{Postcard From Cape Town}: The Best of South Africa's Mother City

 

Africa.

To say it was looming on my travel bucket list for seemingly forever would be an understatement for how intensely I longed to visit the continent.  Not only because of my ancestral history and connection to the land, but because I genuinely anticipated taking in the vastness of its rich cultural, culinary, natural and historical landscapes.

Yet, my travels somehow continued to lead me elsewhere.  

And so, I finally made the personal determination that 2024 was my year to finally visit the Motherland.  I didn’t know where my footprint would land first, but as it happened, Cape Town, South Africa, was my portal into the continent I was longing to see and experience and behold the land of my origin.

It was a perfect introduction and fulfillment of my determination to finally get there, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights from my inaugural—but certainly not singular or final—entree into the continent of my travel dreams.

Marking my fifth continent visited to date (as a solo traveler, to boot), my anticipation for my arrival in Africa stirred so many emotions - excitement, wonder, belonging, connection and more—within me.

Embarking upon the Cape Town International Airport and finally settling my feet on the pavement outside of the airplane was a joyous moment--and one that remained throughout my visit and beyond.

If I had to characterize my stay in Cape Town, I’d say it was a veritable highlights reel of the best this destination has to offer—and I’m immensely grateful that I got to experience it all, amidst the gorgeous weather that crowned my visit.  From waterfronts, to mountain tops, wineries, safaris, cultural and culinary exposés, mixed with local art, cuisine and R&R, it was everything I could have wished for.

I spent my first day getting settled, enjoying a delicious lunch, and taking in the vibrant V&A (Virginia and Alfred) Waterfront, studded with yachts, shops, eateries, and bustling activity.  That soon led me to a highly anticipated museum exhibition—and with only an hour to spare until closing, I managed to take it all in (a feat for me), before heading to the stunning, adjacent hotel for a pre-dinner sip and gorgeous sunset views of majestic Table Mountain.  I wrapped the evening with an early-ish dinner and then it was back to my hotel for a wind-down in anticipation of an early start the next morning.

The days that ensued included forays in heart of—along with escapes to—various parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape.  I saw and indulged in glorious mountains, beaches, wine farms, local neighborhoods, markets, wildlife, restaurants, spas, and more, combined with connecting with exceptional locals and fellow travelers, alike.

  

And when the time for my departure finally arrived, you don't have to guess whether I was longing for more time to explore and enjoy this South African hallmark.

Now back home, I’m left with the treasure of indelible postcard memories that I will savor for a lifetime.  I hope this inspires you to seek out your own dream destinations (and to add Cape Town to your list!) and create experiences that will fuel you for years to come.

Happy Travels and Inspired Living!

Postcard From San Francisco: 6 Top Ways To Spend 24 Hours or Less

 

If you’re looking to make the most of a visit to San Francisco, I’ve got you covered.  During my latest jaunt to 'The City by the Bay', I took in six highlights that will make your visit unforgettable for all the right reasons.  And did I mention that you can do it all in a day or less?!

Here’s my itinerary for some of the best loved sights, attractions, and food, in the city—replete with memories to last a lifetime:

1. Ghirardelli Square - chocolate lover or not, this San Francisco staple is worth a whiz.  Serving beautiful views, quaint shops, and, of course, Ghirardelli goodness (think delectable candies, hot chocolate, ice cream sundaes, and more), it’s a scrumptious slice of the San Francisco pie.

2. Fisherman’s Wharf -  from my first visit to San Francisco many years ago, to my most recent visit, a stroll around Fisherman’s Wharf is a must-do.  Beyond the water and boat views, there is the matter of restaurants serving up seafood, the famous sourdough bread, clam chowder and more!  I went for a classic lunch of clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin, but the options are seemingly endless, for whatever whets your appetite.  Final tip: come hungry and prepare to linger a while.

3. A short bay cruise to take in views of the San Francisco cityscape, the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz is a surefire delight and bang for your buck.  One hour and $20 later, you’ll have great photos, a bit of history under your belt, and lasting postcard memories in-hand.

4. Hop on a cable car to Union Square.  A repeat indulgence of mine when I visit, cable cars are quintessential San Francisco and a charming way to make your way to key attractions in the city.  Conveniently located at the Wharf and other city points, you can hop on a one-way or round trip car.  For all day travel, you can also opt for a visitor passport.  I enjoyed a one-way ride to Union Square for $8, proving it’s also a more affordable way to go than local taxis and ride shares.

5. Strolling and shopping in trendy Union Square.  If you’re looking to do some shopping while visiting, there’s no better place to get it in than in Union Square.  Spanning several blocks, enjoy the outdoors while walking from shop to shop and taking in more of the San Francisco landscape.

6. The Ferry Building.  A destination within a destination, the Ferry Building is expansive and, as the name implies, is home to San Francisco’s ferry, along with coffee shops, restaurants, bookstores, and more, with water views and ferry rides awaiting, to boot.  I wrapped my evening in San Francisco with an al fresco dinner at the Hog Island Oyster Company (recommended as a must-try by Eater San Francisco), that was the perfect seal to a great day of casual delights.

Whether you visit for several hours, a day, or beyond, you’ll enjoy these San Francisco staples that continue to delight visitors again and again with lasting postcard memories.

Happy Travels!

5 Essential Tips for Successful Solo Travel

 

Havana, Cuba

Solo travel can seem daunting for some, but let me assure you that it’s absolutely doable and fulfilling—when done right.  After traveling to four continents and numerous countries, cities and islands as a solo traveler, it’s fair to say that I know a little something about this often avoided way of exploring.

So if you never, or rarely, travel alone, I want to boost your confidence and savvy with five tips for a successful solo journey—because life’s too short to wait around.

1.  Research, research, research.  Although you can’t know everything about a destination before arrival, you can get a major head start by taking the time to research.  From lodging, to dining, to cultural outlets, nightlife, ground transportation, local customs and norms, and more, the more you know, the better.  Not into all that research? Let my travel company, Postcard Travel Boutique, do the heavy lifting for you.

2.  Document and share.  Once your itinerary comes together, be sure to share it with family and/or friends so that they can know your intended whereabouts and monitor your safe comings and goings. This also includes real-time updates and check-ins while navigating your destination(s).

3.  Seek out curated activities that will allow you to safely engage with others, while still enjoying what a destination has to offer.  Hosted tours and classes are really good avenues, among others.

4.  Go at your own pace. One of the biggest ‘wins’ of solo travel is being in complete control of what happens—and when.  Whether it’s sleeping in after a late night, or lingering longer over an art exhibition, there are no rules for enjoying your journey.

5.  Make lots of postcard memories!  And repeat.

I hope the possibilities of solo travel feel more in reach than ever before and that your solo travel confidence is boosted.  When you’re ready to go, go at the pace that feels right to you and keep these tips on hand for….

Happy Traveling!

Postcard From Bentonville: A Guide to the Top Sights, Scenes and Tastes

Imagine my delight upon arriving in Bentonville, Arkansas and discovering that it was more (much more, to be exact) than the Walmart capital of the world.  My discoveries traversed art, culture, inspiring insights into the Walmart legacy, and, without question, scrumptious cuisine.  To say my time there was anything other than indulgent would be to grossly under-represent how, from start to finish, this booming destination wowed me again and again.

The star in the North, Bentonville showcases its bucket list-worthiness across multiple spectrums, and today's postcard installment from my recent travels in Arkansas delivers my guide on what to see, do and taste, to ensure you experience the best of what the Natural State's Northwest has to offer.

See and Do

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
After a morning drive in from Little Rock, I landed at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art for an afternoon immersed in art, architecture and exploration--nestled on 120 acres of Ozark landscape.  And if you're anything like me, and known to spend half, or even full, days in a museum, then you can imagine my excitement around it all.  Founded by Alice Walton, her vision and philanthropy ensure the doors to this premier art museum are open to all and admission is complimentary.

Lunch Views

After a welcome lunch (more on that later), we embarked on a tour of the Bachman-Wilson House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, tucked away along one of the several nature trails.  From there, we returned to the main museum grounds enjoying self-guided tours of the Crystals in Art exhibition and, gasp, Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room.  It's fair to say that my visit was made then and there, having recouped the opportunity to take in this amazing artist's work after missing her exhibit in Atlanta.

From the Crystals in Art Exhibit

Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirrored Room

And just when I thought it couldn't get any better, a personalized, docent-led tour rounded out the visit and revealed another favorite installation by Kehinde Wiley, of Presidential National Portraiture acclaim and beyond. Without question, a day and/or night at this museum is a must-see and do.  Learn more and plan your visit here.

Kehinde Wiley's Signature Is Unmistakeable

Thaden Fieldhouse
How often does your day begin in the middle of a hangar, admiring a collection of helicopters and planes that will make you swoon and contemplate enrolling in the onsite flight school?  Probably not often, but a visit to Bentonville will change that when you take in a tour at Thaden Fieldhouse.  I couldn't resist a photo op inside the 'chopper before leaving.  I mean a girl needs proof of the awesomeness, no?!

The Clubhouse

Museum of Native American History
Culture runs deep at the Museum of Native American History where Indian history, spanning five different periods, is on full display in exhibit rooms designed in chronological order.  The gorgeous artifacts, and audio wands providing narration throughout the self-guided tour, brought this essential history to life in a powerful way that is not to be missed.  Admission is complimentary.

Walmart Museum
If you thought you knew most of what there is to know about Sam Walton, Walmart, and the Walton legacy, think again.  A morning touring the Walmart Museum not only astounded me regarding the phenomenal business empire that is now the number one retailer, Walmart, but the equally humble beginnings of founder, Sam Walton.  This legacy was brought to life with interactive exhibits and ended on a high note at the original Walton dime store, where ice cream, a 50s-style soda fountain, and more, give you the full 'way back when' aura of the early days.  Situated in the heart of downtown Bentonville, this family-friendly museum is worth exploring.

Special mention goes to The Scott Family Amazeum, perfect for kids--and kids-at-heart--and the 8th Street Market, a community-focused food hub in the heart of the Market District.

Taste
All that seeing and doing was punctuated by some of the best eats you could hope to get your taste buds around.

Eleven at Crystal Bridges
My arrival to Bentonville and the Crystal Bridges Museum began on the high note of lunch at the resident restaurant, Eleven at Crystal Bridges.  Labeled as High South cuisine, or elevated Southern home cooking, the dining experience at Eleven will satiate those home-cooked cravings, and the gorgeous, accompanying views will astound.

  
The Hive
Refined country cuisine is what's on the menu at The Hive.  Situated within the 21c Museum Hotel, the cuisine and beehive decor make for memorable dining. Executive Chef Matthew McClure has been acclaimed by FOOD + WINE and is a six-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef semifinalist (translation: you're in good phenomenal culinary hands.)  And if you know a great photo op when you see one, you won't miss the chance to get up close and personal with the green penguins hanging around. 

Louise Cafe

As if indulging my aviation dreams wasn't enough, my morning at Thaden Fieldhouse was made all the more special with breakfast at the in-house Louise Cafe, a modern all-day cafe that serves diner-style breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.  With both indoor and outdoor seating facing the runway, Louise Cafe provides incredible views of planes taking off and landing as you enjoy a great meal and dining experience.  The restaurant is named in honor of Iris Louise McPhetridge Thaden; a proud Arkansan and one of the greatest aviators of her time. 

The Preacher's Son
Inevitably there's always a favorite in the bunch and The Preacher's Son was it for this seasoned foodie. As much for the gluten-free, sustainable and supremely delicious cuisine (I'm talking the best cornbread ever), the story behind this restaurant is equally endearing. As it goes, inspired by Chef Matthew Cooper’s background – as the son of a preacher, the restaurant is located in a beautifully restored, historic church, across the street from where Chef Matt’s father taught his first sermons over 40 years ago.  And during his visit with our party, Chef Cooper elaborated on his commitment to the farmers and other food purveyors that supply his restaurant and the broader food community.  Good eats + good deeds + gorgeous interiors make this restaurant a hallmark on the Arkansas dining scene and not to be missed when in Bentonville.

Special mention goes to Tusk & Trotter, where you'll find the best pork rinds and good BBQ in abundance; The Holler for cheers and games; and Undercroft (the speakeasy counterpart to The Preacher's Son) for an after dinner wind down with mellow vibes.

After my stay, it's clear that Bentonville is a destination filled with depth, commitment to the arts and history, a no-brainer playground for the outdoors lover, and a culinary bastion.  I trust you'll find my discoveries--and your own--to be more than worth the trip.

Happy Travels!