The Adelman Peony Garden has been on my bucket list since I first heard about it a few years ago. I wanted to go ever since but missed the blooming season. The visiting window is small beginning mid-April to mid-June.
We ended up going twice to the peony fields in just one season! It was that good!
The first visit I made to the peony fields was on Mother's Day, for a Mother's Day picnic. Peonies make such a dreamy backdrop for a picnic! I couldn't have chosen a better location. A Mother's Day picnic has been a yearly tradition for us and I am convinced I will want to go each year to see the peonies in full bloom.
I came back a second time around to shoot our mommy and me dress release which I have been so excited about! It was so much fun to take pictures here with my mini. Several of the flowers were in full bloom and beautiful.
The best time to visit peony fields would be the height of their blooming season which is around Memorial Day. It can vary each year depending on the weather of course. But here's a general idea:
It is free to get in and visit the garden, April 27th – June 15th from 9 am to 6 pm Daily.
Of course, this can change in the future. As of now, this is the open house time posted on their website. They don't sell any food or drinks on site but they encourage picnicking. You can pack your food to hang out in the gardens with. You can also purchase flowers on-site, whether a bouquet or a potted flower to plant at home.
The peony fields don't have any activities like the pumpkin patch or the tulip festival, but there is plenty to do. Walking up and down the dreamy rows of peonies is enjoyable in and of itself. My kids had a great time walking and running all around. We brought our dog along for the ride. He was so excited to be there!
My kids loved watching the big, fuzzy, and cute bumble bees that were buzzing all around the peonies. These pollinators were really fun to watch bounce from flower to flower. It made for a mini-educational moment where we got to talk about how bees help plants and how they turn pollen into honey.
Visiting the field has inspired me to start my own peony garden. I want to fill my yard with these beautiful big blossoms. I envision a lush pink and white garden with a cottagecore vibe. Needless to say, I ended up bringing home a few peonies to plant and grow my garden!
All of the dresses, shoes and accessories are from thefoodforthoughtshow
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Planning a vacation can be fun and yet overwhelming at the same time. Especially when trying to fit in all of the must-see attractions and activities within a limited timeframe.
A 7 day trip is a perfect amount of time to get in several activities while still making space for rest days and arrivals and departures.
This blog post contains A complete 7 day itinerary with additional tips and reviews from our trips to AZ!
PS. Scroll all the way to the bottom for the complete Itinerary
I love visiting Scottsdale Arizona and really enjoy it every time! I am lucky to have family that lives there too which makes it even more inviting to visit. Every time we go we try to do something new or different from the previous visits.
The amazing thing about Arizona, especially the scottsdale and Phoenix area is that there is so much to do there all of the time! And every time I visit, new restaurants, shops and activities seem to pop up!
Whether you're a nature lover, art enthusiast, or foodie, this itinerary has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to maximize your next getaway to Arizona!
Pictured: Royal palms resort and spa
Whenever I plan a trip, especially with kids I try to pack my days lightly with plenty of room and space in-between activities so that there aren't any meltdowns or rushing around from one spot to the next feeling stressed out the entire time.
I will be sharing my 7 Day Arizona Itinerary from our most recent trip and how we managed traveling and exploring with a toddler and a teenager.
If you plan your days around "daily themes" and nearby locations, the trip goes smoothly and stress free! Gaining you more time to take your time and enjoy each location to the fullest!
Pictured: Lake Pleasant
Another tip is to create a plan B-list incase things on your original itinerary doesnt go as planned.
You can do this by simply creating a list in your iPhone notes called "Things to do AZ" and list out a tun of ideas or places you would also like to check out.
This way if something you had planned gets booked out or closes early, you have easy access back up ideas.
Another benefit of having a fall-back plan is that it can save you a lot of time. Especially if you are in locations where the wifi is weak and you can't look stuff up on the go, just pull up your notes and the info is ready to go.
You really can't go wrong by having a back up list. You can put the websites and addresses along side each place in your notes ahead of time. This way you save time by not having to look things up while you are on your trip.
Maximizing your time by planning ahead and accordingly is a great goal to set before heading out on vacation. Of course, this doesn't always leave room for spontaneous events, however, you could always easily cancel everything if something more enticing comes up.
If your into taking photos, these spots are it! Everything in this itinerary will make for beautiful and unique photo opportunities.
Pictured: Royal palms resort and spa
Day 1 is all about immersing yourself in the local culture and exploring the unique landmarks of your destination. If your arriving on day one, its a good idea to start out light by exploring walkable locations and avoid booking any activities in case of arrival delays.
Foodie spots to visit
Start your day by visiting old town Scottsdale and checking out some of the missions in the area. You can also find lots of art and paintings on the walls all over the city which make for cute photos.
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Take your time to learn and explore the place, and don't forget to capture those picture-perfect moments. We took over 3000 photos from our last visit! That's alot of pics!
In the evening, you can also check out the local nightlife scene. Since I have kids, I dont really get to do the nighttime stuff, but instead I hang out in the jacuzzi sippin' on something sparkly if you know what I mean. Just over here living that mom life! Even while on vacation, but it's worth it! I love being a mom!
I stayed at the Royal palms resort and spa for a bit and it really had me feeling inspired and so happy durning our vacation! There are so many amazing resorts in the area! I am sure once you go and experience them for yourself you will leave feeling inspired with some pretty magical memories too!
From my personal experience, some of the other resorts that are worth a stay include Scottsdale Camelback Mountain and The Scott Resort and the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa At Gainey Ranch.
Pictured: Butterfly Wonderland
Start your morning early and head to a coffee shop and grab a bite to eat to energize for the adventurous day. Start your first activity off with the butterfly wonderland and check out everything in that local area afterwards. There is a lot to explore!
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Foodie spots to visit:
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Butterfly Wonderland: Yes, the butterflies here really do land on you! I went a couple of years ago, and it was so memorable I had to go again! This time it was even better since there were so so many more butterflies! The way they fly around you makes you feel like you are in a magical fairytale!
Butterfly wonderland
If you have kids they will absolutley love the butterfly wonderland! This was fun for both my toddler and teenager. It can sometimes be a bit challenging to find activities that they will both enjoy due to the age difference, so it's safe to say that this place is great for all ages.
There's just something magical about seeing so many beautiful butterflies flutter all around. There's a lot of fun to be had here!
Pictured - Costini
Connect with the beauty of the great outdoors. Whether it's mountains, cactus forests, or breathtaking views, defenitly take the time to appreciate the gift of nature and let it rejuvenate your soul.
Stunning state parks you can check out in Arizona:
As the day comes to a close, don't forget to capture those breathtaking sunset views. Whether it's atop a hill, on a lake, or even from the comfort of a cute and cozy café, witnessing the sun dip below the horizon is a moment to treasure -especially in Arizona.
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Day 3 of your ultimate 7-day itinerary is all about taking care of yourself and finding inner peace.
Usually by the 3rd day the excitement and adrenaline from being in a new environments tends to wind down which makes day 3 the perfect day to relax and decompress a little. Having rest days or slower going days are defiantly important! Especially when on vacation!
Pictured: Royal Palms Resort and Spa
Day 3 is the perfect day to relax and treat yourself to a message, some spa time and truly rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.
After all, traveling isn't only about adventure but can also be a time to indulge in relaxation and wellness experiences.
Start your day with a stretchy yoga or meditation session. Connect with your inner self as you stretch and breathe deeply, leaving behind any stress or worries. Feel the tension melt away as you find balance and harmony within.
After a calming morning, treat yourself to a spa day. Whether it's a massage, facial, or soothing body treatment, let the skilled hands of the professionals pamper you and release any lingering tension. Choose from a range of holistic therapies and treatments to rebalance your energy and promote overall well-being.
In the afternoon, explore the local wellness scene. Visit a hot spring or thermal spa, known for their healing and rejuvenating properties. Immerse yourself in the warm, mineral-rich waters and let their therapeutic effects soothe your muscles and promote relaxation.
End your day with a healthy and nourishing meal. Seek out a restaurant or café that specializes in organic and locally sourced ingredients. Enjoy a delicious meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body from the inside out.
Pictured: Palms Resort & Spa
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Pictured: Wonderspaces
After breakfast head over to visit one of the local art museums and give yourself the grace to spend the time you need to really enjoy yourself and the art.
We went to wonderspaces, which is an interactive art museum and it was so much fun! I literally had a blast and my kids were obsessed!
My toddler has surprisingly been to several of these types of museums, so when she goes, she knows the drill. Some of the art however, I dont actually find appropriate for a toddler, so we skip these rooms.
(We always skip any movies and virtual realities -especially since im paranoid about everything on screens for my toddler.)
The art galley was very interesting and creative, which I love. You can also order a drink at the beginning of the museum and you get to keep the glass. They have several rooms with various art being featured. You could easily spend hours here. Since we have kids, we made sure to go first thing in the morning on a weekday, which helped us avoid any crowds.
Last time I went it was later in the evening and the place was packed. It's also a great place to go on dates and just something fun and different to do!
Pictured: Desert Botanical Garden
On Day 4 of your ultimate 7-day itinerary, get ready for a brilliant art day and a culinary experience.
Start your day with a scenic breakfast at a local café or bakery, where you can indulge in freshly brewed coffee or tea, along with a selection of pastries, bread, and local delicacies. Make sure you try something new too!
Pictured: Lake Pleasant
For lunch, head out to a beautiful winery for a relaxing wine tasting experience along with a snack board if offered. One of my favorite recreational activities is visiting a winery and bringing a bottle of something special for later.
It's fun to engage with an expert sommelier and learn something new. Sometimes they are also passionate about wine pairings and can guide you in the right direction and perhaps even introduce you to new unique flavors and spices.
After a light snack you can head to the next art locations. Visit the SMOCA (Scottsdale museum of contemporary art) and Cosanti which is a small historic site scottsdale art studio and it is stunning! You can even purchase some of the work to place in your home!
End your day with a memorable dinner at a fine dining restaurant of your choosing!
Pictured: Cosanti
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Pictured: Lake Pleasant
Here's to connecting with nature and slowing down a bit. Sometimes for a vacation to really feel like a vacation, we have to step back from all of the noise and take in some stillness and outdoor escapades.
Start your day early by heading to a nearby national park or nature preserve. Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails that wind through lush cactus forests. Take in that fresh air and get into the serenity of nature.
For lunch, pack a picnic with some local goodies. Find yourself a picturesque spot to enjoy your picnic amidst the breathtaking landscapes. I like to pack a blanket and hike out until we get hungry or get to a really pretty spot. Then we take a pause there and have some lunch.
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Pictured: Glow Putt Mini Golf AZ
If there are any local events going on, I like to partake and get a feel of the city this way. I also love to visit local libraries and check out the local farmers markets and gardens when possible.
Old town scottsdale is a fun place to check out some of the local markets, where you can find unique treasures and souvenirs to take home with you. These little nicknacks can also make great gifts for friends and family. You can find everything from handcrafted jewelry to intricate artwork, these markets offer a glimpse into the local creativity and craftsmanship.
After an afternoon of shopping we went to lunch and then the desert botanical garden. This garden is beautiful and I visit it every time I go to Arizona! There's so many beautiful sights to see and its just a relaxing walk through, even if your not a crazy plant lady (; After all of the walking we were just starving and decided to head back and have some dinner.
Pictured: Sugar bowl, Old Town Scottsdale
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As your vacation comes to a close, take some time on Day 7 to reflect on the amazing experiences you've had throughout your vacation!
But first, I like to start the day by getting ready and packing everything up. Once everything is ready you can take some time to relax and reflect. This of course all depends on what time you will be leaving.
If you have enough time before your departure, you can probably squeeze in a farewell lunch or time to walk around the city for a bit before heading home. If you have kids and are flying, take them to a nearby park to get some of that energy out which will ensure a more pleasant ride or flight home.
If you have a little bit more time with a nighttime flight, you can probably enjoy your resort for as long as possible before check out too. Giving your self the space to wind down before coming back to reality.
Pictured: Desert Botanical Garden
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I hope this ultimate 7-day itinerary has inspired you to plan an incredible vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Safe travels and until next time!
Arizona is a fun and colorful place and alot of people here like to wear bright and fun colors! Most people where I am from wear black all day everyday & It's honestly so refreshing to see people wearing happy clothes in AZ! Especially since I love to wear colors and suddenly, in AZ I am not the brightest one in the room anymore!
Since Arizona is a desert and naturally a warmer location, most of what you'll want to pack should be for warmer weather, however in the winter months the temperatures can drop so make sure to bring some layers for those cooler evenings!
I have always gone in the springtime and the weather hovered around 80-90 degrees, but this year I went in wintertime and temps hovered around 50-79 degrees as a high. I was glad to bring an assortment of clothing. I brought cardigans which worked well and also a wind breaker, dresses, jeans, Chelsea boots and sandals. So basically I was prepared for anything! And it served me well!
Foodie spots to visit
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Malls worth checking out in AZ
I hope this itinerary has inspired you to plan an incredible vacation filled with adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable moments. Safe travels and until next time!
If you're looking for the perfect Instagram-worthy spots in Seattle, look no further!
From stunning views of the city skyline to colorful street art, I've rounded up 10 of the best locations to capture that perfect shot. Get ready to up your Instagram game with these gorgeous gems!
As a pacific northwest local, I am always trying to find the best photo spots to share with you. I am literally always saying how living in the PNW is a 10/10 one of the most beautiful places on earth. There is simply no shortage of photography spots and opportunities.
This year I met up with my parents, on my moms birthday weekend to spend some time with them in seattle. We spent 5 days in the city and took tons of photos at all of the best Seattle Instagram spots the city has to offer.
My parents had flown in from California, and had never been to Seattle before. This meant we had to do it all! But in reality we did as much as we possibly could, especially with my kids who are 1 and 12.
This also meant that everything we did was kid friendly too. So if you are bringing your family along, these spots are totally family friendly and fun!
Let's dive in!
Address: 85 Pike St, Seattle, WA 98101
Pike place market is such a special farmers market! Its busy, and fun with lots to explore and see. This was the very first thing we did upon arrival. If you are heading to seattle I highly recommend stopping at Pike Place market first.
You will be drawn in by the beautiful flowers, fresh fruits and vegetable stands all around. It can get pretty busy, so be sure to arrive early to get those Instagram photos. Pike place market is basically a must-stop for your next Instagram photos.
The lineup of flowers inside of pike place market is a sight to be seen. The fresh flowers smell intoxicating and look beautiful all in a row. Pick up a bouquet to take with you and style it as an accessory for your photos.
Pick up some fresh fruits and vegetables to munch on later. These colorful stands make beautiful backdrops to your photos. We grabbed some fresh fruit smoothies from these markets for the kids and they were totally delicious.
The shops all around Pike Place Market are all photography gems. You will find just about every spot to be aesthetically pleasing and great for a photo. I loved the Kitchen & Market shop set up. Perfect for an Instagram shopping photo! on top of being such a pretty little grocery it's perfect for grabbing some snacks for the journey.
I picked up lots of the seattle chocolates from this little grocery store. They had so many flavors I have not tried before. The Seattle chocolates are actually my personal favorite chocolate bars. I always try to keep a bar or two at home for emergencies. But I was so thrilled to see so many flavors. If you haven’t t tried these chocolates yet, stop by the Kitchen & Market shop and definitely give them a go!
Address: 1428 Post Alley, Seattle
The gum wall is definitely an awesome spot to grab that instagram photo at! The entire post alley is filled with the chewed up colorful gummy background! Its fun to look at, but don't touch it! 😉
It gave me a bit of an "ick" vibe but it was still pretty unique while offering some background texture and interest making it a great spot to snap a photo! The gum wall is located down post alley way, near the selfie museum.
This carousel was so dreamy! My kids absolutely loved riding this carousel so it was a no brainer! Bonus points for being absolutely beautiful!
This ride actually went pretty fast too! I ended up sharing a horse with baby Emma since it was just too fast for her to sit alone on. But she has a great time, and Kaiden my 12 year old had a good time too. This is definitely a family friendly stop that's totally IG worthy!
The colors and lights make the carousel a Instagram photo spot, especially with your kids. There are also lots of restaurants, shops and other entertainments on the pier which make it a fun family spot to get out of the rain for a bit.
The ferris wheel makes a great photo spot both inside and outside of the ride. On the inside of the ferris wheel you get a pretty cool view of the city from above the water. Honestly, you could get pretty creative with the photos from inside of the ferris wheel. Since there were 6 of us inside of one cart, we were a bit crammed, but if we weren’t all so squished into one ride we probably could have gotten some really cool shots. We all wanted to hang out together though, so we opted in to be squished!! 😉
You can also get some cool shots of the ferris wheel from the outside at Pike Place Market. Get your zoom lense out!
I have to say that I did love that the ferris wheel was heated, which made it a really comfortable and enjoyable ride! I highly recommend. It was also a good break for the kids, offering them the opportunity to have a moment to decompress and take a moment to relax.
The space Needle has been on my bucket list ever since I heard Owl City's song "Hello Seattle" back in 2009. I honestly don't know why it's taken me so long to visit this particular spot but its definitely bucket list worthy. the photos you can capture here seem endless and it's such a fun and highly unique experience.
The Space Needle offers a full panoramic view of the city from high above. You can really see it all. There’s just so many photo opportunities you can play around with.
You can also make a reservation and have some wine and appetizers here too. Dinner at the top of the space needle would make a great idea for a date night and Instagram photo, of course! Especially when all of the city lights come on. So dreamy!
If you only do one thing in seattle, do this!! The glass gardens were absolutely spectacular and absolutely breathtaking! I just couldn't believe what I was seeing. Everything was stunning and beautiful. Even Emma, my 1 year old was saying "Wow! Woooowww!!" The entire time. She truly enjoyed it too!
You can definitely get some pretty unique instagram photos at the Chihuly Garden and Glass. We spent a couple hours here exploring the gardens and grounds. There is also a cute gift shop and a cafe you can check out. They serve drinks and small bites which is a nice way to complete the experience.
If you know me, you might know I have a bit of a thing for botanical gardens. They draw me in like a bug to the light. Glittery and sparkly things have a similar effect. Haha!! All joking aside, this garden was stunning! It was lush, beautiful and the collection of plants were out of this world. Literally some of these plants I swear came from mars 😉
To say the least, the collection was beautiful. Botanical gardens are usually fantastic spots for photos and the Seattle Volunteer Park Conservatory was nothing short of spectacular.
You will definitely have fun taking photos in this place and seeing all of the beautiful flora and fauna. One of the best parts about this spot was the *free parking! And the park with the playground. The kids definitely enjoyed this spot!
Located in the same park is a dahlia garden, a playground and the Seattle Asian art museum.
You could basically spend all afternoon in this park and see all that it has to offer. We packed lots of snacks for the kids to keep them happy and fueled the entire time.
The park is honestly so lovely and beautiful. You can definitely get a ton of pretty photos here.
The West Point Light, which is also known as the Discovery Park Lighthouse is a beautiful Seattle Instagram spot to check out. It's a great park and lighthouse to grab some beautiful photos at while in the area. It's also great for getting in some exercise and enjoying the day. The park is massive and there’s quite a bit to see and explore while you are here. You could totally spend hours walking around and enjoying the beach and surroundings.
Puget Sound is a large inlet of the Pacific Ocean, located in the northwestern part of the United States, surrounding the city of Seattle. There are so many beautiful beaches around Puget Sound where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery, go for a swim, or participate in various outdoor activities. You can also grab great Instagram photos along the beaches and piers.
Alki Beach: Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach is a long strip of sandy beach that offers stunning views of the Seattle skyline and the Olympic Mountains.
Golden Gardens Park: Situated in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, Golden Gardens Park features a sandy beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a boat launch.
Discovery Park Beach: This is one of the largest parks in Seattle, located in the Magnolia neighborhood. The park includes a beach, trails, a lighthouse, and a variety of wildlife.
Carkeek Park Beach: This park is located in the northwestern part of Seattle and features a sandy beach, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a salmon hatchery.
If you love coffee, and even if you dont, you should still check out the Starbucks Reserve Roastery! Let me explain.
not only is it a pretty unique coffee experience located in Seattle, this starbucks was massive, beautiful and it smelled so good! Making it a perfect spot for that Instagram photo!
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery is a pretty nice coffee shop and happens to be the largest Starbucks location in the world, covering 30,000 square feet.
The roastery features a giant copper cask that holds over 1,000 pounds of coffee beans and is used to roast the coffee on site. It honestly smells so good inside! You have to order a cup of coffee or hot chocolate for inside and then get one to go. My kids enjoyed the hot chocolate. Emma has actually just recently discovered chocolate and she's obsessed. I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!
If you aren’t into coffee, The roastery has a nice bakery, which serves freshly baked bread, pizzas, and pastries made in-house. We ordered a couple of things to try out and it did not disappoint.
In addition to the bakery and coffee, the roastery has a dedicated Arriviamo Bar, which serves coffee-inspired cocktails and spirits. I was honestly amazed! You could literally hang out there all day long.
The Starbucks Reserve Roastery has become a pretty popular tourist attraction in Seattle and has basically inspired similar locations in other cities around the world, including New York, Tokyo, and Shanghai. So if you are in the seattle area, its definitely worth a spot. You'll be sure to capture some nice pics here.
Just to recap, Seattle is a clean city filled with beautiful spots all around perfect for taking photos. The city is a true gem and filled with so much beauty!
Some additional photo spots in Seattle you can checkout
Kerry Park: This park offers one of the best views of the Seattle skyline with the Space Needle in the foreground and Mount Rainier in the background. It’s a popular spot for photographers and tourists alike.
Gas Works Park: This former gas plant turned park offers unique views of the Seattle skyline and the Lake Union waterfront. The park also features a large rusty metal structure that makes for an interesting photo subject.
Seattle Center: The Seattle Center is a 74-acre park that is home to the iconic Space Needle, as well as several other attractions such as the Museum of Pop Culture and the Pacific Science Center. It’s a great place to capture the city’s modern architecture.
Pioneer Square: This historic district is known for its brick buildings and cobblestone streets. It’s a great place to capture the city’s past and present architecture.
Alki Beach: Located in West Seattle, Alki Beach is a great place to capture the city’s skyline from across the water, as well as to take photos of the beach and the sunset.
Ballard Locks: The Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, also known as the Ballard Locks, are a series of locks that connect Puget Sound to Lake Union. The locks, boats, and fish ladders offer unique photo opportunities.
We got a super cute AirB&B home in Des Moines right on the beach of Puget Sound. It really made it feel like a vacation and we all enjoyed the home. Personally, I loved having a full kitchen to prep breakfasts, snacks and dinners in. With a toddler and picky eaters, it can be a little challenging to go out to eat for every meal so this was the perfect solution! All in all, it was a perfect location. Just far enough outside of the hustle and bustle of the city to feel like a vacation, but close enough to access all of the amenities and activities.
Seattle, is known for its mild and rainy climate, with temperatures ranging from the mid-40s to the mid-60s so the best thing to wear are layers & keep a waterproof jacket on hand like a cute puffer. Of course, you want a cute outfit to wear for all of you photos.
Be sure to check out the thefoodforthoughtshow boutique & grab some cute new outfits to wear on your trip, or any day really! 😉
There's just something so dreamy and magical about a field full of flowers. Creating unforgettable memories while doing simple "slow living" activities like cutting flowers, picnicking and taking photos are such a treat. It's such an easy way to spend a sunny summers day. Like they say, summers are for livin easy.
In today's post, I wanted to share our Lavender field photoshoot, along with which lavender fields you must visit in the Oregon. These Lavender farms are truly something special and my photos don't do them justice.
When you visit the lavender fields in person, you will be captivated by the serenity and beauty of it all. The smell of lavender is intoxicating and the buzzing of the bees sounds like an ocean. But don't worry, the bees are friendly (;
If you have been following along in the FB group or on my IG you probably already saw some of these photos, but I had gotten a few questions about the Lavender fields and thought I would answer them below for you.
Lavender fields bloom in the summer time anywhere from June-August.
If you are planning on visiting a specific Lavender farm, its best to check their hours and schedule for visiting hours.
Different farms will also host different activities. You can find everything from painting lavender art, to making lavender cocktails or even making lavender stuffed Teddy bears. There are so many great summer activities for the family!
The best time of year to visit lavender fields are when the pretty flowers are in bloom which is in the summertime.
Usually blooms begin sometime in June and will last through the end of August. Of course, depending on your location the flowers will bloom at varying times.
We visited the Wayward Lavender farm in late July. The flowers were in full bloom and if you are going to visit a Lavender Farm in Oregon, I highly recommend going in July too. Another great time to visit a Lavender farm is during the annual Lavender festival in Oregon.
The annual 17th Willamette Valley Lavender Festival is located at the Chehalem Cultural Center in Newberg, Oregon from July 9th-July 10th
The west coast is pretty well known for its Lavender fields. Lavender grows everywhere out here! States like California, Oregon and Washington grow a lot of Lavender.
Yes! Lavender fields smell heavenly good! The smell is intoxicating and can really make you feel relaxed 😌
A Lavender field is a beautiful span of purple flowers all in a row for miles and miles. Sometimes the fields are on mountains and sometimes they are on level ground. Lavender flowers come in a variety for colors like light pink, bright pink, pastel purple, dark purple, and reddish tones of purple and white.
One of my favorite things to do on a nice sunny day is to pack a picnic and head out to a beautiful location to enjoy our family lunch. So far one of my absolute favorite locations is the Lavender Field.
It was such a relaxing atmosphere. Surrounded by the redwoods, mountains and lavender on a sunny day is nothing short of spectacular. I highly recommend trying it out sometime (:
So far I have visited the Wayward Winds Lavender Farm which are where I took all of the images in this post from.
I also recommend visiting the Carriage House Lavender which is stunningly beautiful too. I love their farm and I keep their Lavender body lotion on hand at all times. Even Emma, my 1 year old loves their lotion. Every night after a bath she asks to put some on. I have to keep it in stock now because its her absolute favorite, and mine!
Personally, I take a lot of inspiration from these flowers. They bring me a lot of joy and so we have planted them all around our home. I am excited for this years new bloom!
Emma is just 10 months in these photos. Even she was having a great time! She loved smelling the flowers and was very curious by the buzzing bees. It was so sweet to watch her exploring all around the lavender.
We did the you cut lavender and to include Emma in the activity I would cut a flower, hand it to her and she would place them into the basket. She was all about it!
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The most important thing to consider here are your shoes. Some lavender fields have cemented walkways, while others are covered with a plastic to prevent weeds from growing and some are just in soil. So basically avoid high heels, but sandals and comfy walkable shoes are great.
I recommend wearing a hat if you plan on going because the sun can be harsh depending on the time of day, weather, etc. You can also bring sunscreen or wear a lightweight kimono to help protect your skin against the UV rays.
I wanted to wear something bright and vibrant to the field. I loved this Jumpsuit and found it to be perfect because I could bend over, sit down on the ground, and move all around while staying cool and comfortable.
A maxi dress, jeans, romper or shorts would be a great look for going to a lavender field too.
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]]>I have compiled a list of the top 10 must see, do & eat places in Mendicino, CA. Since we visited during Covid and the fires, many museums and places were still closed but we were still able to experience a full weekend of adventures.
#1 The drive
No matter which direction you are coming from, your going to have to stop at some point and appreciate the beautiful views.
#2 Skunk Train
This was such a fun and relaxing experience. The skunk train is a 100 year old running vintage train that takes you on a majestic journey through the forests. Its family friendly and they host special seasonal events throughout the year. If your in the area, you should definitely grab some tickets and enjoy the ride!
#3 The Last Little Red School House
I love vintage school houses and this one was in immaculate condition. Its been renovated and kept up by the Mendicino Fire Dept. We didn’t get to go inside, but we still got to check out the charming property and have a picnic outside on the lawn. This place gave off some seriously vintage vibes. The school house is located on Highway 20 between Fort Bragg & Willits. Its nestled just a bit inside the woods, so if you’re driving too fast, you might just miss it.
#4 Point Cabrillo Lighthouse
As you may notice, there is definitely a theme here. Mendicino is filled with history and many of the vintage buildings and railroads have been kept rather well and are still completely charming and beautiful. The 4th place you must visit is Point Cabrillo Lighthouse. Once you park your car, you can hike out to the lighthouse. Hubby and I choose the longer path to take which was only about a mile long. Its a really beautiful must see setting. We explored the beach near by and saw thousands of purple jellyfish floating in the water all around the lighthouse cliffs. There are vintage cottages and the head light keepers house which you can rent out and stay the night in. The buildings were built in 1909, but have been recently renovated.
#5 Dinner at Albion River Restaurant & Inn
If you are looking for good food and a beautiful setting, you must book your reservation here. I recommend making reservations here as early as possible because they are always booked out. We sat out on the patio and watched the sun set over the ocean on their private property. The night sky was beautiful & we even saw shooting stars that night! Something we never get to see living in the city. They had twinkling lights, fire pits and heaters all around so we were pretty cozy. The setting was perfect, the food was wonderful and the staff were knowledgeable and friendly. You can check them out HERE
#6 Mendicino Botanical Gardens
This was 47 acres of pure beauty! We walked the entire garden and spent our entire afternoon here. This garden was so much better than what I had expected. There was so many pretty plants to see and paths explore. It was so fun, relaxing and a totally perfect way to start our anniversary weekend. If you love plants, you have to go HERE. Wear something cute, because your gonna want to take some fun Insty pics! Ill link some cute outfits to wear at the end of this post.
#7 North Coast Brewing Co
If you enjoy a nice cold beer and pub fries, this is your spot. I enjoyed a tasting flight of four beers along with my dinner. This taproom was definitely a fun spot to checkout for a late afternoon dinner! We went here straight after we got off the Skunk Train. It was close enough to walk over, no need to re-park our car.
#8 Glass Beach
The beaches were completely beautiful, however there really wasn’t much glass left. It seems as though everyone had taken the glass home. It was a bit disappointing because I wanted to capture a cool shot of the glass with the ocean, but nonetheless it was still beautiful. I would recommend bringing some peanuts along because there are some seriously hungry beach squirrels! 🐿
#9 Mendicino Chocolate Co.
Chocolate. Enough said. They are located just down the road from the North Coast Brewing Co and Skunk Train. If your a chocolate lover like me, I highly recommend it. I purchased an assortment of dark sugar free chocolates and they were so yummy. If sugar free dark chocolate isn’t your thing, there is an assortment of all other yummy kinds too.
#10 Bike Rentals + Coastal Breakfast Picnic
You can rent bikes and ride along the coast + pack a picnic and some beach towels to soak up the soft dewy morning sun. We stayed right on the water so in the morning we grabbed some fresh hot coffee and breakfast and rode down to the beach where we enjoyed our brekky picnic. There is definitely a lot to see and experience in Mendicino, but just about anything you choose to do here will be beautiful and charming.
More Mendicino Travel Guide Ideas + Itinerary
What To Wear
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Napa Valley Traveling Tips
Traveling in Napa Valley is a simple way to experience luxury and leisure. Whether you're here for the wine or the picturesque views, there's are some tips and tricks to make your travels unforgettable for all of the right reasons. There are some must-see destinations for any traveler in Napa Valley, and a way to tie your itinerary together with ease.
Wineries
If you're coming to town as a wine lover, there are a few things you're going to want to keep in mind. Summer is the most popular time for tourists to come into town, but it's not necessarily the best time to visit. Coming in September and October allows you to beat the crowds and overbooked hotels. Plus, this is "crush" time when they harvest the grapes. Here are two of the best wineries to visit when you're in the area!
V.Sattui Winery
This is a favorite with locals and tourists because of the sprawling grounds that make it perfect for relaxing and having a picnic. The atmosphere is always jovial here with a family-friendly vibe.
Cakebread
This is a lesser-known winery than V.Sattui, and it happens to be an appointment only. Don't let that intimidate you though, as the staff is extremely friendly at this small boutique. Their educational tour is incredibly informational, and you get to sip wine as you tour the facility. Perfect for groups!
Relaxation
Napa is known for its grapes, but did you know their mud baths are a huge drawing point? There are high concentrations of nutrient-rich volcanic ash content in the north end of the Valley. The therapeutic mud baths are a mixture of ash, hot spring water, moss, and other natural minerals. Dr. Wilkinson's is the original source for mud baths in the valley, and Golden Haven Hot Springs is another worthy option to check out.
Traveling Safely
One way to tie your Napa Valley itinerary together is to ensure that your transportation is taken care of. If you're new or unfamiliar to the area, you're going to have to deal with things like finding directions, dealing with traffic, and figuring out where to get parking. If you're with a group, a Bus Company in Napa offers the perfect solution. It's a lot better than ordering a ride share service, and the features in a party bus are incomparable to the back seat of a sedan.
This is a sponsored post brought to you by Napa Wine Tours & Limousine Rentals provided by Napa Party Bus
All original photography created by @carolineflowers
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Napa is a destination for vacations all year long! There is always something to check out here, and the close of summer is bringing some awesome events in the Napa area. These are all perfectly suitable events to consider checking out with friends. It's always a good idea to leave the transportation to the professionals, especially if you're going to be enjoying some wine when you're out and about! For more information, head over to partybusnapa.com.
August 12
Paint Sip & Relax
600 Solano Avenue
Flex your creative muscles at this event! Appetizers will be served, followed by wine, and some relaxing tunes while you paint. If you're not technically gifted with art, don't let that stop you from coming out. The instructors help each person and go through the steps slowly so anybody can have a great time regardless of prior skill or art knowledge!
August 18
8th Annual Harvest Festival
at Oxbow Commons
1268 McKinstry Street
This is an annual celebration where Mexican-American winemakers gather to share the fruits of their labor. Ticket prices help to raise funds for those who need healthcare and education. There will be a live salsa orchestra playing music, and Aztec dancers as far as entertainment goes. Silent auctions will be happening here, too!
September 8
ZD Wines 50th Anniversary Celebration
at Culinary Institute of America
500 1st Street
Don't miss out on this milestone celebration for ZD Wines! Foodies will rejoice at the fact that this event is held at the Culinary Institute of America. They will be unveiling their brand new sparkling wine to commemorate their anniversary. The guest chefs are some of the best in the area, so you can expect top quality dishes being served here.
September 10
Sabores de Wine Country Latino Food & Wine Festival
at Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
50 Mark West Springs Road
This is the fourth year that the Small Business Resource Network has hosted this event! It is celebrating Latino culture with music, dancing, food, and wine. You'll be able to taste wine, micro brews, and spirits while eating samples of sweets from Latino chefs such as coffee, cake, and ice cream. Half of the proceeds go toward Movimiento Roseland Runners!
October 20
Lobster Feed Fundraiser for Women and Girls in Need
at St John the Baptist Catholic Church
924 Napa Street
This event supports a great cause to help women and children in need. Plus, how can you go wrong with a dinner that includes Maine lobster, prawns, sausage, corn on the cob, and potatoes? The food is served East Coast style in the center of the table, and there will be live music and dancing.
]]>This is a sponsored post brought to you by Napa Party Bus, Wine Tours & Limousine Rentals provided by Party Bus Napa
All original photography created by @carolineflowers
Hubby and I visited Silver Trident for a date day in Yountville and I just wanted to share this cozy spot with you! Its a perfect spot for valentines day as the set up is intimate, comfortable and quiet. Everything is designed by Ralph Lauren-like litterally everything! Its amazing!
Featured Dress Here
Valentines Day Top Style Picks
Xx
]]>The Barlow is a fun local spot in Sebastopol. I love shopping here because there’s so many fun shops to check out. There’s, art, clothing, beer, wine, food and lots of fun finds here. I love wearing a cute casual dress and a pair of sandals for easy walking around here. We like to start off with an Organic cup of coffee at Taylor Lane, then we do a little shopping, pick up some fresh bread from the village bakery. There are all sorts of wine tasting rooms and breweries to choose from. It’s a nice spot to spend your Sunday afternoon! Everyone around is so stylish and picture ready, family friendly and fun! ! If you’re in the area I highly recommend checking out this fun local spot!
Xx Caroline
Shop our local boutique online HERE
]]>Yountville is a darling little town in Napa that’s filled with fantastic restaurants, world class hotels and small but fine family owned tasting rooms. This town wasn’t always so touristy, it was a small family friendly town with cute family farm style homes, pretty parks with playgrounds and blooming flowers all around. You could easily find apple orchards & vegetable gardens all around. All that charm is still here & so much more these days with perfectly spaced out vineyards and art all throughout the town. Everyone dresses up when visiting Yountville. Fun, flirty floral dresses are a must and most popular here. Garden inspired and styled to perfection! Pretty oversized floppy hats and sandals are a must, as walking around here is irresistible! There is just so much cuteness to discover. We carry darling wine country styles that are just perfect for your vacation here. Make sure to check out our boutique & if you’re in town you can order right to your hotel & in town delivery is fast! So, you can wear your new wine country style OOTD right away!
Xx Caroline
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Shopping in Sonoma, Ca is always fun! I love the vintage shops, the art shops, the jewelry shops and everything in between. Nothing beats online shopping, but for those days when you got to break out of the routine and take a walk, the Sonoma square is filled with lots of fun and pretty shops to walk through. Walk through each single one of them. You’ll be surprised by what goodies you might just find. Fun and exclusive makeup finds are my favorite. New perfumes in vintage style bottles, homemade soaps and marble heart coasters! My husband and I like to go on dates here sometimes. We will start out at the coffee shop, then walk through a few shops, while I switch lenses, after lenses trying to get the perfect shot of all the little goodies. Then we will stop in for a little wine tasting and finish up the evening with a nice dinner. The square has it all, and you could easily spend an entire day here! Have a wonderful day!
OOTD dress shop HERE White coat shop HERE
Xx Caroline
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1. A glass for each wine varietal & themed formal dinners, lunches & breakfasts!!
2. Modern farmhouse tasting rooms are everywhere here! Check out the tasting room from the photos above HERE
3. Art, art & more art everywhere! Stroll through the Yountville Art Walk to get the whole feel on just one street!
4. Vineyards (duh) That's more of a California thing though, Napa has just over consumed these plants!
5. Hot air balloons. Each morning when the sky is clear (not foggy) there are hot air balloons!
Xx Caroline
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Brasswood Cellars is a delightful winery on Highway 29 in St.Helena CA. We attended the wine party event and enjoyed various excellent wines ranging from Chardonnay to Cabernet. Their property is actually quite unusual in the valley because they not only have a tasting room on sight. They have so much more to offer with a full-service bar, a restaurant, and a bakery. I'm also crazy in love with their insanely gorgeous blue fountain! Check them out HERE
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Bardessono is a luxury modern hotel and spa located in Yountville, California. Yountville, is a small luxury town in Napa Valley. There are plenty of things to do here and just about anything you decide to do is truly picture perfect. So make sure your cameras are charged and ready to go. The pictures above are all from the Bardessono, including the views you can see from the hotel.
I booked the 90 minute hot stone massage at the spa in Bardessono. I was greeted with a glass of red wine when I arrived, however I had the choice between a red, white or sparkling. I spent some time exploring the property while enjoying the wine. 10 Minutes before my appointment at the spa I got ready in the locker room which was private and luxurious.I spent a few minutes in the hot sauna to help warm up my muscles prior to the massage, which was highly recommended.The hot stone massage was something out of this world. The masseuse was absolutely incredible. The temperature of the hot stones were perfect, the music was meditative and it smelled of lavender and rose essential oils which was so good. After the massage I had access to the rooftop pool and hot tub for the rest of the day. The massage was so good and calming, I highly recommend it. The masseuse was incredibly friendly, thoughtful and made sure to ask me about any pains or injuries before hand. She also took the time to explain to me how a massage is beneficial to the body and why it is actually very healthy to get them on a regular basis.
Here are just some benefits of receiving a massage
This place is an absolute must. I highly recommend staying a few nights here, booking a spa day and enjoying the rooftop pool. There's also a restaurant called Lucy and a bar that you can enjoy on the property as well. You can watch my story from my stay at the Bardessono spa HERE You'll definitely get a better live feel of it.
Xx Caroline
Personal Instagram HERE
Boutique Instagram HERE
Book your stay at Bardessono HERE
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Materra Cunat Family Vineyards is a lovely winery located in AVA Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, California. A special event hosted by winemaker, Bruce Regalia and a few other very informative and gracious team members took us on a tour through the winery where we explored the growing grounds, tasting rooms, stainless steel wine cellar, barrel aging room and ended the night in their extravagant private wine library.
We also got to meet a very special guest, their adorable and friendly wine pup, Arlo who loves to eat the wine grapes. We tasted several wines from their wine menu such as the sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, merlot, and then finished the evening with a cabernet and a succulent planter to take home.
I highly recommend visiting this lovely winery during your next trip to the wine country.
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It's finally that time of year! I love everything about autumn traditions. Everything from apple picking to pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Hayrides and halloween. It's all in fun and joy. My favorite part about this time of year is the smell of cinnamon and spice everywhere. I love walking into the shops and smelling the spiced pine cones and bark. I even have an all natural spiced apple aroma recipe to make your house smell wonderfully amazing which I'll share in a later post. There are a few Apple picking orchards in the North Bay but I absolutely love the one in Occidental California. Occidental is just North of San Francisco and on top of the hill lays the Apple A Day Orchard. The Orchard is absolutely admirable. Fuzzy green grass covers the ground and healthy trees carrying juicy apples for miles.The trees planted carry a variety of apple types which means there's a lot to discover and enjoy. If your in the local area I highly recommend visiting this lovely location and picking yourself a basket of apples to take home and savor.
Xx Caroline
Shop The Dress HERE
Visit the Orchard
http://appleadayranch.com
Ratzlaff Ranch
13128 Occidental Rd.
Sebastopol CA 95472
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Check out my favorite styles for MOIC & Insta worthy outfit ideas!
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Napa Valley is a beautiful place to live. Luscious green vineyards for miles on end, fresh blue skies, and an abundance of the world's highest of quality wines. Luxurious resorts, high-end dining, and nothing less than the best. Although this town is so luxurious in many ways, it's also a quaint town. The kind of town where everyone knows everyone. I just wanted to share with you what our annual fair looks like here. Most of the tourists don't come to Napa Valley for the fair, but by far, its the cleanest and safest fair I've ever been to! Childhood memories of first roses and sweet kisses on the Ferris wheel, cotton candy with the BFFs, and overly sweet sticky drinks. Sunny skies, dizzy rides, and teddy bears are just a few of my favorites. Goldfish, water gun games, and kids squealing on the roller coasters. The smell of fresh hot candy apples, kettle corn, and fried french foods. What are some of your favorite memories from the fair?
Shop Napa Valley Getaway Styles
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