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Category: North America

Windmills & Wine: Top Attractions in Solvang, California

Windmills & Wine: Top Attractions in Solvang, California

Posted on January 9, 2018July 27, 2020 by Maps and Merlot

Have you ever dreamed of a place where you can eat authentic Dutch pastries for breakfast, tacos for lunch, and finish off the day with some stroopwafels? Where you can Read More…

Posted in California, Destinations, North AmericaTagged california, Destination, north america, Solvang, usa13 Comments
The First Timer’s Weekend Guide to Venice Beach, California

The First Timer’s Weekend Guide to Venice Beach, California

Posted on November 16, 2017November 7, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

Ready for an awesome weekend getaway? I know I am…so strap on your seatbelts, we’re headed to Venice Beach, California! Just outside of Los Angeles, Venice is the city’s grungy, Read More…

Posted in California, North America, USATagged beach, california, Destination, north america, usa, Venice Beach18 Comments
Long Weekend in Chicago: Top 20 Things to Do!

Long Weekend in Chicago: Top 20 Things to Do!

Posted on August 15, 2017June 8, 2020 by Maps and Merlot

Take it from me guys, Chicago is one epic place to be, especially in the summertime. I mean, who would turn down an easy weekend getaway? Not me, that’s for Read More…

Posted in Destinations, Illinois, USATagged Chicago, city, Destination, Illinois, usa, weekend getaway30 Comments
Toronto Layover Lowdown: What to See & Do in Toronto on a Layover

Toronto Layover Lowdown: What to See & Do in Toronto on a Layover

Posted on August 8, 2017December 12, 2018 by Maps and Merlot

Stuck in Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on a long layover? Fear not, I’m coming to your rescue for awesome things to do in Toronto on a layover! I recently had Read More…

Posted in Canada, Destinations, North AmericaTagged Canada, city, Destination, layover, north america, Toronto17 Comments
The Jersey Shore Bucket List: Things to do in Lavallette, NJ

The Jersey Shore Bucket List: Things to do in Lavallette, NJ

Posted on August 1, 2017July 27, 2020 by Maps and Merlot

When you think of Jersey Shore activities, what comes to mind? I know the television show makes a lot of you think of GTL (gym, tan, laundry), public intoxication, and Read More…

Posted in Destinations, New Jersey, North America, USATagged beach, Destination, Lavallette, New Jersey, north america, usa, weekend getaway6 Comments
Washington DC like a Local: 12 Things to Do for First Timers

Washington DC like a Local: 12 Things to Do for First Timers

Posted on May 9, 2017July 2, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

With summer fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to visit none other than Washington, DC! I lived amidst the politicians and deal makers in our nation’s capital for a year, Read More…

Posted in North America, USA, Washington DCTagged city, Destination, north america, usa, Washington DC, weekend getaway26 Comments
Top 14 Tourist Attractions in New Orleans: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Big Easy

Top 14 Tourist Attractions in New Orleans: A First-Timer’s Guide to the Big Easy

Posted on May 1, 2017November 7, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

The Big Easy is easy on fun: from steamboat rides on the Mississippi to guzzling Hand Grenades on Bourbon Street to elegant Southern mansions, New Orleans has it all. Whether Read More…

Posted in Destinations, Louisiana, North America, USATagged city, Destination, Louisiana, New Orleans, north america, usa, weekend getaway39 Comments
A Beginner’s Guide to Charleston, South Carolina: 15 Must-See Attractions

A Beginner’s Guide to Charleston, South Carolina: 15 Must-See Attractions

Posted on April 11, 2017November 4, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

Charleston, South Carolina is a city like no other. Located in the heart of the South, Charleston is home to picturesque cobblestone streets, stately pastel mansions, and horse drawn carriages. Read More…

Posted in North America, South Carolina, USATagged Charleston, city, Destination, South Carolina, usa34 Comments
3 Days in San Francisco: The Ultimate Itinerary

3 Days in San Francisco: The Ultimate Itinerary

Posted on April 4, 2017July 2, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

As soon as I made it into the city, I knew I was in trouble. I had barely been there 30 minutes, and San Francisco already had me. I’m not Read More…

Posted in California, Destinations, North America, USATagged california, city, Destination, road trip, San Francisco, usa39 Comments
7 Things I'm Loving in Sarasota, Florida Right Now

7 Things I’m Loving in Sarasota, Florida Right Now

Posted on January 17, 2017July 2, 2019 by Maps and Merlot

As part two of the winter weekend getaway series, I present to you: Sarasota, Florida. This is my hometown and will always have a special piece of my heart despite Read More…

Posted in Destinations, Florida, North America, USATagged beach, Destination, Florida, Sarasota, usa62 Comments
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Meet Melissa!

Hello there, I’m Melissa, a wine-loving, bikini-obsessed Floridian who is absolutely addicted to travel. The only issue? I have a career and a whole host of adult responsibilities to handle (hello yard work and bills.) My goal is to show you that it’s 100% possible to climb the corporate ladder while living out your crazy travel dreams. Check out my About Me page to learn more!

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