Tag Archives: food

Porto, Week Two: Slowing Down Before the Next Adventure

Our second week in Porto was slower, sweeter, and exactly what we needed before setting off again. Instead of rushing from one landmark to another, we allowed ourselves to just live in the city—strolling cobblestone streets, sipping great wine, indulging in ice cream and gelato, and admiring Porto’s colorful tiled facades. Sometimes the simplest days end up being the most memorable.

Back at Time Out Market (and Feeling It Later)
We couldn’t resist heading back to Time Out Market Porto for another round of DJs and good vibes. This time, we struck up a conversation with a fun group from Denmark, and before we knew it, we were tagging along for a night out. A short walk around the city at night provided a welcome reminder of just how special this city is. Not long after, drinks were flowing (vodka and Red Bulls, no less), and we danced our way into the early hours. Let’s just say: they were 30, and we are not. We had a blast, but the next two days reminded us that recovery takes a little longer than it used to.

A Day Trip to Aveiro
One day we hopped on the train to Aveiro, often nicknamed the “Venice of Portugal.” While charming in its own way, the comparison is a bit generous—there aren’t nearly as many canals as we expected. Still, the city had its own quirks and beauty. Known for its colorful moliceiro boats, Art Nouveau buildings, and traditional sweet pastries called ovos moles(egg yolk and sugar wrapped in wafer), Aveiro was worth the quick visit.

We had lunch at Yeah! Restaurant, a trendy spot that puts a modern twist on traditional Portuguese flavors. Dessert was the highlight: Ice Cream Portugal. I kept it classic with two scoops, while Casey went all in with a waffle topped with banana ice cream, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. Delicious doesn’t even cover it.

Tattoo Rebirth
One of the most personal highlights for me was getting my phoenix tattoo redone at Vulcan Tattoo in Porto. The original was done 11 years ago, but it was time for a rebirth—fitting, since the phoenix itself symbolizes renewal and rising from the ashes. The artist did incredible work, and I couldn’t be happier with the fresh, bold design. It felt like closing an old chapter and beginning a new one.

Final Night at Sala de Provas
On our last evening in Porto, we treated ourselves to a memorable dinner at Sala de Provas, a wine bar perched high above the city. The views were phenomenal, the wine tastings perfectly curated, and the food sublime. I had an incredible cod dish paired with homemade chips, while Casey enjoyed a perfectly cooked steak. It was the ideal way to toast to our time in Porto before moving on.

Hello, Montenegro!
Yesterday we arrived in Kotor, Montenegro, and wow—this place is astonishing. Nestled along the Adriatic Sea and backed by dramatic mountains, Kotor is a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with history. Its Old Town is a maze of medieval streets, squares, and stone churches, including St. Tryphon’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 1100s.

Oh, and the cats. Kotor is famously full of them. They lounge on steps, wander cobblestones, and seem to be unofficial mascots of the city. I want to pet them all.

We’ll be here for 19 days, giving us time to explore at a relaxed pace. Plans include a boat tour of the Adriatic, a trip to nearby Tivat, fresh seafood, and maybe another wine tour before heading to the beaches along the Budva Riviera for a couple weeks. After the heat of Madrid and Porto, this feels like the perfect blend of history, relaxation, and seaside charm.

Porto, thank you for being unforgettable. Montenegro, let’s see what you’ve got.

Porto, Portugal: Love at First Sight

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From the very first moments in Porto, we knew this was going to be one of those cities we’d never want to leave. The colorful buildings adorned with hand-painted azulejo tiles, the graceful curve of the Douro River, the wide, walkable streets lined with shops and cafés—it all felt instantly inviting. Somehow, it already felt like home.

Life on Rua das Flores
Our condo is right on Rua das Flores, one of Porto’s most charming pedestrian streets. From our balcony, we have front-row seats to endless people-watching. The street is lined with restaurants, boutiques, and hotels, and it’s always buzzing with life. Street performers set the soundtrack—musicians strumming guitars, singers belting ballads, artists painting on the spot, and even magicians drawing curious crowds. It’s the kind of energy that makes you want to linger outside long after your meal is finished.

Dancing at Time Out Market
One evening we found ourselves at a small rave at Time Out Market Porto. This modern food hall brings together some of the city’s best restaurants, bars, and specialty vendors under one roof. We sipped beer and Port wine while dancing until midnight, enjoying the laid-back vibe. Casey ordered mushroom risotto, while I went for seafood rice—both dishes absolute perfection.

Porto on a Plate (and in a Glass)
The food here has been nothing short of amazing—fresh hummus, cod prepared every way imaginable, salmon, steaks, and crisp vegetables. I also discovered my new favorite drink: the Port Tonic. Similar to a gin and tonic but lighter and more refreshing, it’s the perfect sunny-day sipper.

Of course, we couldn’t skip Porto’s signature dish: the Francesinha. Imagine a decadent sandwich layered with cured ham, fresh sausage, and steak, covered in melted cheese, then drenched in a rich tomato-and-beer sauce. It’s indulgent, messy, and unforgettable.

A Day in the Douro Valley
Yesterday, we took a private wine tour into the Douro Valley, one of the oldest wine regions in the world and the birthplace of Port wine. Our first stop was Amarante, a small city famous for its romantic bridges, charming streets, and, perhaps most surprisingly, its fertility traditions. We visited the monastery where Saint Gonçalo—the patron saint of fertility—is buried, and even sampled the infamous pastry shaped like… well, let’s just say it’s an eyebrow-raising local specialty.

From there, we visited two wineries: H.O. Winery and Quinta do Covão. Both offered fascinating insights into wine production, from the valley’s uniquely terraced vineyards to the traditional methods still used for making Port. The Douro Valley’s climate is notably warmer—about 15°F hotter than Porto—thanks to the surrounding mountains, which shield it from Atlantic breezes and create a Mediterranean-like microclimate ideal for grape growing.

We sampled dry reds and whites, along with various Ports (though Casey maintains that Port tastes like a “sweet cigarette”). Between the tastings, we enjoyed a scenic boat ride along the Douro River, where steep vineyards tumbled down to the water’s edge. The drive in and out of the valley was just as breathtaking—rolling hills, endless vines, and golden sunlight at every turn.

What’s Next
We have one more week in Porto before heading to Montenegro for a month. The plan is simple: relax, explore the city by foot, drink more wine, eat more amazing food, and maybe take a day trip to Braga or Aveiro—or both.

Porto has already stolen our hearts. Something tells me this love affair is just getting started.

-With Love from My Travel Era,

Brandon

Madrid, Week Two: Heat Waves, Day Trips, and a Sweet Farewell

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Our second and final week in Madrid was just as memorable as the first—though this time, the city turned up the temperature… literally. Most days soared past the 100°F mark, and while the sun made everything look golden and cinematic, it also made us far too aware of just how much we rely on good air conditioning.

We found ourselves joining locals in seeking shade, sipping chilled wine, and timing our walks for the early morning or late evening. It’s fair to say that Madrid in August is not for the faint of heart—but the adventures we packed into these last days more than made up for the heat.

A Quick Escape to Toledo
One of the highlights of the week was a spontaneous day trip to Toledo, a city just 35 minutes away by train but worlds apart in atmosphere. Known as the “City of the Three Cultures” for its Christian, Muslim, and Jewish heritage, Toledo is a living museum of medieval Spain.

We checked into the Eugenia de Montijo Autograph Collection, a hotel with a fascinating history. Once the residence of Empress Eugenia de Montijo—the last Empress of France—it retains a sense of timeless elegance with modern touches. From there, we explored the city on foot, marveling at the winding streets, Gothic cathedrals, and hilltop views. Our visit was brief, but Toledo’s charm left a lasting impression.

High Tea at the Mandarin Oriental Ritz
Back in Madrid, we treated ourselves to an afternoon of refined indulgence at Palm Court in the Mandarin Oriental Ritz. The restaurant itself is a work of art—bathed in soft light, framed by elegant arches, and dotted with plush seating that makes you want to linger. The tea service was impeccable, with delicate pastries, finger sandwiches, and perfectly brewed tea. It was the kind of experience that slows time down, even in a city that’s always moving.

Shopping and Exploring
We also carved out time to explore corners of Madrid we hadn’t reached in our first week. Between a bit of shopping (Madrid really does have something for everyone—from luxury brands to quirky local shops) and wandering down less touristy streets, we stumbled upon more of the city’s architectural gems and charming cafés.

The Great A/C Debate
One thing we’ve learned over the past few months in Europe: our definition of “cool” is… different. Whether it’s due to older buildings, cultural preferences, or simply the heat wave we’ve been caught in, most places don’t blast air conditioning the way we do back home. Sleeping at our preferred 68°F has been near impossible, but we’ve adapted—sort of.

Final Thoughts on Madrid
Looking back, Madrid was a wonderful stop on our journey. While its energy is different from Barcelona’s, it has its own distinct rhythm—elegant, welcoming, and full of life. We loved the clean streets, endless tapas, friendly locals, beautiful buildings, abundant shopping, and the way wine seems to flow as freely as water (and at a fraction of the price).

Would we return? Absolutely—but next time, we’ll aim for cooler weather.

On to Porto…
We’ve now been in Porto for three days, and I’m already smitten. The city, the cuisine, the culture, the weather—it’s all perfection. This is a place I could easily see myself living. On Wednesday, we’re off for a private tour of the Douro Valley, and I’ll be sharing all about it in my next post.

Madrid, you were hot—but you were unforgettable.

Até à próxima

Copenhagen: A Quirky, Elegant Chapter in Our Global Journey

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Copenhagen swept us off our feet. From the moment we arrived, it felt like stepping into a dream — clean streets, colorful canals, impossibly polite people, and a mid-century modern hotel that looked like it had been styled by Wes Anderson on a caffeine high.

This was the third stop in our Global Journey with Tomorrowland, and the vibes stayed strong. We checked into 25hours Hotel Copenhagen, located right in the heart of the city. The space was a sensory treat — bold colors, eclectic art, and retro furniture that made us want to lounge all day (if the city outside weren’t so tempting). But the food? That was the real showstopper. We dove into dishes that reminded us why we love travel: warm hummus, tender chicken skewers, Israeli salad that danced with acidity, crispy spring rolls, and fresh-baked bread with rich, aromatic sauces. Every bite hit.

Our Global Journey host welcomed us with the same warmth we’d experienced in previous cities. The curated experiences in Copenhagen were some of the best yet. We kicked things off with a walking tour through the city’s highlights — and what a stunning city it is. Impeccably clean, filled with bikes instead of honking horns, and full of architectural charm that balances old-world royalty with modern Danish cool.

We witnessed the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace, an experience both regal and oddly calming. Next up: Nyhavn, the postcard-perfect canal lined with brightly painted buildings and bobbing boats. No photo can quite do it justice (though yes, we tried). But perhaps the most unexpected stop was Christiania, Copenhagen’s semi-autonomous free town filled with murals, music, and a vibe that can only be described as “creative rebellion.” On our stroll back to the hotel, we passed a bustling street cart and couldn’t resist trying the famed Belgian hotdog. It was everything — ketchup, mustard, crispy onions, fresh onions, tangy pickles — wrapped in a warm bun of pure comfort. Street food perfection.

The day ended with a private Tomorrowland rave—because of course it did. Picture this: a great DJ spinning infectious beats, bottomless beer and wine, delicious apps circulating the room, and a drag queen keeping the party alive with sequins and sass. We wrapped up the night with some of our new friends at Tivoli Gardens, a magical amusement park that somehow blends whimsy and elegance. We screamed our way through the second-oldest roller coaster in the world, then wandered through the glowing park under twinkling lights. Tivoli at night felt like being in a fairytale written for grown-ups.

The next morning, we slowed things down with a quiet breakfast at a charming café — the kind of place where you can sip your latte while doing your laundry, because why not multitask with style?

But the true climax of our time in Copenhagen came that night, with our reservation at Alchemist — a dining experience so immersive and mind-bending that calling it a “restaurant” feels like underselling it. From the mysterious entryway to the ethereal main dining dome, every detail was designed to surprise and delight. Over the course of several hours, we were treated to 50 “impressions”, each dish more inventive than the last. Standouts included:

The “Tongue Kiss” — a tiny beef tartare sculpture served on a replica of a human tongue (yes, really).
“Smoke from the Amazon” — a dish served with fog and earthy aromas designed to evoke a rainforest on fire, calling attention to environmental issues.
“Brain” — a dessert shaped like a human brain filled with raspberry and beet, intended to spark a conversation about mental health.

We didn’t take any food photos — deliberately. It was a rare and beautiful night where we tucked our phones away, looked each other in the eyes, and savored every strange and stunning bite in real time. (We did snap some shots of the space — the entry, the lounge, the mesmerizing dining room, and the after-dinner “paint room,” where guests are invited to leave their mark.) Can you find my mark?

As we packed our bags, both of us agreed: Copenhagen is our favorite destination so far, with Barcelona a close second. The city is polished without being pretentious, quirky without trying too hard, and full of thoughtful contrasts — art and architecture, rebellion and refinement, fairytales and food tours. We’ll be back. Probably more than once.

Stay tuned for our next stop, Brussels. Until then, enjoy the photos and remember: never underestimate a city that can serve both a Michelin-starred “tongue kiss” and a street dog with pickles that makes you weep with joy.

-BOTR

From Lava Fields to Tapas Bars: Wrapping Up Iceland and Falling for Barcelona

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*Posted from BCN airport en route to Lisbon*

It’s been nearly a week since my last update, and as I sit at the Barcelona airport with a café con leche in hand and the sounds of Portuguese boarding calls in the background, I wanted to catch you up on our latest adventures — but before I dive into the magic of Barcelona, let’s close the chapter on Iceland.

Iceland: A Land of Extremes and Enchantment

Our last two days in Iceland were nothing short of unforgettable. We kicked things off at Seljalandsfoss, a waterfall you can actually walk behind — and yes, we got completely soaked, but it was 100% worth it. From there, we took a ferry to the Westman Islands (Vestmannaeyjar), a volcanic archipelago known for its rugged beauty and rich history.

Cruising around the islands in a high-speed RIB boat was a highlight. We zipped past the famous Elephant Rock, explored quiet inlets like Lover’s Cove, spotted some rogue sheep grazing impossibly high on the cliffs, and — best of all — witnessed thousands of puffins in flight. These clumsy little seabirds are even more adorable in person. After the tour, we explored Heimaey, the only inhabited island in the chain, where we sampled some Icelandic specialties and toasted our adventure with cocktails at a cozy harbor-side bar.

On our final day, we made our way back toward Reykjavik. We strolled along Rainbow Street (Skólavörðustígur), peeked into boutiques full of quirky Icelandic design, and indulged in — wait for it — Mexican food for lunch. (Because sometimes, you just need a taco in the Arctic.)

It’s hard to put into words what Iceland meant to us. It was everything I imagined and more: wild waterfalls, moss-covered lava fields, black sand beaches, glacial tunnels, geothermal baths, and skies that never turned dark. While I couldn’t live somewhere with 24 hours of daylight (or its winter opposite), I could absolutely return again and again to this strange and stunning land. And I’m glad we went in the summer — 50s and 60s felt like paradise to these two ex-Floridians.
We took over 1,200 photos during our time in Iceland — if you want the full gallery, shoot me a message and I’ll send you a link.

Barcelona: Where Sidewalks Sizzle and Cultures Collide

After the quiet majesty of Iceland, arriving in Barcelona felt like diving into a completely different world — in the best way possible. We were only here for three nights, but the city immediately swept us off our feet. We didn’t do a ton of traditional sightseeing this time. Instead, we let the city set the pace.

Each day started with coffee on the sidewalk — never to-go, always to stay. We wandered through neighborhoods like El Born, Gràcia, and the Gothic Quarter, marveling at how centuries-old buildings coexist with sleek modern shops and hip cafés.

One afternoon, we hopped on a double-decker bus for a ride around the city — the perfect way to take in Barcelona’s stunning architecture and iconic landmarks without a strict agenda. We were on the lower deck (thanks to a packed top level), which made taking photos tricky due to the glare, but the views were still incredible. At one of the stops, we wandered off to grab lunch — and I’m not exaggerating when I say we had the best paella of my life. The saffron, the seafood, the crisp bottom layer — perfection.

We didn’t make it to every must-see, but we did experience a bit of the magic:

The architectural wonder of La Sagrada Família, even if only from the outside
A stroll down Passeig de Gràcia, where Gaudí’s Casa Batlló and Casa Milà stand like whimsical sculptures
And of course, the tree-lined La Rambla, teeming with life, music, and people from all over the world

Barcelona is a city of layers — Roman ruins beneath Gothic churches, avant-garde architecture beside sunbathers and sangria pitchers. It’s a place where worlds blend and where living well seems to be the shared religion. With just under 200 photos taken, you can tell this wasn’t about the camera — it was about being present. And I could absolutely see us returning for a longer stay in the future.

Onward to Lisbon!

As we board our flight to Lisbon, we realize we’ve done zero planning for the next few days — and honestly, that feels kind of perfect. After the rugged landscapes of Iceland and the romantic buzz of Barcelona, we’re excited to see what Portugal has in store. All I know is we’ll chase whatever vibes Lisbon decides to throw our way.

Thanks for following along on the Run.
From Barcelona, with love —
B & C

First Impressions of Iceland: Lava Fields, Lobster Ravioli & a Midnight Sun

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After landing in Iceland, we grabbed our rental car and made our way straight to the famous Blue Lagoon. Within minutes, I was struck by the surreal beauty of the landscape—it honestly felt like we’d landed on another planet. Lava rock blanketed the terrain, interrupted only by bursts of purple wildflowers and thick carpets of moss so green it almost looked fake. We pulled over for a few photos, but the drive itself was a visual feast.

At the Blue Lagoon, we checked into The Retreat—a luxurious spa experience tucked away from the more touristy main lagoon. We spent the afternoon soaking in geothermal waters, enjoying light bites, and indulging in pure relaxation. I even had a massage… in the water. Sadly, their strict no-photo policy meant I couldn’t capture much, but honestly, it was refreshing to unplug completely. No Instagram. No emails. Just Casey and me, floating in silence. We even passed out for a much-needed 4-hour nap in one of the cozy relaxation rooms.

We also took part in “The Ritual”—a three-step skin treatment using salt, silica, and algae. It was as therapeutic as it sounds. What wasn’t as pleasant? My short stint in the sauna. Ten minutes in, I felt like a medium-rare steak gasping for breath. The cold plunge was calling, but I decided my body had experienced enough extremes for one day.

The drive into Reykjavik was easy—minimal traffic and manageable construction. Still, I wished we’d hired a driver so I could’ve soaked in more of the scenery instead of focusing on the road. Safety first, of course.

We checked into The Edition, and wow—what a hotel. The scent of the lobby, the spacious room, the location, and the restaurant (Tides) all exceeded expectations. I had one of the best lobster raviolis of my life. After dinner, we took a short stroll around 10 p.m. and found Reykjavik absolutely buzzing—bikers, pub-goers, families, tourists, locals. The sun was still high in the sky. It felt more like 5 p.m. than nearly midnight.

We capped off the evening with drinks on the rooftop bar, marveling at the surreal, lingering daylight. Then we shut the blackout curtains and passed out. No sleep on the plane had caught up with us—and we had an island to explore.

Sunday: Craters, Geysers & Fried Fish Heaven

We meant to be out the door by 9:30 a.m. but… ended up leaving the hotel just after 11. That meant skipping the Icelandic Phallological Museum (I’ll have to save the organ-shaped waffles for another trip—I’ve encountered enough “specimens” in my day).

Our first stop was Kerið Crater—a vivid red volcanic caldera filled with a deep blue lake. It’s not an impact crater but a collapsed magma chamber, and it’s breathtaking. We hiked the rim and then made our way down to the water’s edge.

Next up: The Great Geysir. We were lucky enough to witness two eruptions from Strokkur, which blasts boiling water up to 200 feet into the air. I don’t know if ours hit the max, but it was spectacular. I filmed one in slow-mo and have already watched it a dozen times. That sulfur smell? Worth it.

By late afternoon, we arrived at our home for the week: Reykholt, a tiny, peaceful village that feels like it’s worlds away from everything. Before check-in, we stopped at a tiny restaurant that only serves burgers and fish & chips. I ordered the latter and… WOW. Best fried fish I’ve ever had. Perfect seasoning, crispy batter, fresh fish, and addictive dipping sauces. 11/10.

We wrapped up the night with Casey napping on me while I watched 28 Weeks Later. (His pick. He passed out within five minutes.) Later, we shared a frozen pizza, booked our adventures for the week, and I ended the day with a relaxing soak in the hot tub.

Monday: Waterfall Hopping & Walking Across Continents

Monday was one for the books. We set out to explore part of the Golden Circle, starting with Brúarfoss, known as “Iceland’s Bluest Waterfall.” No filters needed—the icy turquoise water looked unreal.

Next: Faxi Waterfall—bigger, broader, and powerful in its own way, though lacking Brúarfoss’s signature hue. We climbed around it for a bit and took plenty of photos before continuing on to the star of the day: Gullfoss.

Gullfoss is massive. Thunderous. It plummets into a deep canyon with a force that you can feel. We explored every accessible trail and viewpoint. Without planning it, we ended up visiting the waterfalls in a perfect crescendo: good, better, best.

But the day wasn’t over.

We drove on to Þingvellir National Park, where two tectonic plates—North American and Eurasian—are literally pulling apart. I walked across a rift valley that divides continents. No snorkeling this time (that glacial water is cold), but we dipped our fingers in and I’m guessing it was well below 40°F.

Þingvellir is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich with Icelandic history. Over 15,000 steps later, we were ready to return to our cozy cabin in Reykholt.

Tuesday Morning: Sunrises at 3 AM & Glacier Adventures Await

It’s now 3 a.m. on Tuesday, and the sun has just risen. I’m crawling back into bed for a few hours of sleep before we head off to Langjökull Glacier for a snowmobiling adventure and a trek through an ice cave.

I’ll be honest—the 24-hour daylight is throwing me off. It’s hard to go to bed at 11:30 p.m. with the sun still shining and then wake up to sunrise at 3 a.m. But it also gives us more time to explore all the magic Iceland has to offer.

Coming up: puffins, belugas, elephant rock, and (fingers crossed) whales.

Back on the Run,
Brandon & Casey

The Journey Continues: Leg 2 of Our World Travels is Locked In!

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After an unforgettable start to the first leg of our journey—from Appalachian charm and Disney magic to the vibrant streets of Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias—we’re thrilled to share that Leg 2 of our global sabbatical is officially finalized! 🌍✈️

The next stretch will take us deeper into Europe, exploring cities bursting with history, food, and flair, before we trade cobblestone alleys for Caribbean breezes. Here’s where we’re headed next:

🇮🇸 Iceland | June 27 – July 5
A land of fire and ice, Iceland kicks off our European summer adventure with otherworldly landscapes, geothermal hot springs, dramatic waterfalls, and endless daylight. We’ll be chasing puffins by day and basking in the midnight sun by night.

🇪🇸 Barcelona, Spain | July 5 – July 10
Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, beachside charm, and bustling tapas bars set the stage for five unforgettable days in one of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Expect a mix of culture, cocktails, and seaside strolls.

🇵🇹 Lisbon, Portugal | July 10 – July 13
A short but sweet stay in Portugal’s colorful capital, where old-world charm meets modern cool. Think pastel buildings, steep hills, soulful Fado music, and flaky pastel de nata with a view.

🇩🇰 Copenhagen, Denmark | July 13 – July 16
We’re popping into one of Scandinavia’s happiest capitals for canal-side bike rides, Nordic cuisine, and maybe even a visit to Tivoli Gardens. It’s sleek, sustainable, and effortlessly stylish.

🇧🇪 Brussels, Belgium (Tomorrowland) | July 16 – July 22
We’ll dive into waffles, beer, and electronic beats as we base ourselves in Brussels for one of the most iconic music festivals in the world—Tomorrowland. Culture by day, rave by night.

🇪🇸 Ibiza, Spain | July 22 – July 25
Three days of sunsets, sea breezes, and chill vibes to recharge after the high energy of Tomorrowland. Ibiza offers the perfect mix of beach lounging and Balearic beats.

🇪🇸 Madrid, Spain | July 25 – August 8

Two weeks in the heart of Spain’s capital to soak in sultry summer nights, world-class museums, tapas culture, and rooftop cocktails. After the party vibes of Ibiza, this leg promises a more refined, yet equally lively, rhythm.

🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal | August 8 – August 21

Ah, Porto—where wine flows like water and every street looks like a painting. We’re setting up camp here for two weeks of riverfront strolls, port tastings, and day trips through the Douro Valley. Yes, please.

🇲🇪 Tivat, Montenegro | August 21 – September 26

We’re slowing down in style. Tivat gives us access to the Bay of Kotor, medieval towns, rugged mountains, and beaches that beg for long, lazy afternoons. This will be our moment to pause, reset, and soak in Balkan beauty.

🇸🇪 🇳🇴 Scandinavia | September 26 – October 21

As autumn sets in, we’ll head north in search of the aurora borealis and cozy train rides through fjords and forests. From Stockholm to Oslo and (hopefully!) all the way to Abisko, this leg promises magic in every sense.

🚢 Caribbean Cruise | November 1 – November 8

Back to the states! Time to trade layers for swimsuits. We’ll set sail for a week-long Caribbean cruise stopping in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and the Bahamas to celebrate our brother Dustyn’s birthday. Sun, sea, and some well-earned pampering after a whirlwind European adventure.

🇺🇸 Georgia (November) & North Carolina (December)

We’ll wrap up 2025 stateside, reconnecting with family and friends for the holidays in two of our favorite southern stops before gearing up for Leg 3—our leap into Asia and the Pacific.

We’re incredibly grateful to be able to continue this journey together—gathering memories, stories, and probably a few extra pounds from all the food. If you’ve been to any of these destinations, drop us a tip or must-see! Otherwise, come along for the ride here at Brand On The Run. 💫

Living Our Dream,
– B & C

ATLANTA WRAP-UP: FRIENDS, FAMILY & A WHOLE LOTTA FOOD

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We just wrapped up the first two weeks of our sabbatical in Atlanta, and what a perfect way it was to ease into this new chapter. It was all about reconnecting—with family, with lifelong friends, and with the familiar comforts of home-cooked meals and belly laughs.

We kicked things off with a lovely dinner at Mezza Luna with my dad, Nina, and Granny. The food was fantastic, but it was the kind and supportive words from my parents that made the night truly memorable.

Sunday brought more joy—and more good food. We had dinner with my childhood best friend, Mary Kate, and her amazing boyfriend, Brandon. We joked that her mom (RIP Momma Cheryl) and my Granny would finally be happy knowing Mary Kate and “Brandon” ended up together. I’ve watched MaryKate grow into a fierce, brilliant, independent woman over the past 25+ years, and having her in my life continues to be one of my greatest blessings.

On Monday, I caught up with another high school friend, Michelle. Over an incredible Indian lunch, we talked about life, motherhood, family, and everything in between. She’s been through a lot over the years but remains unshaken—graceful, grounded, and strong. I admire the hell out of her.

Between all the meetups, we spent lots of time with Granny—and yes, she cooked. Her signature spaghetti and coleslaw combo sounds outrageous, I know, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and somehow perfect. Italians, look away.

Mom’s cat, Taz, is the epitome of an orange cat—sweet and snuggly one minute, a tiny chaotic menace the next. Classic Taz: part angel, part gremlin, all attitude.

Then came my sister, Katie. We ran errands, caught up on life, and devoured biscuits roughly the size of my head. I’m always reminded that while my family may not be the closest, they’re still my anchor. I’m proud to call her my sister.

On Tuesday, I finally made it to the Georgia Aquarium—something that somehow evaded me for 20 years despite dozens of visits to Atlanta. It was magical, especially sharing it with Ada and Cora, two of the kindest, smartest little girls I know.

Later that day, we visited the World of Coke. We flew through the exhibits but made time for the best part—sampling 60+ Coke products from around the world. FYI, there’s one from China that tastes exactly like barbecue sauce. Zero stars. Would not recommend.

Wednesday was all about quality time with my best friend Stephanie. Coffee turned into three hours of deep convos, shared memories, and some much-needed emotional detox. She’s one of those friends who just gets you—and time with her is always healing.

That night, Granny insisted on making ham sandwiches and potato salad—and let me tell you, this potato salad is life-changing. One bite and you’re ruined for all others.

And just like that, it’s Thursday. We were up at 5:45 a.m. and by afternoon, we were landing in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. We’re here for four glorious weeks of rest, sun, cocktails, family time, and yes, beach bumming. As a surprise bonus, we arrived just in time for the Puerto Vallarta Pride Festival! Drag shows, pool parties, love, acceptance, glitter—we’re all in.

It’s been a whirlwind three weeks since closing on the house, and now… I plan to be a total bum for the next four. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more On The Run ahead.