T R A V E L

Where to Go, What to Know — Travel Tips from Bobbi

SEA ISLAND, GEORGIA

Wow—what an unforgettable experience we had at Sea Island! It was our first time staying at The Cloister, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The entire trip was amazing, and the hospitality was top-notch—everyone we met was so warm and welcoming.

I joined Doug on a work conference, and even though we were only there for three nights, we made the most of every moment. That said, knowing what I know now, I’d definitely recommend staying at least five nights to truly soak it all in.

We stayed in the Beach Club suites, which I highly recommend for families with kids. They offer the easiest and most convenient access to the pools and beach—perfect for a family getaway. While The Lodge is absolutely stunning and worth visiting, it’s about 15 minutes from the main Cloister and Beach Club, so I’d personally prefer to stay closer to the heart of the action.

The main building is stunning, with beautiful architecture, charming shops, and plenty of things to explore. Getting around the property is easy too—shuttles and golf carts are available to take you wherever you need to go.

All in all, Sea Island was truly a dream, and we can't wait to return!

WHERE TO EAT:

A few weeks ago, I asked for your top Sea Island Recommendations, and you all did not disappoint! Here’s a quick rundown of where we ate:

Southern Soul BBQ- a MUST visit! Everything was 10/10.
Colt & Alison (high-end, reserve early!)- at the Lodge, about 10 min from the main CloisterDoug and I did this and it was a fun experience!
The Oak Room at the Lodge - we did lunch and it was amazing and a great view and vibe!
Halyards- great food, but atmosphere could be better. 
Southern Tide at the Beach Club- had lunch here and it was very good! Great view of the pool and beach! 

We absolutely loved the restaurants you recommended and only wish we had more time to try all the others that were suggested! Here are some of the top spots in the area that came highly recommended:

Georgia Sea Grill- had a friend eat here and said it was very good! 
Tramici
Delaney’s
The Porch- had friends that tried and said it was good! 
Dorothy’s + Woodside
Echo at King and Prince 
Bennie’s Red Barn
La Plancha (Mexican)
Fiddlers
Zuzu’s
Tavola at the Cloister- had friends do this one night and said it was great! 
Crab Trap
Wake Up Coffee Co 
Palm Coast Coffee
Dulce Dough (highly recommended!)
Sal’s Pizza 
The Half Shell 
Crabdaddy’s 

THINGS TO DO:

Spa at the Cloister
Adult Pool at the Cloister (a favorite spot while we were there!)
 Sunset Bagpiper at the Lodge
Horseback Riding on the Beach
Rent Bikes + Poolside Drinks at the Cloister
Falconry at Rainbow Island
The Labyrinth Walk
Solarium Tea & Cookies @ Cloister (4pm daily) They also have complimentary coffee and scones in the same area every morning. 
Sunset Riverboat Cruise
Putting Course + Transfusion Drink at the Lodge 

SHOPS YOU CAN’T MISS:

    Two Friends Boutique
Cabana
Birdie’s
Tibi Outlet
Viola’s Market

WHAT TO WEAR:

THE MASTERS - AUGUSTA, GA

Wow — what an unforgettable experience! We’ve been incredibly lucky to attend The Masters three times now, and it truly never gets old. It’s one of those iconic events that lives up to every bit of the hype!

TICKETS:

Each time, we’ve scored practice round tickets through the official Masters ticket lottery — yes, it really works! You can enter the drawing each year directly on their website. It’s a bit of a long shot, but so worth it if you win! If you’re interested in trying to get tickets for 2026, be sure to create an account as applications open on June 1st.

WHERE TO STAY:

The first 2 years we stayed closer to Augusta about an hour away, and even then hotels are still pricey! This time though we stayed in Atlanta and opted for a fun dinner and a hotel stay at the Four Seasons and rented a sprinter bus to take us to and from Augusta all in a days trip! We left ATL around 5:30 AM and made it just in time for the gates to open at 8:00 AM. After an incredible day on the course, the van dropped us straight at the airport for our flight home — it was a long day, but totally worth it.

ATL Food Faves:
 Some of our favorites in Atlanta include Chops, The Optimist, and most recently, Marcel, which was a new (and delicious) find!

THE EXPERIENCE: 

Once you’re inside The Masters, get ready to disconnect — phones aren’t allowed, so either leave yours in the car or check it at the gate. If you’re attending a practice round, definitely bring a digital camera!

Your first stop? Head straight to Founders Circle for a complimentary commemorative photo taken by The Masters’ photographers. Then make a beeline to the merch shop — it’s basically Disney World for golf fans. (Warning: it’s easy to drop $1,000 without even realizing it 😅). The infamous garden gnomes are the hot item every year — and honestly, we still don’t fully get the hype, haha!

After shopping, you can take your purchases back to the car (you're allowed one re-entry). Then spend time exploring the entire course — it’s truly stunning. Don’t miss Amen Corner and Hole 16, where players famously skip balls across the pond!

And yes, the concessions are legendary. Delicious, affordable, and classic. Try one of everything — seriously.

The tradition, the style, the atmosphere — it’s all magic. If you ever get the chance to go, don’t think twice. The Masters is a once-in-a-lifetime kind of special.

WHAT TO WEAR:

30A - SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL

We love heading down to 30A — it’s just a quick 2.5-hour drive for us, which makes it the perfect getaway! We recently spent a few days there for spring break and had the best time. This beautiful stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast is dotted with charming little beach towns along scenic Highway 30A, each with its own unique vibe and plenty to explore.

WHERE TO STAY:

We've been lucky enough to stay in quite a few spots along 30A — WaterColor, WaterSound, Rosemary, Seacrest, and Inlet Beach — and honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of them! Each spot has its own charm, and we’d absolutely recommend them all. Seacrest and Watersound are great middle-ground options — super convenient for exploring both ends of 30A. Whether you’re biking, walking, or cruising in a golf cart, it’s easy to get around from almost anywhere between WaterColor and Inlet Beach.

Just a heads-up: Seaside can get pretty crowded in the summer months, but it's still a must-see and perfect for shopping or grabbing a bite to eat.

OUR MOST RECENT STAY:

For spring break, we stayed at The Prominence on 30A and really enjoyed it! The only downside is the beach access — it’s about a 5-minute golf cart ride away (we used Deer Lake State Park), but honestly, it wasn’t a big deal.

We booked through Panhandle Getaways and had a great experience. They made everything super easy with a text option for check-in, questions, and more.

Prominence is located in Watersound, directly across from The Hub — a vibrant food and entertainment venue with restaurants, shops, an arcade, and family-friendly movies or live music most nights. So fun and super walkable!

Our townhome came with bikes and a golf cart, which, in our opinion, is a must for getting around 30A comfortably.

FAVORITE SPOTS TO EAT:

Here are our tried-and-true go-tos — a mix of local gems and iconic favorites:

  • Gallion’s

  • Restaurant Paradis

  • Old Florida Fish House

  • Bud & Alley’s

  • Great Southern Café

  • Fonville Press

  • The Citizen

  • The Hub

  • AJ’s

  • Vue on 30A

There are truly so many great dining options, whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood, elevated Southern fare, or a casual family dinner after a beach day.

MUST-DO SHOPPING:

Be sure to explore the little boutiques in each town — every one has its own personality and local flair. And you have to grab a classic Seaside sweatshirt from the original Seaside store. Seaside, Watercolor and Rosemary all have cute “downtown” areas with lots of cute boutiques.

WHAT TO WEAR:

  • Café 30A

  • Surfing Deer

  • Pescado

  • La Crema

  • The Perfect Pig

  • Fish Out of Water

  • Amici 30A

  • Goatfeathers

  • Donut Hole

  • Ambrosia 30A

FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA

If you’re ever nearby, you’re in for a treat — this area is truly so special! Fairhope is the sweetest little town on the Eastern Shore of Mobile Bay, full of Southern charm, walkable streets, and so many great local spots to explore. It’s perfect for a weekend getaway, whether you’re planning a couples trip or bringing the whole family. There’s a beautiful downtown filled with boutiques and restaurants, a stunning bayfront pier for sunset strolls, and plenty of small-town charm that makes you feel instantly at home.

WHERE TO STAY:

I‘d recommend renting an Airbnb or VRBO to get that cozy, local feel. If you're wanting to stay downtown , the Hampton Inn Downtown Fairhope is a solid option, as is the Fairhope Inn. Want to splurge? Stay at the iconic Grand Hotel in Point Clear — it’s about 15 minutes from downtown and it’s full of historic charm and stunning amenities.

Tip: Rent a golf cart if you can — it’s such a fun way to explore downtown!

FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT:

Casual Favorites & Local Gems:

Locals – Hands down, the best burger in Fairhope (in our opinion!). Casual, cozy, and tucked in a cute alley — sit outside if the weather’s nice.

Master Joe’s or Wok by the Bay – Great sushi and hibachi options. No reservations, but you can add your name to the list.

Panini Pete’s –A Fairhope classic located in the French Quarter courtyard. Great for breakfast or lunch — don’t miss the beignets!

Sunset Pointe – Located at Fly Creek Marina, this spot has fresh seafood, great drinks, and (as the name suggests) an amazing sunset view over the water.

Date Night or Elevated Dining:

Hope Farm – Not downtown, but so worth the short drive. Gorgeous setting, delicious food, and great cocktails. Make a reservation!

Pearl – Small seafood spot in downtown Fairhope. They don’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait.

Plane & Level – A newer Spanish tapas restaurant that’s a little more upscale and so, so good. Sometimes they do an Italian pop-up menu — don’t miss it!

Tamara’s – A long-time favorite in downtown Fairhope, perfect for a cozy dinner with great service and a classic Southern-inspired menu.

Drinks & Dessert:

Provision & Red or White – Cute downtown wine bars, great for a glass and a light bite.

Monkey Bar – Fun outdoor spot for drinks and casual hangs.

Bucky’s Lounge – Located at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, this is the spot to catch a gorgeous sunset + fun cocktail!

Gene’s Beans – A local classic for ice cream — try the Fairhope Float!

Page & Palette – A cozy bookstore with a great coffee shop inside.

Fairhope Chocolate – Because no trip is complete without something sweet!

WHERE TO SHOP:

Fairhope has the best local shopping — from boutiques and baby clothes to art, home decor, and jewelry, there’s something for everyone.

Boutiques & Fashion:

  • Harvest Jewels

  • Private Gallery

  • Sway

  • Christina Lynn’s

  • Monkee’s of Fairhope

  • Threaded Oyster

  • FG/FH Clothier

  • 7 South

  • Sadie’s

Kids & Baby:

  • Tiny Towne

  • Gigi & Jay’s

  • Fantasy Island Toys

Men’s

  • Riverbend

  • The Avenue

  • Southern Tide

  • Chatsworth

Gifts, Home, & More:

  • The Fairhope Store

  • Objects

  • Living Well

  • Wildflowers (just outside of downtown)

  • Happy Olive

  • Interwoven

  • Five Gold Monkeys

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

We took a weekend trip to Nashville for Doug’s birthday and had the best time! The city totally lives up to the hype — live music everywhere, amazing food, fun neighborhoods to explore, and such a good vibe. Here’s everything we did and loved — plus a bunch of great recs if you’re planning your own Music City weekend! We packed a lot into the weekend, but it still felt like the perfect mix of fun and chill. Already dreaming about our next trip back — Nashville definitely stole a little piece of our hearts!

WHERE TO STAY:

We stayed at The Joseph and LOVED it. It’s in a perfect location — close enough to walk to Broadway, but just far enough to feel like a peaceful escape when you’re done with the crowds. The rooms were gorgeous, and they have a super cool lobby bar and a hidden speakeasy-style bar that felt like such a fun secret.

THINGS TO DO:

Tour the Ryman Auditorium: It’s a Nashville classic and such a cool experience — whether you take a tour or catch a show, definitely add it to your list.

Country Music Hall of Fame: Huge, well-done, and full of iconic country music history — even if you’re not a mega-fan, you’ll appreciate the artistry and memorabilia.

Hop around Broadway: Of course, we had to do the honky tonk crawl! It’s loud, a little chaotic, and so much fun. A few standouts:
– 12/30 Club – a little swankier, live music, and good vibes
– Jelly Roll’s Bar – they make a legit burger
– Tootsie’s, The Stage, and Jason Aldean’s for the full honky tonk experience

Walk the Pedestrian Bridge: A great way to take in views of the skyline and the river — especially pretty around golden hour!

Check out Assembly Food Hall: Right off Broadway and worth a stop — tons of great food stalls, drinks, and a few cute shops. Super casual, easy lunch spot if your group wants different things.

Explore 12South: We loved walking this area — it’s full of boutiques, murals, and good food. Bartaco is great for a casual lunch, and Five Daughters Bakery is a must if you’re craving something sweet.

If there's a game in town...
– Predators game at Bridgestone Arena — loud, energetic, and such a blast!
– Titans game at Nissan Stadium — great atmosphere, and you can walk from downtown.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK:

Dinner Spots (perfect for birthdays, date nights, or group dinners):
– Bourbon Steak (JW Marriott) – Amazing steaks, stunning city views, and the best truffle fries
– Kayne Prime – Another steakhouse, upscale but relaxed
– Husk – Southern classics with a refined twist, set in a charming historic house
– City House (Germantown) – Cozy and creative, Italian meets Southern
– Rolf and Daughters (Germantown) – Inventive pasta and small plates, so good
– Noko – Sleek and modern with wood-fired Asian dishes
– Yolan – Upscale Italian dining at The Joseph
– Virago – Trendy spot for sushi and cocktails
– Barcelona Wine Bar (Edgehill) – Tapas and wine, great for sharing
– L.A. Jackson – Rooftop restaurant/bar with great food and fun energy

Lunch / Casual Bites:
– Martin’s BBQ – Can’t visit Nashville without some BBQ
– Pharmacy Burger – Classic burgers in East Nashville
– Hampton Social – Bright and beachy vibes, perfect for a mid-day bite

Drinks / Pre-Dinner Spots:
– The W Hotel Rooftop – Trendy and great city views
– Four Seasons Rooftop Bar – Classy and ideal for golden hour drinks
– The Joseph Speakeasy – Hidden and cozy, great cocktails
– The Patterson House – Speakeasy-style cocktail bar with moody vibes

WHAT TO WEAR: