Posts in Travel
Planning Your Elopement Wedding in San Francisco
Planning Your Elopement Wedding in San Francisco

My husband and I had an elopement wedding in San Francisco on July 8th, 2019. The city of San Francisco is a special place for us because it’s filled with so many memories. We met when my husband was a college student at the University of San Francisco.

Our early days of courtship were spent exploring the city, and we eventually got an apartment together in Nob Hill. Getting married in San Francisco was perfectly fitting for us.

This comprehensive guide to eloping in San Francisco covers so many topics including budgeting, legal requirements to elope in San Francisco, selecting a location, reception and your honeymoon.

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TravelGennifer RoseSan FranciscoComment
Instagrammable Places in Half Moon Bay, California
Instagrammable Places in Half Moon Bay, California

My hometown of Half Moon Bay is really a beautiful place, and still remains an under the radar hidden gem. It's mostly known for the Pumpkin Festival and beautiful pumpkin patches during the fall season. But the reality is that it's a stunning photography location any time of the year.

Half Moon Bay is located 45 minutes south from San Francisco is the perfect destination for a day trip to escape the city. The temperatures are much cooler than most other areas of the bay area, so Half Moon Bay is a great place to escape high temperatures during a heat wave.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern CaliforniaComment
Instagram Guide to Los Angeles Murals
Instagram Guide to Los Angeles Murals

I always love a trip to sunny Los Angeles and often times during our adventures I come across a new favorite mural. There’s so many fun and colorful places and public art to photograph in La La Land.

Some of the best Los Angeles neighborhoods to hunt for murals are West Hollywood, Downtown, Santa Monica, Venice, Abbot Kinney Boulevard and more!

This blog post is a collection of murals I’ve found over the years in Los Angeles. I have included as much location information as possible so you can find them yourselves.

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TravelGennifer RoseLos Angeles Comments
Enjoy the Outdoors in Sacramento With These Top Spots and Activities
Enjoy the Outdoors in Sacramento With These Top Spots and Activities

Sacramento is a rare place in California in that we experience all four seasons in all their glory. The springtime is beautiful with blossoms and mild weather, the summer is hot and dry, the fall is magical with colorful foliage and winter is cold and dark. The best time to be outdoors is the springtime and autumn seasons, but there’s still plenty of opportunities in the winter and summer too.

In this Sacramento guide I outline all of our favorite places to be outdoors and enjoy fresh air and sunshine. Here in the city we have amazing parks, bike paths, walking trails with river views, historical districts, urban hangout spots and public art.

There’s also a section about excellent days trips from Sacramento if you want to experience snow, apple picking, beaches, hiking, wine tasting, kayaking and more.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
The Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops in Sacramento
The Most Instagrammable Coffee Shops in Sacramento

When we moved to Sacramento I was very pleasantly surprised to find a thriving coffee house scene. Not only are these java joints serving very high quality crafted coffee beverages, they’ve also done their due diligence to prove a welcoming environment to sip and enjoy.

When I’m building a guide made for Instagrammers, I’m looking for establishments that have both modern and trendy aesthetics, along with ideal photography lighting conditions. You’ll find many spots in and around Sacramento in this guide, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
Carmel-by-the-Sea with Baby Travel Guide
Carmel-by-the-Sea with Baby Travel Guide

Carmel-by-the-Sea is located 2.5 hours south of San Francisco and it’s a beautiful drive down the Pacific Coast Highway. Visiting the small village of Carmel-by-the-Sea is like stepping into a real life fairytale. Many of the homes are designed as whimsical cottages and they sit adjacent to beaches and picturesque landscapes.

Carmel-by-the-Sea is also an ideal vacation spot for families with babies and young children. It’s very safe, calm and has plenty of baby-friendly dining and activities. We took our little Scout when she was 16-months old and it was a very pleasant trip. In this guide you’ll find many baby-friendly options for where to eat, stroller-friendly places to explore, beaches and hotel recommendations.

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TravelGennifer RoseFamily-Friendly TravelComment
Family Travel Guide to Oahu with a Baby
Family Travel Guide to Oahu with a Baby

Hawaii is a popular place for Americans to travel with their babies, my parents took me to Hawaii for the first time when I was just a couple of months old. Visiting the islands truly feels like an escape to paradise, but you don't need a passport because you aren't leaving the country. Getting a passport for a baby can be a hassle, so this is a big bonus. There's also no Zika is Hawaii so it's a great place to have a baby moon while pregnant!

The people of Hawaii are very welcoming to families and children, you'll find ample baby friendly dining and activities. In this guide you’ll find the best beaches, places to eat, baby-friendly activities and my top parenting travel tips.

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TravelGennifer RoseHawaii, Family-Friendly Travel Comments
One Day in London - How to Maximize Your Time During a 12-Hour Layover
One Day in London - How to Maximize Your Time During a 12-Hour Layover

My husband and I took a summer 10-day trip to the Greek islands during the month of July. We flew from San Francisco to London and then onwards to the island of Santorini. On the way to Greece we had an 8 hour layover in London, on the way back we had a 17 hour layover in London. Both times we wanted to maximize our time in England so we left the airports to do some sightseeing.

Yes, I know what you're thinking - those two long layovers in London are definitely not enough. You're right! Even a week might not be enough to experience the city, take in all the incredible sights, and marvel at London's beautiful architecture. However, if you're there already and have the opportunity to spend the day exploring, you should unquestionably take advantage of it.

Because there are so many things to see and do in London, you may be overwhelmed by the options, which is why I made this guide. It will help you make the most of your time in the city by offering tips for where to go and what to do during your one day in London.

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TravelGennifer RoseInternational DestinationsComment
Oahu 4-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide
Oahu 4-Day Itinerary & Travel Guide

Although the Hawaiian islands are small, there’s so many sights to explore - especially on capital island of Oahu! When you’ve only got 4 days to vacation in Oahu, its definitely worth your time to plan your itinerary in advance.

I’ve broken this blog post up into sections - each one caters to specific travel interests. There’s plenty for foodies, beach lovers, nature adventure seekers and family fun. My suggestion for building your Oahu 4-Day Itinerary would be select your top four must-see items and then add-on meal options.

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TravelGennifer RoseHawaii, Family-Friendly Travel Comment
Best Ice Cream & Sweet Shops in Sacramento
Best Ice Cream & Sweet Shops in Sacramento

Sacramento is quickly becoming a California foodie destination, and a true foodie can really appreciate quality ice cream, gourmet donuts and apothecary candy stores. In Sacramento you’ll find a mix of old-established family ice cream parlors and new trendy ice cream.

In preparation for this blog post, I had a lot of fun doing β€œresearch” eating ice cream all over Sacramento. It’s a tough job but someone’s gotta do it!

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramento, Northern CaliforniaComment
Dog-Friendly Guide to Half Moon Bay, California
Dog-Friendly Guide to Half Moon Bay, California

Half Moon bay is the perfect weekend warrior destination, especially if you’re planning dog-friendly travel. There are many outdoor spaces where your furry babies are allowed to accompany you. Also there’s a good selection of eating establishments that are willing to accommodate dogs.

The recommended spots in this guide are just a quick drive from San Francisco or San Jose area, about an hour away from either city. You can opt for a day trip or an over-night stay, I’ve got a list of hotels that are pet-friendly.

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TravelGennifer RoseDog Mama, Northern California, Family-Friendly Travel Comments
Stroller-Friendly Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area
Stroller-Friendly Hikes in the San Francisco Bay Area

One of the biggest challenges of being the parent to a young child is finding ways to enjoy the outdoors. When my daughter was born I quickly learned that many of my favorite hikes and walks were not very stroller friendly.

This blog post began because I spent so much time researching where I can take my toddler on scenic walks and urban hikes. Luckily the San Francisco Bay Area has several options where you can walk at least a solid mile uninterrupted with your stroller.

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TravelGennifer RoseSan Francisco, Northern CaliforniaComment
Family Travel Guide to Yosemite in the Winter
Family Travel Guide to Yosemite in the Winter

Yosemite is a beautiful place to vacation during any season. Although you have to battle the cold during the winter months, there are some major perks to visiting during the off-season. We once went to Yosemite on 4th of July weekend and the park was absolutely packed and the traffic was terrible. But this past January we took our toddler Scout on a family trip to Yosemite and we pretty much had the whole park to ourselves!

The main thing to remember when visiting Yosemite is to take it slow and enjoy the scenery. It's truly one of those places filled with so much natural beauty that it takes your breath away. This guide covers all the fun activities and sightseeing that is available during the winter season.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California Comment
Best Places to Find Blooming Flower Fields and Orchards in California
Best Places to Find Blooming Flower Fields and Orchards in California

We are so lucky in California because there are several places to see these beauties bloom. The flowers across the state of California begin sprouting up in late February and can last until the heat of summer dries them out.

Fresh blossoms can be found in fields and others are in tree orchards. Some of these places occur naturally in the wild, and others are cultivated on farms. Either way, vibrant flowers looks stunning both in person and on camera. I know all you Instagrammers are looking for that perfect shot!

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California, Southern CaliforniaComment
The Modern Travel Guide to Chico, California
The Modern Travel Guide to Chico, California

Chico is one of the greatest gems of Northern California, and it also happens to be my college town. I spent five years living in Chico while I attended Chico State University working towards my bachelor's degree in Business Marketing. I graduated in 2009 and there's been so much growth and development in this town over the last ten years. In 2019 Chico was actually the fastest growing city in California!

Probably one of my favorite things about Chico is that it's able to keep that small town feel while still being contemporary and modern. Both millennials and baby boomers have both fallen in love with Chico, there's something for everyone.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California, Family-Friendly TravelComment
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Little Italy
San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Little Italy

San Diego's neighborhood of Little Italy has evolved into one of the most modern and trendy areas of SoCal. The lively social scene makes it the perfect place to enjoy both a day and night out on the town.  I've compiled a comprehensive list of the best 45 spots to eat, drink and be merry in Little Italy.  From the swanky high brow spots to the cool and comfy, it's all here. Plan a romantic evening with that special someone or invite your pals out for a brunch date.

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TravelGennifer RoseSouthern California, San Diego Comment
Best Spots in San Francisco to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge
Best Spots in San Francisco to Photograph the Golden Gate Bridge

Probably the most iconic landmark of San Francisco is the Golden Gate Bridge. While you can see the bridge from many locations around the city, for photography purposes there are limited places where the bridge is large enough to show up clearly in photos.

Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area, I’ve spent many years roaming around the city with my camera. In this blog post you’ll find my recommendations for best area in and around San Francisco for photos with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background.

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TravelGennifer RoseSan FranciscoComment
Top 13 California Spring Break Destinations
Top 13 California Spring Break Destinations

Spring is a great time to travel in California because there’s a good chance you’ll be treated to some awesome weather. Spring break is also a popular time to vacation because many students have time-off from school.

This California Spring Break Guide works for both college students and parents with kids who are on break from school. My top destinations have a bit of something for everyone!

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California, Southern CaliforniaComment
California Summer Festivals that are Totally Family Friendly
California Summer Festivals that are Totally Family Friendly

This blog post gives you some great options for summer festivals and events where you can feel comfortable bringing your littles ones. Some of them are even dog-friendly too!

In California we have beautiful summer weather and it’s a shame to spend too much time indoors. Summer festivals are definitely a thing in Cali, but most of them are too loud and rowdy for families with children.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California, Southern California, Family-Friendly TravelComment
Flying with a 4-Month-Old Baby: A Complete Guide
Flying with a 4-Month-Old Baby: A Complete Guide

My husband and I traveled very often before we had our baby daughter Scout, and we still wanted to continue our adventures as parents. At four-months-old we took Scout to New York City during the autumn season, and then at 6-months we took her to Oahu in Hawaii.

I was definitely nervous about flying with a baby for the first time, but it turned out to be fairly smooth. I did have some learning experiences that I will definitely be sharing in this blog post, and many more tips to help parents plan their baby-friendly air travel.

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TravelGennifer RoseFamily-Friendly TravelComment