Winter Travelogue

Here’s my Winter Travelogue! Have a look at the things I did, ate, drank and saw over the last few months on my trips around the Carolinas and to Miami, Nashville and San Francisco!

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Tuesday was the first day of spring, and I realized I haven’t shared what I’ve been up to outside of my regular recipe and travel posts, so I thought I’d round up the winter as a whole. It’s been busy over here since my last travelogue.

We had the holidays and my entire family visited. Then Feast + West celebrated its fourth birthday in January!

I took trips to Nashville, Miami, San Francisco and most recently Clemson, S.C. — a good mix of work and play. A highlight was definitely checking out the Google campus during the Mediavine Publisher Conference (an event my workplace put on).

Around town, I’ve been to some meet-ups with my Charlotte Food Bloggers babes and checked out a number of new (and old spots) with Chris.

Oh, and speaking of Chris — we got engaged! In case you missed that update, I’m still giddy about it!

Here’s my Winter Travelogue! Have a look at the things I did, ate, drank and saw over the last few months on my trips around the Carolinas and to Miami, Nashville and San Francisco! (via feastandwest.com) — San Francisco Engagement

So, yeah. There’s been a lot happening. But all good things. I’m recapping all my faves for you below!

GORGEOUS PLACE I WENT:

When I was in Miami in January, my coworkers and I spent an afternoon at 1 Hotel South Beach, which is the most gorgeous spot for cocktails and co-working.

Nashville is up there too — but that’s a whole other post (coming soon, I promise!).

AMAZING THING I ATE:

When my best friend and her husband visited in February, we trekked an hour away to Hickory to snag an extra few hours with them. Chris and I ate an amazing dinner at Highland Avenue.

Both times I’ve eaten here have been A+++. The pickle-brined chicken sandwich and fries are superb, but I also recommend everything. The “Clear as Mud” was hands-down the best cocktail.

SHOW I’M ADORING:

Chris and I just finished bingeing the second season of Jessica Jones on Netflix. Compared to other superhero movies/films, I love how down-to-earth this one is.

DRINK I IMBIBED:

After reading about the garam masala old-fashioned at San Jose’s Mortar & Pestle in the Southwest Airlines magazine on the flight over, I knew I had to try it.

We went in a big group, and I made my friends get one of (almost) everything so we could taste them all. These Indian-inspired cocktails are all superb — so glad to discover this spot!

PLACE I’D LIKE TO GO:

I’m itching to get overseas these days. My passport is ready. It’s been years since I visited Italy, and all that pasta and wine sounds really good right about now…

DISH I WANT TO MAKE:

My friend Madison made this Chicken & Wild Rice Casserole recently, and it’s so pretty. I’m not usually one for casseroles but this is so colorful and I could definitely use an easy meal these days.

THING ON MY WISHLIST:

I’ve been hearing so much hype for the Instant Pot, and I’m thinking of getting one for us. We don’t have a lot of cabinet space, so our slow cooker will probably have to go, which makes me nervous and sad! (I love making apple cider pulled pork in it!)

If you have experience with or suggestions for the Instant Pot, I’m all ears. Tell me all the things!

WHAT I’LL MISS ABOUT WINTER:

All of it. Winter is hands-down my favorite season. Fall is a close second. The chilly weather, the scarves, the cute coats, the moments of cozy hygge, the warm beverages… It’s. all. so. good.

I’m always sad to trade winter in for colorful flowers and warmer weather — because they will soon become unbearable pollen sneezes and humidity.

Thank goodness I have lots of tried and tested spring recipes to make it a bit more bearable!

Hope you have had a good springtime ahead! Comment below about anywhere awesome you’ve been lately. I’d love to hear what you’re up to! // susannah