Gluten Free In New York City

Hi Friends!

Dustin and I have been to New York City a couple of times together but the last trip we did was the first time I had a gluten allergy so we definitely had to scope out the best food we could find while we were there! New York City had a ton of options to choose from and I wanted to make sure that they were all in one spot for you guys to reference when you need it! There is nothing worse than going to a new city and not knowing what you are going to be able to eat when you have an allergy. I wanted to make sure that I noted all of the restaurants that we went to not just the good spots, because then you know what you are getting yourself into before going there and getting disappointed. Honestly there weren’t really any terrible places that we tried but I will note all of that below in the reviews/what I ordered and that sort of thing!

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Where to Eat Gluten Free in New York City:

New York Restaurants

Don Antonio - I think for anyone visiting New York City, one of the things on your food bucket list is pizza and if you are gluten-free then you might be worried that there won’t be any options for you to have when you are there.. don’t worry I had pizza a few times and Don Antonio was one of them. I ordered a gluten-free pizza quattro formaggi and Dustin ordered a regular pepperoni pizza. We both liked the pizzas and it was actually my favorite pizza that I had while I was there! Originally we were going to go to the restaurant and sit down but we ended up getting it on Door Dash because we were so cold (we visited in February)! 10/10 recommend!

Lilli + Loo - In Orlando, Chinese food that is gluten-free is so hard to find so when we were planning out New York Trip I looked for Chinese food and found this was one of the options that came up and it was near our hotel! We stopped in here the first day that we were in town and I got the pad Thai, it was so yummy! They had a pretty large gluten free menu that had dishes like lo mein, fried rice, noodle dishes, sushi and sashimi and so much more. The pad Thai was good, it just needed a little bit of spice which they gave me to add to the dish! We would definitely go back!

Friedman’s Restaurant - This restaurant is basically completely gluten-free and it was SO yummy! They have seven locations but we ate at the location that was in the Theater District. When we were there I had SUCH a hard time choosing what I was going to eat because it all sounded so good. I ended up going with the fried chicken sandwich and it was freakin awesome! So many other things sounded good, the vegetable pot stickers, the B.L.T.A, the Tuna Melt and the Mac n Cheese, so many options I don’t think we could have gone wrong! I also think that other locations had diffferent options because they all have different menus! Defiantly check it out if you are visiting!

Thep Thai - We ate here the last day we were in New York City and we had the best time! We were waiting for our flight so we ended up sitting there for about three hours eating and getting drinks. I was drinking the Dawn on Me which was like a mimosa and so good. Dustin was drinking the Hazy Baby which was a bourbon drink with spiced cherry bitters and he really liked them. For food I got the pad Thai and so did Dustin, we both liked it! The appetizer that is in the photo wasn’t gluten free, they were crab rangoons and Dustin said they were really good. We loved this little restaurant and would go back when we are visiting New York City.

Schnippers - This restaurant had so many options and a whole gluten free menu! I was so excited to eat here and my food was delicious and didn’t disappoint. I got the gluten-free fried buffalo chicken sandwich and then a side of French fries with cheese sauce to dip them in. I wouldn’t call this restaurant like fast food but it was more of a fast paced place where you order at the counter and then go sit down and wait for your number to be called. I would compare it to like a McAllisters type of place. It was really good and I wish we had this place in Florida!

Tolache - This was a Mexican restaurant that we hadn’t planned on eating at but I am so glad we found it. When we were in New York on of our activities was to go see Wicked on broadway at the Gershwin Theater and this restaurant was right next door to the theater. In hindsight we should have made reservations but we were lucky enough to get in on Valentine’s Day! As an appetizer we got the mild guacamole which was yummy and then for my main meal I got the pescado tacos which were made Baja style with spicy jícama slaw and guacamole on corn tortillas… YUM! Dustin got the carne asada tacos with chipotle salsa, onions, cilantro and avocado! We both loved our meals!

Lunetta Pizza - This was the other pizza place that we ordered from and it was okay but it just wasn’t our favorite! We decided to just order one pizza so we ended up getting one gluten-free pepperoni pie as they called it on their website! I would say it was like a 4/10, I don’t even think we didn’t love it because of the crust I just think the sauce wasn’t for us! If you have had this pizza and liked it please tell us what to get next time! I never love bashing on gluten free options because they are so limited but this just wasn’t great!

Places that were on our list but didn’t have time for:

• The Little Beet

• Black Seed Bagels

• Risotteria Melotti

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I wanted to add in a little bonus item for you guys. This New York City trip was Dustin’s Christmas present a couple of years ago and I made him an itinerary for our weekend! It’s not perfect and we didn’t do everything but I wanted to share it with you guys just in case you needed any inspiration for your upcoming New York trip! We just spent a long weekend there and had so much fun, you will find the itinerary below!

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Like I mentioned before, Dustin and I have been to New York City twice together and then before that once on our own and I feel like we have tried many spots. Eating gluten-free in New York City was a fun challenge and we were pleasantly surprised with the options we had to choose from! If you have any questions at all, please comment below or you can always send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as possible!

Much Love, 

Emma

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Orlando Local Summer Bucket List | 2024

Orlando Local Summer Bucket List | 2024

We have lived here for just under four years and we decided it was time to finally check some of the things we have always wanted to do here in Orlando off of the list! Since summer is in full swing we as Orlando locals know that this season is filled with endless possibilities and adventures and we need to be taking full advantage of them. SO many things from theme parks to outdoor water activities, our city is bursting with opportunities to make memories and soak up the sunshine. With that being said, there are so many options, it is hard to know where to even begin? We decided to write them down and actually try to check off items from our Summer Bucket List. Honestly this list can be for anyone, whether you're a long-time resident or a first-time visitor here on vacation, this bucket list has anything and everything you need to make the most out of your summer in Orlando. From hidden gems to must-see attractions, I feel like this list will keep you entertained all season long. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to explore our city like a true local!

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Glass Bottom Kayak Tour at Rainbow Springs -

I have always wanted to do this, all of the videos I see on Instagram look so pretty! You can go in a 1 person or a 2 person kayak and the website that I found looks like it will be $70 a person! They also had a ton of availability which was awesome because this kind of thing seems like it could fill up pretty quick.

Spend an afternoon at Lakeridge Winery -

I have wanted to come to this winery since we moved here and we’ve driven past it a bunch but never stopped in. This one seems like it will be an easy one to check off! They have live entertainment on the weekends as well as a food court and then obviously the wine bar!

Go in the hot air balloon at Disney Springs -

For those of you who don’t know, Dustin and I actually got married in this balloon and we have never been back up in it. We will be celebrating our 7th wedding anniversary on July 1st so that seems like the perfect time to do it again! For those who are curious it is $30 a person to go up in the balloon!

Beach day at St. Pete Beach -

Not all of the things on this bucket list are huge, we have been to this beach many times before but not too often. The beach feels juuuuuust out of reach for us to go often with the puppies being at home, so planning a beach day for us will be much more likely that we end up going!

Winter Garden Farmers Market Date -

Again not a huge thing, we have been a few times but I wanted to add it to the list because it’s something not to miss! We love spending at Saturday in Winter Garden at the farmers market and then getting lunch somewhere and doing a bit of shopping! We love eating at Urban on plant and we also love the bookstore that they have there called Writers Block! I also feel like I should share that we also love going to the Clermont Farmers market! Both are awesome for their own reasons! Like the Clermont area has really cool shops like the record store!

Swim with the manatees at Blue Springs State Park -

This has been on my list since before we moved down to Florida and I am shocked that we haven’t been yet. I REALLY want to make it happen this summer!

Spend the day at Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon -

Our Disney passes include the Disney water parks and we’ve been passholders for two years, this might even be our third year of being passholders, and I can’t believe that we’ve never been to one of the water parks! I’m not a huge waterpark person, but I do think that I would enjoy spending time at a waterpark that was Disney themed!

Watch the 4th of July fireworks from Lake Minneola -

We actually do have plans to do this this summer, our friends invited us out on their boat to watch the fireworks and I’m so excited! I think it’s gonna be so cool watching them from the water!

Brunch at Root and Branch -

This is one of those smaller bucket list items but eating at this restaurant has been on my list for awhile now so I want to make it happen this summer!

Morning hike at Lake Louisa State Park -

We love going to Lake Louisa, but we’ve never actually gone hiking there, I am excited too go though! There are so many pretty in the state park and I think hiking through it will be a fun way to see them!

Visit the Clearwater Aquarium -

Again, I have followed the Clearwater aquarium on Instagram since we lived in Boston and have always wanted to go that I’m surprised that we haven’t been yet. But much like the beach it is just far enough away that we haven’t made the trip yet. Definitely hoping to cross this off the list this summer.

Concert date night at Epcot Eat to the Beat -

This will be a late summer activity, we love going to the concerts that are in the American Pavilion at Epcot. It’s such a fun date night and there are usually some pretty cool bands to watch! We will most likely go to more than one of these concerts but such a fun and easy night out if you are a Disney pass holder!

Spend time at The Acre -

I’m pretty sure this opened up in the fall of last year and so many people have made such cool videos about the acre, from what I understand it’s like an outdoor food live music hang out picnic situation… Lots of people bring their dogs. It looks like such a fun time!

Bioluminescence Stand Up Paddle Tour at Indian River lagoon -

I’ve heard that this is such a fun thing to see, it’s standup paddle boarding but at night and there is bioluminescent algae that makes the river/lagoon light up… I’m not even sure if I’m explaining it correctly but my geeky science loving heart is so excited for this

Weekend Trip to the Everglades National Park -

I would absolutely love to make this happen this summer, the Everglades is a topic that I learn about a lot in my school and classes… The Florida Panther has come to be one of my favorite things to learn more about and I have done many projects over the topic. Seeing this in person would be such a cool experience.

Disney World - 4 Parks in 1 Day -

I’m pretty sure we’ve done this before, but not in an intentional way and with a lack of organization… I would love to do this again though and make goals for each park to really be able to say that we’ve done four parks in one day! But definitely something I want to do!

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As Orlando locals, we are no strangers to the heat and humidity of summer and truly there is some level of embracing the heat and still enjoying summer activities that need to happen! We are so looking forward to getting outside and exploring all that this city we call home has to offer. Like I mentioned before, there are so many options from theme park adventures to hidden gems off the beaten path, our summer bucket list has something for everyone and we can’t wait to start checking these off the list. Are any of these things on your bucket list in Orlando? Or did you add anything from this list to your own list? I would love to hear if there are things that I should add as well! Comment below or you can always email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as quickly as possible!

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3 Outfit Ideas for Hollywood Studios

3 Outfit Ideas for Hollywood Studios

I did a blog post about a month ago sharing one outfit to wear in each of the parks and you guys really seemed to like it! I decided to do a few more outfits for each of the parks starting with Hollywood Studios! I love dressing up for this park because you have so many options to choose from! You can lean into Star Wars, Toy Story, Classic Mickey Mouse, many of the rides like Tower of Terror or Rock n’ Rollercoaster, Cars and honestly more depending on what your favorite is! I have mentioned this before but comfort is my main concern when I am going to any of the parks so if I share it, I have worn it and didn’t have any problems with comfort throughout the day. These outfits are going to make sure you have a fun day at the park while being comfortable and still feeling cute with your outfit!

You guys can click each picture below to shop these park looks!

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Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios - Little Bo Peep

The exact items are linked here!

| Pink Romper | Sheep Earrings | Sheep Necklace | Sneakers | Fuzzy Mickey Ears |

| Bo Peep Hat | Belt Bag | Mr. Potato Head Rings |

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios - Cars

The exact items are linked here!

| Overalls | Cars Tank Top | Sneakers | Earrings | Mickey Ears |

| Bracelet | Belt Bag | Cars Bucket Hat |

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Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios - Star Wars

The exact items are linked here!

| Bike Shorts | Grey T-Shirt | Cream T-Shirt | Earrings | Star Wars Bow |

| Belt Bag | Reebok Sneakers | Bracelets |

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I hope you like all of these outfit options or at least find one that fits your style. I love putting these together and it also gives me a refresher on outfits to wear when I am going to the park as well! What is your favorite ride at Hollywood Studios?! I think mine is Rock N Roller Coaster or maybe Tower of Terror.. possibly even Rise of the Resistance, there are just so many good ones to choose from at this park! If you have any questions, you can ask them below or if you are more comfortable you can email me at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you ASAP with an answer!

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Review of the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium

Discover the Secret Life of Insects at the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium!

We spent a good portion of our morning at the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium when we were visiting and liked it so much! For one it was a great way to get out of the rain but we also make the aquarium a priority whenever we are visiting a new place. At the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium, we were able to learn so much from the captivating world of these tiny creatures. They had interactive exhibits as well as unique species to see for the first time. If you are visiting, get ready to explore and learn about the behaviors and habitats of insects like never before. Below I am sharing more from out visit about the world of aquatic species as well as the insects that are at this one-of-a-kind attraction in New Orleans.

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More Details on the New Orleans Aquarium

Inside the New Orleans Aquarium we saw so many species, the Audubon Aquarium is home to over 3,600 animals and 250 species! This aquarium is right next to the Mississippi River which is a whole different perspective going in rather than the Boston Aquarium that we visited so often that is right on the ocean! The Audubon Aquarium has many interactive exhibits that let us get close to so many species. Some of my favorites to see were the African Penguins and the Louisiana white leucistic alligator which was so rare to see! They also had South American Sea Nettles which are a species of jellyfish, Giant Sea Turtles, and Sea Horses, as well as various sharks and stingrays. A fun fact that I thought was pretty cool is that it is in the top 10 of best aquariums in the United States, definitely worth the visit!

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Details on the Insectarium

I don’t think we had ever been to an Insectarium before this but we enjoyed it and will be adding them to our to-dos when they are available! Walking into the Insectarium was so cool, right away there was so much to look at. They had different beetles, ants, bumblebees, carpenter bees, grasshoppers, cockroaches and so many more. Then in the butterfly house, there was so much to look at, tons of zebra longwing butterflies, monarch butterflies, and more stating that there are over 20 species of butterflies within the butterfly house. They also had giant sphinx moths, Halloween pennant dragonflies, and Florida walkingstick are just a few. Again there are tons of interactive displays and informative signage so that visitors of all ages can learn in a hands-on way more information about these fascinating creatures.

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Pricing Details on Both Spots

You can buy tickets online or in person, we bought them in person when we were there but I believe you might save some money if you pre purchase them online. As of right now, in Spring 2024, when you buy them online the ticket for the Aquarium is $30 per person for a non-member and the Insectarium is $30 per person for a non-member. If you purchase them together though the total for both the Aquarium and the Insectarium is $40 per person which is a huge savings. This is the option that we did and I believe it was similar in cost per person when we visited and bought them.

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Details on Food & Drinks

After exploring the interactive exhibits, you may find yourself feeling hungry and in need of a break. Luckily, between the Insectarium and the Aquarium, there is a restaurant with a ton of options. The menu has so many New Orleans-style options including a roast beef Po’ Boy, a Gulf Shrimp Salad, Crawfish Etouffee, Gumbo, and then other options like chicken tenders or a delicious-looking turkey sandwich and chips. There are kids’ meals as well and in the cooler were tons of alcoholic and non-alcoholic options to choose from. The indoor seating was nice as it overlooks the Mississippi River, the perfect stop between seeing the aquarium and the insectarium.

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Lots to say about the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium but honestly such an unexpected find on this trip. So many unique species, and interactive exhibits to explore and learn about these creatures. Whether you love all things animals like me or just need a rainy day activity, the New Orleans Aquarium and Insectarium is one for the bucket list! If you have any questions at all, comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you as soon as I can!

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4 Outfit Ideas for a trip to Disney World

4 Practical Outfit Ideas for a Day at Disney World

Planning a trip to Disney World can be exciting, but dealing with the Florida heat and long days of walking can be a challenge when it comes to figuring out what you are going to wear. If you want to enjoy all the magic the parks have to offer without sacrificing comfort, you're in the right place. I rounded up 4 practical outfit ideas designed to keep you cool and comfy from rope drop to the fireworks. Whether you're tackling the roller coasters at Magic Kingdom or exploring the international pavilions at Epcot, these outfits will have you covered. Say goodbye to sweaty discomfort and hello to stylish practicality – your Disney adventure awaits!

You guys can click each picture below to shop these park looks!

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Outfit Idea for Magic Kingdom

When I am at Magic Kingdom I always want to go for a classic Disney World look! There are more opportunities to be shaded and cool in this park which is always nice. I have this Amazon bodysuit that doubles as bike shorts that I linked in this look that I love pairing with an oversized t-shirt. I love Disney accessories so it’s fun to add those to your look and I ALWAYS make sure I am wearing comfortable shoes, regardless if I am going to be at the park from open to close or just a few hours. I have had blisters on my feet from Disney before and I don’t let it happen anymore! Magic Kingdom has the best mix of fun rides, yummy park classic snacks, nostalgia, and fun! This outfit will provide the perfect balance of style and practicality for your magical day at Magic Kingdom.

The exact items are linked here!

| Bodysuit | T-shirt | Sneakers | Earrings | Bracelets | Belt Bag |

Outfit Idea for Hollywood Studios

If you're heading to Hollywood Studios you can expect a day of nostalgic movie magic and lots of fun rides! This park has so many options to dress as like Star Wars, Toy Story, classic Mickey and Minnie and so many others! As always, I like to stay comfortable when I am at parks but this is the park that people dress up for the most. This outfit option will keep you cool but feel cute so you explore all that Hollywood Studios has to offer.

The exact items are linked here!

| Overalls | Tank Top | Sneakers | Earrings | Mickey Ears | Bracelets | Belt Bag |

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Outfit Idea for Animal Kingdom

This outfit in my mind screams Animal Kingdom! I always think this park is very sticky and hot, probably because of all the plants there but I ALWAYS wear bike shorts, they are the most comfortable and if I am being honest the only thing besides jeans that keeps me from chafing 😅. So I go pretty basic with bike shorts, an oversized too, and sneakers! Hopefully, this outfit will keep you feeling cool and comfortable as you trek through the lush landscapes and encounter all of the wildlife at Animal Kingdom.

The exact items are linked here!

| Bike Shorts | T-Shirt | Sneakers | Earrings | Necklace | Knot Headband | Belt Bag |

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Outfit Idea for Epcot

Depending on what your main plans for Epcot are your ideal outfit might be different. If I am planning on running around getting on rides I will go more casual with bike shorts and an oversized tee. If I am going for the evening and going to have some drinks and snacks then I might wear overalls or jean shorts and a cropped tank or something depending on the weather. Regardless of the direction my day is going to go I usually wear lightweight clothes to stay cool and wear layers if I need to add something for warmth.

The exact items are linked here!

| Bike Shorts | T-Shirt | Sneakers | Purple Shorts | Pegasus Earrings | Lightening Earrings | Baseball Cap | Belt Bag |

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In the heart of the Florida heat, navigating the magic of Disney World can be a stylish and comfortable affair with these 4 practical outfit ideas in tow. From Magic Kingdom to Hollywood Studios and more, you can be prepared for any adventure that awaits you, all while looking effortlessly cute! So, don't let the soaring temperatures dampen your Disney experience - stay cool, comfy, and ready for anything with these outfit ideas. As you embark on your magical journey, remember: that the right outfit can truly make all the difference. So, pack your bags, find your perfect look, and get ready to make unforgettable memories at the most magical place on earth.

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Gluten Free In New Orleans

Hi Friends!

There were tons of options when we were in New Orleans for gluten-free options and I wanted to make sure that they were all in one spot for you guys to reference when you need it! I also have a whole blog post for New Orleans Where to Eat, Stay and Play that I will link here for you guys if you want to check that out and get an idea of other things to do while you are in the city! Below are the spots worth sharing!

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Where to Eat in New Orleans, Louisiana:

Deanie’s Seafood - This is where we went to dinner the first night we were here pretty much right after we got checked into the hotel. We were so hungry! They didn’t have a huge gluten-free menu but when I saw that they had gluten-free fried seafood I didn’t hesitate. For dinner, I got the fried catfish and a side of sweet potato fries, as you can see from the picture it was SO much freakin food. I feel like I didn’t even scratch the surface of eating everything on my plate. The portion was plenty for two so learn from my mistake! It was so yummy though. Dustin got the Jambalaya and was impressed, we both really liked our meals!

Bons New Orleans Street Food - This place was so exciting to me that we ate here one day and had gluten-free beignets and then the second day we came back for breakfast and we both got the gluten-free chicken and waffles…. OHHHH my goodness those were killer. I loved the fried chicken so much! A 20/10 on the chicken and waffles, the gluten-free beignets were meh… Like I got them because they were gluten-free but they were pretty dense and had this weird spiced flavor to them, I would call them more like donuts. Dustin said that he liked the ones that were not gluten-free though and he would have those again.

The Will and the Way - We actually stopped in here two different times on different days because we liked it so much! I had probably too many of the Saint Luke which was blueberry, basil, and black tea-infused vodka with lime and simple syrup… SO good, I want to recreate it at home! We also loved their Loaded Korean Hot Fries… OH MY GOSH, they were good! They were almost like a poutine style with kimchi, beef bulgogi, gochujang aioli, and peanuts… We had like three servings of these dang fries! 10/10 recommend this bar, it was our favorite!

Thaihey NOLA - After the steamboat ride, we were hungry but really wanted to head back to the hotel to warm up! We stopped at Thaihey and got an order to go. It was so good! For an appetizer we got an order of their chicken poppers which were like chicken nuggets tossed in a spicy green curry sauce, so good. And then we both got the same thing for dinner which was their soft shell crab pad Thai and that was also delicious both dishes were gluten-free and we liked them a lot! We probably could have eaten in the restaurant, it had a really cute vibe to it. We would eat here again!

Bars in New Orleans, Louisiana:

The Saddle Bar - This is the bar that we went to the first night we were here. There weren’t a ton of people in there but it was a Thursday night. Some groups would wander in and out but not consistently busy overall. It was a country bar which wasn’t usually our scene but they had games on some of the tables, beer pong, and a mechanical rooster so there was plenty of entertainment. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were good, we would go back!

The Will and the Way - see above for a more in-depth review but we loved this place!

The Pothole NOLA - I don’t feel like I have a good enough review for this bar. When we were in there we only had one drink, I got a Nutral, and Dustin had a Jack and Coke that he said was awful. The bartender was fine but seemed annoyed that we were there and it was just overall pretty boring. Again, it was the middle of the afternoon but it was a Saturday so I’m not sure, it could be more fun at other times of the day. Keep in mind there were other bars that we stopped into in the middle of the day that were more fun, so it just seemed like the bar was a dud.

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Again, New Orleans was such a fun city to visit and it was filled with delicious gluten-free food options! If you have any questions at all, please comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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Drinking Around the World at Epcot: My Favorites

I think the best tip that I could give you guys is which drink I order in each country when I am drinking around the world at Epcot! I feel like when I used to Google which drink was the best I would get so many mixed suggestions, maybe that will feel like this for you guys too but maybe it will help! Here are my favorite drinks from each country and where you a find them! Keep in mind these are all gluten-free and because of that, there isn’t any beer or dark liquor in these drinks!

Mexico - I love the Spicy Mentirosa from La Cava del Tequila, this is technically an alcohol-free drink but I add tequila and it is literally SO SO delicious! It is made with Lyre’s Italian Orange, Lyre’s Dry London, lime juice, cucumber and jalapeño juice, agave nectar, and the rim is a hibiscus salt, so good, and then I added tequila!

Norway - Here I get the Troll Kreme which is at the cart right when you walk into Norway, it is a frozen vanilla and cranberry that is topped with Dragon Berry Rum and it’s yummy and cooling on a hot Florida day!

China - I always get the Kung Fu Punch, which is at the cart that is called Joy of Tea, it’s not inside the pavilion but right next to the little shop that is at the entrance to the China Pavilion. The drink includes vodka, triple sec, and then a combination of mango and orange juice!

Outpost - If I am being honest, I really can’t remember the last time I got a drink from here. I think there is beer which I can’t have and other than that I’m not sure what they offer. Next time I am there I will check it out in person and report back!

Germany - Here we like to go into the bar that is attached to the gift shop with ornaments called Weinkeller and get chocolate shots, it is in a small round bottle and it really just tastes like a shot of hot chocolate, it is so good! We have also gotten this bottle for the house, it is called Mozart Gold Chocolate Liqueur, we love it!

Italy - I usually grab a glass of wine when I am here, that isn’t super directive but I love red wine and it always tastes good coming off of the chocolate shot in Germany. I don’t think you can go wrong here with red, white or rose!

America - Here I usually just get an Angry Orchard from Regal Eagle Smokehouse, I know that is pretty boring but it’s safe and I know I can have it!

Japan - This drink can be kind of hit or miss for me, I get the Violet Sake from Garden House which is Japan’s outdoor Sake Bar, but sometimes it can be way too sweet. This drink has dry sake, ronin desert pear syrup, sweetened lime juice and water. If I am just casually drinking around the world I might skip it, if I am committed to the cause of drinking around the world haha this is what I will get! If you have any other suggestions though let me know what I should try.

Morocco - I go to the bar that is inside Spice Road Table and I always get the Pomegranate Acai! It has the acai blueberry pomegranate Vitaminwater, dragon berry rum, lime juice, agave, and soda water- so good! 10/10 recommend this one!

France - This seems like the most basic answer but I love the Grand Mariner Slush, it is at the booth called Les Vins des Chefs de France and its the orange slush that you will see most people carrying around! It is a slushy that has Grand Mariner, Rum, Grey Goose orange and orange juice in it and it is so dangerously delicious!

United Kingdom - This is another stop where my choice isn’t all that exciting but I love Strongbow and have a hard time finding it here in Florida aside from the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot and the local British pub that we go to a lot. So my choice here is to stop into the Rose and Crown and get a glass of Strongbow!

Canada - I have never successfully found a gluten-free beverage in Canada unfortunately. I will always keep my eyes open but unfortunately, I’ve never had luck.

Hopefully, this will help you guys a little but I am always here to answer any questions that you have or advice on different Disney facts or suggestions for food or drinks! Please feel free to comment below with any questions that you might have or let me know if these tips worked for you and your trip to Disney!

Much Love,

Emma

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New Orleans: Where to Eat, Stay and Play

Hi Friends!

Are you in need of a break from the daily grind? Look no further than the lively and historic city of New Orleans, where vibrant music, delicious food, and rich culture await you! Dustin and I visited back at the beginning of February, not knowing that it was Mardi Gras and we literally had the time of our lives. We have been to a lot of places and this trip was just to much fun, I would say in my top five trips that we have taken together. It was also the perfect time to go, the weather was a little chilly at night but still so perfect, I say chilly but I live in Florida and anything under 65 is basically freezing. I would say the nights didn’t get below 45 and it was honestly just perfect! In this guide, we will take you on a journey through the best gluten free spots to eat, where to stay, and what to do during your weekend escape to New Orleans! From indulging in mouth-watering Cajun dishes to exploring the charming architecture of the French Quarter, get ready to fall in love with this Southern gem the way we did!

Where to Stay: Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension

We stayed at Bluegreen Vacations Club La Pension and it was an amazing stay! The room was perfect, it had a little kitchen with a small fridge and microwave as well as cutlery, cups, plates, and other things. Everything seemed updated and new! We loved the location, it was just one street back from the Mardi Gras Parades which was honestly a happy accident. Check-in was quick and easy and the staff, security, and concierge were so nice and helpful. Our room was actually a couple of doors down from the lobby but that wasn’t a problem at all, they showed us to the entrance of the door on the street and we used our key card to get into the main street door and then again to get onto the elevator. It was a very secure building right next to a liquor store and a little convenient shop for snacks and things! We would absolutely stay here again!

Where to Eat in New Orleans, Louisiana:

Deanie’s Seafood - This is where we went to dinner the first night we were here pretty much right after we got checked into the hotel. We were so hungry! They didn’t have a huge gluten-free menu but when I saw that they had gluten-free fried seafood I didn’t hesitate. For dinner, I got the fried catfish and a side of sweet potato fries, as you can see from the picture it was SO much freakin food. I feel like I didn’t even scratch the surface of eating everything on my plate. The portion was plenty for two so learn from my mistake! It was so yummy though. Dustin got the Jambalaya and was impressed, we both really liked our meals!

Bons New Orleans Street Food - This place was so exciting to me that we ate here one day and had gluten-free beignets and then the second day we came back for breakfast and we both got the gluten-free chicken and waffles…. OHHHH my goodness those were killer. I loved the fried chicken so much! A 20/10 on the chicken and waffles, the gluten-free beignets were meh… Like I got them because they were gluten-free but they were pretty dense and had this weird spiced flavor to them, I would call them more like donuts. Dustin said that he liked the ones that were not gluten-free though and he would have those again.

The Will and the Way - We actually stopped in here two different times on different days because we liked it so much! I had probably too many of the Saint Luke which was blueberry, basil, and black tea-infused vodka with lime and simple syrup… SO good, I want to recreate it at home! We also loved their Loaded Korean Hot Fries… OH MY GOSH, they were good! They were almost like a poutine style with kimchi, beef bulgogi, gochujang aioli, and peanuts… We had like three servings of these dang fries! 10/10 recommend this bar, it was our favorite!

Thaihey NOLA - After the steamboat ride, we were hungry but really wanted to head back to the hotel to warm up! We stopped at Thaihey and got an order to go. It was so good! For an appetizer we got an order of their chicken poppers which were like chicken nuggets tossed in a spicy green curry sauce, so good. And then we both got the same thing for dinner which was their soft shell crab pad Thai and that was also delicious both dishes were gluten-free and we liked them a lot! We probably could have eaten in the restaurant, it had a really cute vibe to it. We would eat here again!

Bars in New Orleans, Louisiana:

The Saddle Bar - This is the bar that we went to the first night we were here. There weren’t a ton of people in there but it was a Thursday night. Some groups would wander in and out but not consistently busy overall. It was a country bar which wasn’t usually our scene but they had games on some of the tables, beer pong, and a mechanical rooster so there was plenty of entertainment. The bartenders were nice and the drinks were good, we would go back!

The Will and the Way - see above for a more in-depth review but we loved this place!

The Pothole NOLA - I don’t feel like I have a good enough review for this bar. When we were in there we only had one drink, I got a Nutral, and Dustin had a Jack and Coke that he said was awful. The bartender was fine but seemed annoyed that we were there and it was just overall pretty boring. Again, it was the middle of the afternoon but it was a Saturday so I’m not sure, it could be more fun at other times of the day. Keep in mind there were other bars that we stopped into in the middle of the day that were more fun, so it just seemed like the bar was a dud.

What to Do in New Orleans, Louisiana:

I think I should preface this list by saying this trip was very casual and leisurely for us and we didn’t do a ton of planning before getting there because we wanted to have a low-key go-with-the-flow getaway trip. But in the time that we were there, we saw a lot! I also think we could go another weekend and have a full weekend without doing anything again, there was so much to do and look at, and it was so much fun! Keeping that in mind, there will be things missing from this list that are major attractions that didn’t get to see, all the more reason to go back!

Audubon Aquarium + Audubon Insectarium - We always visit aquariums when we visit a new place, we both really like them so when we saw there was an aquarium just a couple of minutes from our hotel walking and it was pouring rain one afternoon, we knew we would be checking it out! It was really cool and I liked the Insectarium a lot. Tons to look at, and really cool interactive learning spots throughout the building, they had a couple of snack counters which was nice! They also gave a discount for buying a ticket to both the aquarium and the insectarium which was nice! I really liked the butterfly enclosure, so many types to see there!

Walk around Jackson Square - this was cool because this is where artists sell their art and they will also work on new pieces right in front of you which was neat to watch!

Steamboat ride - One night that we were there we decided to do a ride on a steamboat as a fun little adventure. It was cool but it was VERY cold doing it at night. Honestly, I would only do this if it isn’t cold while you are visiting because there is limited space inside and the wind is just a lot to handle. We opted out of the dinner that they were serving because we didn’t want to deal with my allergy so we just had a couple of drinks and listened to the live jazz band. That was another odd thing, the band would only play for like 30 minutes at a time and then there would be a 45-minute break which I understand but it was only like a 2-and-a-half-hour boat ride leaving lots of quiet time during the ride.

Pharmacy Museum - Stopping in here was sort of an accident, but a good one! The sign outside looked old and cool so we decided to stop in and the woman at the desk said that it was $10 a person to look at the museum. The first floor looked cool from what we could see so we decided to do it. There were tons of interesting things to look at and we ended up spending about 40 minutes wandering the three floors reading about all of the history of medicine. I would recommend it if this is something that you are interested in!

Shopping, lots of random shopping:

-Stop in the art galleries, they are all over the place and we went into lots of them!

-There were a few antique shops as well!

-Sassy Magick was a witchy type of bookstore that we went into! I ended up getting two books from there, the first one is The Treadwell's Book of Plant Magic and the other one is Green Witchcraft: A Practical Guide to Discovering the Magic of Plants, Herbs, Crystals, and Beyond - they were just too cool to pass up! I linked them both for you guys! There was lots to look at and they also had a lengthy list of services as well if you are interested in that!

-Earth Oddesey Crystal Shop - We/I loved this store! We spent about an hour in here looking at the crystals and talking to a couple of the people working there. It was so reasonably priced and I like that they also have an online store, I will be buying from them online as well in the future!

-Beckham’s Bookstore - We went to this bookstore one afternoon to see what they had to offer. I ended up grabbing a couple of coffee table books and I actually got A Court of Wings and Ruin there for $8 which was a really good find. Worth a stop if books are up your alley!

-Bourbon Street (we didn’t spend a ton of time here but we made sure to stop and wander through it a few times)

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I'‘ll wrap it up but needless to say, New Orleans is a vibrant city filled with delicious food, adorable places to stay, and endless opportunities for entertainment. Whether you're a foodie, a history buff, or simply looking for a fun weekend getaway, New Orleans has something for everyone and there is no shortage of things to do. So next time you're planning a weekend getaway, consider New Orleans as your destination. If you have any questions at all, please comment below or send me an email at tarynintotravel@gmail.com and I will get back to you asap!

Much Love, 

Emma

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10 Must-Know Tips for an Unforgettable Day at Epcot

Attention all Disney World fans, get ready to take your Epcot experience to the next level! Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, there's always something new and exciting to discover at this beloved theme park. With its eclectic mix of cultural attractions, thrilling rides, and mouth-watering cuisine, Epcot truly has something for everyone. In this article, we'll share 10 expert tips to help you make the most out of your Epcot adventure. From must-see pavilions to hidden gems, we'll provide insider knowledge to elevate your visit and leave you wanting to come back for more. So grab your Mickey ears and let's dive into 10 Tips for Epcot that you won't want to miss!

1. Try Mobile Ordering:

Especially with a gluten allergy, it is hard to know which booths have gluten-free options. If you are wanting an actual meal, save time and satisfy your taste buds with mobile ordering. Again, having any dietary restrictions or allergies, the app makes it easy to find suitable options at each restaurant. My favorite quick-service restaurants at Epcot are Connections Cafe and Regal Eagle Smokehouse!

2. Keep an Eye on Wait Times:

While waiting in line for a ride, keep an eye on wait times for the next attraction you plan to visit on the app. It's a strategic way to plan your route and make the most of your day. Keep in mind, when you are at Epcot, if you want to visit all of the countries as well you will want to plan your rides accordingly so you aren’t hiking back and forth all over the park all day long. Try to hit all of the rides in the front of the park or the ”future world” before 11-12 pm. Then you can do the countries in the afternoon and once you are starting to get hungry, especially if you are there during a festival.

3. Enjoy Rides Right Up Until Park Close:

Again, just like at Magic Kingdom, Hollywood Studios, and Animal Kingdom, you can hop in line for any ride right up until park closing time. So, if there's one last attraction you've been itching to experience, go for it especially if there has been a long wait all day! For Epcot, the ride I would get in line for at the end of the day is Test Track!

4. My Favorite Drink in each Country:

This honestly feels like the best tip that I could give you guys! Here are my favorite drinks from each country and where you a find them! Keep in mind these are all gluten-free and because of that, there isn’t any beer or dark liquor in these drinks!

Mexico - I love the Spicy Mentirosa from La Cava del Tequila, this is technically an alcohol-free drink but I add tequila and it is literally SO SO delicious! It is made with Lyre’s Italian Orange, Lyre’s Dry London, lime juice, cucumber and jalapeño juice, agave nectar and the rim is a hibiscus salt, so good and then I added tequila!

Norway - Here I get the Troll Kreme which is at the cart right when you walk into Norway, it is a frozen vanilla and cranberry that is topped with Dragon Berry Rum and it’s yummy and cooling on a hot Florida day!

China - I always get the Kung Fu Punch, which is at the cart that is called Joy of Tea, it’s not inside the pavilion but right next to the little shop that is at the entrance to the China Pavilion. The drink includes vodka, triple sec, and then a combination of mango and orange juice!

Outpost - If I am being honest, I really can’t remember the last time I got a drink from here. I think there is beer which I can’t have and other than that I’m not sure what they offer. Next time I am there I will check it out in person and report back!

Germany - Here we like to go into the bar that is attached to the gift shop with ornaments called Weinkeller and get chocolate shots, it is in a small round bottle and it really just tastes like a shot of hot chocolate, it is so good! We have also gotten this bottle for the house, it is called Mozart Gold Chocolate Liqueur, we love it!

Italy - I usually grab a glass of wine when I am here, that isn’t super directive but I love red wine and it always tastes good coming off of the chocolate shot in Germany. I don’t think you can go wrong here with red, white or rose!

America - Here I usually just get an Angry Orchard from Regal Eagle Smokehouse, I know that is pretty boring but it’s safe and I know I can have it!

Japan - This drink can be kind of hit or miss for me, I get the Violet Sake from Garden House which is Japan’s outdoor Sake Bar, but sometimes it can be way too sweet. This drink has dry sake, ronin desert pear syrup, sweetened lime juice and water. If I am just casually drinking around the world I might skip it, if I am committed to the cause of drinking around the world haha this is what I will get! If you have any other suggestions though let me know what I should try.

Morocco - I go to the bar that is inside Spice Road Table and I always get the Pomegranate Acai! It has the acai blueberry pomegranate Vitaminwater, dragon berry rum, lime juice, agave, and soda water- so good! 10/10 recommend this one!

France - This seems like the most basic answer but I love the Grand Mariner Slush, it is at the booth called Les Vins des Chefs de France and its the orange slush that you will see most people carrying around! It is a slushy that has Grand Mariner, Rum, Grey Goose orange and orange juice in it and it is so dangerously delicious!

United Kingdom - This is another stop where my choice isn’t all that exciting but I love Strongbow and have a hard time finding it here in Florida aside from the United Kingdom pavilion at Epcot and the local British pub that we go to a lot. So my choice here is to stop into the Rose and Crown and get a glass of Strongbow!

Canada - I have never successfully found a gluten free beverage in Canada unfortunately. I will always keep my eyes open but unfortunately I’ve never had luck.

5. SKIP MISSION SPACE:

This honestly sounds dramatic but I went on that ride once when I was probably 17 and haven’t been on it since. It is a ride that you get into and it just shakes you up and makes you sick! I wouldn’t waste ANY time going on that ride, I promise! Don’t feel like you need to check that off the list by any means, you aren’t missing anything!

6. Ride Test Track at Night:

Not to give away too many spoilers but as I mentioned earlier, you can get in line right at the end of the day and then ride this ride after the park has closed. I recommend doing this because the best part of the ride is when you go outside and seriously riding Test Track at night feels 100x faster in the dark and it is fantastic! Another side note for Test Track is that there is a single rider line for this one and this is how we usually ride it! If you don’t mind being separated from your group it is so worth the amount of time that this saves you from not waiting in the line.

7. Just start in Mexico, honestly:

Depending on how you are setting up your day, 9 times out of 10 I suggest starting in Mexico. The only time I feel like it’s okay to start in Canada is if you have a fast pass to ride Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France, other than that the flow of your drinks and snacks is going to be much better starting in Mexico.

8. Getting to Ride Guardians of the Galaxy:

There are two times in the day when you can get in the virtual queue for this ride, the first is at 7 am and you don’t have to be in the park, you can be at home. The second time you can get in the virtual queue is at 1 pm and you have to be inside Epcot to be able to get in the virtual queue. You can also buy a lightning lane pass for this, depending on how busy the park is, these are usually gone around 2pm ish, I usually think that people buy these if they can’t get in the virtual queue. I am going to link to a blog post where they go into detail about getting to ride Guardians of the Galaxy HERE. But if you can get on this ride it will be your new favorite, it is such an amazing and well-done ride! I would say it is my favorite ride!!

9. Hidden Rides and Attractions in the Countries:

Here are some of the rides and attractions that are in the countries that are often looked over. I didn’t know about most of these (except the main ones) until I started going to Epcot more frequently! I wanted to list them so you didn’t overlook them if they were interesting to you or a favorite of yours!

-Gran Fiesta Tour Starring the Three Caballeros in Mexico

-Frozen Ever After in Norway

-Reflections of China in China

-Many concerts in America

-Beauty and the Beast Sing-a-long in France

-Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure in France

-Concerts/live music in the United Kingdom

10. Starbucks Location:

Starbucks is now located in the same building as Connections Eatery, this is new since they did the renovations! A note, you cannot use mobile ordering in the parks like you can in Disney Springs which is unfortunate. But I will say the lines move pretty quickly, they are very efficient in those locations! You should also keep in mind that you can use gift cards at these locations but you can’t use points to pay for your drinks in the parks.

We love Epcot and I would say that it is the park that we visit the most! It’s fun to go for the evening, grab a drink and a couple of snacks and then head out for the night. In my mind it seems like the most casual park to hang out in if you are a local! But some might say the same about  Hollywood Studios! I am always here to answer any questions that you have or advice on different Disney facts! Please feel free to comment below with any questions that you might have or let me know if these tips worked for you and your trip to Disney!

Much Love,

Emma

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9 Destinations on our 2024 Travel Bucket List

9 Destinations on our 2024 Travel Bucket List

I always like creating a travel bucket list, I don’t do it every year but when I do I like to think that it sets the tone and focus for what I want to get out of my year. I like to think that having a travel bucket list is important because it also keeps me motivated with something to look forward to. When I first started my travel blog back in 2017, I made a travel bucket list and I think it was one of our biggest travel years that we ever had, we were so excited to have those trips to look forward to! This year we have talked about what we wanted our year to look like and what kind of travel year we wanted to have, things like a bigger trip with some of our dream destinations, smaller destinations in the USA, road trips, etc. We decided to do one bigger trip with a couple of dream destinations and then some USA weekend adventure trips sprinkled here and there, I am really excited for what this year has in store. Without further ado, here is our travel bucket list for 2024. I will start with spots that are already booked and then end the list with places we’d like to book later!

Mackinac Island

Last year when we went to Arizona it was a big family reunion to honor my grandpa who passed away in February of 2021. My grandpa absolutely loved traveling and did it his whole life as often as he could. When he passed away, the one thing that my grandpa asked us to do as a family was to continue traveling and he wanted us to do it as a big family. So that is what we started last year and it was the most special trip. I honestly have memories that I will remember forever. After last year we decided that every other year we wanted to do a bigger trip and the opposite years we would still get together away but on a smaller scale. This year I think we might do Mackinac Island in Michigan. I went there with my grandpa when I was about 12 and still have memories from that. When Dustin and I moved to Boston back in 2019 we stopped there on our drive out to the east coast and again, I have some of the best memories from that trip as well. I’m hoping that this trip happens but in my close family two babies are being born (January and March) so it might not happen, we will see but I still wanted to add it to this year’s bucket list!

Mexico - at some point

We have gone to Mexico at some point each year over the last three years since moving to Florida and we love it. When we do vacations in Mexico, they lean more towards the relaxing type of trip and it’s time for us to be able to sit and do nothing. We are both pretty go, go, go and this gives us a chance to do nothing if we want. We are members of the Unlimited Vacation Club with Secrets and Hyatt and have been since 2020, we have really enjoyed it so far! If you have questions about it I would be more than happy to share more about our experience with the Unlimited Vacation Club so far! I think if we go to Mexico this year it will most likely be in the fall and I would guess that we try a new resort this time, there are so many to choose from!

Here are a few on our list

Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya

Secrets Bahia Mita Surf & Spa

Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun

The Everglades

This is a place that I have obviously always known about and heard about and thought was so cool. But since I started getting my degree in Wildlife Conservation this National Park has been a topic that I do a lot of research on in my classes and I have grown to love it, I love learning about it and getting emails about park updates and conservation efforts. I am hoping to check it off of my bucket list this year! It seems like a trip that we could take possibly in the fall once Florida cools off a bit again. The Everglades would be the perfect long weekend getaway from the Orlando area, it is about a three-hour drive to the middle of the park!

Iowa

We will be making lots of trips (per usual) to Iowa this year, I mean we usually travel here a ton because both of our families live there but this year my sister is having a baby and I can imagine there will be many weekends spent there snuggling that nugget! My other sister also graduates high school this year and we will be back for that as well which we are so excited for!

Denmark

Denmark is another stop on our cruise, it is actually the last stop on our cruise this summer and I am soooooo excited to see the iconic sights that are in Copenhagen! I didn’t know this but Copenhagen was originally a fishing town which makes sense with the canal that runs through the colorful buildings! I’m looking forward to riding bikes and the cobblestone roads and architecture. We are also staying here for a couple of days after the cruise so send any recommendations that you might have our way!

Sweden

This is a special place to us because Dustin travels here 1-2 times a year for work and this will be the first time that I get to go with him to see the area. I’m not going to lie, Sweden wasn’t ever really high on my list but now that Dustin has been there a few times I think it would be cool to visit!

Scotland

This is a stop on the cruise that we are going on this summer with my parents. We have one stop in Scotland and we will only be there for a day. But we will be going back at some point within the next couple of years with Dustin’s parents and that will be fun. It will be cool to see it but I know we will be thankful that we will get to spend more time there in the future. My sister (who is having the baby) lived in Scotland for two years so we will have some awesome insider tips to have an amazing trip!

Iceland

I’m sure everyone has a story like this but we had been planning a trip here in 2020 and obviously didn’t end up going but we had always wanted to go and it was at the top of both of our lists as a dream destination. Well, this summer we are making it happen. I mentioned that we are going on a cruise with my parents and this is where the cruise starts (it ends in Denmark) and we are going to stay in Iceland for a few days before the cruise starts to see some sights and I can’t wait! If you have any recommendations please send them my way!

New Orleans

When this post goes live we will just be getting back from our weekend away in New Orleans. This town has been on my bucket list for at least ten years and I am so excited to be checking it off. This trip was my Christmas gift from Dustin. If you were around last year you might remember that we went to New York around Valentine’s Day and that was my gift to him for Christmas. I should start brainstorming destinations for his Christmas gift because it will be my turn to plan it next! Any destinations in the US that I should look into?! Let me know! I will be sharing all the things soon, gluten-free foods, what we did, where we stayed- the works!

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I think everyone should plan their travel bucket list, even if it is just one place that you would like to go to this year, it’s so great to have something to look forward to, especially if any of the following things were on your resolutions for the year, “more adventure”, “visiting a dream destination”, “creating more memories” or something along those lines that go with travel goals. I would love to hear your travel bucket list for 2024 in the comments! I hope that this list gave you some inspiration and you can follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration and updates for when we are in our bucket list destinations.

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