton Road . We countined along West Sutton Road until we were able to pick up West Main Street , which we stayed on until we were able to pick up Route 9 which brought us to 90 . At that point we followed the main Highway 90 to 95 and followed 95 all the way into Portsmouth! I know crazy right?!?! But I have to tell you if you want a nice fall drive, this was awesome! It was great driving, sipping on my coffee and nibbling on my delish sweet treats. It’s nice to shut the world out sometimes and just drive!

We always stay at a Marriott if we can. We are Marriott Rewards members, if you are interested in knowing more about the rewards program please email me at voluntownhousewife@yahoo.com and we can chat about it! You won’t be sorry!

On our way to Portsmouth we were able to use online check in! It’s great it allows you to tell the hotel what time you will be arriving. It’s a feature only available to reward members. We stayed at the Portsmouth Seacoast . AWESOME!!

We picked thePortsmouth Seascoast because we wanted to splurge on a nice dinner and the price of the room was great! It’s a great option if you want to save some money for all of the delish food that Portsmouth has to offer! That’s the beauty of a Marriott you won’t be disappointed and I am always confident we will have a clean room.

After check in we went downtown. Downtown was only a 5 min. drive, if that from our hotel. The parking in Portsmouth was great. I’m sure at night it’s harder to find parking but they have a lot of lots and a large parking garage so you don’t have to park on the street.

We knew we were going to have a nice dinner so we didn’t want to spoil it by eating a lot so we stopped at the Portsmouth Gas Light Co. and we shared some fish tacos and got a drink.

Afterwards we walked around town. They had some really neat fall decorations out and we just enjoyed the stroll around town.

We then stopped into the Thirsty Moose . Let me tell you about the Thirsty Moose . It looks like a dive bar from the outside. I won’t lie, I was a little nervous about it. We got in and I was impressed. The atmosphere is really nothing crazy but the amount of beer on tap is unreal! You can do all kinds of flights and taste all kinds of beer. If you or someone you know is a beer lover you have to stop in! Plus how fancy are those antler flight holders! I love them!!

After that we headed back to our hotel to get ready to out to dinner. I have to tell you that MOMBO is one of my all time favorite places to eat! So here is my honest statement on eating at MOMBO ………

1. It’s expensive, so don’t go thinking you are getting a cheap meal. The price doesn’t bother me one bit. The food is fantastic and it’s worth every penny!

2. Every time I go I get a major attitude because I don’t think I am going to like anything on the menu……..NOT TRUE everything I have ever ordered, even though I thought I was settling on it, turned out to be AMAZING!

3. You have to be willing to go out of the box and try new things and trust me this is the place to do it!

The next day we drove through Essex, MA and did some antiquing and took our time getting home.

This was a great quick get-a-way for us and I encourage you to give Portsmouth, NH a try.

Have you been to Portsmouth, NH? If so I would love to hear of some of your favorite places to eat and visit! Leave me a comment below!

*Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Homemade Orange Marmalade

Wed, 28 Oct 2015 06:30:45 GMT

Homemade Orange Marmalade

Jump to Recipe

I have had Orange Marmalade on my “to do” list for a long time. My mother and I finally got some time away from paper work; we own a family plumbing and heating company ( McGuire Plumbing and Heating ), the men do the plumbing and we do all the paper work.

I make a tasty chicken dish with orange marmalade and dijon mustard and I wanted to try to make homemade marmalade. Like I said it was on my “to do” list forever but it takes a while to make and I just could never commit.

Well, my mom bought all the ingredients and while I was over her house one day we decided to give it a try. I am so glad we did! You can’t go wrong with homemade!

Orange Marmalade

Makes 5 1/2 pints

4 Large Oranges
1 Lemon
4 Cups Sugar
6 Cups Water

Peel a lot of the rind off all of the fruit using a rind peeler. I won’t lie this is the hardest part of the job! You want to have skinny strips of rind. (save these rinds)
Cut the remaining rind and white membrane off the oranges (discard these rinds and the membrane) . Quarter the oranges and slice them thin.
In a large pot over high heat add oranges, saved rinds, juice from the lemon and water. Bring to a boil.
Turn down to a simmer and let simmer for 45 minutes. Then place a plate in the freezer.
Now add the sugar and turn the heat to high. Stir continuously. Using a candy thermometer heat until it reaches 223 degrees. The marmalade will start to turn a darker color, that’s fine don’t worry! It took a long time for the temp. to reach 223 degrees around 30 minutes. If it seems like it’s taking too long keep going it will get there!
Once you think the marmalade is done check it by placing a small amount on the plate that was in the freezer. If it runs easily it’s not ready yet, keep cooking it. If it sets up like a gel and moves slightly then you are good to go!
Fill sterilized canning jars and cover. Waterbath can them for 10 mins.

If you don’t know how to can Click Here to learn how! It’s really easy! Don’t be afraid to try it!

Please let me know how you use orange marmalade!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Spicy Peach Stuffed Beer Pretzels

Wed, 09 Sep 2015 06:33:13 GMT

Spicy Peach Stuffed Beer Pretzels

Jump to Recipe

Five years ago my grandmother bought me two small peach trees. I stumbled around my yard looking for just the right spot for them to call home. Once they were planted I watched them grow. The first year they produced fruit I had a very hungry deer or two eat all of the peaches, thankfully they haven’t been back since.

This year I had so many peaches I didn’t know what to do with them all. I still had cans of peaches from the previous growing season and I really didn’t want or need more.

I decided that I would do some baking and cooking with them. The first thing I made was Peach Streusel Muffins from Sally’s Baking Addiction . I made a batch last year and I have been waiting to make them again. If you love muffins and peaches these are for you! I used a jumbo muffin pan and I doubled the batter. I got a dozen jumbo muffins out of the mix. I also doubled the streusel but I would have had enough with just the regular quantity. These muffins need to be refrigerated, I put them in my beautiful cake dish to display and the got wet and they spoiled. Bummer……lesson learned………….

After making the muffins I had a ton of peaches still left. I sat down and started thinking………. I had recently picked a few jalapeños from my garden and my mind started going. If you get the chance to visit Westerly, Rhode Island, a stop at The Malted Barley for their awesome pretzels is a must. They have a jalapeño stuffed pretzel that they serve with an apricot butter. The combo at first struck me as odd but oh my is it AMAZING!!!!! With that pretzel on my mind I thought maybe jalapeños and peaches would make a great combo.

This is what I came up with!! They were seriously fantastic. The Malted Barley still has the best pretzels but I have to say these were pretty darn good!! I can’t wait to make them again!! I also can’t wait to experiment with different fillings!!

Spicy Peach Stuffed Beer Pretzels

1/2 cup warm water
1 package of active dry yeast
8 oz. beer (I used Miller Light)
1/2 cup melted butter
4 1/2 cups flour
3/4 cup baking soda
1 egg beaten
8 oz~1 package of cream cheese
2 jalapeños ~ roasted and seeded
4 or 5 peaches depending on the size
1/2 tsp Sriracha
3 tbsp brown sugar (2 tbsp for the dough 1 tbsp for the filling)
1 tsp cinnamon

Turn oven on to 450 degrees
Place whole jalapeños on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven until the skin starts to pull away from the pepper.
Meanwhile make the filling. First peel and dice all the peaches.Take the jalapeños out of the oven and peel the skin away. Cut the stem off and discard the inside seeds.Dice the jalapeños.
Add the peaches and the jalapeños to the cream cheese. Try to avoid pouring any extra peach juice into the cream cheese. Drain the peaches so you can get rid of some of the juice.
Add the Sriracha, 1 tbsp of brown sugar and cinnamon to the cream cheese.
Mix all together and refrigerate for about an hour to two hours. The cream cheese mix can get a bit soupy when you add the peaches so you want it to cool off so it thickens again.
Make the pretzel dough. Combine warm water, 2 tbsp of brown sugar, and yeast in a large bowl. Whisk together and let sit for 5 mins.
Add the melted butter, beer, and flour to the bowl. Mix with a wooden spoon until the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
Sprinkle flour onto a work surface and knead the dough until it’s a nice smooth ball.
Spray a bowl with some non stick spray and place the dough in the bowl, covering it with a towel. Let the dough rise for about an hour. It should double in size.
Divide the dough into 8 pieces. Roll each piece into a long rectangle and lay the jalapeño peach filling down one side. Fold and pinch the dough to cover the filling. Shape the dough into a pretzel shape.
In large pot on the stove boil water. Slowly add the baking soda to the boiling water, be careful if you add it too fast it will boil over.
Add two pretzels at a time to the boiling water for 30 seconds. Using a slotted spoon splash water gently over the top of the pretzels .
After 30 seconds remove and place four pretzels on a baking sheet.
Brush the pretzel tops with the egg wash. Bake for about 15 minutes or until pretzels are golden brown. Repeat the cooking process for the other four pretzels.
EAT AND ENJOY!!!

Please leave me some of your ideas for fillings! I would love to try them!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

The Florida Keys

Thu, 11 Jun 2015 03:06:25 GMT

The Florida Keys

Table of Contents:

I had always heard great things about the Florida Keys but I had never been. To be honest they never really made it to my “must see list”.

Recently I found myself looking for a family getaway and I didn’t want to spend a ton of money. I searched flights first and found great prices on flights from my local airport in Providence, Rhode Island to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I started researching what we could do in the area. Well, what do you know… the keys popped up! ( Click here to read an overview of our vacation including our hotel and rental car.)

The keys were a great place to visit! It was the first time our boys got to see tropical waters and awesome sea life.

Here are the places we enjoyed…

Bahia Honda State Park ~ WOW, is really all I can say! It cost us $10 to get into the park but once we were in we had access to beaches, concessions, restrooms, showers, and nature trails. The beach was amazing. When traveling to the keys you have to remember that the beaches are not large and they are often rocky and full of seaweed. Bahia Honda State park had awesome beaches. The beach did have a bit of seaweed on the shore but nothing major and the beach wasn’t really wide, but it was wonderful. We chose to spend the day at Sandspur Beach which over looks the Atlantic Ocean, it was a great decision. Don’t be fooled by the first parking lot, keep driving…….the second lot was farther down the beach and it allowed us to get away from the crowd, even though it wasn’t busy at all. Once we got on the beach it was like being on a private island!

AGAIN, AWESOME !!! The water was shallow and clean and the sand was perfect for two little boys to play in

Anne’s Beach ~ It was a great place to stop for a quick walk or picnic lunch. The boardwalk was nice, but the beach was covered with seaweed. Unfortunately each time we stopped it was high tide and there was little to no beach. So if you plan on going be sure to check the tide.

We stopped one night on our way back to the hotel and we got to see a ton of ghost crabs crawling out from the sand, which my boys LOVED!!

I was a bit disappointed as I had read a lot about Anne’s beach and it wasn’t what I expected. I think the trick is to be sure you go at the right time of day.

Spirit Snorkeling ~ I was really nervous about taking our just five year old on a snorkeling trip, but Spirit Snorkeling was great. They were very helpful and the explained everything to the boys in great detail and were more than helpful. I can’t say enough of good things about them. We had a ton of fun. I am so happy that we chose to go and we didn’t let Liam’s age stop us. If you are a first time snorkeler or you have young kids Spirit Snorkeling is a must!

We went out on a great boat ride once we reached our snorkeling location we jumped right in! The fish were amazing and the colors under the water were breath-taking! Just awesome!!

They gave the kids noodles to help them float which worked out great.

Here are a few of the restaurants that we ate at and really enjoyed .

One of the worst parts for me on vacation is trying to find a place to eat. I really enjoy having a few names of good places to go so I thought I would share some with you! PS~ All of the restaurants we are at were kid friendly!

Porky’s , Marathon, FL ~ We ate lunch at Porky’s before we left on our snorkeling tour, it’s right next door. The atmosphere was fantastic! One of the highlights was watching the pelicans catch fish in the harbor.

This guy came to visit us while we were eating! Pretty cool, right?!?!

We had a few appetizers for a quick lunch. The BBQ wings were awesome and the coconut shrimp was great too. I wish we had gone back for dinner or had been able to eat a larger lunch because the menu looked tasty! We were going snorkeling so I didn’t want to eat too much since we were going to be on the boat and we would be swimming. I wish we had waited and gone after the trip!!

By the way, the key lime pie was featured on the travel channel so how can you not give it a try, right?

2. Hobo’s , Key Largo, FL~ The stuffed shrimp was delicious and the mahi mahi fingers we had were a great change of pace from your average appetizer! My hubby got the yellow tail snapper and it was also delish! The food was great and so was the service!

3. Alonzo’s Oyster Bar , Key West, FL~ This restaurant had a great atmosphere also and even though we couldn’t sit outside we were very happy with sitting inside. The food was great and so was the service. The Yellow Tail Snapper New Orleans was seriously the best meal we ate on our entire vacation. The dessert was outrageously delicious! We got the key lime pie and the peanut butter torte. I really need the recipe for the peanut butter torte I have been dreaming about!!

4. Key Largo Conch House , Key Largo, FL~ Talk about an awesome setting for a restaurant! I would recommend making a reservation to eat here. The restaurant is small and had very limited seating. We made reservations the night before and I am glad we did. The conch fritters were the best! We tried conch fritters at many of the other restaurants that we ate at and none of them compared to the ones at the Conch House. I could have eaten them all myself, I really had a hard time sharing!

Have you been to The Keys? I would love to hear about the places you love!! Please comment below! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Reuben Stromboli

Thu, 28 May 2015 06:50:29 GMT

Reuben Stromboli

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Over Memorial Day weekend we were invited to a BBQ, I wanted to try something different. I always bring the same thing. We had recently come back from vacation to visiting the keys and the everglades and my time was limited. I don’t know about you but I often have a hard time finding something to bring to a BBQ. Give me a dinner or party to plan and I’m all over it but something that can transport easy and is quick to make gives me anxiety for some crazy reason!

Every year my husband and I go with a group of friends to Long Island, New York and we visit all of the awesome wineries. The deal is we all make something for the morning ferry ride and we all have to bring some food for through out the day. Well, every year I make a simple Stromboli with all Italian meats and cheese. When I got the invite to the BBQ I thought I would make my go to Stromboli.

The thing was I wanted to try something new. A few nights before we had gone to my parents for dinner and my mom had made Reuben dip. I couldn’t stop thinking about it! This Irish girl loves her Reuben’s!! Then I had an AHHHH HAAAA moment……. Why not make a Reuben Stromboli???

Well my friends, it was flipping fantastic!!!

Reuben Stromboli

1 Frozen or Pre made Pizza Dough
4 oz. Cream Cheese
1/2 Pound Corned Beef
1/2 Pound Pastrami
6 Slices Swiss Cheese
1/4 Cup Thousand Island Dressing
1/4 Cup Drained Shredded Sauerkraut
1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese

Roll out the pizza dough to make large rectangle. Be sure not to roll it too thin or when it’s cooked the dough with break apart and you will lose all the gooey cheese. We can’t have that happen!
Mix the dressing, cream cheese, sauerkraut and parmesan cheese together in a small bowl.
On the first half of the dough spread a large of the dressing mixture.
Then layer the corned beef, dressing mixture, swiss cheese, Pastrami, and finish with the remaining dressing mixture.
Roll the dough up and pinch the edges shut. Cook @ 350 degrees for about 40 minutes.
Let it cool for about 20 mins and then slice. You want to be sure you give it plenty of time to cool or all of the cheese will pour out again we can’t lose the CHEESE!!
ENJOY

What other types of Stromboli’s have you made? I would love to hear from you!! Leave me a comment below!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Barn Island~Stonington, CT

Tue, 26 May 2015 03:26:20 GMT

Barn Island~Stonington, CT

Today we had a great day walking around Barn Island. Barn Island is located in Stonington, Connecticut. It was the perfect way to enjoy Mother’s Day. The paths are nice, wide and pretty flat. Our boys enjoyed walking the 4.5 mile loop. We walked past tidal marshes, through hardwood forests, open fields and we even walked past an old cemetery.

While walking through the field we watched a hawk “hunting”.

We passed plenty of deer paths and deer tracks. The boys enjoyed looking for tracks as we walked.

Barn Island is a great place to enjoy! If you are into bird watching it’s a great place to go. There are a few different trails and loops that you can walk. Click here to get a printable map of the area. There are large signs with the map posted at the beginning of the wildlife management area if you don’t want to print one out.

After our walk we stopped at a local seafood store and we picked up some tasty treats to enjoy at home.

Sometimes the simple days are the best days. Get out and be with your family. Enjoy each other and enjoy the beauty around you. I would love to hear about your favorite place to go walk, hike or just enjoy the beauty around you. Leave me a comment below!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

An Overview of Our Family Vacation to the Keys and the Everglades

Thu, 21 May 2015 15:07:43 GMT

An Overview of Our Family Vacation to the Keys and the Everglades

As most of you may know, I love to travel. I love to experience new places, new foods, and new cultures. I have been planning a family trip to Ireland in 2016 and the thing is……my kids have never flown. I wanted to put them on a short plane ride before I tried to clear customs and had them sit on a six and a half hour flight. I also wanted to do a budget friendly vacation as Ireland is not a cheap vacation and we have been saving for a few years.

I researched many different places but in the end I booked a trip to southern Florida to visit the keys and the everglades.

We packed up and left on the first flight out of Providence, Rhode Island. Early flights are the way to go. It’s hard because it’s early in the morning and I think our kids were still sleeping while we were going through security but the best part was we were in sunny Florida before noon and by three o’clock we were laying out by the hotel pool.

We flew into Fort Lauderdale International airport. I have to say I was worried about the rental car. I have never rented a car before and to be honest I was sure it was going to be a process. With two kids in tow and trying to navigate the airport and trying to find the rental car terminal and get the shuttle, I had pretty much made up my mind that it would be a project. To my surprise it was anything but that! We arrived in Fort Lauderdale and directions to the rental car area were clearly marked. We waited for the shuttle and we made it quickly through line and we were off to pick up our car.

Enterprise was great. We got a standard SVU with unlimited miles for 7 day for $281 including taxes and fees.

Rental Car tips……

A standard size SUV was plenty big enough for our family of four and all our luggage.
Be careful up selling. When we arrived and started walking through the parking garage to our car the attendant showed us a few full size SUV’S and proceed to try to “sell” us one for “only $10 more per day”.
Check with your airline if you need a car seat/booster seat. US Airways allowed one FREE checked car seat/booster seat per ticketed passenger. We saved $60 on the rental car price by bringing our own seat.
Bringing back the car was super easy. It was a quick pull up and drop off.
Look in to your car insurance before you leave to see if you need to buy any extra insurance through the rental car company.

We left the airport and started making our way to the hotel. The only advice about driving in the area that I can give is PAY ATTENTION!! The driving was unreal. People we changing lanes and squeezing in to spaces that they barley had room to fit in you really need to pay attention and for the most part just stay in one line and watch ahead for brake lights. Traffic travels at a high speed and comes to a quick stop often so PAY ATTENTION. I can’t say it enough…..PAY ATTENTION! We did pass a pineapple farm on our drive which the kids thought was pretty neat.

We stayed at the Courtyard by Marriott in Homestead, Florida it was about an hour drive from the airport. The hotel was clean, easy to find and in a nice location. When I booked the hotel they were offering a package that included a $25 voucher per day for the bistro at the hotel. The voucher was great and covered our breakfast each morning. The bistro at the hotel only served breakfast and dinner, it was not open in the afternoon for lunch or late afternoon snacks.

The pool was beautiful and clean, they had a great patio in the back which was a nice place to eat breakfast in the morning or sit outside at night and have a drink and relax! The one thing that the hotel needed was a place to hang your wet bathing suits and such. With traveling to the beach and using the pool we had a lot of wet clothes and no where for them to dry. I used the luggage holder and placed a towel under it so we could set our clothes out to dry. It worked but it would have been nice to hang that type of stuff in the bathroom.

If you are looking to visit both the keys and the everglades the Courtyard in Homestead is a great choice.

The only thing I have to say about the area of Homestead is it’s a great location to see both the keys and the everglades. Key Largo was a forty minute drive and the Everglades were a twenty five minute drive. The area where the hotel was located was great but the surrounding areas were not so nice.

If you want to read more about our travels in the Keys CLICK HERE

If you want to read more about our travels in the Everglades CLICK HERE

Overall it was a great affordable vacation and we really enjoyed ourselves.

I would love to hear about your travel tips please leave me a comment below!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Getting Ready For A Family Vacation

Fri, 08 May 2015 16:18:33 GMT

Getting Ready For A Family Vacation

Who doesn’t love vacation? Seeing new things, getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, spending time with loved ones are all perks of vacation, but getting ready for vacation can be stressful!!

I am trying to stay organized but papers are collecting on my table, lists are everywhere, the laundry is out of control and all I can think about is putting my toes in the sand! I have this bad habit of when I get overwhelmed instead of jumping in and getting stuff done I sort of hit this dazed state where I walk around the house trying to find something to do but I just can’t decide where I want to start. Please tell me that I am not the only one who does that!! It doesn’t help that my husband has been working crazy hours this week. We always say if we want work plan a vacation because the phone starts ringing like crazy!

In the end, I enjoy the planning and the craziness that comes with a family vacation. Someone asked me once why we take our kids on so many vacations at their age. My answer is this…….

My children, although they love me are only going to be little once, sooner than I would like they will have commitments of their own and other things going on in their lives and family vacations won’t be as easy to take.

A dear friend of mine was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer, she is a beautiful mom of 3 young girls.I am happy to say that today she is cancer free! When she was going through treatment I would drive her to her weekly chemo appointments on the first Tuesday of each month and while we were chatting on the long ride the topic of vacation came up. She went on to talk about how she can’t wait to take the girls to disney. As she was talking my heart was breaking for her and at the same time God was whispering in my ear reminding me that we only have today.

The new hardwood floors that I want, the new car, the new counter tops, all the THINGS that I want can wait. I don’t want to let moments of memory making pass me by for more “stuff”. I want to snuggle extra long with my boys in bed, I want play in the sand, I want to go on adventures, I want to see the beauty that God has created, I want to eat new foods, I want to hold my boys hands for as long as I can, I want to have time to just be us.

There is nothing more valuable than the memories we make with each other. Take time and make memories. Go on vacation big or small, go on day trips, spend time with each other but most of all love each other and soak in every moment.

Do you have a family vacation planned? If so, I would love to hear about it!! Leave me a comment below! xoxo

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

Tue, 21 Apr 2015 07:06:08 GMT

Fish Tacos with Mango Avocado Salsa

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Fish tacos….Well all I can say about fish tacos is that I never liked them. To be really honest I never tried them until recently. Fish and tacos in my mind just didn’t go together.

One night I was invited to a local caterers 30th anniversary party and they had fish tacos. I tried one and OH MY!!! I FELL IN LOVE!!! I couldn’t stop eating them! Ever since I have been hooked. I find myself ordering them when we go out and I just can’t get enough!

I tried my hand at a batch one night and they were good but they weren’t great. I didn’t season the fish enough and I wasn’t able to make the salsa I wanted since my avocados were rotten. I hate that!!

So a week later fish tacos found their way right on to my meal plan again. I was feeling extra ambitious so I made homemade flour tortillas to go with them. They came out AWESOME. I must say as my husband and I were eating them we just kept saying “wow, these are REALLY good”!!

First let’s start with the tortillas. Don’t be afraid. They were extremely easy and they didn’t take much time to prepare. Have you ever read the ingredients on the bag of flour tortillas?!?! OUCH! Trust me now that I have made these I don’t see myself buying tortillas from the store anytime soon. I had a few left over and I kept them in the fridge. They weren’t as good as warm off the griddle but they were still delish! Go over to The Mama’s Girls and check out the recipe be sure to leave a comment if you enjoyed them!! I sure did.

Here’s my recipe for fish tacos……

FISH TACOS

Flour Tortillas

I used my pancake griddle to cook them and it worked great!

Mango Salsa

2 mangos
1 avocado
1/4 cup cilantro
8oz of pineapple

Coleslaw

1 bag of coleslaw mix
1 tbsp honey
juice of 1/2 a lime
1/2 cup of cilantro, chopped
salt
pepper
1/2 cup of plain yogurt
1/2 cup of sour cream
2 garlic cloves, minced

Fish

2 pounds of Cod
salt
pepper
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp Hungarian paprika
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
pinch of cinnamon
juice of 1/2 a lime

First make the salsa.

1. Dice the mango, avocado, cilantro and pineapple. Mix all together.

Next make the coleslaw.

1.Rinse the coleslaw

2. In a small bowl mix together the honey, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, yogurt and sour cream. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the coleslaw mix and stir until well combined.

Now it’s time for the fish.

1. Mix all the ingredients except the fish together in a small bowl.

2. Rinse the fish and be sure to pat it dry. Rub the mix all over the fish.

3. Heat a pan on the stove over med-high heat with a bit of oil and fry the fish until cooked about 3 mins on each side. (That’s the best part about cooking fish, it’s quick!!)

Remove the fish from the pan and place a small piece of fish on your tortillas and then top with coleslaw and mango salsa! YUM YUM!!! Try not to eat too many!!!

Please let me know your favorite way to make fish tacos I would love to hear from you! Also if you have any tips on how to get the fish smell out of your house after cooking it I would really love to hear that!!! Enjoy! Thanks for stopping by!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Guinness Stewed Chuck Roast

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 07:12:22 GMT

Guinness Stewed Chuck Roast

Jump to Recipe

There’s nothing like going away for the weekend and on your drive home being greeted with flashing signs “Blizzard…..Be Prepared”!!! YIKES! While staying at our cabin in upstate New York we didn’t have any cell phone service so we had no clue that we getting a blizzard back at home!

I was not prepared at all!!!! I really didn’t have milk! I was on vacation!!! I had to send my hubby out with the hundreds of others who were on the hunt for milk, eggs, and bread! I went through my freezer to try to make a quick meal plan {click to see how I do my meal planning} for the week. I wasn’t sure when we would be able to get to the store and I wasn’t sure what was even going to be left at the store!! I had seen a ton of pictures of empty shelves at the grocery store!!

While looking through my freezer I found a nice chuck roast that I had gotten on sale. Perfect. Snow day means a nice stew on the wood stove in my mind!

I like a traditional stew but this time I wanted to keep the beef whole and slice it after it was cooked.

It was delish!!!! I made mashed potatoes and I sautéed cabbage and onions. I placed the cabbage and onions on top of the mashed potatoes {a different spin on colcannon} and then I placed the sliced beef on top of that. I drizzled the broth on top of the beef.

Guinness Stewed Chuck Roast

3lb Chuck Roast
5 celery stalks
3 Carrots
1 small onion
3 cloves of garlic
2 tbsp tomato paste
1/4 cup of flour
1 1/2 cups beef stock
1 cup of Guinness

First I started with searing the roast. I drizzled some olive oil in a cast iron pan and turned the burner on to med/high. I let the pan get nice and hot. I seared both sides until they were nice and crispy.

I then cut up the celery, carrots, onion and garlic and placed them on the bottom of my dutch oven! If you don’t have one…get one! It’s a great investment!

I placed the flour and tomato paste in a small bowl and then poured the beef stock and guinness in and whisked until there were no lumps.

I placed the seared beef in the dutch oven on top of the chopped veggies. I poured my Guinness and stock mixture over the top of the beef. I covered it and placed it on the wood stove for the day! I used a burner grate from my gas stove to keep the bottom of the dutch oven off the top of the wood stove. It was on the wood stove for about 8 hours! I would flip the beef once in a while and stir the sauce. You could cook this in a crook pot or on low on the stove top.

This was a great spin on the traditional stew. It was a great way to warm up after shoveling 24″ of snow!!!! Happy snow days!!!

Please feel free to leave me a comment below! I would love to hear from you!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Gore Mountain Tubing Review {North Creek, NY}

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 16:15:18 GMT

Gore Mountain Tubing Review {North Creek, NY}

While we were at our cabin in up state NY on a little weekend getaway we decided to take the kids to Gore Mountain in North Creek, NY for some tubing. We have some good tubing spots at the cabin but we wanted to do something different. Years ago my husband and I went away with a bunch of friends to the Berkshires and we did some tubing there. We had so much fun that we have talked about doing it again ever since.

Before we left I looked up tubing in our area of NY and I came across Gore Mountain. We left for NY on a Thursday since a tree fell on our cabin and we had to take of that! It’s always something!!!

The tubing opened at 3pm on Friday so we planned go around then. We got there around 4pm and we were the first ones to go down!!! There was no one there!!! They have night-time tubing so as soon as it gets dark the lights come on. AWESOME!!!

They had a great place to get changed into our snow apparel. It was $18 per person, age didn’t matter. So for our family of four it was $72. It included our tube rental and unlimited 2 hours of tubing. Children have to be 36″ or taller to go. The one thing I would take note of is that you can’t ride together. So kids have to go alone. My boys were happy about that but let me tell you that those lanes were fast!!! I imagine some little ones would not be too happy. I would check with the desk to see what would happen if your little one was too afraid to go.

They had a lift that pulled you up to the top and they had four tubing lanes. The tubing was awesome! The lanes were long and FAST! They had a bonfire where you could warm up if needed. We only stayed an hour since we were the only ones there and were able to down the mountian a lot in an hour! Around 5pm it started to get busy but even with a crowd it seemed the lines moved quickly.

The ride up the mountain was beautiful. The sun was setting and the mountains reflected the sun set. Going at 4pm was the perfect time. We got to watch the sun set plus we got to tube under the lights!I couldn’t help but be amazed at God’s immense beauty. I was filled with his wonder. It was an awesome night! It gets my “Out of the House” approval!!!

*This review is my own option and I was not paid for this review.

Have you been to Gore Mountain? Do you have any favorite tubing spots? I would love to hear from you! Comment below!!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Jalapeno Cornbread Boats

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:25:42 GMT

Jalapeño Cornbread Boats

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So my youngest who is four LOVES jalapeños!!!! I know it’s crazy but it’s true!!! My father pickles them and Liam loves to eat them right out of the jar. He even puts them on his sandwiches!!! So I am always trying to think of new ways to make dishes with jalapeños!

I have a hard time finding apps or snacks to bring somewhere. You get that invite to a picnic or a party and then follows….”bring a dish to share”. I have a lot of recipes and a lot of snacks I enjoy but many of them are not easy to bring some where or they just take to long to make. Over the summer I had jalapeños everywhere! They did great in my garden and we were invited to a picnic so I came up these delightful jalapeño cornbread boats. I made them again for Christmas Eve and I was reminded how much I loved them! Liam loved them too!

These are wonderful because they are quick and easy.

Hint{if you don’t like a lot of spice pick larger jalapeños. I find the bigger the pepper the less heat it has}

Jalapeño Cornbread Boats

Makes 24
12 Jalapeños
1 pkg Jiffy Corn Mix
1 1/2 cups Finely Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup Corn
3/4 Cup Cooked Diced Bacon
5 oz Cream Cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees

2. Make cornbread mix by following the directions on the box.

3. Mix in the cheddar cheese, corn, and bacon.

4. Let the mix sit while you slice the jalapeños in half and clean out the seeds and the ribs. {the seeds and the ribs are where a lot of the heat comes from in a jalapeño so be sure to clean them well}

5. Take about a teaspoon of cream cheese and fill the jalapeños with a thin layer of cream cheese. Note {you don’t want to fill the peppers with too much cream cheese as you will need room for the cornbread mix}

6. Fill the peppers with the cornbread mix and place them on a baking sheet. Don’t pile it too high as it will rise while baking.

7. Place in the oven until the mix is set and peppers are soft. About 15 mins.

{You will have extra mix left over so I filled mini muffin tins and I got about a dozen mini muffins! They were great also!}

I hope you enjoy these! I would love to hear what your go to “bring a dish to share” is! Please leave me a comment below!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Pretzel Rolls

Wed, 28 Jan 2015 07:15:43 GMT

Pretzel Rolls

We love burgers here in the Cassidy house! When we have friends over we often do “Burger Night”! We supply the burger and buns and our guests bring toppings and sides so we end up with an awesome burger bar!

When you want to have friends over but don’t want to go through a big dinner party, burger night is a great idea! Check out my post on some of the other dinner themes we do with friends.

I wanted to add something special to our last burger night. We were getting together with friends of ours for a little gift exchange around christmas and I thought something special would be nice. So I went searching for pretzel rolls. I had never made pretzel rolls before so I made my husband pick up burger rolls just in case!!! I came across “ Salted Pretzel Rolls ” on My Life as a Mrs blog. Her blog is awesome and you need to check it out!

I settled on her recipe and I went to town! Pretty fancy I must say!!!

I found that the yeast did get bubbly and frothy and my dough did double in size but my rolls didn’t double in size. They did get bigger but they didn’t double. I did get 8 rolls but I think next time I would make them bigger and get less rolls since they didn’t get a big as I would have liked. Click here for the recipe! Be sure to leave her a comment! These were great!

If you have any thoughts as to why my rolls didn’t double in size please feel free to leave me a comment below!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Balsamic Caesar Dressing

Fri, 16 Jan 2015 07:30:21 GMT

Balsamic Caesar Dressing

Table of Contents:

Jump to Recipe

I try to stay away from anything processed. We try to eat organic and as healthy as we can but darn, it’s hard!!!!! It can be really over whelming trying to change all of your eating habits. I have a lot of people ask me how I have time to make so much from scratch. It’s like anything else you are trying to change, it’s not going to happen overnight. Start small, that’s my advice.

Salad dressing isn’t cheap and it’s super easy to make at home. I try to have a salad with dinner at least a few times a week and my favorite is caesar salad. This is my go to caesar dressing. It’s not your traditional caesar dressing but it sure is good!!! The best part is it’s quick! I think that may be why I enjoy caesar salad so much it’s a great addition to my meals and it takes 10mins!

Balsamic Caesar Dressing

1 TBSP Fresh Lemon Juice
3 TBSP Balsamic Vinegar
1/4 TSP Anchovy Paste (Don’t be afraid!!!)
1 TSP Worcestershire Sauce
2 Garlic Cloves Minced
1/2 TSP Brown Sugar
3 TBSP Olive Oil
Salt/Pepper

Place all ingredients into a canning jar or dressing jar. Cover with lid and shake well. Serve.

It’s really that easy! I am always in search of great quick salad dressings. I would love to hear what your go to dressings are!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Fried Pickles

Fri, 09 Jan 2015 07:44:00 GMT

Fried Pickles

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Let me start this post out with NO I am not pregnant!!!

For whatever reason I have recently been on a fried pickled kick (which is not good for my waste line!). One night while at chili’s my husband ordered the fried pickles. My kids love pickles and I guess I don’t mind them either but oh my my my was I pleasantly surprised when I tasted one of those little salty dill nuggets!

I decided to try my hand at making them at home. The first night I made them we were just hanging out watching some football, which is a must do in my house of all boys! We invited friends over for dinner and the game. I couldn’t help myself, I had to whip up a batch of these. Well, needless to say we are getting together again this week and the pickles were requested! They came out awesome and you can’t eat just one!!! They are quick and easy to make! Enjoy!

Fried Pickles

16oz Dill Pickles
8oz beer
2 eggs
1 cup flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp chili powder (you can add as
much as you like depending on how spicy you like it)
Frying Oil
Ranch (for dipping)

1. Slice all the pickles into about 1/4in wide slices. Place them onto a paper towel and cover them with another paper towel so they dry out. The drier they are the better they will fry.

2. Fill a pan with about 2in of frying oil and let the oil get hot.

3. Mix the beer, eggs, flour, garlic powder, and chili powder together in a bowl.

4. Drop the sliced pickles into the batter and lift one pickle at a time out of the batter with a fork and drop it into the oil. Add as many pickles as you can to the pan but be sure to leave enough of room for them to move around don’t over crowd the pan. Fry the pickles until they turn a light golden color.

5. Remove the pickles from the pan and place the pickles on a baking sheet with a paper towel. Keep them covered and repeat until all the pickles have been fried.

6. Serve with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy.

Let me know if you try these! I am interested in what kind of dressing you like with them. I am still in search of the perfect dipping sauce for these! I can’t wait to hear what you think!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Blind Wine Tasting Party

Sat, 20 Dec 2014 07:56:53 GMT

Blind Wine Tasting Party

It’s the holidays and you know how that goes……..shopping, shopping………eating, eating……….wrapping, wrapping………….. As the years have gone on the list for those that I buy gifts for has gotten larger and larger. My friends now have children and of course we have to get them something! I mean you can’t leave the kids out at christmas, right??? Well the list was just getting too long and really what do I want from my friends and what do they want from me? Time!!!! Time is a hard thing to come by when you are working and taking care of a family. I have to say we are good about getting together on the weekends but how often as adults only do we get to see each other? Not as often as we would all like that’s for sure! So we decided that we were no longer going to buy gifts and our gifts to each other would be getting together to have a child free christmas party. Of course I said I would host as planning a party is one of my favorite things to do. So I put together a “Blind Wine Tasting Party”…….. Oh my is it tons of fun!

Here’s how it works………

1. You need a guest list! I have been lazy and used Facebook to invite my guests but I am sure you could make some awesome invitations! (If you want to go all out)

2. All of your guests must know that it is a CONTEST! The person who brings the winning bottle gets a wine basket at the end of the night!

3. All guests are asked to bring at least two bottles of the same wine and a dish to share. One bottle is put into the tasting and the other bottle is put into a basket for the winner! This way the winner gets to take home most of the wines that were tasted that evening.Be sure to cover the basket with a blanket so no one can cheat and check out all the wines!

Note: Be sure to let your guests know that they are welcome to bring more than one bottle to add to the tasting but they only need to bring one double for the basket. ( The more bottles you add to the tasting the better chance you have to win)

4. Make a menu. I always make a lot of food probably more than needed but I enjoy it so I like to make a nice menu and fill in with the dishes that my guests bring. It’s a nice chance to try something you haven’t before because you know that others will be bringing dishes to share so if your new recipe flops you know you won’t go hungry!

5. Make or buy wine score cards. I made mine on word. The score card includes the number of bottles and across from the bottle number are the numbers 1-5. I wasn’t sure how many bottles I would have so I made a card with 15 bottles listed. I figured that would be more than enough and if we didn’t get 15 bottle I would have my guests cross off the unused numbers.

Example: Bottle #1~ 1 2 3 4 5

6. I asked my local package store for the tall paper wine bags and numbered them. As each guest arrives I place a sticker with their name on the bottle and I placed all the bottles on a table with the labels facing the wall. Once all my guests arrive I count the bottles and remove any extra bags I have. If I got 12 bottles I would remove bags numbered 13, 14 and 15 . I shuffle the numbered bags and with the numbers face down I filled all the bags with wine and tied a ribbon around the top keeping the numbers facing away from me until all the bags were filled. Once all the bags were filled I hand out the score cards and turned the bags around and opened the wine! Of course when filling the bags I make an honest effort not to see what the wines are.

Note: The sticker with your guest’s name on it on the bottle is important as one year we had two people bring the same wine and one scored higher than the other but we didn’t know who brought what bottle( hey, crazy things happen at blind wine tastings!).

7. It’s time to taste, score and eat!

Note: Be sure to remind your guests that you have to get as many tastings out of a bottle as there are guests so small pours until everyone has tasted all the wines.

8. As everyone chats and tastes they score the wines by circling a number 1-5, 1 being horrible and 5 being awesome! After they have tasted all the wines they place their card in a basket and once all your guests have tasted you add up all the scores for each bottle and the winner takes home an awesome wine basket!

Note: If you have a tie place the names in a basket and pick a winner or you can split the basket between the winners.

This has truly become one of my favorite nights of the year and it is now an annual event! Enjoy your party! I would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and ideas! Please leave me some comments.

Follow me on Instagram or Facebook and hashtag pictures of your blind wine tasting with #vthwblindwine

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Pan Seared Scallops Over Warm Spinach Pomegranate Salad

Mon, 10 Nov 2014 08:01:01 GMT

Pan Seared Scallops Over Warm Spinach Pomegranate Salad

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The holidays are right around the corner and as I was strolling through the produce aisles at my local grocery store I saw a pomegranate begging me to be placed in my cart! Pomegranates are such a festive fruit that I couldn’t just walk away so I tossed one into my cart and made my way to the check out. Once I got home I placed the pomegranate in my fruit bowl and went about my daily life. As I walked past it time to time I would think to myself “what am I going to do with this?”

I often make a warm spinach salad that I can’t get enough of. No really, I could eat the whole bowl myself! The salad happened to be on my meal plan for the week and while browsing through Pinterest I kept seeing pictures of delicious scallop dishes. So I decided to put all of them together to create this awesome dinner dish and an answer to the question “what I was going to do with that darn pomegranate?!”

Don’t be afraid it looks as if it took me days to prepare! The best part?!?!? It only took me about 30 mins from start to finish! I hope you enjoy this as much as we did. Please feel free to comment below and let me know how you liked it!

Serves 4

Ingredients

1 pound of fresh sea scallops
8 slices of bacon
1/4 of a small red onion
5oz fresh organic baby spinach
4oz Amish blue cheese
1/4-1/2 of a pomegranate (seeds only)
1 tbsp local honey
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
4 tbsp olive oil
salt & pepper

1.First be sure you dry your scallops. I like to let them sit out on a bunch of paper towels and I continue to pat the tops until the scallops are dry. This will help you to get a good crisp on the scallops.

2. While the scallops are drying, dice up the bacon and fry in a large pan over medium heat stirring until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pan and discard the grease. Set the pan off to the side. Do not wash the pan!

3. Season the scallops with salt and pepper.

4. In a heated large clean pan place 2 tbsp of olive oil. Allow the oil to get hot and place the scallops in the pan. Cook for 6 mins on each side. Don’t OVER COOK THEM!!!

5. Place the spinach in a large serving bowl.

6. Dice the red onion. Crumble the blue cheese and add both to the spinach.

7. Cut the pomegranate in half. Be careful and be sure to use a cutting board that you don’t care about because pomegranates STAIN!!!!!! Fill a bowl with cold water and as you pull the seeds aways from the skin place them in the water. This helps because the white flesh that is left on the seeds will float to the top of the water and the seeds will sink. You can skim the flesh off the top and drain the water after to have nice clean seeds. My kids really enjoyed watching me pull out the seeds!!!! I used about a cup of seeds which was about a half of the pomegranate.

8. After you have the seeds take the pan that you cooked the bacon in and place it over medium heat. Whisk the honey, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, the remaining olive oil and the pomegranate seeds together in the warm pan. Whisk until heated.

9. Pour the warm dressing over the salad and cover the bowl with a dish towel. Let set for 2-3 mins.

10. Place salad onto a plate and arrange the scallops on top of the warmed salad.

11. ENJOY!!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

St. Lucia~Sandals~La Toc

Wed, 29 Oct 2014 15:45:42 GMT

St. Lucia~Sandals~La Toc

So my husband and I traveled the world in our minds while planning our 10th anniversary. France, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Ireland they all made the list but after looking into all of them I realized that at this time in our lives we needed a vacation where the two of us could just be “us”. Our schedules are filled with football, school, two boys, and work. We have travelled to the caribbean before therefore I didn’t want to go to the same place twice but we decided to look into Sandals. I had heard good things and I wanted a worry free vacation so all inclusive was extremely appealing to us. So after many hours of researching we decided on Sandals La Toc in St. Lucia. Reviews played a great role in helping us decide where we were going to go so I thought I should give my opinion on our vacation.

We flew out of Newark, NJ. Living in Connecticut we had four airports to choose from Newark, TF Green in Providence, RI, Bradley in Hartford, CT, Logan in Boston, MA. Flying out of Newark, NJ saved us $800 on airfare. Lesson to be learned….. Research different airports! Newark is about 2 1/2 hours from our home so we got a hotel for the night where we were able to get a park and stay deal. We were able to go spend the day in NYC and spend an extra night in a hotel and still come away saving $400 just because we looked into different airports.

We booked a private car transfer to the resort from the airport. It was $140 and worth every penny. The roads are full of twists and turns in St. Lucia plus we wanted to start off the vacation just the two of us. It was great! We were greeted with a friendly smile and cold beer! Our driver stopped in a few spots to let us take some pictures. He also stopped at a local restaurant and brought us out a warm bread stick with local cheese inside. Honestly it was one of the best things I ate all vacation. It was AMAZING!!! After hearing other couples talk about the crazy drive on the shuttle with little air conditioning and having to pull over so people could throw up due to motion sickness we decided to book a car back to the airport. Because we booked at the resort it was only $125 for the ride back.

We booked the honeymoon hideaway one bedroom butler suite with private pool. So when we arrived we were brought to a special lounge to meet our butler. We were greeted with cool towels, Hors d’oeuvres, and rum punch! We met our butler Jamel who brought us to our room and did our check in in our room. I booked our flight independently from sandals and we didn’t use a travel agent so I had to put all my flight information in the computer before I left. When I got there I had to fill out all the information again. I will say I didn’t have it written down it was on my phone and although the butler service rooms had free wifi it was super slow. So it was a bit frustrating trying to locate my information. So don’t plan on having great wifi. It made it a bit difficult to Skype or FaceTime with our children but I do have to say it was nice being unplugged for 8 days.

Our room was great the bed was comfortable and our pool was clean. Our bathroom was a bit small and you have to remember that you are in a rainforest so it is a bit musty and humid. I made the mistake of turning off the air conditioning and everything was covered in condensation. I read a lot of reviews and people said the rooms were dirty and out of date. We did not find that to be the case. We had one problem a small part of the ceiling out on our deck fell due to a small leak in the roof. It was cleaned up and fixed right away. All in all we were very happy with our room.

Our butlers were Jamel and Jason. They were great. They brought us special treats and surprises to really make our trip extra special. I have to say going with the butler room was worth every penny. They reserved our pool chairs everyday which was a huge plus considering people with out a butler were having a hard time finding a pool chair.You have to reserve a chair early or you won’t have a spot. They packed a cooler for us, bought us lunch if we wanted it at the pool or the beach, they made all of our reservations, they pressed our clothes each night before dinner, they unpacked our luggage and much more. The resort is very large and you have to get a shuttle to go from one spot to the next but having the butler was great as they drove you everywhere you wanted to go in a golf cart.

The beach was not private and there were a few people trying to sell items on the beach but if you told them you were not interested they left you alone. The red flag was up for most of our trip because the caribbean sea meets the atlantic off the coast of the resort so the water tends to have strong currents. We could still swim we just couldn’t do any water sports (kayaking and sailing). So if you have a day where you have a yellow or green flag be sure to do the water sports as you may not get another chance.

We did do some snorkeling which was a bit of a disappointment. Snorkeling is not available at the resort. You have to sign up for a time 8am or 2pm and you have to meet at the water sports area and take a shuttle for a 30min bus ride to get on a boat that goes right back past the resort. We waited on the boat for at least 45mins before we left. We had to wait for others staying at the halcyon before we could leave. It was about a 15min boat ride to the first stop and when we got there the water was turned up so we couldn’t snorkel there. They were going to bring us back to the resort but decided to try one more spot the was another 10min boat ride. We did get to see the Pitons which was nice and the boat ride ended up being it’s own little excursion but it was a long frustrating morning. I wasn’t too happy about that.

Let’s talk about champagne! I LOVE champagne and had read many reviews about whether or not they had it. The call it champagne but it is a sparkling wine but it is a dry brut. It was very good I thought. I don’t like sweet champagne and I was afraid it would be a sparkling moscato but it wasn’t and I was very happy!

All the wine was Beringer and I found it very good. They also had all name brand alcohol. You just had to be specific and ask for it other wise they would give you their local brand. The drinks are mostly weak so don’t be afraid to ask for a double shot they will give it to you.

Onto the food….The food was good. I wouldn’t say it was great. It is not the gourmet food I am used to. I have to admit I am a bit of a food snob. The portions are extremely small but remember you can order as much as you want. I would by no means say that the food was bad but I wouldn’t say it was out of this world either. Armando’s restaurant had great breakfast but the dinner was really BAD! I wish we would have skipped it all together. Also don’t miss the street party they have it every Friday and they have lobster tails, shrimp, oysters, and tons of food. It was a lot of fun and should not be missed.

We went in October which is the rainy season and it rained a few times but they were quick passing showers. It was not even close to a wash out and the clouds came and went. We got a great deal because we went during the rainy season.

Overall I would recommend St. Lucia and Sandals La Toc to anyone. We really enjoyed ourselves and were able to relax and not worry at all. Happy traveling!!!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Cinnamon Rolls

Thu, 24 Jul 2014 08:10:19 GMT

Cinnamon Rolls

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This morning I woke up and the rain was falling outside and it was the perfect morning for some cinnamon rolls. The boys climbed up to the counter and we started baking. HMMMMMM…… I wonder how long they will enjoy sitting with me at the kitchen counter? I try to cherish those moments as much as I can.

I have tried many cinnamon roll recipes in the past but this morning I decided to just do my own thing and see what I would get.

The results were awesome! Cinnamon rolls are a treat around here as they take a while to make and we often don’t have the time in the morning. I think today will be full of delish cinnamon rolls, movies, and board games!

I hope that on some rainy morning you can take the time with your family and enjoy some good food and don’t forget to cherish the moments of cooking together. xoxo

CINNAMON ROLLS
By: Voluntown Housewife | Makes: 16 rolls

ROLLS

4 1/2 tsp. yeast
1/2 cup granulated sugar
6 tablespoons butter
2 Eggs
7 cups flour
2 cups warm water

FILLING

6 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons cinnamon
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla

FROSTING

4 tablespoons butter
2 cups powdered sugar
4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Mix yeast and 1 teaspoon of sugar with 1 cup of warm water and let sit for about 5 mins.

2. In a mixing bowl mix butter, sugar, yeast mixture, 1 cup of warm water, eggs and 2 cups of flour.

3. Slowly add in four more cups of flour. Mix until blended well. The dough will be sticky, very sticky!!!

4. Dump 1 cup of flour onto the counter and dump the dough out and begin to knead in the flour. It will be messy but keep going until the dough is smooth and soft. The dough will still be a bit sticky but it shouldn’t be really sticky.

5. Form a ball and cover the dough with a towel and let rise for 30 mins.

6. While waiting for your dough to rise you can make the filling! Lets face it that’s the best part!!! mix all filling ingredients and beat until it becomes a paste.

7. Roll the dough out into a large wide rectangle and spread the paste evenly onto the dough. It takes a while to spread it so don’t get frustrated.

8. Roll the dough into a log and cut with dental floss.

9. Place into a baking dish and let rise for another 30mins. Bake at 400 degrees for 10mins. Turn down the oven to 325 degrees and bake for another 10mins. Be sure the are cooked all the way if not they will fall.

10. Whisk all of the frosting ingredients together and pour over cooked rolls. Let cool before you cut. Cut and ENJOY!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Seafood Fest

Wed, 04 Sep 2013 08:12:07 GMT

Seafood Fest

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Seafood Fest!!!!!!

Voluntown is only 25 min. away from the shore. That being said we LOVE seafood in our house! One of our family traditions is that we get a ton of seafood once a summer and just enjoy everything that is great about seafood! Today we made the journey to our local farmers market and picked up corn. Please if you have a local farmers market go out and help support local farms and business. Not only are you helping hard working farmers and your own neighbors but you are helping yourself and your family by eatting fresh healthy local food!

After our trip to the market we made our way to Westerly, RI to pick up lobster, steamers, little neck clams, and stuffed clams! School will be starting in a little over a week and we wanted to do something special this weekend. It was a perfect time for the “Cassidy Family Seafood Fest”.

Football has started and the nights and mornings are starting to get that cool, fresh, crisp feeling. Our oldest son will be starting first grade this year and I have to say I am heartbroken that he keeps growing! Who’s big idea was that!! hahaha!!!! I wish he could stay little forever!

Last year our youngest was not that turned on with lobster so we are really hoping he will come to enjoy it as much as we do!

Here are a few tips on cooking seafood!!!!

Lobster Tips…..

1. Steaming is better than boiling. When you stem a lobster they tend to keep more of their flavor and they are a little sweeter.

2. Always cook lobster the day that you buy them.

3. Soft shell lobsters have sweeter meat but less of it than hard shell. ( I don’t seem to find a difference in the flavor just a difference in the amount of meat we always get hard shell)

4. I think that 4 minutes per pound of lobster is a good rule to live by. Just be sure that the lobster is bright red and the meat is not translucent in color.

Clams & Steamer Tips…….

1. I always soak mine in water for a while to help with the sand. You don’t want to let them soak to long in fresh water because it will kill them

2. You only need a small amount of water to stem them. I like to add white wine to stem them it really gives them a nice flavor

3. Get rid of any with broken shells before you cook them. It’s to risky to cook those.

4. They are done when the shells open. Cook covered and check often you don’t want the water to evaporate and burn them. (Trust me it happens)

The last rule I have is………….

ENJOY!!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Chicken Enchiladas

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 15:31:04 GMT

Chicken Enchiladas

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Enchiladas

I am not the biggest fan of Mexican food. I like tacos and margaritas but that’s about it. My husband loves enchiladas and I figured I should give them a try. Well, let me tell you that the first time I made them they were so spicy that no one could eat them. I hate that when that happens! Ugh.

So I went back and adjusted the recipe. I thought it was just right in the spicy department but I will warn you my children who I have to say will eat just about anything thought it was too spicy. They liked the flavor but not the spice. I will only use 1/4 tsp of chili powder in the sauce next time.

This is a great dish to make in the morning and place in the fridge until you are ready to slide into the oven! Enjoy! Please let me know what you think!!!

Recipe for Enchiladas

Sauce

1/2 tsp oil

1/2 tsp chipotle chili in adobo sauce

1/8 tsp chili chipotle powder

3 garlic cloves, minced

3/4 cup chicken broth

1-2/3 cups tomato sauce

1/2 tsp ground cumin

salt and fresh pepper to taste

Chicken Filling:

2 tsp Olive Oil

12 oz boiled shredded chicken breast

1/2 of sweet vidalia onion chopped

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 large clove garlic, minced

1/2 cup tomato sauce

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

1/2 cup chicken broth

8 flour tortillas (you can use what ever type you like. I used whole wheat and they were great)

1 1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese

Directions:
Pre heat oven to 375 degrees.

In a medium saucepan, heat oil and add the minced garlic. Add the remaining ingredients for the sauce to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Spray a 13 by 9-inch glass baking dish with non-stick spray and set the dish aside.

In a medium pan heat the oil over medium heat. Turn down the heat to low and add garlic and onions. Cook until soft. Add the remaining ingredients for the chicken filling and cook for 5 minutes. Divide the chicken filling onto the middle of each tortilla and roll them up. Place the tortillas seam side down in the baking dish and top with the sauce. Top with cheese and cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 25 minutes. Enjoy!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Gorgonzola Cheese Bread

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:20:35 GMT

Gorgonzola Cheese Bread

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The first time I made this I wasn’t sure if I would like it. I am not a huge Gorgonzola cheese fan but my husband is so I figured how bad can it be. OH MY! The first bite was heaven. I did use my own homemade Italian bread and I have to say I have made it using store bought Italian bread and it was still delish but it was just perfect with the homemade bread. I would suggest that you try at least once making it with homemade bread you will be very happy you did.

Gorgonzola Cheese Bread

1 loaf of Italian bread
1 5oz container of Gorgonzola cheese crumbles
4 cloves of garlic crushed
1 stick of butter (room temp)
1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Cut the loaf of Italian bread in half.

With an electric mixer in a small bowl combine all of the remaining ingredents and mix until just blended. You should still have some chucks of gorgonzola cheese in the mixture. Spread the mixture on the bread and cook under the broiler in the oven until the cheese is melted and it is a nice golden color. WATCH it carefully while it’s in the oven you don’t want to burn it!!!

This bread goes great with wings!!!

ENJOY!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Self Rising Flour

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 08:15:47 GMT

Self Rising Flour

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SELF RISING FLOUR

This morning I brought both of my kids to my mothers for breakfast. She has a very large strawberry patch. I am extremely jealous!!!! Her strawberries are out of control! Mine certainly don’t grow as well as hers! Well that’s a whole other story.

Here in New England we are getting a lot of rain. YUCK! It’s crazy when you are starting the fire place in JUNE. We wanted to pick the strawberries before the rain came so they didn’t rot and get moldy.

While sitting inside chatting and drinking our coffee we decided to make some strawberry shortcake biscuits for dessert! Strawberry shortcake is one of my favorite things! While making the recipe we discovered neither of us had self rising flour. So we had to make our own!

Self Rising Flour

The following amounts are for every one cup of self rising flour called for.

1 cup of all purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp. of baking powder

1/2 tsp. of salt

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Italian Bread

Sat, 25 May 2013 08:26:59 GMT

Italian Bread

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Anyone who knows me knows I could live on bread, cheese, and potatoes!! I know they are not the best choices but I just can’t help it! I love making bread. There is nothing like watching it rise and the smell that drifts from the oven as it bakes. I think people get really nervous about making bread but it really is easy!!! It just takes a bit of time and I know not many people have “time” these days but for those of us that want to find time to make bread this is a great loaf! I only make it by hand, I don’t use a machine and it comes out great!

One night we were having friends over for wing night and I wanted to make something to go along with the dozens of wings we were having! So I decided to make a Gorgonzola cheese bread. For the bread I needed a loaf of Italian bread and I had been wanting to make it for a while so it was the perfect time to try.

I will warn you that it takes about four hours for the rising of this bread so if you are going to make it you need to know you will need to start it early.

This bread was perfect! Great crust, great inside, I just thought everything about it was great.

Italian Bread

Makes Two Large Loafs

7 cups flour
1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp salt
1 tbsp maple syrup
1/2 cup milk
2 1/2 cups of warm water
2 packages of dry yeast

In a bowl combine maple syrup, salt, dry milk, yeast and water. Stir until combined.

In a large bowl place 4 1/2 cups of flour and pour in the wet mixture.

Stir to mix.

Add oil.

Mix the batter until smooth and well mixed with a wooden spoon.

Add a 1/2 cup of flour and mix.

The dough will be wet and a bit sticky. Pour 1/2 cup of flour onto the table and dump dough onto the work surface.

Knead with the push fold method for 10 min. The dough will be a bit sticky at first but as you knead fold in the flour on the table. If all the flour has been added and the dough is still sticking to your fingers add more flour. The dough should be tacky but not sticky.

When done kneading place the dough in a large greased bowl and cover with plastic wrap.

Let the dough sit at room temperature for 2 hours.

Punch down the dough and turn it over in the greased bowl and cover for another 30 min.

Dump the dough onto a floured work surface and knead shortly just enough to work out any bubbles.

Let the dough rest for 20 min. You can shape the dough into any size or shape that you would like. I make mine into two long baguettes.

Cover the dough loosely with a towel.

Let rise for 1 hour.

Pre-heat the oven to 425 degrees 20 min. before baking.

Bake at 425 degrees for 40-50 min.

Enjoy!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

Banana Pumpkin Swirl Bread

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 08:32:49 GMT

Banana Pumpkin Swirl Bread

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Banana Pumpkin Swirl Bread

I just love fall! The leaves are turning beautiful shades of yellow, red and orange. I came up with this recipe one morning because I only had one banana and I wanted to make banana bread. It was fall so it couldn’t hurt to add pumpkin, right? I am so glad I did!

Ingredients

1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 stick of butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 banana mashed
1/2 cup of pumpkin
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon

Cinnamon Sugar Center

1/4 cup sugar
1/2 tbsp cinnamon

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 Tbsp half and half (you could use milk or cream)

Preheat oven to 350F. Spray a 9×5 bread pan.

1. Beat together the butter and sugar until well mixed.

2. Add eggs, banana, pumpkin, vanilla and blend well.

3. Mix all the remaining ingredients together in a medium sized bowl.

4. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t over mix it the batter will be thick.

5. Spread half of the mixture into the bread pan.

6. Mix the sugar and cinnamon for the the cinnamon sugar center.

7. Pour the sugar and cinnamon into the bread pan covering the batter.

8. Top with the remaining batter

9. Bake in the oven at 350F for 40-50mins. or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. It took me the whole 50min.

10. Take out of oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 min. After 15min take the bread out of the pan and place on the wire rack.

11. While waiting for the bread to cool mix the glaze.

12. Take the glaze and drizzle it onto the bread.

13. ENJOY!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

My Grandmother’s Snickerdoodles

Tue, 02 Oct 2012 08:42:46 GMT

My Grandmother’s Snickerdoodles

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We all have memories of our childhood and warm snickerdoodles out of my grandmother’s oven happens to be one of mine. When I got married my mother had my grandmother write down some of her “famous” recipes and I am so grateful she did. Not only can my kids enjoy the same goodies I did but I get to look at a beautiful handwritten recipe. Who knew looking at someones handwriting could touch my heart! I hope you enjoy these delish cookies as much as we do!

My Grandmother’s Snickerdoodles

Bake: 375 degrees for about 9mins

Yields:44 cookies

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Sugar
1/2 cup Butter (softened)
1 Teaspoon Vanilla
2 Eggs
2 3/4 cups Flour
1 Teaspoon Cream of Tarter
1/2 Teaspoon Baking Soda
1/4 Teaspoon Salt

1. In a large bowl combine the first four ingredients and blend well.

2. Stir in flour, cream of tarter, baking soda, salt and blend well.

3. Combine 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 2 Tablespoons of sugar in a small bowl and mix well.

4. Using a 1/2 Tablespoon measuring spoon scoop a heaping spoon full of dough and roll into a ball.

5. Roll the balls in the cinnamon and sugar mixture.

6. Place the balls two inches apart onto a cookie sheet and bake at 375 degrees for about 9 mins.

7. ENJOY !!!!

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

My Aunt’s Blueberry Muffins

Tue, 17 Jul 2012 08:55:26 GMT

My Aunt’s Blueberry Muffins

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Looking for the best blueberry muffins? Look no further!

While at a local farmers market I caught a glimpse of a beautiful pint of blueberries. They were calling my name, so I picked them up and brought them home! I got up early this morning while everyone was sleeping and made my favorite blueberry muffin recipe, they are the best blueberry muffins!. As a kid my mother used to make them for me often and I LOVED THEM! Be careful not to over cook them! Enjoy!!

I want to add that I recently made these using King Arthur’s Gluten free flour measure for measure mix and they were fabulous!

My Aunt’s Blueberry Muffins

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup milk
1 3/4 cups flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup of fresh blueberries

1. Combine the butter and sugar and mix in a mixer until blended together.

2. Add egg, milk and vanilla until well mixed.

3. Add all of the dry ingredients and mix well.

4. Toss the blueberries with a sprinkle of flour. This way they won’t all sink to the bottom of your muffins. Stir the blueberries into the mix gently.

5. Bake at 425 degrees for 18-20 mins. I always find 18 mins is just right!

Let me know if you give these a try! I would also love some links to your favorite muffins! Leave a link below in the comments!

Be sure to follow me on Facebook , Instagram , and Pinterest !

Jamie Cassidy – Founder & Travel Designer at Road & Table

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