45 years of knights, jousting, turkey legs, kings & queens, shows, contests and fun events. The 2022 festival was open September 3rd to October 16 on the weekends from 10AM - 7PM. This festival is open rain or shine...be ready to know what the weather looks like before you plan your visit! Throw tomatoes, learn how to use swords, visit one of the many beer gardens/tents, watch live performing pirates and singing/dancing actors, or simply find a spot to sit back and look at all of the creative outfits worn by the workers and spectators. Live jousting takes place at 1PM, 3PM, and 5PM every weekend day the festival is open. The jousting events are definitely a fan favorite. Truth be told, I thought this was the first time I had visited the KC Renaissance Festival but apparently my parents took me and my sister to the festival when were little kids! My sister dressed up as a knight and applauded the jousting. I had dressed up as a princess and fanned over the queens outfits and dresses. I'd highly recommend bringing your kiddos to this festival because it can teach them so much about a life outside of the normal they see everyday. Life used to be like this...can you believe it?!?! There is PLENTY of fun and safe activities for kids to do. There are countless of stands to buy renaissance themed attire like elf ears, wands, knights armor, fairy dresses, horns and fur pelts, handmade jewelry...to name a few. I didn't dress up this year...but next year you better believe I will be going all out in renaissance attire! There are a handful of stands to snag a meal such as a turkey legs, bratwursts, fries and more. Fair warning: the lines can be VERY long. Along with weddings, plan your next birthday party, bachelor/bachelorette party, reunions, graduations, and more. You can also bring your dog (if well behaved and trained). In most cases you can use your card, but I would suggest bringing cash because some stands only accept cash (yes - there is an ATM just in case you forgot...like I did). Want to know more facts? Read their FAQ page! Link to Website Address: 633 N 130th St, Bonner Springs, KS 66012

Are you into spooky thrills and Halloween themed events? You MUST check out the latest and hottest Halloween Pop-Up Bars in Kansas City! There are 4 bars decked out in spooky decorations...how many have you been to?? Rocky Horror Picture Show Pop-Up Bar Enter a dark and red-hued basement of a historic building in the West Bottoms area of Kansas City and enjoy Rocky Horror Picture Show clips and fun-themed drinks. Have you ever tried hotdog flavored vodka? You haven’t?? At the Rocky Horror Picture Film pop-up Halloween themed bar, you can try hotdog flavored vodka and other spooky cocktails! The entire room is decorated with Rocky Horror art and murals. The table is even shaped like a coffin with fun Halloween table decorations Make sure to visit a Halloween Pop-Up Bar before they end! There are several more fun themed pop-up bars through the city…stay tuned for more! Stranger Things Pop-Up Bar Are you a big fan of Stranger Things? This pop up bar is for you! There are some food options if you get hungry such as a slice of surfer boy pizza and demo-dogs. Our favorite drink was the Demogorgon because of the taste andddd the cute demogorgon on the rim! If you haven't tried activated charcoal in a beverage before, try the Master of Puppets drink....interesting! Make your reservations ahead of time in order to secure a spot for you and your group! Beetlejuice Pop-Up Bar This popup bar was located in the Iron District of the North Kansas City area. We had to go during the daytime based on availability but the sun didn't take away the fun at this spooky bar! Enter the Netherworld and sip on some spooky drinks with fake eyes and bones floating on top. The table's favorite cocktail was "Cocktail for the Recently Deceased" (with the eyeball). The Strange and Unusual is....strange unusual...you might grow some hair on your chest after drinking one of these! Make sure to book your reservation ahead of time here. Also, plan your trip to spend time inside of the Iron District (a storage container outdoor bar/patio area). There are plenty of places to grab food as well as shop inside adorable clothing and accessories boutiques. Hocus Pocus Pop-Up Spells, potions, witches, black cats...the Hocus Pocus pop up bar is ready for you to visit! This bar is located in Kansas City, Kansas and is only open until Halloween...time is running out! This pop-up bar offers a food menu with items like chicken tenders, fries, and fried mushrooms. We happened to visit on karaoke night! Kid friendly...but keep your kids safe from the Sanderson Sisters... Reservations are recommended here.

Planning a trip to Costa Rica and not sure where to start? Can't pick between La Fortuna or Tamarindo? We did both on our trip! Out of all of the Central and South American countries I have visited, Costa Rica takes the prize for the prettiest (in my opinion). Looming volcanoes, suspended bridges, dense and colorful rainforests, blue oceans, sandy beaches...I could go on...so let's begin! Where to Stay in La Fortuna: Fortuna's Eco Glamping For only $32 a night you can stay in *the* cutest hut found on Airbnb. The bed is a queen and was big enough to fit 2 adults. There is an outlet and even a fan in the hut for us glampers out there that need the white noise while we are asleep (as if the sound of the rainforest isn't enough LOL). There is a shared area with a kitchenette space, a bar/buffet with high-top tables, a private bathroom with a big walk-in shower, and an adorable hammock area with a firepit. The Wi-Fi is strong, you can see volcanos in the distance, the place is fully fenced in, and there are security cameras on the property. I wouldn't want to have stayed anywhere else on this trip. However, if sleeping in a fancy tent isn't your style, there are plentyyyy of options in La Fortuna on Airbnb. Link to Website La Fortuna Waterfall After walking 530 steps, you will reach the bottom of the La Fortuna Waterfall hike where you will be in awe of the majestic and powerful Rio Fortuna waterfall. Wear closed-toe shoes on this hike to get safely down all of the steps and bring durable water shoes for the rocky path in the waterfall cove! I'd also recommend bringing a waterproof phone case with a strap so you can take pictures while swimming! The hike is self-guided and costs $18 per adult to enter the park area. If you are lucky, you will see a TON of monkeys like we did on our way back up the 530 steps!!! Link to website Night Walk in the Rain Forest We booked and went on our nighttime tour in the rainforest on Airbnb the day that we landed. Just in case we ran into travel issues, we didn't make a reservation until we got there. For $39, we spent 2 hours walking in the rainforest looking at venomous snakes, poisonous spiders, ginormous toads, and many more creepy crawlies. Our tour guide, Brandon, was very knowledgeable about the rainforest and the history of Costa Rica, he made us all feel safe, and knew exactly where to look to show us slimy or creepy surprises. We even made friends all the way in Denmark! 10/10 recommend booking your night walk in the rainforest with Brandon. Link to Website Sloth's Watching Tour & Natural Trail I booked our Sloth's Watching Tour & Natural Trail on Airbnb Experiences for $31 and this was worth every penny. We saw sleepy sloths, impressive ants, colorful birds, and more creepy crawlies on this tour. The sloths look just like moss in the trees and can be hard to spot. Our guide even took spectacular photos of the wildlife on his camera lens for us so we could we the sloths with a closer look. Link to Website Rainforest Chocolate Tour from La Fortuna I booked this tour before we went on our trip through Viator, which is a TripAdvisor company. They also specialize in trips and destinations but also reservations. We booked our Rainforest Chocolate Tour for $30 at 8AM. We were shown how chocolate was harvested, dried, roasted, grinded, and brewed into a liquid delectable chocolate. On this hands on experience, you can grind the chocolate and try as much chocolate as you would like at the cholate flavoring station. Try orange and amaretto in the chocolate...wow! While walking around the chocolate farm looking at how the chocolate grow, keep an eye out for sloths in the trees! Link to Viator (a TripAdvisor company) Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges is very popular in the La Fortuna area because of the stunning view of the volcano, countless hanging bridges, and a hike through the rainforest. We even got to see monkeys in the trees! Mistico park even offers guided tours and night tours. This experience was $27 per adult. (p.s. - make sure you wear closed-toe shoes). Tabacon Natural Hot Springs Sit back and relax in natural hot springs in Tabacon (a few miles outside of La Fortuna). Did I mention this activity is free??? There are a handful of natural hot springs in the area that you can pay to relax in, but this is one that is completely open to the public (except for parking if you drove yourself). There are little pools in the stream that you can laydown or sit down in. Families brought pinic baskets and food to stya the whole day, but we were only there a couple of hours. Your total time there totally depends on how much time you have and how much you love natural hot springs, p.s. Don't forget to pack your waterproof phone case with a strap to this location either. Paradise Hot Springs Want to relax in a natural hot spring after a long day of hiking or taking excursions in the rainforest surrounding La Fortuna and Tabacon? Visit a hot spring to unwind and sip on a cocktail of your choice! We went with the Pina Colada and Strawberry Daquiri...so fresh! Although we only ordered drinks at Paradise Hot Springs, there is a lovely restaurant located here. They even have live bands come and play! Where to Stay in Tamarindo Selina Hostel Selina Hostel is such a fun place to stay! There is a beautiful pool to swim in, the Wi-Fi is strong (there were plenty of people working remote/on their laptops during the day), the property is super clean, and there are plenty of fun activities to partake in such as surfing, paddle boarding, day of arrival shots, karaoke, and much more. We didn't stay in the bunkbed style of housing at this hostel, so we paid a little extra to have a private area. Link to Website Sunset Sailing Tour on Ti Marouba Catamaran in Tamarindo Sunset Sailing Tour on Ti Marouba Catamaran in Tamarindo would be a 10/10 recommendation from me if you can handle being on the ocean for part of the day. The tickets online show $85 but we paid $75 on the beach the morning before the boat was about to take off because there was a little room left....I'm SO glad we did. During this trip, you can enjoy free alcoholic beverages while enjoying the stunning Costa Rican views. Part way through the trip, we stopped on a private beach to swim, take a paddle board or kayak out for spin, put on some of their snorkeling gear to look for fishies in the water, or go to the beach to relax. We even enjoyed a spectacular meal with a chip and salsa appetizer. Link to Trip Advisor Surf or Paddle Board If you have never been surfing before, Costa Rica is a great spot to try it out! I am no pro at surfing but I love to try every time. We rented our surfboard and paddleboard from our hostel for $25 but you can also book surf lessons on your Airbnb app if you want to really get some great experience. I love paddle boarding but had never actually tried paddle boarding on an ocean...much wavier than a lake or pond (LOL) until this trip. Give it a try! Go Out in Downtown Tamarindo Tamarindo is definitely known for it's nightlife. Adults of all ages enjoy the buzz and feel of downtown Tamarindo when the sun goes down. We went to Pacifico Bar two nights in a row because of how much fun we had. We happened to go on a big Day of the Dead themed night party. Another fun bar to go was The Alley where we tried to partake in the beer pong tournament. Need a place to eat in Costa Rica? This post has it all covered! We booked a car for our trip. If you plan on only going to La Fortuna or only to Tamarindo/near the beach, you don't necessarily need to rent a car.

From spectacular trails, to countless natural springs, to the unique charm of walking up and down the streets of downtown Eureka Springs. There is plenty of activities and "must see's" to keep you busy during your stay in Eureka Springs. Lake Leatherwood 10/10 recommend visiting Lake Leatherwood during your visit in Eureka Springs. This park has unbelievably beautiful trails and plenty of fun activities like paddle boarding, kayaking, campfires, playgrounds and more. We walked on the trails all the way up to the dam...we even saw two snakes! This park is dog friendly, kid/family friendly and a cute spot for couples to visit. Pivot Rock & Natural Bridge We had a GREAT time at Pivot Rock & Natural Bridge in Eureka Springs. Add this quick trail to your "must-do's" in the area! It's a quick trail and there is a small fee, but it is really pretty & dog friendly if you brought your furry friend. Make sure to take a look in the visitors shop before you go. Thorncrown Chapel Thorncrown Chapel is a MUST SEE in Eureka Springs. The serene feeling inside the chapel is surreal! Beautiful views and plenty of parking. We brought our dog and took turns going inside. Free to go inside but they take donations. You can also get married there...stunning! Onyx Cave Park Onyx Cave is a popular place to visit in Eureka Springs. Add this stop to your list! Budget friendly and very informative. Headsets were wiped down after each use. We went during the weekend day and the wait wasn't too long. There is plenty to see in the gift shop...make sure to take a look! Inspiration Point You can’t visit Eureka Springs without stopping by Inspiration Point! The view from this spot is stunning. This is a perfect place to stop if you have a dog on your trip with you as well! Look at the view & breathe in the fresh air at Inspiration Point. Antique Shops While you are driving between sights and landmarks, there are plenty of antique shops along the road to stop in and shop. They are SO many unique pieces at these roadside stores. Stroll Through Downtown Eureka You could spend all day walking through downtown Eureka Springs. There is SO much to do! If you are taking a stroll: you MUST stop at these places. Basin Spring Park You have to visit Basin Spring Park while visiting Eureka Springs because it is one of the main (among many) springs in the area. Climb to the top to see the spring as well as a beautiful view of the city! Grab an ice cream cone or snack from one of the many shops located by the park and enjoy the day! Eureka Charcuterie Grab a dessert crepe at Eureka Charcuterie! Warm crepes, unique jams & jellies, flavorful meat, tasty cheese, dips, chips & crackers, snacks, jarred mustards, pickled vegetables, & more. Eureka Charcuterie is a great place to visit if you are looking for snacks or gifts, having guests over for dinner or a party, or simply looking to shop somewhere unique in the downtown area. We ordered a warm crepe with fresh strawberries and homemade creme. We also purchased a bag of unbelievably spicy pork rinds. Make sure to stop here while shopping in downtown Eureka Springs! Sugar & Spite Candy for dessert?? Not your typical candy store: Sugar & Spite has plenty of tasty & fun options! Snag a handful of your classics: War Heads, taffy, Air Heads, Hershey products & more. If you are feeling like trying something new: try a PB&J chocolate bar, cucumber Pringle's, prepared shredded squid, Jubes & or literally anything else in the store. Even if candy isn't your thing, you have to stop inside Sugar & Spite while shopping downtown Eureka Springs! Silly Chile If you are a spicy/hot/heat fan..you have to visit Silly Chile in Eureka Springs. Popcorn toppings, sauces, dips, powders, merch & more...plenty of heat options! No pictures inside the store. Where to Eat: Anglers If you are looking for a place to grab a bite that isn't located in the busy area of downtown Eureka Springs and don't mind a quick scenic drive, grab food at Anglers! I enjoyed my catfish and shrimp combo and my date loved the salmon and mashed potatoes. If you are looking to start with an appetizer...try the fried okra! The wait was super quick. You are in luck if you get to sit on the patio because it is beautiful! Main Street Cafe Looking for a brunch spot in Eureka Springs?? Main Street Cafe is THE place to go! Start your morning off with a hot cup of coffee and a class of cold milk! The country ham was spectacular. I also had a side of homemade shredded potatoes, 2 over easy eggs, and a juicy biscuit. The omelet was amazing as well. We didn't make a reservation and got in time before the line. Regardless of the wait..totally worth it! Amigos Amigos is a great spot to go if you are craving some Mexican food, chips & salsa, and/or a cold margarita. After a long day of walking around downtown Eureka Springs, the margarita flight hit the spot! I didn't get pictures of my plate (too hungry), but the I'd recommend trying the Stevens Special or the Maria's Taco Platter. You also can't go with with their enchiladas or the queso dip. Eureka Springs Coffee House Best place to grab coffee in downtown Eureka Springs! We ordered the smoked ham & cheddar omelette and the Razorback omelette..both were so large and tasty (we had to take a lot to go). Both sides, the grits & potatoes, tasted fantastic. We also ordered some coffee, hot and cold. The place is pretty busy, but you can order on your phone and pick it up when it's ready. The inside is super clean & the staff is also very friendly! Looking for more places to eat in Eureka Springs or Fayetteville? Read more!

Have you ever heard of the Pecan Festival in Brunswick, Missouri? If not, let me introduce you to it! Brunswick: a small farm town with a whole lot of charm! I may be a little biased...maybe because my parents grew up there and own a country store that serves tasty meals at Grand River Marketplace. Maybe because I love all of the cute shops on Broadway that you could spend a whole day going in and out of. Maybe because I love the feeling of being in the country every once in a while. Regardless...I ALWAYS make a trip to Brunswick, Missouri for their annual Pecan Festival. This year the event will be held on Friday, September 30th to Sunday, October 2nd, 2022 with the theme of Horsing Around at the 42nd Pecan Festival. The "main" day that tourists or family coming back home will come in town for the festival on is Saturday because the parade starts downtown at 2pm. Saturday is a packed day: parade, vendors/street market, talent contest, ax throwing, pecan pie contest, teen dance, and more. Check out the Pecan Festival Facebook page since it is updated frequently with new information and event details! You can be walking around for hours looking at all of the vendors, booths, and adorable stores that line the main road, Broadway. You can find items like fresh baked goods, small boutique clothing/accessories, jars of homemade BBQ, variety of pecan options, and art. There are also plenty of food trucks and stands to purchase delicious meals and snacks at! If you are looking to spice up your fall wardrobe, step inside Honey Bee-tique. If you are looking for antiques to take home, step inside The Grove. Kaitlyn's is a great place to grab some ice cream on a hot day or a slice of their unbelievable homemade cheesecake. A trip to Brunswick cannot be complete without stopping by King Hill Farms to purchase fresh produce and pick out your favorite pumpkins, mums, and fall decorations! Of course...you can't forget to take your time shopping inside of Grand River Marketplace, which has a variety of items like candy, baked goods, pecans, canned/jarred jellies and jams, fresh produce, fresh pastries, pickled goods, salsa, craft drinks and SO MUCH MORE. P.S. - Make sure to take a picture at the "World's Largest Pecan" mini-park off the west side of Broadway. I hope to see you there!

Fall is here and that means so is pumpkin spiced ~everything~, pumpkin patches, corn mazes, piles of racked leaves, crackling bonfires, warm smores, fun Fall festivities, and last but not least...football! I frequently go back and forth on which season is my favorite...Spring or Fall?!?! If you live in or around the Kansas City area, there are a handful of spots to get family fall pictures, go on cute dates, let your kids play on a farm, or crush some fall food/desserts...yum! Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch Dates: September 17 - October 31, 2022 Address: 17607 NE 52nd St, Liberty, MO 64068 Carolyn's is well known attraction in Kansas City and the surrounding areas because of all of the fun activities to take part in. Take a ride on the wagon out to the pumpkin patch to pick your favorite! Carolyn's is a perfect fall destination to bring your family to. There are COUNTLESS things for kids to do such as jumping on the large jumping pads/pillows, race the pedal carts on the race track, slide down the mega slide, play in the corn corral packed to the brim with corn kernels, or check out the adorable animals in the petting farm....and that is just to name a few! Link to Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch Website The Fun Farm Dates: September 16 - October 31, 2022 Address: 650 N Jefferson St, Kearney, MO 64060 I have only been to the Fun Farm for their annual Tulip Festival...so I am HIGHLY looking forward to visiting The Fun Farm for their fall festivities. With over 30+ attractions spread out on 300 acres and located only 25 minutes outside of Kansas city, your day will be completely packed with fun activities at the Fun Farm. U-pick apples, U-pick pumpkins, giant slides, corn pits, hayrides, tractor swings, and so much more. There are plenty of jungle gyms and playsets for kids to climb on throughout the whole farm. There are also plenty of concession stands to grab food, drinks, or snacks at during your visit. Listen to live music or take your time exploring through the corn maze...the Fun Farm is your oyster! Link to the Fun Farm Website Louisburg Cider Mill Dates: Open all year round - see website for details. Address: 14730 K-68 Hwy, Louisburg, KS 66053 Apple cider...apple cider...apple cider...need I say more??? Louisburg Cider Mill has a variety of apple flavored/spiced goods! Your trip here is not complete without a cup of warm apple cider and a bag of the apple donuts. Their country store has apple butter, homemade jams and jellies, kitchen supplies/tools to create your own apple dish, craft sodas, snacks, and more! You can even see through the glass into the kitchen and watch as the donuts get made. On the other side of the farm, kids can play on playsets, jump on the large jumping pads/pillows, pet and feed the animals at the petting zoo, snack on some kettle corn, and play in the corn maze. You can even pick your own pumpkins and ride on the wagon. Link to Louisburg Cider Mill Website The Great Pumpkin Fest at World's of Fun Dates: September 17 - October 30, 2022 Address: 4545 Worlds of Fun Ave, Kansas City, MO 64161 Want to go to World's of Fun and do more than ride rides and eat food? There are plenty of fun activities and games to participate in a the Great Pumpkin Fest at World's of Fun. There are costume contests, dance parties, trick-or-treat and more! You'll have to visit the pumpkin patch and haybale maze! Want to paint or make crafts? There's a table for that too! Don't forget about the petting farm full of cute animals. Link to the Great Pumpkin Fest Event at World's of Fun River Market The River Market is a popular and well-known spot to visit in Kansas City for both tourists and locals. During the fall time, the River Market is decorated with fall displays, pumpkins, and more. Visit the River Market on a Saturday or Sunday morning to enjoy the vendors and their creations. There are also tables stacked with antiques! Dates: Days/Hours - see website below Address: River Market, Kansas City, MO Link to the River Market Website KC Wine Co KC Wine Co Vineyards is a little bit of a drive away from Kansas City, but the drive is totally worth it! Beautiful vines such as the ones found at the KC Wine Co vineyards can't grow right in the city as much as we may dream. I love visiting KC Wine Co with my friends and on dates/couple dates. There are outdoor games like cornhole and there are always fun food trucks there. KC Wine Co does a great job at updating their Facebook page events...fun ones such as Fried Pickles & Slushies night...yum! Visit KC Wine Co during the fall to listen to live music, play Halloween themed trivia and games, visit the pumpkin patch, and of course...drink their tasty wine! Dates: See website for days/hours Address: 13875 S Gardner Rd #1, Olathe, KS 66061 Link to the KC Wine CO Website Faulkners Ranch Faulkners Ranch is a family-friendly and fun-packed pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and corn maze. This ranch is located on a 25 acre farm in Kansas City (out near Lee'a Summit). Pumpkins, apple cider (spike it with their caramel vodka), donuts, friendly goats to feed and countless creative games and fall activities...you don't want to miss out on this farm in KC! Address: 10600 Raytown Rd, Kansas City, MO 64134 Link to Website Apple Festival in Weston, MO This year the Apple Festival in Weston, MO will be held on October 1st, 2022...which is right around the corner. There is SO much to do in Weston, Missouri. There are a handful of wineries, breweries, and distilleries to visit or even take a tour. You MUST try an apple dumpling while you are at the festival...the trip will not be complete without one! Although not located extremely close to Kansas City, Weston is a quick drive away from downtown and is worth the drive. Start planning your trip now! Dates: October 1, 2022 Address: Downtown Weston, Missouri Link to the Apple Festival

Looking where to eat in Tamarindo or La Fortuna in Costa Rica? This post is for you! Not only do I have a list of where to eat, but I have also added in top spots for fun drinks and inviting atmospheres. Tamarindo Starting off with Tamarindo. A hot spot to visit right by the beach! Surfing, snorkeling, riding catamarans, horseback riding on the beach, deep sea fishing....need I add more fun things to do in Tamarindo?? There is PLENTY to do while you are in Tamarindo, so you will want to have an idea of where to eat while you are there. Jardin Tamarindo Food Truck Park This fun & tasty food truck park is located right by the beach and has plenty of options to chose from. Between Mexican, Jamaican, American, sweets & more…you can’t go wrong with ordering from any of the trucks. There are even cute stands to shop at, games for kids & adults, and spots to take pictures. Make sure to visit here while you are in Tamarindo! Ay Caramba We visited Ay Caramba after a long day at the beach. The complimentary chips and salsa were a surprise and very tasty! I had just gotten a quesadilla because my stomach wasn’t feeling too great, but it was amazing and totally hit the spot! The Pico was unbelievably fresh. The fish tacos are massive...you can’t go wrong ordering those! Heladeria Enjoy We stopped at Enjoy Italian Gelato ice cream shop on the way to the Liberia airport and the stop was totally worth it! I mixed the Oreo and coffee ice cream with a cone. Delicious! There are plenty of flavors to pick from. You can also order a handmade Italian sandwich for the ride! I highly recommend stopping here on your trip from Tamarindo to Liberia Airport. Bar Imperial - Multiple Locations Order an imperial beer, fun cocktail, or the Costa Rican Chiliguaro specialty shot…can’t go wrong with either option. We also order the nachos while waiting for our flight...delicious! There are plenty of spots to try an Imperial beer. There are also a handful of Bar Imperial restaurants to visit in the area as well. Tama Onda Tama Onda is located right along side the beach in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. You can see the restaurant while you are on the beach if you look for the large Harley Davidson signs. Along with tasty dishes and cold drinks, you can even watch a fire show if you show up on the right night! I was not feeling super great so I had ordered the kids macaroni and cheese (LOL). Don't shame me...it was still delicious! Of course we couldn't enjoy the meal without the 2 for 1 Happy Hour beverages and the traditional Costa Rican shot: Chiliguaro. 10/10 recommend! Palapa Restaurant, Beachside Palapa was the first sit down restaurant we visited on our day of arrival. I could not believe how beautiful the beach and views looked from our beachside table. I had ordered the shrimp curry which had everyone at the table wanting to try it! Not only was the presentation a 10/10, but the flavors in the meal itself earned this plate the best curry I've ever had. We had also ordered the fried calamari for an appetizer. Palapa also offers 2 for 1 happy hour drinks if you are feeling up to the challenge! La Fortuna There are countless fun activities in La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Some of my top memories from La Fortuna include sloth tours, natural hot springs, nighttime hikes, waterfalls, screeching monkeys, chocolate and cocoa tours...just to name a few! Just like Tamarindo, there are so many activities to fill you itinerary while in La Fortuna. Want to know some top spots to grab dinner or drinks? Let's start with Lava Lounge! Lava Lounge The Lava Lounge was located right near our AirBnB, so it was a quick walk and option to pick! We went for lunch before our Sloth Tour that started at 1PM. I had ordered a breakfast quesadilla that was served with unbelievably fresh Pico de Gallo, avocados, and sliced watermelon. The quesadilla was big enough to keep me full during the tour. There were plenty of brunch dishes to pick from as well. Start your morning off with a fruity mimosa or cold Corona...whichever you prefer! Stop by the Lava Lounge for a meal with a spacious and clean environment. Paradise Hot Springs Want to relax in a natural hot spring after a long day of hiking or taking excursions in the rainforest surrounding La Fortuna and Tabacon? Visit a hot spring to unwind and sip on a cocktail of your choice! We went with the Pina Colada and Strawberry Daquiri...so fresh! Although we only ordered drinks at Paradise Hot Springs, there is a lovely restaurant located here. They even have live bands come and play! Spectacolar Cantina Looking for the top tacos in La Fortuna? Check out Spectacolar in La Fortuna! The elote was decked with sauce & spices…I ordered two! The salsa was fresh and so were the ingredients on the tacos. The beverages are cold and hit the spot after a long day of touring and exploring. The environment is so spacious! Try the shawarma if you have the time and hankering for it. Arabigos Coffee House Are you looking for a place to get breakfast or brunch in La Fortuna? Arabigos has fresh breakfast plates that anyone will enjoy. The spiced potatoes tasted amazing and the over-easy eggs were prepared perfectly. I would recommend that you try Arabigos while in La Fortuna! Try a warm coffee or pastry while you are there too! Open, specious environment with great service that will provide tips on what to do in the area! Volcano Steakhouse Volcano Steakhouse was right next to our Airbnb, but that's not the only reason why this was a quick pick for dinner the night we arrived in La Fortuna. The open space dining and overall atmosphere was inviting after a long day of travel. The servers were super friendly and suggested top items on their dinner and drink menu. You have to their 2 for 1 happy hour deal if you are there in time! The guac appetizer was unbelievably fresh. I had ordered the salmon and my friend had ordered the fish...it took up the whole plate! Fusion Latina Fusion Latina is also located right downtown from La Fortuna and was a quick walk from our Airbnb. This spot can be found right behind the Volcano Steakhouse. We had dinner at the Volcano Steakhouse and walked to Fusion Latina for drinks with our new friends made. We enjoyed the Chiliguaro shots (Costa Rican favorite shot) as well as their green tea shot. Although we only grabbed drinks, Fusion Latina has a full menu, fun environment, and friendly staff. That's all for now! I hope this post helped you find a place to eat or grab a drink in La Fortuna. If you haven't visited yet, I hope you add some of these places to your list/agenda. Reach out for any questions/advice while traveling in Costa Rica!

When I think of long rows of Tulips in a large field I instantly picture Amsterdam in my head. I have only seen and heard such great things about the tulip field in Amsterdam. If you live in the United States, going to visit Amsterdam to just see some flowers may not be everyone's cup of tea BUT you can find some amazing tulip fields in mid-Missouri! Introducinggggggg: The Fun Farm in Kearny, Missouri! The Fun Farm is located in Kearny, Missouri which is a quick drive from downtown Kansas City. I had NO idea that a farm in the middle of the United States could offer so much beauty! Inside of the Tulip fields, you will find an adorable, classic bike to pose in front of, countless tractors to sit on, a decorated bench, and even toddler rocking chairs hidden in the rows to take pictures of your little ones on! Not only does The Fun Farm host their own Tulip Festival, they also have countless other seasonal events such as a Strawberry Festival, a Blooms & Butterflies Festival, and a Fall Festival which includes pumpkin picking, a large corn maze, apple picking, a stretching sunflower field to take pictures in, and so much more! The Fun Farm has slides, jungle gyms, unique bathrooms that look like grain bins, countless swings, outdoor games, field trampolines, slides, and even more fun activities for kids to participate in. If I had kiddos, I would DEFINITELY bring them to The Fun Farm during one of their seasonal events! Tip: Make sure your phone is very well charged!! There is SO much to do at The Fun Farm but my phone died and I wasn't able to capture all of the exciting activities and games this farm has on its lot. There are plenty of concession stands inside of the The Fun Farm that you can buy food, drinks, and snacks from while you are there. There is even a country store with some of their merchandise inside the big barn that you will exit from as you leave the farm. The Fun Farm in Kearny is not the only Tulip Festival that I would recommend visiting during their tulip season....visit the Tulip Time Festival in Pella, Iowa. The Tulip Time Festival in Pella has SO many activities going on in the small town. You could be there all day! Bars, parades, delicious food trucks and local restaurants, and games.

Visiting Egypt and looking for somewhere to eat?? Let me help!! I visited Egypt in 2022 and ate at some spectacular spots. I have only listed where I have ate at in Egypt...there are PLENTY of options once you are there. Don't be afraid to try something new! 9 Pyramids Lounge Address: Al Giza Desert, Giza Governorate, Egypt 9 Pyramids Lounge is THE place to eat a meal at because it has a perfect view of the Pyramids. It is close to where everyone hops on camels or four-wheelers for an adventure! at 9 Pyramids Lounge, you can expect to experience fresh bread being made, the most delectable dishes, and great service. There are even some colorful outdoor seats that you can sit on and get a great photo in front of the pyramids. I highly suggest making a reservation before you go! If you can't get ahold of the restaurant via phone or Facebook and you happen to have a tour guide while you are there, see if they can make a reservation for you. Link to Facebook for 9 Pyramids Lounge Cairo Night Dinner Cruise on Andrea Memphis A two hour cruise on the Nile River with a live folklore band, a belly-dancing shows, views of Cairo and a BUFFET of Egyptian food?? Count me in! You can experience this spectacular dinner cruise on the Andrea boat for $40. You can also request being pick-up and dropped-off at your hotel if you are looking for a way to get there! (keep in mind that Egypt also has Uber to get you around). Fresh baked bread, tasty hummus, meatballs that make you want to go back for more, and an unlimited amount of desserts...need I say more??? There are plenty of links on the internet that you can use to book your reservation for the Dinner Cruise on Andrea...here are some! Link to Book a Reservation 1 Link to Book a Reservation 2 Link to Book a Reservation 3 Bey Steakhouse Address: Multiple Locations - St.، MOHANDESEEN،، 16 Mohammed Kamel Moursy, Giza Governorate, Egypt I cannot say YUMMMM enough times. Your dinner is started off with bread and a unique dip. I started with a Greek Salad, but you could easily eat the salad for your main entree....but I was ready to try a little bit of everything. The Greek Salad was packed with fresh ingredients! I had ordered the mushroom and steak dinner for my main course. For my side, I had picked their alfredo pasta. I did NOT leave hungry at all. I was soooo full and happy with everything that I ordered. If you are craving a delicious steak in Egypt, I would recommend taking a stop here! Link to Steak Out Opia Lounge and Bar Address: Located inside the Ramses Hilton Hotel - 1115 Nile Corniche, Sharkas, Bulaq, Cairo Governorate, Egypt Opia Lounge & Bar is located on the top floor of the Ramses Hilton Hotel. This bar has a spectacular view of the city & the Nile River. We had ordered the freshest Strawberry Mojitos I have ever had. They even provide small snacks for the table to nibble on while enjoying company and sipping on delightful drinks! We had gone to Opia later in the night so we didn't order food off of the menu, but they do offer some plates to order if you are interested in doing so! Link to Opia Lounge and Bar Facebook Food ETC: There are a TON of food stands throughout Cairo. If you are running short on time or need to grab a quick snack, stop by one of the stands and try something new! I had never tried the Ulker breakfast/snack bar before but absolutely loved it! If you are also short on time and need to simply grab a meal from the hotel...don't worry! There are days where your schedule may be pushed a bit or your meals may get moved around based on activities or travel time and that is OKAY! I had ordered room service at the Ramses Hilton Hotel and the meal did not disappoint. ps - stop by a McDonalds in Egypt! I know...I know....how could you eat at a chain fast food restaurant while abroad??? I LOVE eating at McDonalds around the globe because the marketing and menu options entrigue me! The company adds menu options based on the market segment! The fries at the McDonald's in Egypt....are steak fries!

The city of BBQ, Jazz, fountains, and......ART! There is no better way to show off all of the amazing local artists in Kansas City other than the newest art addition: Kansas City's' Parade of Hearts. Fun fact: there are 155 hearts throughout the Kansas City area....wild! If you live in or near Kansas City you have probably seen hearts everywhereeee you go! Union Station & Crown Center Area We are With You: To start off my list of Hearts in KC, I am highlighting the heart in front of the World War 1 Museum dedicated to Ukraine: We Are With You. There was 154 until the new addition was added to the list in support of Ukraine. Because of the meaning behind the artwork, this heart is my favorite in the city. Hope Blooms: The Hope Blooms heart is located right in front of the World War 1 Museum. There are two right next to each other that you can knock out at the same time! Home & Culture And Time Are Non-Linear Take a day trip to Union Station in downtown Kansas City! While you are there, you will get to see 2 hearts outfront. The first one is called Home and has a beautifully intricate painting of Union Station and the skyline in the back. The second heart is called Culture and Time are Non-Linear and it has so much detail in the artwork when you see it in person. Home is Where the Heart Is: I am apart of a phenomenal service and literacy organization called Altrusa (interested in joining?? click this link)! We stitch hearts and put together goodie bags for the Ronald McDonald House Charities in KC. The Home is Where the Heart is sculpture was actually the very first heart I took a picture with! Stop by the Ronald McDonald House in Kansas City to get a picture with this heart. Bring any pop tabs to donate in the bin behind the heart while you are there! Berkley Riverfront, River Mark, & Downtown Ma'Homes Town: This amazing Patrick Mahomes heart is located at the Berkley Riverfront. I thought this was such a creative way to decorate a heart! A lot of kiddos love to look at this heart...I wonder, why?!?! KC Hive Heart: My travel companion, Hendrick, played for hours at BarK - the outdoor dog park and bar located right off of the Berkley Riverfront. He had to make a grand appearance in one of my photos! Fil-Am: Spending a day at the Kansas City Market?? The Fil-Am heart is right by the River Market in front of the Town of Kansas Bridge Port. I love the airplane in the middle of the K and C! El Salvador in KC: Located inside of the Kansas City River Market and in front of the Steamboat Arabia Museum you will find the El Salvador in KC heart. Buy some local goods and snag a picture at this colorful heart! The Making Of Memories - Growing Up In KCK” The Making of Memories - Growing Up in KCK heart is also inside of the River Market area! Make sure to stop at this heart while you are in the area! North Kansas City & The Northland Hands We Hold When Dust Turns To Gold: If you are looking for a fun-filled afternoon having tasty drinks and playing pickleball, go to Chicken N Pickle in the Northland of Kansas City. The Hands We Hold When Dust Turns to Gold heart is in front of the Chicken N Pickle entrance. City of Fountains: The city of Fountains heart can also be found at Macken Park in the Northland of Kansas City. Spash, splash...welcome to the City of Fountains with over 200 fountains! South Plaza, Brookside & Waldo Confluence: The Confluence heart can be found in the Waldo area...my favorite spot! Waldo is simply my favorite are in Kansas City because this was the first area I truly called "home" in the city. This heart is very detailed and has a map of the area. Better Together - Empowering Each Other Located at the Alexander Majors Historic Museum, you will find this stunning heart called Better Together - Empowering Each Other. Prior to going to this heart, I had no idea this museum was in Kansas City! If you are coming to this heart, I would suggest coming while they are offering tours in the museum! Overland Park Downtown Overland Park - InterUrban ArtHouse Divisionary The Divisionary is located in front of the InterUrban ArtHouse and has a grid of bricks and warehouse style windows. "To have healing for a stronger community, a healthier community. I care a lot about the health of the city, and I want to see that in Kansas City. My heart is there to illustrate my desire and hope for our city." 4 Between I-435 and 135th St. The Fields of Hearts, Out Heart to Theirs, Sweet KC, & Forever KC In order, starting the list of Overland Park hearts we have The Field of Hearts at 11701 Metcalf Ave. Our Heart to Theirs is the second heart in the pictures below and is located at 11901 Quivira Rd. The third heart, Sweet KC, is located at 8302 W. 125th St. The last heart is called Forever KC and is located at 7100 W. 119th St. South KC MO Home of the Brave Veterans Community Project is located at 8900 Troost Ave, Kansas City, MO 64131. While you are visiting this heart, I encourage you to learn more about VCP and tour the Village and the model tiny house. Tours are held on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. As a member of Altrusa in Greater Kansas City, I have had the privilege to tour the tiny homes at VCP (if you are interested in joining Altrusa, click here). Here is a link where you can donate to VCP. Mission, Prairie Village, & Leawood Grateful, KC Conquering Cancer, & Heart of Gold - All in Mission, KC All three of these hearts are located fairly close to each other, especially KC Conquering Cancer and Heart of Gold! I am a BIG fan of the KC Conquering Cancer heart in Mission, KS because of the meaning behind it: "The piece will have the KC Heart with a base coat in gold, which is the awareness color for Childhood Cancer. This disease is devastating to families and this piece starts with the importance of never having children dying from cancer. The heart is also covered with all 24 cancer awareness colors in a splattered, abstract form, again in acrylics. The colors will be vivid and numerous as they intertwine in a chaotic effect." - Lynn Meredith, Author. We Are Better Together - Prairie Village, Kansas Sunny Days & Grow Together - Both in Leawood, Kansas Kearny, Missouri Kansas City in Film This heart can be found north of Kansas City in Kearny, Missouri. This heart has pictures of beautiful KC in film. This heart may be difficult to get to since it is not exactly in KC, but if you visit Kearny, I highly suggest taking your family to The Fun Farm - read my latest review of The Fun Farm here! This link is AMAZING! It has a map and a list of every single heart in KC! I hope you come & see them while you can! I will update my list of hearts as I visit omre! Stayed tuned....

Strang Hall is getting its' VERY OWN review. Let's talk about how FUN and TASTY Strang Hall is. Located in Overland Park is a culinary adventure with several options to enjoy. Similar to The Parlor in Kansas City or Ponce City Market in Atlanta, you will find a lively hall consisting of a variety of dishes. This exciting and hip new restaurant was named after the founder of the Overland Park, Kansas area: William B. Strang. Strang Hall currently has 6 restaurants to choose from along with a full bar! One restaurant hasn't been opened yet but is coming soon. There is plenty of seating inside of the building along with a large outdoor seating area with games! We went on a nice, sunny day and enjoyed our food and drinks while watching kids and adults play cornhole (or bags if you prefer LOL). The six restaurants include: Anousone (Southeast Asian), Fenix (Tacos reborn), Minglewood (New American), Solstice (Seasonally fresh dishes), Norcini (Craft pizzas & sandwiches), and Tora Zushi (Inspired itame & sushi). Pictured below: Tacos (KC Taco, Chilango Beef, & Hot Chicken Taco) from Fenix. Farmer Nachos (basically loaded fries) from Minglewood. Side of Macaroni & Cheese from Norcini. Chicken Meatballs and a delicious Ice Cream Sandwich from Minglewood. I would say there is one specific dish to try while you are here...but everything we ate was spectacular! If you have a big group, order the Farmer Nachos so everyone can get a taste. Finish off with the Ice Cream Sandwich...while supplies last that day! Address: 7313 W 80TH ST OP, KS Link to Strang Hall Website

YEP! You read that correctly...I enjoyed a day at the Testicle Festival in Weston, MO on Saturday, April 16. Fried cow nuts (aka: Rocky Mountain Oysters), live music, beer, & cigars...how could this not be an interesting experience?! Disappointed you missed it? Fear not! This was the First Annual Testicle Festival located in the Weston Burley House hosted by the Weston Patriots Club. I have a strong feeling this event will take place again next year! The line for the Rocky Mountain Oyster buffet was looped around allllll the way outside the entrance. So many eager folks ready to chow down on some Rocky Mountain Oysters. Fun Fact: I went to my first Testicle Festival when I was in highschool! I forced a group of my friends to come with me to this event simply because I saw a billboard advertising it on my way to an away sports game. The festival was in Olean, Missouri and the day was packed with fun! They had booths, vendors, and other food trucks (for the "less adventurous" folk). The Testicle Festival in Olean, Missouri has been cancelled the past few years due to Covid. I believe their last festival was celebrating their 25th anniversary - check out the link here. I'm hoping they will start back up again soon! The buffet at the Weston, MO Testicle Festival had fried cow nuts & jalapeno fries served with your choice between several BBQ options. Can you BELIEVE the event had four THOUSAND pounds of cow nuts ready to fry up?? The live music was performed kicked off with Damian McCarthy from O'Malley's Pub followed up by Outlaw Jim & The Whiskey Benders as the headliners. The ticket was $30 & this included entrance into the event along with the rocky mountain oyster & fries dish (they also had Pulled Pork if you can't bring yourself to try fried cow nuts LOL). I am hoping this event takes place next year for the second time! I would love to see more booths, games, and possibly more vendors next year as well - a full on festival! Nonetheless, I had an interesting time at the Weston, MO Testicle Festival & I would highly suggest giving it a try! p.s. - plan to spend a whole day in Weston, MO! Take a walk through their downtown! There are plenty of restaurants to enjoy a delicious meal at. There are even a few places to snag ice cream and candy for dessert! Be sure to stop at McCormick on Main.