Monthly Musings: March 2019

March can be such an unpredictable month, the weather can vary from white-out blizzards to 80 degrees and sunny and you really never know just what to expect. My month was just about as crazy ( in the best way! ) with three, yes three, different trips! So where do I go this month?

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Shreveport, Louisiana

Mardi Gras in New Orleans may get all the love but don’t sleep on Shreveport guys. I started off March letting the good times roll celebrating Mardi Gras in Shreveport and let me tell you, this city in northeast Louisiana knows how throw one heck of party. I spent 4 days eating my weight in king cake, dancing the night away at my first (and hopefully not last) Mardi Gras ball, and experiencing the excitement of two Mardi Gras parades! Not only did I catch armloads of beads at the Krewe of Gemini parade but I also got to ride in a float in the Krewe of Highland parade! There’s nothing like seeing the energy of the Mardi Gras crowds from the top of a float while they clamor for beads, medallions, toys and even packages of ramen.

Woodstock, Vermont

We haven’t had much of a winter here in Virginia Beach and I was craving some snow so just a few days after I got back from Louisiana Steve and I made our way to Vermont.

Our destination?

The historic and luxurious Woodstock Inn. We spent our days exploring the snowy woods of the Green Mountains by fat tire bike ( super fun!) and by snowshoe. After our days in the snow we would retire to the coziness of the Inn enjoying cookies by the fire and and playing some spirited games of Scrabble. The Woodstock Inn was my idea of a perfect winter weekend getaway.

Raleigh, North Carolina

I always thought of Raleigh as a city for college kids and politicos but I spent that last weekend in March discovering a little of why Raleigh is fast becoming one of the best cities in the South. I spent two days exploring Raleigh’s creative community and it’s blossoming culinary scene (with 4 James Beard nominations this year to prove it). I’ll have a full post coming up shortly but know that when you go to Raleigh you will eat very, very well.

Things I’m Loving

My friend Kristen of Camels & Chocolate shows that two days in Memphis is just enough time to get a taste of this Tennessee belle.

These pink Cole Haan sneakers are perfect for your springtime explorations.

Hot honey pork chops are quick enough for a weeknight and tasty enough for company.