Where to Eat in South Lake Tahoe

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Tasty restaurants, blackjack tables and hiking galore.

It goes without saying that South Lake Tahoe is a magical place. An impressive variety of local wildlife acts as your welcoming committee as you wind your way from the Reno-Tahoe International Airport toward Heavenly Village; and by the time you reach the heart of the lake, you have forgotten about every remnant of that hectic last week at work before your sojourn in the California wilderness.

It really is paradise.

So, when a childhood friend of mine decided that it would be a perfect spot for her destination wedding in May of 2014, I volunteered to help l by reviewing the local food scene for her website. The list actually came in pretty handy as the weather was a bit sporadic for mid-May, so we were able to enjoy our culinary experiences both in the  great outdoors as well as within the comfort of some of the cozy local lodges.

So, without further ado, here is my list of the best breakfast, lunch and dinner spots in South Lake Tahoe, California! Bon Appétit!

Breaking Fast

Driftwood Tahoe

Cozy, absolutely delicious breakfast and lunch spot located in Heavenly Village. The menu has plenty of ‘flair’ with items such as ‘Outrageous Omeletes’ and ‘Wacky Waffles’ in addition to Huevos Rancheros (Driftwoods version), and a number of vegetarian specialties. Mimosas + Bloody Mary’s also offered…it was quite yummy!
Details: Open 7:00am-3:00pm, located at 1001 Heavenly Way Village, Suite 1a South Lake Tahoe, CA

Ernie’s Coffee Shop

Voted “best breakfast in South Lake Tahoe,” the menu at Ernie’s is relatively standard for a breakfast place (eggs, waffles, breakfast sandwiches, pancakes etc.). Also there is a downloadable “10% off your next meal coupon” available on their website!
Details: Open 6:00am-2:00pm, located at 1207 Highway 50, South Lake Tahoe CA 

Keys Café

This place received a 4.5/5 star rating on Yelp! (the highest of local ratings of any breakfast place). It’s a cozy little independent coffee house, restaurant, and wine + dessert bar. Offers items such as breakfast burritos, sandwiches, waffles, acai + yogurt bowls and more! Locally sourced, grown etc.
Details: Open 7:00am-4:00pm, located at 2279 Lake Tahoe Blvd #2, South Lake Tahoe CA

Red Hut Café 

Trip Advisor ranks this place as one of South Lake Tahoe’s Top Five Restaurants. It’s motto is “peace, love & waffles,” and serves breakfast and lunch all day. The menu is fairly extensive, and offers just a little bit of everything. I wasn’t able to make it here, so I was a little bummed, but a few other wedding guests sent along some rave reviews so I would make a point to stop in if you get a chance!
Details: Open 6:00am-2:00pm, Located at 2723 South Lake Tahoe Blvd

Lunch + Dinner

Basecamp Pizza 

Located in Heavenly Village, this gourmet pizza place is centrally located in South Lake Tahoe. It received a 4.5 star rating on Yelp!, and is quite delicious. Great appetizer selection, salad options, pasta dishes and specialty pizzas such as Thai Curry Chicken, Smoked BBQ Chicken, Pear & Gorgonzola (+more) make up a majority of the menu.  Wine + full bar are also on the menu. We got a pizza to go after the wedding and it was fabulous! (I’d highly recommend Thai Curry Chicken).
Details: Open 12:00pm-9:00 pm, Located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA

Evan’s Gourmet American Café 

This place is a little schnazzier. It is located inside of a vintage Tahoe cabin amongst the pine trees (gorgeous view). It is Zagat-rated, and its menu includes: Scallop quenelles with sherry lobster cream sauce, chargrilled Korean short-ribs, steaks, rack of lamb + more! Dishes range from $14-$37, and they also have their own dessert page. So, that sounds horrible. Corking fee is $20/bottle with a limit of 2 bottles/table. SO BYO at your own risk.
Details: Located at 536 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA. Reservations recommended so call 530-542-1990

Himmel Haus (German Food + Beer, Yah!)

Bottomless bloodies and mimosas on Sundays! Lunch + Dinner only (I just added it here for brunch purposes…). This is a German restaurant and Bierhaus that prides itself on local sustainable practices as well as its great German beer selection.
Details: Open 12pm-12am (or 2am), Located at 3819 Saddle Road, South lake Tahoe CA 96150

Sams Place Bar & Grill

This is the oldest bar and grill in South Lake Tahoe. Menu is typical bar food (sliders, tacos, mozz sticks, onion rings) but also has a great selection of salads, soups, sandwiches, burgers & pizzas. Bar atmosphere, pool table, and good local spot to hang out and have a drink and some food!
Details: Open 11:00am-2:00am, Located at 611 Highway 50, Zephyr Cove NV 89448

Off the Hook

I know, what your thinking. ‘sushi? in South Lake Tahoe?’ Apparently! This sushi place is ranked on Urbanspoon, Yelp! and Google, so I had to throw it on here. It is a casual but high-quality sushi spot on Highway 50, and it also has a fun happy hour! Locals love the following eats: Holy Smokes roll, Crunchy Granola, Slammin Salmon, the Superstar and Funky Roll.
Details: Open 4:30-9:30 pm, located at 2660 Lake Tahoe Boulevard, South Lake Tahoe CA 96150

The Brewery at South Lake Tahoe

Alright, this place has a Happy Hour 3-5 every day, which includes $4 pints & food specials. It’s in close proximity to all of the hotels, and has outdoor seating. They have 10 beers on the menu that are brewed in-house, and the menu is super diverse. Fun spot to stop – it comes highly recommended by locals.
Details: Open every day at 11:00 am, Located at 3542 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150

Café Fiore 

Quaint and cozy Italian restaurant. When I say cozy, I say that because there are only 7 TABLES! (Yes, make a reservation). Menu includes eggplant crepes, an array of pasta dishes, oh, and white chocolate ice cream! Yummy!
Details: Open at 5:30 pm, Located 1169 Ski Run Boulevard #5, South Lake Tahoe CA. Reservations at 530-541-2908

McP’s Irish Pub Tahoe

This is a typical Irish pub, located close to most of the hotels in South Lake Tahoe. Food is served until 9:00pm on weekdays, 10:00pm on weeknights, and the menu is pretty diverse. Soups, crocks, Irish Shepherds Pie, and daily food specials are all on the menu. *As a note, you can’t do separate checks here so make sure you have cash or plan on playing credit card roulette!
Details: Open 11:30am-9:00 (or 10:00 )pm, Located at 4093 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150

Taqueria Jimenez 

Hole-in-the-wall local favorite Mexican place. Very cheap, locals say to order the “super chicken burrito” and also hit the salsa bar. Tacos are $1, burritos are under $5…yum! This spot is also very close to the hotels and casinos, and is easily walkable.
Details: Located at 913 Friday Avenue, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150

Late Night Eats
Keep in mind that everything (delivery included) in South Lake Tahoe stops serving food by 11 if not sooner! 

Blue Dog Pizza

Alright people, this place delivers (until 11pm!). Delivery number is 530-541-0123. Typical pizza place, locals like it.
Details: Open 11am- 11pm, Delivery

McP’s Late Night Menu 

I already reviewed McP’s above, but they do have a late-night menu that is available until 11:00 pm. So, check out the review above, and head to McP’s if you need some late-night eats!
Details: Open 11:30am-9:00 (or 10:00)pm, Located at 4093 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe CA 96150

Himmel Haus 

I already reviewed Himmel Haus, so check it out above! They are open until 2am on weekends, so it’s important to state that here.

The Land of the Pueblo

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My heart will always live in Santa Fe.

Picture this:  Turquoise-speckled sidewalk displays, modern-art galleries, dive bars featuring hundreds of different tequilas, and hiking to native hot-spring saunas…all the while breathing-in the faint scent of slow-roasting pork and green chile. Sound dreamy? You bet.

To put it lightly, Santa Fe is the gem of the Southwest, and a must-see on anyone’s bucket list. While I will dedicate a separate post on the restaurants you should visit, here are a few of my favorite spots to frequent should you ever make it to the capital city of New Mexico!

The Plaza
Loretto Chapel, Ortegas, Georgia O’Keefe Museum + more

Santa Fe Plaza, a view towards the Loretto Chapel

A visit to The Plaza (the quaint downtown area) is one of the reasons I dub this city to be one of the most charming and authentic destinations in the United States. This city center has been inhabited since 1610, and is still thriving as a premier cultural and political center. Follow the Old Santa Fe Trail to the heart of The Plaza, where you will discover the iconic Loretto Chapel (known for its mysterious spiral staircase, who some believe was built by St. Joseph himself!),  the handcrafted jewelry of award-winning local artists at Ortega’s on the Plaza, or discover the famous avant-garde artistry displayed in the Georgia O’Keefe Museum.

Jackalope Mercato
Pottery, Antiques + Craftsmanship at its finest!

Jackalope Outdoor Entrance

This outdoor market features the best of Southwest culture; from Prairie dogs, clay pottery, antiques dating back to the 1800’s, hand-painted beads (and so much more), this is potentially my favorite spot in all of Santa Fe. Oh, and you’ll want to accustom yourself to the name behind this outdoor mercantile (it is actually an animal with a legendary combination of a male jackrabbit and a female antelope).

Bandelier National Monument
hiking + ceremonial caves galore!

Ancient Ceremonial Cave at Bandelier National Monument

Situated outside of Los Alamos, New Mexico, Bandelier National Monument is a staple for outdoor enthusiasts who want to experience a unique taste of nature. Carved by the Rio Grande River and protected by intricately marbled volcanic rock, the hiking trails at Bandelier are both breathtaking and historic. Petroglyphs and pictographs are common, as are cave dwellings, vita holes and ancient ceremonial caves. Cerro Grande Trail and the Frijoles Canyon Trail are my two favorite shorter hikes, as both are 2 miles long or less and offer immediate gratification. I’d suggest doing several hikes in one day, as they can take over an hour to complete due to the picturesque settings (make sure to check out the Tyuonyi  Ruins) and picnic spots that are offered along the way.

Ten Thousand Waves Spa
A traditional Japanese spa in the Southwest!

Wind and weave your way through the desert to one of the most luxurious spas in New Mexico: Ten Thousand Waves. Nestled amongst juniper trees and situated on a scenic hill overlooking the National Forest, this spa has some of the best massage therapists I have ever encountered. A must-visit after a long day of hiking, for sure!

Santa Fe School of Cooking
Agave nectar and green chiles, anyone?

Specializing in New Mexican, Native American, Mexican, Spanish, vegetarian and contemporary Southwestern cuisine, the culinary masters at the Santa Fe School of Cooking are excellent at teaching the ins and outs of Southwest cooking. I’d recommend taking the “Rellenos” or “Tacos” class, but you really can’t go wrong with this place. Plus, you get to taste the food and shop for the Cooking’s Schools unique ingredients after the class is over, which is a MUST!

Ithaca is Gorges

If you’re looking for a small town that packs a big punch, Ithaca NY may be the place for you.

View of Ithaca from Cornell University.

Nestled in the Finger Lakes region of central New York, Ithaca boasts a seasonal population that is predicated on the annual school calendar. Home to Cornell University, Ithaca College and Tomkins Community College, it is a quintessential college town with a ‘twist,’ if you will.

Ithaca is an outdoor enthusiasts paradise, as it is surrounded by the scenic Cayuga Lakes and a slew of State Parks. Parts of Ithaca are even referenced according to the hilltops that they sit atop (East Hill, West Hill and so on), almost reminding one of acropolis-esque neighborhoods amongst a nest of untouched forests.

It goes without saying that Fall is the best time of year to visit. Luckily, my significant other is currently getting his MBA at Cornell, so I have excuses to visit during the October and November months.

So, as I prepare for my next fall trip, I thought I’d give my readers a list of the top 5 activities to partake in when visiting Ithaca, NY.

1. Phở Please!

If I didn’t start here, I think my boyfriend would log in to my account and rewrite this post, so I might as well put this front-and-center.

A delicious bowl of Tai Gao:
rare eye round steak and brisket from Saigon Kitchen in Ithaca, NY

If you are a fan of Phở, (you know, that delicious Vietnamese noodle soup filled with herbs, meat and spices?), then you should visit Saigon Kitchen.  It has the highest Yelp rating in all of Ithaca, it is a haven for pho and bubble-tea fanatics, and its incredibly affordable.

Nestled just outside of Ithaca Commons, Saigon Kitchen is a perfect place to grab an easy lunch or dinner and then stroll through the center of town, which boasts olive oil tasting rooms, local artists, hiking and outdoor equipment supply and exchange stores, and a slew of other wonderful restaurants.

2. Gimme Coffee, Coffee, Coffee

It probably comes as no surprise that a college town such as Ithaca has a good coffee scene. With the average snowfall approaching nearly 70 inches during an average winter, students usually opt to hike up to campus (remember those hills I talked about before?) as opposed to driving. Ergo, coffee is an absolute essential part of your day-to-day when living in this city.

My favorite spot in Ithaca to grab a cup of brew is at Gimme! Coffee. The baristas are friendly, they specialize in slow-drip coffee, and local artists exhibit their latest pieces on the walls(last time I was there a local 5th grade class had an installation called ‘what are you most thankful for’ and they were going to use the answers for a collage in their school). It’s a chain, but has a very local vibe. Oh, and the pastries are indescribably delicious…so if you come across a cheese and chive scone, you need it.

3. Visit the Gorges

Ok, I’ll take a break from all of the delicious food and drinks that Ithaca has to offer and focus on the prettiest part of your visit to Ithaca: the gorges.

A beautiful gorge in Ithaca, NY!

Fall Creek Gorge and Ithaca Falls are my favorite spots to hike, but there are many other state parks to visit in the area. They are relatively quick hikes, and visitors are provided with a wide array of expansive views. Suspension bridges and stairways carved into the rocks along the side of the gorges are fairly standard, so hikers are given a variety of options when it comes to visiting the gorges around Ithaca.

There is also a beautiful view of a waterfall near the west end of Beebe Lake, which is located along Forest Drive near Cornell University. You can jump out of the car and walk across the bridge to take in the sight – it’s quite amazing to witness the power of this waterfall from such a close distance! (Oh, and if you are near this particular waterfall, I’d also visit Cornell Plantations, which features beautiful botanical gardens and learning centers. Great spot for families and visitors of any age).

4. Cornell University

If you’re visiting Ithaca, you have to take a stroll through Cornell. It will take you hours to see everything on the campus, but you have to start your trip near the student center, which is nestled on the top of a hill that overlooks the entire town.

The A.D. White Reading Reading Room within Uris Library

The A.D. White Library within Uris Library is spectacular, as far as libraries go. I always tease my boyfriend that he never studies there -I would be so motivated to study just about everything (sans physics) in this stunning space.

Here is a fun fact about the Uris Library at Cornell: It houses one of the five copies of Abraham Lincoln‘s Gettysburg Address. This is unique because it is the only such copy to be privately-owned as well as accompanied both by a letter from Lincoln transmitting the manuscript and the original envelope addressed and franked by Lincoln.

5. Moosewood Cafe

I know, I know. Another restaurant? But seriously, I saved the best for last. Trust me.

Focused on healthy, natural foods, Moosewood Cafe has been in business for over 40 years. In that time, the owners have managed to pen 13 cookbooks; 5 of which have been nominated for James Beard Awards. The menu is vegetarian and vegan and changes not only daily, but by meal (lunch is completely different than dinner). If you are lucky you can even meet one of the owners running around the restaurant and helping to seat customers! Cookbooks and merchandise are available at the front of the restaurant while you wait to be seated, and the owners are always happy to sign them and discuss their experiences cultivating the menu and building such a wonderful array of delicious recipes. This is a must do when visiting Ithaca, so make sure you make room in your schedule to have a bite!

Cheers!

The Venetian Lagoon

Believe it or not, this is a small palace!

Venice is known for their leather…and this store did not disappoint!

The canals of Venice

The most AMAZING gelato in all of Italy. Fig!

The beautiful canals of Venice.

A venetian mask store

A two-day tour through the beautiful city of Venice. Keep your eyes open for a blog post to come! I may need an entire post just for the gelato…apologies in advance.

Veni, Vidi, Vici

When I landed at Leonarda da Vinci Airport I was in immediate need of two things: A cappucino and a cornetto.

See, somehow my travel partner and I had convinced our Air Canada stewardesses that by allowing them to relocate our seats on our flight from Toronto to Rome we , naturally, deserved copious amounts of wine and down comforters for our troubles. Eight hours later? Well, I was a little groggy and ready for caffeine.

I believe it was Pico Lyer who said “We travel, initially, to lose ourselves, and we travel, next, to find ourselves.”

To me, traveling is more than a philosophy; it is the key to transforming our lives from ordinary to sublime. It is an art. Luckily, I was quick to discover that Rome was the perfect canvas.

So, without further ado, here are 5 tips to help you make the most of your time in Rome.

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO DO:

Get lost. Pure and simple.

There is no way that you are going to see absolutely everything in this magnificent city. It would take a lifetime to taste, see, hear, experience and absorb everything that Rome has to offer. So, start in a piazza (I’d suggest Piazza Navona or Piazza della Rotunda) and explore from there.

Caffe da Claudia

TIP: The restaurants in the Piazza della Rotunda provide an unparalleled view of the Pantheon. They may seem touristy (given their location), but they are frequented by locals and provide excellent and tasty options for lunch and dinner. Try Ristorante caffe da Claudia and split a delicious plate of pasta with truffles and pancetta with your travel partner(s). Oh, and of course, “vino della casa, per favore!”

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO SEE:

The Last Judgement, Michelangelo

Michelangelo’s Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel, ladies and gentlemen. Quite literally the most breathtaking feat of art that you will ever witness in your life. It took four years to complete, and it is one of two paintings that this artist completed in his entire career.

TIP: Get to Vatican City early in the morning (around 8 am) so you can bypass the groups. However, once in the City, make sure you have a guide or someone knowledgeable walk you through the Vatican Museums. If you to do one touristy thing in Rome, this would be it.

It only costs about 32 euro for a two hour tour of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel. Trust me, the time will fly, and you will walk out completely enlightened.

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO EAT:

Cacio e Pepe. Literally translated, this means “cheese and pepper” in Italian. The ingredients of this pasta dish are very simple and include only black pepper, pasta and Pecorino Romano cheese. My mouth is watering right now. So many noms.

Cacio y pepe.

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO PACK:

Ok, maybe I said the only touristy thing you do in Rome is to hire a guide for The Vatican. However, if you will allow me to throw one more coin into the fountain of tourism, I’d definitely invest in Fodor’s Italy, 2014 edition. The book was a perfect complement for our wandering adventure through Rome.

If we found ourselves in the middle of a piazza that clearly held historical significance, or were simply in need of a margherita pizza after hiking through the Roman Forum, this book was our crutch. It even has a detachable map that is amazingly easy to navigate.

ONE THING YOU HAVE TO BE AWARE OF:

Italians speak Italian.

Yes, you are a tourist, and yes, most countries are relatively lackadaisical about people who don’t even try to speak the language. But this philosophy isn’t applicable when you are in Rome. So, take a little time, do your homework, and learn how to say some basic phrases. It’ll be fun!

TIP: Try downloading an app on your iPhone such as Learn Italian by MindSnacks. There are countless ways to learn a phrase or two on the go, but I found having the app on my iPhone gave me some flexibility in my schedule for when I could practice a few phrases while on-the-go!

Interested in learning more about Italy? Stay tuned because I have a few posts in the works that document my journey north through the Emiglia Romagna region! In the meantime, check out my gallery from Roma!

Love + Vitalita.

The Eternal City

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Oystahs and Crushes

“He was a bold man that first ate an oyster”
– Jonathan Swift

No matter where you are in Charm City, you are a stones throw away from an oyster bar.

We all have a consistent hankering for the delectable treat, and our local waitstaff  can collectively serenade your palate with the particulars of the daily oyster catch (they basically put the adjective arsenal of a Master Sommelier to shame). 

Another fun fact? Baltimore has a signature drink that pairs perfectly with oysters. Actually, we should spend a minute on this, because…well, it’s important.

Known locally as the “Crush,” this drink is a favorite by residents and tourists alike. In fact, you will have a hard time walking into a bar in Baltimore without noticing a large, hand-cranked juicer with bags of oranges and grapefruits stacked neatly nearby. This drink is simple, subtly sweet and refreshing – a perfect complement to the saltiness and brininess of many of the local oyster offerings.

So, what are the best local spots to sit back, relax, and enjoy some oysters on the half shell? Here is a list of my top 3 favorite spots:

1. Mamas on the Halfshell Oh, Mamas. Located in the Canton neighborhood (about 5 miles from the Inner Harbor), Mamas on the Halfshell is a famed Oyster haunt for locals. The Jack Larkin raw bar spans the length of almost the entire first floor, and is a cozy spot to enjoy drinks, appetizers, or your entire meal. The list of oyster dishes and fresh seafood is expansive, so I suggest picking one of the signature oyster appetizers and going from there. Also, most of the dishes are very shareable, and you absolutely must order a ‘crush’ with your meal. It’s the law.

Order-Up! The fresh, local oysters are lovely, but do try the fried oysters with homemade mustard aioli. Seriously, people. Holy cow. This is my happy place. Other must-orders at this spot include: Calamari, Seafood Chowder, Steamed Shrimp (with Old Bay) and the Crabcake Platter with Mac ‘n Cheese & Coleslaw is also a must. Keep in mind that you may be in a seafood coma after this meal, so don’t operate any heavy equipment.

2. Thames Street Oyster House: Located in the quaint and historic neighborhood of Fells Point, this little oyster house sits upon cobblestone streets and offers a beautiful view of the harbor. I’d suggest going for lunch or an early dinner and grabbing the hightop table next to the entrance for optimal people-watching whilst you enjoy your seafood tower. The menu is heavy-laden with oyster dishes (be sure to try the mignonette with shallots), but there is also a great New England vibe to the menu (Lobstahs, anyone?).

Order-Up! The Queen Anne or the Lord Baltimore. Both of these shellfish towers will literally blow your mind – and they are ideal for sharing (oysters, shrimp, crab, lobster claws, lobster tails…oh my!) Other notables are the Lobster Mac ‘n Cheese and a classic crabcake (in fact, Thames Street was voted as having one of the best crabcakes in Baltimore by Baltimore Magazine!).

3. Nick’s Oysterbar at Cross Street: Ok guys, this is L-O-C-A-L. This is an oyster bar, a sushi bar and a seafood restaurant (I would vote it as one of the best places to mix and mingle with the Federal Hill crowd). Located inside of Cross Street market, Nick’s offers bar seating and standing room while you enjoy your local eats. Blue Points and Chincoteague’s are usually a staple on the oyster menu, and shuckers keep a freshly-grated TUB of horseradish, sliced lemons, sriracha, and cocktail sauce at nearly every seat. Beers come in 16 oz and 32 oz, and you can take your cup home with you as a token of your awesome oyster experience.

Thanks for reading!

Love and Vitalità,

Jess

Feedback? Comments? Concerns? Email me at vitalitatravel@gmail.com!

A Southern Welcome

Let me be perfectly clear: not everyone is a writer.

Having said that, I want to note that by starting this blog I lay no claim to having the creative spontaneity  of Allen Ginsberg, the literary ideals of William S. Burroughs or the cunningly rambunctious wit of Anthony Bourdain (try as I might!).

Instead, I’m a traditional 21st century twenty-something with big dreams of breaking out of her formalistic world. Life is good, happiness is often-sought, and my professional calling is still irresolute.

Things I do know: My living room is my literary salon, my drink of choice is bourbon, and I typically surround myself with a good mix of passionate, eclectic and (oftentimes) inappropriate minds. I’m still discovering myself, and I don’t really plan on stopping.

This blog originates in Baltimore, which has been my home for the past three years. A city of many names and reputations, Baltimore is rich in history, great food and wonderful people. It’s rumored that Edgar Alan Poe’s transition from poetry to imaginative short-story writing began here, and many of his local bar haunts are still standing (and serving) today. It’s a cultural haven that I am still exploring, and I promise to shine a light on its ‘hidden jewels’ in future posts.

August of Hippo once said, “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page”… and I couldn’t agree more whole-heartedly.

This blog clearly has a theme that is tied to travel and exploration. A deep-rooted nomadic urgency to seek adventure and new experiences is what keeps me focused and driven, and this blog will reflect that journey.

So, why ‘Vitalità Travel?’

Vitalità is Italian for ‘vitality.‘ I find that writing, like travel, keeps me grounded and feeds my spirit. This site is a dedication to the art of life – the experiences that we have that shape our characters and energize our vision. I am looking forward to looking back at my personal renaissance and tracing my vision through these digital pages in the years to come.

Besides being documentary in nature, I do hope that this blog becomes a forum for conversation and idea-sharing. You, my reader, are as much a part of this blog as I am – and for that, I thank you.

Happy Reading – Love and Vitalità

Jess
www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalmay/