Picnic on the beach?

A Destin(ation) Wedding!

We had the privilege to attend our dear friends' matrimonial union this weekend, and had quite an adventure!  We were eagerly awaiting this event, but it seemed like obstacle after obstacle kept presenting themselves in order to challenge us from getting to their wedding.  There are no direct flights to Destin, Florida (where the wedding was being held) and we were a little nervous traveling with our new small human who was 3 months old.  She was actually a good little thing on the flights, but flying with an infant is so much more exhausting - especially when you start at 3AM!  We did find a stellar deal on airline tickets and after discovering we could fly from New Orleans to LAX for only $80, we jumped at the chance to see NOLA on this trip as it is only a 4 hour drive from Destin and we have no idea when we would have the time or come up with the resources again to see that area.  So that is how our original single city jaunt turned into a fun, whirlwind, multi-city mini road trip.

We have never been to Destin, Florida which is on the pan-handle Gulf of Mexico and I myself had never even heard the city.  Not knowing what to expect, when I hear "Pan-handle" I imagine brackish water and college co-eds at Spring Break.  I was so wrong!  The wedding was held at a beautiful house right on the beach and the beach was amazing.  White sand so powdery it seemed impossible, water of the perfect temperature that we couldn't resist dipping in our toes (ok fine, going up to my thighs!) and had to refrain from diving in head first (seeing as it was dusk, October, a wedding and we were wearing clothes).  The wedding was beautiful, well organized and classy.  YES, you newlyweds, we called YOUR wedding classy and didn't use a K!  Food was yummy, drinks were flowing, games were awesome (can we say GIANT JENGA and CORNHOLE?!) and the DJ was kickin'! All in all, it was the perfect wedding.  We headed out to New Orleans the next morning, and since we had arrived right before the wedding time on the day of, we didn't get to enjoy the beach - something I really wish we could have.  It was too cool that Sunday morning anyways to really beach lounge, but maybe we will be back one day.

Weasku Inn

If you are ever staying in Grant's Pass, OR, definitely consider the Weasku Inn. It's a great place to stay while doing that long drive between Los Angeles and Seattle - or just for a get away!  Located on the south side of town, right on the Rogue River, there are various rooms and small cabins to choose from on this quaint and beautiful property.  We were lucky enough to be upgraded to a a charming cabin with a private deck complete with rustic rocking chairs and a fantastic view of the river.  The staff were amazing; friendly, happy and accommodating, helping us and providing a pack'n'play for our little 8 month old.  Upon check in, we were offered horderves and local wine in the main lodge area.  Fresh baked cookies were put out at 7PM for the guests and a stellar continental breakfast complete with fresh scones, homemade cinnamon rolls and country biscuits and gravy were ready and waiting in the morning.  After discovering an eagles' nest, dipping our toes in the river and traipsing the grounds, we reluctantly continued on our little journey.  Needless to say, we plan to be back!

The things we wish we knew....

Several years ago, among other things, a travel bond was formed.  My newest love interest and I began what we didn't know would become a repetitive habit when it comes to traveling.  

It all began with a road trip up to Seattle.  We discovered that unending hours in a car, while sleep deprived and caffeinated by Dutch Brothers and Starbucks with someone will reveal their true nature and travel compatibility, in which our case was luckily optimal.  

Many other adventures soon followed, such as a long weekend to Los Cabos, Mexico in which we learned that unlimited drinks were not the way to go when food WAS limited, trips to Nashville to enjoy live music in every bar and some of the best BBQ yet.  Memphis to see the Grizzlies play the Trailblazers, Lynchburg to pay tribute to ole' Mr. Jack Daniels, Florida to see Mickey, Daytona, Alligators and the top place in the US to be attacked by Sharks (New Smyrna). Bookstores in Lake Forest Park and Portland, wine tasking in Solvang and Leavenworth, snorkeling in Cancun, Jamaica and St. Lucia and amazing Italian in Tempe.  

And lets not forget all the daily adventures we get to have discovering fabulous places to satisfy cravings and amuse and entertain ourselves.  Hiking in the Santa Susana's, camping at Lake Silverwood, eating at Fabiolus, surfing county line, boarding Mt. High, and there's San Diego, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, San Fran, etc.  The list continues.  Each place we see, we leave with a little knowledge about it.  And sometimes we wish we would had known prior to our visit.  Which campsites to book, which hotels have personality, which restaurants are the best, which bars have the best vibe.

Travel sites are not always accurate, reviews are mixed, entertainment and customer service can vary.  This however, will never deter us from traveling or experiencing life.  And all we can do is see all we can and remember our favorites (or not so favorites), share our adventures and hope the next one is just as fun!

Oh the places we'll go!