"You're off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so...get on your way!" ~Dr. Seuss So often, we put off vacationing and traveling because we can't afford it. Wake up, people! We have to whole world to explore. So many of us miss out on what's right here in front of us, in our back yards or so close to home. We need to stop waiting around for things to happen and seek out adventure. Find it in each and every day. And demand an amazing life. My social media is scattered with images of vacations and trips that we may never take. I've decided I will only harbor pure joy for those blessed with those vacations and not expect those to come to us. Instead, we will find those same joys where we are able. We've been blessed with a few amazing vacations of our own. However, some of most memorable moments have happened when we least expect it. So, I ask myself, why am I constantly longing for trips to create those memories when they can happen anywhere and without spending a boatload of cash? I can't answer that. With that, I want to inspire others to stop focusing on saving up for the ultimate-maga-trip-of-a-lifetime (unless you have the means, then don't let me stop you!) and find your adventure where ever it may be. I'm going to start featuring little hidden gems, that we've been blessed to find, by featuring local and far away small towns. These small towns that used to be a dime-a-dozen are disappearing right before our eyes! This was something I didn't realize until I had a small-town business of my own (read about our family bakery business here.) I found out very quickly how little support is out there for small businesses and I made it a goal to support the little people! We didn't make it, but I hope to help someone else out there live out their dreams and keep the small towns alive. Mt. Adams (Cincinnati, OH) This trip started with a text, "Want to go to Ikea?" I always ask myself if a drive anywhere can be turned into a weekend destination. It has become "our thing." A quick search on Airbnb and we were on our way to a new town! So, it turns out Mt. Adams is, at first glance, a sort of party town. There were lots of bars- we weren't really expecting that. Myself and my husband aren't drinkers or partiers, so we weren't sure how the weekend was going to go. By the end we were so glad we stepped outside of our comfort zone and opened up to a place we probably wouldn't have initially stayed. Where to stay: We had the pleasure in staying in this Airbnb listing. The home was artfully decorated by the owner herself- a respected interior designer. Not only was it a stunningly beautiful representation of the pages straight out of a home design magazine, it was located smack-dab in the middle of Mt. Adams. A+ home in an A+ location. The price, at first glance, is higher than something I would typically recommend. However, if you take two families and split the cost, the price is drastically lower than a hotel cost in this area. Michelle supplied us with step-by-step recommendations of where the locals go, what to do, where to eat, and tourist attractions along the way. Can you get that with a hotel? I think not! (I know not!) She also supplies a bottle of wine or case of local crafted beer for her guests. And probably one of my favorite accommodations: free coffee. (I'm a cheap date, what can I say.) Her home was impeccably clean, mattresses and bedding were heavenly soft and cozy for pure relaxation. I feel silly saying this, but I couldn't resist sniffing the carpet the entire time we were there. (there. It's out there. I said it.) The carpet in the living room is made of grasscloth/seagrass (?) and smelled amazing! The entire house had the aroma of calm. Where to Eat: Bow Tie Cafe
Mt. Adam's Bar& Grill: At first glance: Such an odd atmosphere. We couldn't really figure out what vibe they were going for. We were going off of recommendation, so we had no clue what to expect. We ordered nachos and cheeseburgers. We came to the conclusion that it was just as it says: Bar & Grill. Nothing fancy, but one heck of a good cheeseburger. Honestly, that's hard to find these days. Great prices too. Nothing but laughter and good times all around us. And super comfy seating. What more could a person ask for? Bub's Stone Fired Pizza: Pizza at 1 Am? Why not! As parents our typical evening ends at around 8pm. So, when were out on the town, out of our comfort zone, just the two of us we felt it was necessary to break the rules and go out for late-night pizza....because we could! I consider myself a pizza aficionado, if I do say so myself. I have to say, Bub's pizza is the place to watch out for! Apparently, they just opened this location. #1 pizza by the slice. (jaw drop.) I grew up with the luxury of visiting New York pretty often (My mom lived there and I lived with my father in Kentucky.) and this was one thing I missed so very badly about NYC- pizza by the slice. #2 the taste was straight-up (hows that for country slang) taste bud euphoria: mushrooms, fresh mozzarella, feta cheese, homemade sauce, cooked over open flame....my mouth is watering as we speak. If you decide to go, will you take me with you? pretty please. What to do: Do as the locals do. What a cool experience! Yes, this is a bar. We were completely knocked off our feet with this experience- completely out of the ordinary for us. We knew there was live entertainment and wanted to check that out, so we set our reservations aside and stepped inside- prepared to leave if need be. Blind Lemond has no shortage of unique eye candy. The staff was nothing but inviting and warm. The atmosphere was calm, soft, and extremely mellow. There were no raised voices, loud clatter, or uneasy vibes. Everyone sat within the lounge while local talents fill the air with their mastered vocals. With little talk we sat and allowed the talent to fill our voids and speak to us more than words could ever do. There is just something about listing to someone perform live. It was truly the epitome of beauty. A real experience. Our trip was short and our experiences didn't go far, but they were lasting. The brick paved streets in Mt. Adams were set with the passing feet of many. This city life was just as I've seen before- fast and filled- Yet, there was something different about Mt. Adam's. It was mature, it was reserved, it was filled with history. There were things for people of all ages. Set your expectations aside and visit. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. View our vlog from this trip on YouTube & See what else we did on this trip to Mt. Adams Other places to stay: (Get $35 FREE travel credit from Airbnb- no strings attached. This link just gets you and me FREE money. Can't beat that. ) What to do/where to go in Mt. Adams
As always, Don't wait for life to come to you. Go out and find your adventure and live big! Even on a small budget.
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About Me:Shoestring Amy is a free-spirited momma. With a family of five comes an active lifestyle full of energy. Amy strives for a lifetime of fun, laughter, and memories. Rather than smothering in debt, working for "things," and walking the same ol' line of misery created by a dead end job, she creates much larger goals. CONTINUE READING.... Categories
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January 2017
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