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