🌊 Memorial Day Adventures on Florida’s Gulf Coast

On By Mariela SanchezIn US TravelLeave a comment

The Highlights!

Sun, sand, a few unexpected hiccups, and plenty of laughs. Our Memorial Day week trip to Florida’s Gulf Coast was the perfect blend of chaos and charm.

🚗 Day 1 – The Long Drive & a Toilet Surprise

We road-tripped from Atlanta to Seagrove Beach, FL breaking it up with lunch near Auburn at the most classic of stops, Chick-fil-A. Eight hours later, we arrived only to discover our apartment’s toilet didn’t work. On Memorial Day, no less. The management team scrambled and relocated us to Panama City Beach for the night. At first it felt like a hassle, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

🏖️ Day 2 – Beach Bliss & Poolside Fun

Our temporary Panama City spot was a 10-minute walk to the beach, and despite the holiday crowds, we found room for our umbrella and blankets. The calm, turquoise, warm water was perfect for my daughter, who felt confident splashing around. By afternoon our original apartment was ready, with a working toilet this time. The complex also had a pool that instantly became her favorite spot. That evening we walked to Café Thirty-A https://cafethirtya.com/ for a memorable dinner: heirloom tomato salad, lobster with mashed potatoes, and divine bread, paired with crisp white wine.

Tip: Food is pricey in this area, so stocking up on breakfast and lunch supplies from the supermarket saved us money and sanity.

Sea Grove Beach

🌤️ Day 3 – Sun, Sand & Shopping

We started with breakfast in the apartment, a walk on the beach, and pool time. In the afternoon we braved the crowds again, still managing to carve out a sandy corner near the water. When rain rolled in, we headed to The Big Chill https://thebigchill.com/ for shopping and dining. Between Build-a-Bear a toy store, and an ice cream shop, my daughter was in heaven. We capped it off with lemonade as thunderstorm clouds passed overhead.

🍷 Day 4 – Rosemary Beach Vibes

We mixed things up with a visit to Rosemary Beach. The vibe was posh and manicured, like a movie set version of Europe. The shops were pricey and the diversity was limited. My daughter accidentally dropped a candy case in one boutique, and though they kindly asked me to pay for it, it was a reminder this wasn’t exactly our scene. Dinner at La Crema Tapas came after a long wait with a 4-year-old (hello, Memorial Day crowds), but the tapas were delicious once we sat down. Still, Seagrove felt more like us: laid-back, low-key, and family-friendly.

Mommy and me pic @RosemaryBeach

☕ Day 5 – Goodbye Gulf

On our last morning we tried to find a cozy local breakfast spot, but everywhere was packed. Dunkin’ Donuts in Panama City Beach came to the rescue. Sometimes you just need fast and easy. The drive home was rainy but smooth, with the expected Atlanta traffic greeting us. We left with sandy hair, salty skin, and a list of tweaks for our next Gulf Coast getaway. Dunkin’ Donuts in Panama City Beach

Beach vibes

🌟 Mom-to-Mom Takeaways

  • Holiday weeks mean crowds. Book restaurants and activities ahead if you’re visiting during peak season.
  • Save on meals by stocking your apartment with groceries for breakfast and lunch.
  • Pools are lifesavers, especially with little ones who tire quickly of the sand.Stay flexible.
  • Our toilet mishap turned into an unexpected adventure.

🌷 Amsterdam with Kids: A Mom’s Playful Guide to April Adventures

On By Mariela SanchezIn Europe TravelLeave a comment

Amsterdam Itinerary

Traveling with kids isn’t just about checking sights off a list—it’s about making memories, slowing down, and seeing a city through their eyes. In April 2025, my 4-year-old daughter and I explored Amsterdam and nearby Haarlem. From petting zoos to tulips to pancakes, here’s our kid-approved adventure.

✈️ Friday, April 3 – Touchdown in Tulip Land

We landed in Amsterdam around 11:00 am, and my daughter was a champ on the flight—five hours of sweet airplane dreams. After a quick lunch and outfit change, we kicked off our trip with something perfect for little travelers: small fries in a bucket followed by a petting zoo and park in Haarlem.

She was delighted by the goats and bunnies (and insisted the goats were “Amsterdam puppies”), and I loved how peaceful and beautiful the park was. When it closed at 4:30, we hopped in an Uber and headed back to our place.

🧪 Saturday, April 4 – Science, Shopping & Sunshine

Our morning started at a lively local market (yes, we grabbed fresh stroopwafels straight off the iron—heaven!). Next stop: the NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam. It was crowded but worth it for the hands-on experiments and rooftop city views.

Getting through Amsterdam Central was a little chaotic—construction everywhere—but we found wide sidewalks and charming shops that made the walk enjoyable. Lunch was a highlight: Los Pilones, a cozy Mexican restaurant where the guacamole and flautas hit the spot. Mom bonus: margaritas.

Afterward, we strolled through Vondelpark, snapping photos while my daughter chased pigeons and ran across the grass. By the late afternoon, we were tired and grateful for an Uber back to Haarlem—happy hearts, tired feet.

🌷 Sunday, April 5 – A Garden of Dreams at Keukenhof

If you’re visiting Amsterdam in spring, Keukenhof Gardens is a must. We caught the 9:30 am combo bus from Haarlem, which drops you right at the entrance—super convenient with kids.

The gardens were alive with color. Rows of tulips in every shade imaginable stretched out like a rainbow. My daughter darted from patch to patch, “racing” me to spot the brightest blooms. The air smelled faintly sweet, and we refueled with Dutch pancakes dusted in powdered sugar—sticky fingers, happy smiles.

Tip: Keukenhof is a curated garden, not endless tulip fields. If you want the classic bike-through-the-fields experience, book a separate tulip field tour. The boat ride was also fully booked, so definitely reserve ahead if that’s on your list.

By afternoon, we were content and ready for a slower pace. We did a quick grocery run and prepped for a cozy pasta dinner the next night.

🚋 Monday, April 6 – Touring by Tram

We tried the hop-on hop-off bus tour, but honestly? I think Amsterdam’s trams give you a better view and feel more authentic. Still, it was a good way to orient ourselves. We had lunch inside Amsterdam Central Station and then headed back to Haarlem for downtime.

That evening, we enjoyed a home-cooked pasta dinner with friends. My daughter played with another little girl, giving me a rare mom break over good food and even better conversation.

🎨 Tuesday, April 7 – Art, Waffles & Playtime

Today was all about art and play. We started at the Moco Museum, where bold and colorful exhibits caught my daughter’s eye almost as much as mine. The Van Gogh Museum was sold out (book ahead!), but we consoled ourselves with warm waffles from a vendor outside.

We wandered Amsterdam’s 9 Streets (De Negen Straatjes), a charming shopping area full of boutiques and cafés. Back in Haarlem, my daughter recharged with playground time while I got my caffeine fix at Meer Paprika, a kid-friendly café with a toy shop and play area. Perfect balance.

🕍 Wednesday, April 8 – Haarlem’s Hidden Gems

We kept the day local and started at the magnificent St. Bavo Church in Haarlem’s Grote Markt. The soaring ceilings, stained glass, and organ are breathtaking—especially knowing Mozart and Beethoven once played here.

Afterward, we grabbed crepes at Crepe Affair (yum!) and strolled to the Amsterdamse Poort, a medieval city gate that feels like stepping back in time. We tried to visit the Corrie ten Boom Museum, but it was fully booked.

The afternoon was dedicated to shopping—Zara and H&M in Europe always have pieces you can’t find in the US. That night, we kept it simple: pizza and laughs with friends.

✈️ Thursday, April 9 – Saying Tot Ziens

Our week flew by, and before we knew it, it was time to head home. My friend dropped us at the airport, and we left with full hearts, a phone full of photos, and countless little moments to treasure.

💡 Mom-to-Mom Tips for Amsterdam with Kids

  • Book ahead: Popular museums (like Van Gogh and Corrie ten Boom) and Keukenhof extras (boat, bikes) fill up quickly.
  • Stroller or no stroller? Amsterdam’s sidewalks are wide, but cobblestones can be tricky. A lightweight stroller is best.
  • Pace yourself: Kids need downtime. Mix big attractions with playgrounds and café breaks.
  • Mix city & nature: Balance museums with tulip gardens, canals, and parks.
  • Kid-friendly cafés: Spots like Meer Paprika let little ones play while you sip coffee in peace.

Amsterdam in April is a playground for families—tulips, pancakes, parks, and plenty of magic. Traveling with a child reminded me to slow down, savor the snacks, and celebrate the small discoveries. Whether you’re wandering Haarlem’s cobblestone streets or chasing butterflies in Keukenhof, every day becomes a new story.

Exploring Chattanooga with My Little Explorer

On By Mariela SanchezIn US TravelLeave a comment

My daughter and I recently took a summer road trip to Chattanooga, TN, and it was an absolute delight! Using my Bonvoy points, I booked us a stay at the Westin Chattanooga in Downtown Chattanooga, where our room overlooked both the pool and the city.(https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/chawi-the-westin-chattanooga/overview/)

We arrived around lunchtime on Saturday, and luckily, our room was ready. We quickly dropped off our luggage and headed to Public House (https://www.publichousechattanooga.com/) for a delectable lunch. I savored the salmon croquette paired with a glorious glass of wine, while my daughter indulged in a grilled cheese with fries and a cookie—delicious!

We’d bought tickets to the Tennessee Aquarium in advance, which turned out to be smart since they were sold out by the time we got there. The exhibits were mesmerizing: butterflies, stingrays, sharks, starfish, jellyfish, turtles, and river creatures. Afterward, my daughter cooled off in the pool outside the aquarium (https://tnaqua.org/).

TN Aquarium

The Passage

A short walk took us to The Passage, a pedestrian link between downtown Chattanooga and the Tennessee River, marking the start of the Trail of Tears. It’s a beautiful and moving exhibit. We treated ourselves to cookie dough and ice cream at Downtown Dough, then Ubered back to the Westin for some pool time.(https://www.visitchattanooga.com/listing/the-passage/2484/),(https://www.downtowndough.com/).

Rock City Garden Path

Sunday started with breakfast at Ruby Sunshine, where I had the fried green tomato eggs benedict with a latte. Simply divine. (https://www.rubybrunch.com/). From there we headed to Rock City Garden for our 9:30 a.m. tickets, also booked in advance. The views and rock formations were breathtaking, though the fairy garden was a little tacky but still fun. We caught an animal show with exotic birds, which was a real treat.(https://www.seerockcity.com/).

Top of Lookout Mountain

Next we rode the Incline Railway to the top of Lookout Mountain, a historic funicular over 125 years old that my daughter loved. We also grabbed some fudge at the station shop.(https://ridetheincline.com/).

After a hearty lunch at Tony’s Pasta & Trattoria Shop in the Bluff View Art District (fettuccine with pesto, shrimp, and broccoli for me), we headed back to the hotel for a nap and more pool time. Dinner was at Whole Foods on the North Shore, where we found a charming toy shop my daughter adored.(https://bluffviewartdistrictchattanooga.com/tonys-pasta-shop/).

We ended the trip with a restful night at the hotel and an early drive home. Our Chattanooga adventure was full of fun, food, and memories we’ll keep for a long time.

Solo trip to Paris

On By Mariela SanchezIn Europe TravelLeave a comment

Weekend Escape to Paris

Eiffel Tower

I had a fun escape this weekend, traveling to Paris for culture, food, photos, and friends. This solo trip was a refreshing break from my usual single-parent travel, allowing me some much-needed me-time to explore and rejuvenate.

Day 1

I arrived at the charming Hotel Mareuil in the 11th arrondissement. After a quick nap, I headed to the Musée d’Orsay for a 1 PM visit. The museum’s stunning sculptures and Impressionist exhibit were a delight, especially with my pre-booked ticket.

Lunch was at Café Varenne where I enjoyed steak frites and a salad. Be aware, sitting outside might mean dealing with smoke from neighboring tables.

To escape a spring shower, I explored Le Bon Marché, a high-end mall with beautiful displays. I picked up “How to be French” by Janine Marsh and enjoyed a lovely afternoon at Grace Café (8 Rue de Commaille, 75007 Paris) with a tarte du chocolat.

Evening cocktails were at the stylish Cravan, where I savored mushroom risotto before heading back to my hotel.

Day 2

Saturday began with a breakfast at MonCoco, followed by a visit to Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre. After a peaceful stroll, I took the metro to Les Marais for coffee and shopping.

I browsed through several jewelry stores, including Les Georgettes, Koumal, and Pépite Bijoux, and found beautiful pieces. A quick coffee at B Coffee was a perfect break.

Dinner was at Bidoche Restaurant, which was just okay. The highlight was dessert at Folderol where I had incredible olive oil ice cream.

Day 3

Early morning photos at the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe were magical with no crowds. A visit to the Louvre’s underground entrance, Le Carrousel du Louvre, made entry easy, and we enjoyed seeing classic masterpieces.

Lunch at Dalia featured Mediterranean delights. We then visited the historic patisserie, Stohrer, and shopped near Forum des Halles.

Dinner at Café Toucan (https://wiicmenu-qrcode.com/app/offre.php?resto=483, 10 Av. de la République, 75011 Paris, France) was delightful with a croque monsieur. The evening ended with a scenic Seine River cruise, offering stunning views of Paris landmarks at sunset.

Departure Day

We spent the morning at Tuileries Garden before heading back to the hotel and then to the airport.

Paris is always a good idea, and this solo trip was a wonderful, refreshing break from my routine!