Sandy Pages: The Best Beach Reads for Your Beach Trip

Are you ready to pack your bags and head to the beach for a relaxing vacation? One of the best things about a beach trip is having the opportunity to unwind with a good book. Whether you are lounging on the sand or by the pool, having a good beach read can make your vacation even more enjoyable. Here are some of my explore some of my top picks for beach reads that you should consider bringing packing (or downloading to your Kindle) for your beach trip.

First up on our list of best beach reads is “First Lie Wins” by Emily Elgar. This gripping psychological thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat as you follow the twists and turns of the story. With complex characters and unexpected plot twists, this book is perfect for those who love a good mystery.

Next, we have “The Last Mrs. Parrish” by Liv Constantine. This addictive psychological thriller follows the story of a woman who schemes her way into a wealthy family’s life, only to discover that things are not as they seem. Full of suspense and intrigue, this book is sure to keep you hooked until the very last page.

If you’re in the mood for a lighter read, “The Paradise Problem” by Stella Andrews is a delightful romantic comedy that will make you laugh out loud. Set in a tropical paradise, this book follows the hilarious antics of a group of friends as they navigate love and friendship in paradise.

For fans of historical fiction, “The Heiress” by Molly Greeley is a must-read. This novel tells the story of Anne de Bourgh, a character from Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” as she navigates society and love in Regency England. With beautiful prose and rich historical detail, this book is sure to transport you back in time.

Looking for a steamy romance to heat up your beach trip? “Maybe Once Maybe Twice” by L.D. Davis is just what you need. This sizzling romance follows two strangers who embark on a passionate affair that changes both of their lives forever. With plenty of steamy scenes and heartfelt moments, this book is perfect for fans of romance novels.

If you’re craving a sweet summer romance, “It Happened One Summer” by Tessa Bailey is an excellent choice. This charming rom-com follows the story of Piper Bellinger, who moves to a small coastal town for the summer and falls for its ruggedly handsome resident. With witty banter and swoon-worthy moments, this book is guaranteed to give you all the feels.

“The Book of Lost and Found” by Lucy Foley is another fantastic historical fiction novel that will transport you to another time and place. Set in both World War II-era London and present-day New York City, this book tells the intertwining stories of love, loss, and redemption across generations.

Lastly, we have “The People We Meet on Vacation” by Emily Henry, which follows two estranged friends who reconnect during their annual summer vacation together. Filled with humor, heartache, and nostalgia, this book explores themes of friendship and second chances in a beautifully written narrative that will stay with you long after you finish reading.

Which book are you packing? I’d love to know what’s on your reading list!

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A Family Friendly Weekend Ski Trip to Beech Mountain

Oh, you guys, we totally lucked out with our family trip up to Beech Mountain! We had the best time on this short and sweet weekend trip. I love Beech Mountain and used to go there skiing when I was a little girl so this definitely was a fun trip to take with Bo because I have so many great memories there.

We booked through CoolBnBs and stayed in this super stylish A-frame cabin that’s pretty much the definition of ‘mountain luxury’. It’s got these insanely cozy bedrooms, super chic bathrooms, and furnishings that are straight out of Pinterest. They have this heavenly hot tub setup— pure bliss! It was the perfect place to stay with the family and the location could not have been more convenient. And this house is right in the heart of nature, so you’re basically waking up in a postcard. I wish we had stayed longer just for the views!

Now for the main event, let me tell you about the skiing. Bo was practically jumping out of his ski boots to get back on the slopes, especially after our time in Jackson Hole. Beech Mountain Resort did not disappoint—it was like Mother Nature rolled out the white carpet just for us! They were the perfect slopes for him and he was immediately ready to go down the bigger slopes. I’m so proud of how he’s taken to skiing this year!

And the food? We are Stonewalls in Banner Elk and it was so delicious, very flavorful and the atmosphere was amazing. We also went to Sorrento’s Italian Bistro which, was the most delicious pizza. There are so many casual and brunch dining spots that we also loved! If you’re looking for a family trip that’s a chef’s kiss blend of chill vibes and adventure, Beech Mountain’s got you covered. We love this family friendly town and definitely want to make this an annual trip!

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Exploring Jackson Hole, Wyoming: A Winter Wonderland

If you’re looking for a winter getaway that combines stunning views, countless outdoor adventures, and cozy mountain vibes, then Jackson Hole, Wyoming is the perfect destination. My family and I recently spent a couple of weeks in this winter wonderland, we had never been before, and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more. From skiing and snowmobiling to trying out the local cuisine, there was never a dull moment. Here’s our itinerary for our week in Jackson Hole, including our favorite restaurants, activities, and must-see sights.

After arriving in Jackson Hole and checking into our house, we booked through The Clear Creek Group, we headed to the grocery store to stock up on essentials for the week. We then spent some time exploring the charming downtown area before grabbing dinner to take back home at Cutty’s Pizza, a local favorite known for its delicious pies. The rustic atmosphere and friendly service made for a great start to our trip, we ended up eating there a couple more times, hehe.

Day 2: We started the day off by catching the Clemson bowl game at a local sports bar before heading to Merry Piglets for some authentic Mexican cuisine. We then made our way to the Elk Refuge, where we had an unforgettable sleigh ride thru Double D Ranch to see the resident elk up close. The Double H Bar provided us with a cozy atmosphere and great drinks once we were done exploring. We ended the day with dinner at Snake River Brewing, a popular spot for craft beer and elevated pub fare.

Day 3: A half-day of snowboard (Bo was determined he wanted to snowboard vs. ski) was perfect for our group, and we enjoyed the scenic views and varied terrain at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Bo ended up getting sick and so Shawn’s mom and I took him back home while everyone else stayed to ski. Later that evening, we headed to Liberty Burger for some juicy burgers and fries. The rest of the day was free for us to explore the town and its unique shops, galleries, and spas.

Day 4 / New Years Eve: Shawn and I woke up earlier to shoot content while everyone else got ready and watched the bowl games. Today was an “explore day” and we had lunch reservations at Hatch so that was our first stop of the day for some delicious Mexican fare. I have to say – I tried a Spicy Huckleberry Margarita there and let’s just say, I am obsessed! We then took Bo to Kempsabe to make a hat and then shopped around. We ended up buying some new things for our new home and we were able to ship it all back which was SO nice. We spent the rest of afternoon relaxing back at the house, preparing for our New Year’s Eve festivities. Later that night, we headed to the iconic Cowboy Bar to ring in the new year.

Day 5 / New Years Day: After a late brunch at Jackson Drug, we rented snowmobiles from Teton Tours (we loved Dylan) and embarked on an incredible journey to Granite Hot Springs. The snowmobile rides were thrilling, and the hot springs were the perfect way to warm up and relax. We also took a Yellowstone Private tour thru Teton Science School, which was so fun (we would recommend Grace). For dinner, we headed to Orsetto Bar, which specializes in Italian cuisine and is such a popular spot. The Espresso Martinis here were SO good!

Day 6: What we thought would be our last day, hehe, we had a full day of skiing. Our morning started off with a bang as we indulged in waffles at Rendezvous MT, truly the best waffles of my life. With full bellies, Bo decided he didn’t like snowboarding so traded his board for skis and LOVED it! I was SO proud of him! I loved that the Four Seasons had a beautiful lounge area where you could see everyone skiing. While everyone else skied I stayed cozy in there drinking Espresso Martinis and let me just say – they were THE BEST I have ever had, YUMMY! Afterward, we headed to my FAVORITE pizza place there, Pinky G’s Pizza for some delicious pies. Honestly, it was the BEST pizza I have ever had. Once we got back home, Bo talked us into staying longer, so we changed our flights and booked a Ski In / Ski Out house in Teton Village – LET ME TELL YOU, that was our best idea! It was so nice because the bigger kids/Shawn could head over to ski when they wanted and Bo could go at his own pace and leave when he was ready to.

The rest of the trip was spent skiing, hanging out in Teton Village (so much for kids and families to do). I will make a full list of restuarnts we ate at below, but almost every morning Bo had us going to Rendezvous MT for waffles, hehe! On our last full day there, we booked a private Snow Coach and headed into Yellowstone to do the tour there. We got to see Old Faithful Geyser, stunning waterfalls, beautiful mountains, wildlife, and SO much more. We booked our tour through Teton Science School and Grace was our guide. I 100% recommend Grace! She was an incredible guide and was SO good to Bo!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming truly has it all for a winter getaway. Whether you’re an avid skier, a foodie, or just looking for a relaxing mountain retreat, there’s something for everyone in Jackson Hole. I hope this itinerary gives you a taste of what this picturesque town has to offer and inspires you to plan your own adventure.

Favorite Restaurants in Jackson Hole:
Pinky G’s
Gather
Local
Cutty’s
Hatch
Liberty Burger
Orsetto Bar
Hand Fire Pizza
Snake River Brewing
Pearl Street Bagels
Glorietta
Jackson Drug
Merry Piglets
Cafe Genevieve
Teton Lunch Counter

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A Perfect Holiday Weekend at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville

If you’re looking to get in the spirit of the holiday season, there’s no better place to stay than The Grove Park Inn. From the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition display to the cozy oversized fireplaces, it looks like you’ve walked right into a Hallmark movie. Located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is a charming city that has so much going on. From its vibrant arts scene to it’s scenic drives, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, especially around the holidays!

First things first, let’s talk about The Grove Park Inn. The luxurious, resort features an out-of-this-world spa… seriously you need to make sure you go to the spa! Has unbeatable mountain views, and the food is incredible. Make sure you head to the terrace to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

Of course, no visit to Asheville would be complete without a trip to the famous Biltmore Estate. Experience a true American castle in all of its splendor, complete with lush gardens and charming shops. Don’t miss the Wine Estate & Winery, where you can explore vineyards and taste wines from the estate. You can spend an entire day exploring the Biltmore and everything around it!

But, while you’re in town, definitely take advantage of Asheville’s famous food scene. Here are some of our top picks for dining options:

Vue 1913 at The Omni Grove Park Inn: You really could get away with eating every meal inside the Grove Park and never leaving. Vue 1913 is all about combining high-end cuisine with traditional Southern hospitality while you take in the stunning views of the mountains that surround you. This is one spot you won’t want to miss.

Cúrate: This tapas restaurant offers traditional Spanish cuisine in a chic, modern environment. Opt for one of their various paellas or enjoy some Spanish cheese with a platter of cured meats. This restaurant was recommended to and we loved it!

Corner Kitchen: If you’re looking for a classy, romantic dinner spot, Corner Kitchen has it all. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are used in their progressive American fare, and the personalized service only adds to the dining experience.

Biscuit Head: This spot has been hailed as one of the best places to eat in Asheville, and for good reason! From their fluffy and gigantic biscuit sandwiches, slathered in unique jams and spreads, to their creative and flavorful twists on classic Southern dishes, Biscuit Head knows how to satisfy your taste buds. Be prepared for a line, but this is the perfect spot to grab a bite with friends before exploring all the charming sights in downtown Asheville.

We had the most magical holiday themed weekend here and it’s no wonder this charming city has become a go-to destination that’s on the rise — it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie! Where’s your favorite spot to get you in the holiday spirit?

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My Honest Opinion about LEGOLAND: Is It Worth the Visit?

We recently visited LEGOLAND and we wanted to share our honest opinion and experience. As you may know, there’s been a lot of debate about whether LEGOLAND is worth the visit, especially if you’re used to going to other theme parks like Disney or Universal. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not exactly like those parks, but there are still some fun things to do. However, if you’re thinking of going, here’s my honest review first so you know exactly what to expect.

So, let’s start off with the main question: is LEGOLAND worth the visit? To be completely honest, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting grand, immersive theme park experiences like you would get at Disney, then LEGOLAND may not live up to your expectations. But, if you don’t mind a more laid-back atmosphere and want a chance to appreciate the creativity behind LEGO, then you just might enjoy it.

One thing I have to mention is that we did have a good time at LEGOLAND. The park is definitely kid-friendly, with many of the rides being designed specifically for younger children. If you have little ones, they will likely have a blast and appreciate all the LEGO creations throughout the park. However, if you’re an adult or you have older kids, you may not find the park as thrilling.

That being said, we must emphasize that one day at LEGOLAND was enough for us. We actually purchased tickets for two days but decided not to go on the second day since we already did everything we wanted to. Some of the bigger rides were closed, so that could have impacted our experience to some degree. And while there were some good restaurants to choose from, some of them were closed as well.

Now let’s talk about the hotel. We stayed at the LEGOLAND hotel and it was honestly the best part of the experience. We absolutely loved the LEGO theme throughout the hotel – from the colorful wallpaper to the LEGO figures peeking out of every corner. If you’re planning on visiting LEGOLAND, we highly suggest staying at the hotel to amplify your experience.

Lastly, I want to reiterate that overall, we would not go back to LEGOLAND. However, that’s not to say that we didn’t have a great time. The park is unique and if you are a fan of LEGO, you might even consider it a must-visit. It’s just not exactly like other theme parks and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. So if you’re on the fence about going to LEGOLAND, I hope this review has helped you make a more informed decision.

I always want to be transparent with our experiences and share my honest opinions with my followers. While LEGOLAND might not be for everyone, we do believe that it’s worth considering for families with young children or LEGO enthusiasts. Just don’t expect it to be exactly like Disney or Universal. And if you do decide to go, be sure to stay at the hotel for the ultimate LEGO experience. Happy travels!

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