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travel

Outer Banks Girls Trip 5 Fun Things to Do | OBX | Lunch at Aqua | Wright Brothers National Memorial | Currituck Beach Lighthouse | Wild Horse Adventure Tours | Dirty Dick's Crab House | Outer Banks Vacation | Outer Banks Travel Guide | Outer Banks, NC | Things to do in Outer Banks

Outer Banks Girls’ Trip | 5 Fun Things To Do in Outer Banks, NC

My Outer Banks Girls’ Trip started a little differently than many of the trips I take with my favorite travel buddies. Harriet & I tagged along with Cassie who was babysitting her precious grandson in Norfolk, VA for the week. He was a doll and didn’t deter us one bit from having a blast and laughing until we peed our pants (one of the “perks” of middle age)!

The Outer Banks of North Carolina (or OBX as the locals call it) are only about a 1 ½ hour drive from Norfolk. An easy day trip for Harriet & I. Here are the 5 fun things we experienced in this beautiful part of the country.

Wright Brothers National Memorial

Our first stop was at the Wright Brothers National Memorial in Kitty Hawk, NC. The memorial that honors these two brothers who experimented with flight in the early 1900’s and eventually succeeded is a National Park. It costs $7 per person to get in and your admission ticket is good for 5 days.

Although the actual museum is under renovation until Fall 2018, there is plenty to see on the grounds:

Reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ camp buildings
Replicas of their 1902 Glider and 1903 Flyer
The monument commemorating the Wright Brothers’ achievement at the top of Big Kill Devil Hill

History and aviation buffs will enjoy a trip to the Wright Brothers National Memorial.

Aqua Restaurant and Spa in Duck, NC

View of the Sound from Aqua

Down the road a bit is the charming little town of Duck, NC. Filled with restaurants and cute shops, this is the place we decided to stop for lunch. We enjoyed cocktails and fish tacos that were fresh and wonderful while overlooking the breathtaking views of the sound. I loved their Tito Fresco cocktail so much, I made my own version when we got home. Check it out!

Currituck Beach Lighthouse

The Outer Banks are known for their beautiful lighthouses. The one closest to Duck was the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. This gorgeous lighthouse made of red brick is 162 ft. tall and was first lit in 1875. Visitors can climb up the 214 winding steps to the top for panoramic views of Currituck Sound, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Currituck Outer Banks.

Wild Horse Adventure Tours

Have you seen the great pictures of wild horses running together along the ocean’s shoreline? Seeing wild horses in action is the idea behind Wild Horse Adventure Tours and it was one of the main reasons we ventured to the Outer Banks.

Wild Horse Adventure Tours offer a 2-hour long tour along the beach and through the dunes of the Outer Banks in open air Hummers, designed to give you the best views of the OBX Wild Corolla Spanish Mustangs.

An experienced guide will drive you along the beautifully untouched beaches and through the dunes, where you will see these wild horses in their natural habitat.

Although it is rare to actually see the horses running along the beaches, they are gorgeous and majestic, no matter what they are doing.

We booked the day ahead, which is a good idea. There are a number of wild horse tours in the area. We saw some of them in lots of different vehicles – including the back of a pickup! That looked uncomfortable! Take the Wild Horse Adventure Tour and ride in the Hummer. A 2-hour ride in the dunes in an uncomfortable vehicle would make for a long afternoon….

Dirty Dick’s Crab House

We ended the day with a huge seafood dinner at Dirty Dick’s Crab House. We had seen signs for Dirty Dick’s along the highway all day and just had to see it for ourselves. Since I have a juvenile sense of humor, I couldn’t wait to post the drink napkin they gave me that said “I got my crabs at Dirty Dick’s” on Facebook.

Anyway – I had a seafood platter of delicious, fresh seafood and the most wonderful AUTHENTIC Key Lime Pie I had ever tasted. Dirty Dick’s is also open for breakfast and brunch. It was packed on a weeknight – a sure sign of good food and a great reputation!

If your travel plans take you anywhere near OBX, be sure to take in a few of these sights! We’re so glad that we did!

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July 18, 2017 19 comments

Health & Wellness Travel

Tips to Avoid Traveler’s Constipation

Traveler’s constipation. Is this a problem for you? If so, you are one of the estimated 40% of people who suffer from constipation when you travel. Talk about a way to mess up a great vacation!

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Why do people suffer from traveler’s constipation?

Different meal times, sleeping schedule and jet lag can throw off your circadian rhythm and affect your digestive process.
Safe toilet syndrome – not being able to relax enough to go in an unfamiliar bathroom.

Today, I am pleased to introduce Jess Brassington, a nationally certified holistic health coach who empowers her clients to take control of their health through food and lifestyle changes. Here, she shares her experiences with traveler’s constipation and how she “nips it in the bud” before she even starts a trip.

Disclaimer: The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. The purpose of this website is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.

Take Control of Traveler’s Constipation and Make Traveling Comfortable Again

Are you ready for vacation and a little travel time? There is so much to do. Are you prepared? Finding your luggage. Picking out just the right outfits. Deciding on regular or travel size toiletries. Figuring out how many pairs of shoes you can bring.

But… did you remember to include your digestive health?  I don’t know about you, but many times in my past travel efforts, I had a history of not being able to go the restroom ( at all ). It was so frustrating!

My husband and I decided to get away on a much-needed trip, alone! We chose the Bahamas. A place you don’t want to think about constipation and being miserable.

I knew we would be around many public restrooms and of course, my fear of pooping (yes, I said the *P* word) in public restrooms doesn’t ever help a situation where there is a problem already.

If you’ve ever had a fear of “going” in public restrooms, read here how I overcame my fears!

Who wants to be uncomfortable when you are planning a romantic getaway? Or a special trip with your family? Not me.  I’d had enough of this problem!  I decided I wouldn’t let this problem affect my travel plans and my much needed R&R. I made up my mind to be intentional about digestive health BEFORE I left for a trip.

This is what I do now to prepare for traveling away from home.

TRAVEL TIPS To Avoid Traveler’s Constipation

Take probiotics at least 2 weeks before you leave

I’m BIG on probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and great gut health in general. So many Americans suffer from symptoms stemming from an imbalance in their guts due to stress, processed foods, medications, etc.  I take these daily but it’s especially important before a trip. You’ll be flying, exposed to a new area, foods, and germs. Support your immune system to keep it healthy and create a better environment to handle these changes and remain above the wellness line.

Bring Probiotics With You 

I bring probiotics along with me on travels and make my husband take them also!  Probiotics help restore the “good” bacteria in our guts that are often killed off by environment and lifestyle choices. Professional Supplement Center has a great selection of high quality probiotics.

Take probiotics before & during your trip to avoid traveler's constipation. Click To Tweet

Do you experience traveler’s constipation or other tummy issues while traveling? If so, let me know! I want to help and bring more tips people need!

From Cathy – I love Jess’ idea of getting ahead of the issue by taking probiotics. But there are also some things you can do while traveling to help avoid traveler’s constipation.

Take a walk when you wake up. Exercise increases the motility of the GI tract.
Don’t sit for too long. If you are on a long flight, set a timer on your phone and take a walk every hour. If you are waiting in the airport – walk around. Don’t sit waiting for your next flight. Traveling by car? Schedule regular breaks to stop and get out of the car.
Don’t skimp on fiber. Most of us don’t think a lot about fiber when we’re traveling. We’re focused on decadent treats and enjoying regional favorites – at least that’s what I do! You can still do that, but be sure and include produce at every meal and have fruit for at least 1 or 2 snacks.
Drink lots of water. This will keep you from getting dehydrated and helps fiber more effective.

Do experience any kind of “digestive distress” when you travel? What are your tried and true methods to remedy those painful and inconvenient episodes?

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May 23, 2017 35 comments

Ketchikan Shore Excursion | Ketchikan | Alaska | Alaskan Cruise | Totem Heritage Center | Ketchikan Creek and Falls | Annabelle's Keg & Chowder House | Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

Travel

4 Fun Things To Do In Ketchikan

One of the most fun things to do when you are planning a cruise is to look at all of the shore excursions that are available at each of the ports of call. There is something for everyone – adventure, nature, food, fun – all for a PRICE. Some are worth it, some not so much. In this series I will tell you about our shore excursions – some booked through the cruise line and some exploring we did on our own. Our first – A do-it-yourself Ketchikan Shore Excursion.

4 Things To Do In Ketchikan

Your Ketchikan Shore Excursion

Ketchikan is the southernmost city in Alaska and in the middle of the Tongass National Forest, which is part rainforest. You will likely have a little rain when you visit Ketchikan, so bring an umbrella and rainproof jacket. This is my favorite waterproof windbreaker because it folds up into a little zippered pocket – perfect to carry in your bag without a lot go bulk. When we got off the ship, it was drizzling a bit, but soon cleared off and we had a lovely morning.

We did not book a ship-sponsored shore excursion in Ketchikan. Instead, we did a little exploring on our own. As you get off the ship and make the short walk into town, there is a Visitor’s Centers with clean restrooms (always appreciated) and information on what to do in and around Ketchikan. Everything is this quaint little town is well marked, making it very easy to get around and find where you want to go.

As you walk around town, you will be struck with its natural beauty. The plants and foliage are lush.

If you like to shop, especially for jewelry, there are plenty of shops! We found this at every port in Alaska!

Totem Heritage Center

I was interested in experiencing some of the rich Native American history that is part of Ketchikan, which included seeing the Totem Poles. There are replicas of totem poles throughout Ketchikan. If you want to see “real” totem poles that aren’t replicas, visit the Totem Heritage Center that is operated by the City of Ketchikan. It is a short walk from downtown and has the world’s largest collection of unrestored 19th-century totem poles. Cost to get in: $5

See largest collection of 19th Century unrestored totem poles-Totem Heritage Center-Ketchikan. Click To Tweet

Ketchikan Creek & Falls

Also a short walk from downtown, this salmon spawning ground is a site to behold.

Beautiful, clear water, green trees and flowers surround the creek and falls.

Annabelle’s Famous Keg & Chowder House

We arrived before 11:30 for an early lunch and had the most delicious clam chowder and Pub Style Halibut (beer battered & fried) that I have ever tasted. If chowder and seafood aren’t your thing, they have plenty of other choices – burgers, salads, sandwiches and wraps. As we were leaving a little after noon, there was a line out the door to get in. But I told the people in line that it was definitely worth the wait and I don’t say that about many places.

Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

This was recommended by several people. We elected not to go, but our friends who were traveling with us said it was quite entertaining. If you were taking a trip with kids, this would be a must see. If you book this show through the cruise line, it costs a bit more, but this covers your bus ride to the show, which you’ll want to take. So book it through the cruise line.

Ketchikan was our first taste of Alaska. Beautiful town and a lovely introduction to this great state!

Next up: Favorite Shore Excursions from Skagaway.

Going on an Alaskan Cruise and don’t know what to pack? Get my Ultimate Alaskan Cruise Packing list – based on what I took (way too much) and what I actually wore! Get it here.

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5 Tips for Traveling With Friends

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July 28, 2016 45 comments

Travel

5 Tips For Traveling With Friends

One of the perks being on this side of 50 is having time to travel with friends. Every year, I try to take at least one trip with just my girlfriends. On occasion, my husband and I will take a trip with another couple. Here are some tips on traveling with friends that I have learned along the way that ensure everyone has fun together AND that you are still friends when the trip is over!

5 Tips For Traveling With Friends

Everyone participates in the planning

Whether you like every minute planned or prefer a more “take it as it comes” approach, there are lots of things to research when planning a trip – airfare, car rental, accommodations, restaurants and sites to see. Make sure everyone in the group has an area to research then come together and make your plans.

Travel with people with similar spending styles

Some people, out of necessity or desire, travel on the tightest of shoe-string budgets. Others are able to spend extravagantly and not think a thing about it. These two vacationers should NOT travel together. There’s nothing worse than traveling with someone who is spending money on all the most expensive restaurants and experiences when you have to watch your budget. And vice versa, if you have the money to spend, it’s no fun having to scrimp on every little thing just because your fellow travelers can’t afford to travel in the style you prefer.

Traveling with friends - travel with people who have similar spending styles. Click To Tweet

Appoint someone to keep track of expenses

In most restaurants you can get separate checks. But there are times on a trip when one person will cover the cost entire cost of something, such as a a tank of gas or tickets to an event. Appoint someone who is good at math to keep track of expenses and then tell everyone what they owe at the end. That way, everyone pays an equal share of the expenses. Even if you don’t mind picking up the tab for a cup of coffee or something that you think is small – document it. Those small charges can add up. And you may be with someone who feels the need to reciprocate, but really can’t afford it.

Traveling with friends - appoint someone to keep track of expenses. Click To Tweet

Everyone doesn’t have to do everything together

There are lots of sites to see and things to do on a trip. But have the understanding that everyone doesn’t have to do everything with the group all the time. There will be different energy levels and different interests. As long as one person doesn’t inconvenience the entire group, be sure everyone knows that they have the freedom to go with the group or do their own thing.

Plan for everyone to have a little space every day

Even the best of friends can get tired of talking and being together all day. On a recent trip, we rented a house and each had our own bedroom, so it was easy to get a break from each other for a little while every day. Even if you don’t have your own rooms, plan time for a cup of coffee, a walk or just sitting in the hotel lobby by yourself for a while every day. A break will do everyone good and you’ll enjoy your time together all the more.

Traveling with friends - plan for everyone to have a little space every day. Click To Tweet

Trips are a great time to get to know your friends better and grow closer as a result! I have so many great memories of trips with my friends. Keep these tips in mind and you’ll look forward to many more travels together!

5 Great Places to Eat in Nashville | A Review of Nashville Restaurants

If you like to eat, Nashville is the place for you. The variety of places to eat, types food and price range are astounding! Here is my review of Nashville Restaurants that I visited on a recent trip.

If you like great restaurants, Nashville is the place for you! @mysideof50 Click To Tweet

5 Great Places to Eat in Nashville

5 Great Places to Eat in Nashville | A Review of Nashville Restaurants

Pub5 (now closed)

Pub5 is a small restaurant near the Country Music Hall of Fame. We stumbled upon it by accident and were sure glad we did! Each of us had one of their delicious and filling salads that were made with the freshest of ingredients. The lunch menu included small plates, salads, sandwiches, wraps and burgers. Pub5 has a full bar featuring craft beers and is open for lunch, dinner and late night noshing. I thought the rustic/warehouse looking décor was really cool and it certainly added to the ambience!

Pub 5 has a rustic/warehouse vibe

Merchant’s

Merchant’s is on Broadway, right in the middle of the action! It is housed in the old Merchant’s Hotel, built in 1892. The dinner menu features appetizers, sandwiches, salads, burgers and Southern favorites such as Southern Fried Chicken and Brisket. I opted for a dinner of appetizers – Duck Fat Tater Tots and the Southern Fry – a plate of fried pickles, okra, shrimp and catfish. Can you say cholesterol? Others in our party enjoyed Mac & Cheese and Sweet Tea Tenderloin.

Duck Fat Tater Tots at Merchant’s

The Southern Fry at Merchant’s features fried catfish, shrimp, okra and pickles

The Pub in The Gulch

The Gulch is a cool area of Nashville with many good restaurants to choose from. We opted for Sunday brunch at The Pub, which was recommended by our Uber driver! Brunch began with a trip to their delicious Bloody Mary Bar! The Pub also has a bottomless Mimosa option if that is more your style. For brunch I had “The Cure” – a sandwich with 2 fried eggs, Belhaven Beer Cheese, Tabasco, onions straws, choice of bacon or ham, all on a pretzel bun. I don’t think I have ever eaten a tastier sandwich! Other favorites of our group were the grilled salmon salad that had perfectly cooked salmon and the chicken fried chicken.

By the way, LYFT and Uber are great ways to get around Nashville. Why?

You don’t have to worry about finding your way around.
Parking downtown, where a lot of the sites are is scarce AND expensive.
The drivers are very knowledgeable about great places to see and eat.
And since Nashville is a big music town, you are likely to meet all kinds of people in the music biz who drive for LYFT and Uber on the side! We met up and coming musicians, songwriter and producers. And not just from country music, but from every genre – really cool.

And if you’ll be trying LYFT for the first time, just download the app and enter my code (5042) for a discount on your ride. Here’s the discount code: 5042

Want to drive for LYFT? Apply here.

Back to the restaurants…

The Pub at The Gulch

The Union Jack painted on the ceiling of The Pub at The Gulch gives it the “British Pub” feel.

The Goo Goo Shop

The GooGoo Shop, which is right off Broadway, is a great place to stop for a mid-afternoon snack. All kinds of sweet treats, ice cream, coffee and the infamous GooGooCluster are available. The GooGoo Cluster was created by the Standard Candy Co. in 1912 and is still made fresh from the original recipe of peanuts, marshmallow nougat, caramel covered in milk chocolate. TO DIE FOR.

The Goo Goo Shop, home of the famous Goo Goo Cluster

The Frothy Monkey

The Frothy Monkey reminded me of a coffee house/restaurant combo. There are several locations around Nashville. They serve breakfast through dinner every day, wine, beer and fresh, locally roasted coffee. We had one of their great lunch salads after a morning of shopping in Franklin, followed by one of their delicious coffee drinks. They also have their own bakery featuring fresh breads and pastries.

The Gail has mixed greens, grilled chicken breast, feta, cucumbers & walnuts topped with lemon garlic vinaigrette and a strawberry.

Before going on this trip, I put a call out on the MySideof50 Facebook page for recommendations for great restaurants in Nashville. I received LOTS. There are so many wonderful places! Reservations are recommended for the more popular restaurants during the evening and at Sunday Brunch time, so do your homework and plan ahead!

I’m hoping to wear something besides yoga pants soon….

Check out 5 great places to eat in Nashville! @mysideof50 Click To Tweet

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Check out 5 Must-See Places in Nashville

5 Tips For Traveling With Friends

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March 28, 2016 30 comments