Key West Chronicles # 1: Camping & Parades

At the beginning of December, we took our new camper down to Key West. After a 6 hour drive, we arrived at Leo's campground around 9 p.m. Little did we know that the campsite they put our camper in was a tent site. We couldn't fit. We tried every which way to make it work, to put it lightly, AJ was more than angry. After panicking that we had nowhere to stay, we called Boyd's Campground and they fit us right in! 

We finally got set up and in our spot around 10:30 that night and we were too exhausted to go out, or even walk to the corner store for beer. We hit the bed and slept like babies. 

The morning brought a more serene feeling as our campsite was right off the water. 

AJ had a fishing trip that afternoon so I hung out at camp and worked on my Gifted Endorsement course. Thankfully Boyd's has free wifi! Talk about glamping. 

A little while later a good friend came to pick me up so we could set up for her Christmas party that evening. I'd been stranded since we only had one vehicle on this trip. 

The party went off without a hitch and even had an intermission to go watch the Holiday Parade.

It's always nice to go back to where it all began and see friends we miss dearly. 

NYC Girls Weekend

Every year one of my girlfriends and I take a trip. Most years it's been to New York City. There's just something about the city that calls my name every once in a while. Each trip we make a stop at our favorite places and try a few new ones. 

Our first stop right off the train from Newark was Culture Espresso. They have THE BEST chocolate chip cookies. The center is so gooey and melty and they go perfectly with Instagram stories and coffee. How perfect does this look? 

After the coffee shop, we headed to our hotel to check our luggage since it was only 10 am. On the way there we saw some magnificent street art. Once we got to the hotel we hung out, charged our phones in their lounge and played a few rounds of War with the cards we had bought in the airport. 

Day one was all about Brooklyn. We visited a brewery, Other Half Brewing, and Whiskey Brooklyn. 

After a shot of Lawless whiskey, we headed to the Whyte Hotel rooftop bar, The Ides, for a beautiful view of Manhattan lighting up at night. A glass of Rose made for a wonderful cheers moment to the city that never sleeps. 

 Day one ended at TORST. All the beer was served in winter wine glasses! We played a few rounds of Rummy and then headed back to our hotel. We' been up since 3:30 am and we were exhausted. 

Day 2: We hit Manhattan on day 2. We began at Clinton Hall where I was super psyched for their Grilled Cheese donut over tomato soup.. it was the whole reason we traveled 45 minutes to get there. AND THEY WERE OUT OF IT! I was so upset. We had a beer and headed out to a recommendation from a server: The Ginger Man. TGM had delicious beer and chips. From there we caught a Lyft to Central Park. 

My friend wanted to see the Mandarin Duck that has made Central Park its new home.  As soon as the Lyft driver let us out of the car though, we needed a restroom and ended up (kind of) crashing a fancy wedding in a nearby hotel for its bathroom. Whoops. We did make it during the daylight to see the duck though. It was right in front of us for a picture and then it swam away with its brethren to the other side of the pond. 

After walking half of CP, we tried to hail another Lyft and failed. The driver couldn't find us and I was charged a cancellation fee even though the driver canceled the trip on us. Thankfully Lyft's customer service refunded my money. 

We finally walked into our destination a half hour later, after a cab ride. If you're ever in NYC, go to Jacob's Pickles! It was the best meal of the trip and I'd absolutely go back there every time I'm in town. 

We saved the best bar for last, Whiskey Tavern. We came, we drank, we closed the bar. 

 Let's just say the next day was rough. Whiskey - 1, girls - 0. 

Where are your favorite stops in NYC?