Winter is over. It seems like the seasons keep breezing by quicker and quicker as the years pass us by, making the appreciation of 'now' evermore sweet. Any chance to be outside is well-appreciated recently, even more so as the weather warms. 

   One of my favorite parts about winter ending is being able to watch the earth slowly wake from her slumber. It seems like she almost yawns and stretches, with the way the sun begins to shine brighter, and the green buds. My recent adventures have been brief (between having 2 jobs & helping manage a non-profit, free time is scarce) but sorely needed, as the sun kissing my cheeks & shoulders warm a part of me I didn't know was cold. 
~

Two of my most recent adventures involve two vastly different parks. First up was a re-visit to Rock Island State Park & the Downstream Trail, then following was my most recent walk on the Mt. Juliet YMCA Greenway. One is a day-long adventure, with the morning trek south and subsequent exploration being an hours-long event. The latter is a revisitation of my old routine, an old friend I've come to love but haven't caught up with in recent months. 

   It's difficult to decide where my favorite spots in Tennessee are. There's always another beautiful spot, another waterfall, lush landscape, tiny treasure to find. Rock Island State Park may just be one of my favorites, simply because it's such an accessible park. From beautifully maintained old spring houses to picnic spots to trails that will have you working up a sweat, it seems this park has it all. 

   Rock Island State Park is nestled in Rock Island Tennessee, and is just under 2 hours away from the center of Nashville. A perfect getaway from the city's chaos for the whole family, there is an easily accessible waterfall, picnicking, and an adorable cabin rental just down the road from the Downstream Trail. There are fishing challenges at the marina, and the area is home to a cast of friendly locals. 

   The Downstream Trail is rated as Moderate on AllTrails, and is an out-and-back trail coming in at just under 2 miles. This trail is NOT ADA-accessible, so those with mobility aids please take care! The trail greets you with a gravelly decline down to the soil trail. The trail itself is mostly flat, with a few inclines along the way. There are 2 very shallow stream crossings, which make a lovely backdrop for photos (I took my 26th birthday portraits here!) and a beautiful cave behind a small waterfall you can explore. Twin Falls is the main attraction, but as you explore further down the trail you'll find scenic spots to sit and enjoy the landscape and flowers galore. 

   At the turn in the river, I sat on a rock and...let the world in. It's the moments of serene calm in our lives that we seek, and some even go so far as to chase them through difficult terrains and strenuous exercise. Moments of perceived stillness, even as the world and time flows around you. Life becomes so much faster after your school years, and at times seems as if blinking would spend all your time on earth. The work we do, people we see, the love we cultivate, it all takes precious moments of our time. These things, I think, are what makes time well-spent. Still, the fleeting moments shouldn't all be spent on active things. It's absolutely necessary to have time to just be. 

   Nestled near a Target and the Mt. Juliet YMCA lies a quiet path that is perfect for a post-work walk. In fact, it's always a treat when I remember that just a few minutes from my office there's a perfect walking trail with just the right amount of people and nature. One of my favorite ways to experience the changing of seasons is to consistently walk in one space, so you notice all of the little changes the year brings. 

   The YMCA Trail connects to another greenway, but on its own it weaves through forest, fields, and an old neighborhood with an abandoned cottage & silo. There is always something new to discover, from Bradford pear petals dotting the ground like snow, to new mushrooms popping up after a rain. The path is paved, and while it is technically mobility aid-friendly, there are some hills which make the path difficult to navigate for non-motorized wheelchair users. 

   If you're ever in need of a new walk in the Mt. Juliet area, I'd give this one a try. Walking from the parking lot to the greenway connection is a little over a mile, which makes for a lovely wind-down after a day of sitting in the office. If you're luck enough to catch the trail in the twilight when there are few people, you may even come face-to-face with a deer!                                                                                        

   No matter how many times I visit a place, it seems that there are always new changes to greet me. With how the world moves, I don't think I'll ever tire of visiting gorgeous areas, finding new treasures, experiencing the way the world changes. In your daily commute, do you take time to notice the way it changes? New flowers lifting their faces to the sun? 

  Dear reader, I hope that this spring you take some intentional time to really look at the world around you. Life is so fast, so busy. It won't hurt to slow down and take it in for a bit. 

   Ah, Baton Rouge. The Capital of Louisiana, and home of Raising Cane's. Live oaks line the streets, and housing meanders around bayous. A small city with a lot of history, these days the biggest draw is Louisiana State University. I completed my Master's program there, and just recently went back to perform with Opera Louisiane in their Christmas show, Becoming Santa Claus. 

   All this being said, I've had lots of opportunity to try local restaurants, so if you're visiting or wanting to try something new, here are a few suggestions from me. 

   Nestled under the interstate, there lay a wealth of little shops and restaurants that boast some of Baton Rouge's best food. The Overpass Merchant is one such restaurant, known for their rotating daily specials and quality burgers. A gorgeous little restaurant with a friendly staff, the Overpass Merchant is popular for their quality spins on classic American and Asian dishes. A laid-back place to relax after a long day, bring a couple of friends and don't forget to share some appetizers.

   Because of the size and popularity of the O.M., I would personally suggest making a reservation, they may not be able to accommodate walk-ins. 

 Sarah's Picks: Tempura-Fried Green Beans,  Grouper Sandwich, Burgers

   It's a chilly December evening, and rehearsal with Opera Louisiane has ended early. It's much too early to return to my hotel and sleep, so I scan around while driving back towards the Crown Plaza. A beautiful, bright sign catches my eye; The Colonel's Club. It takes me significantly longer to find than anticipated, but as I finally park and head in I can't help but admire the facade of the building. 

   Inside lies and even more beautiful atmosphere; pleasantly dim, the staff greets me and asks which way I'm headed. As I step into the Lounge, I'm greeted by live piano and a crackling fire. This, I thought, is exactly what I had been craving. It's admittedly difficult to find a welcoming, cozy lounge that boasts live music and skillfully crafted cocktails in Baton Rouge (other alternatives have aspects of this, but not everything together). I spent the evening getting to know the wonderful staff and trying their own creations, and enjoying the wonderful music of Kiley McDonnel. 

  The Club ( the restaurant on the other side) has a modern southern/seafood menu, and while I did not try their food, it looks stunning, and I've heard nothing but positive things from those who have dined there. 

Sarah's Picks: Espresso Martini, Custom Cocktails

  Growing up in Phoenix, I think it would be safe to say that I've been spoiled when it comes to Mexican food. I grew up with Mole de Pollo, Carne Asada fries, and Chilaquiles readily available, so when I moved to Cleveland, and then Baton Rouge for school I was unhappily surprised that there was so little quality Mexican food around. That changed one day in Baton Rouge when my then-partner and I decided to try Blue Corn. I was so happy I could have quality mole again I almost cried. It was a pleasure to visit an old haunt when I was back, their food was just as tasty as I remembered it being.   

   Blue Corn is a bright, open restaurant with a friendly staff and tasty eats that come quickly. I have enjoyed everything I've had from their menu, but their Nopales and their frozen margs are standout. An excellent spot for tacos, enjoy Blue Corn for lunch with friends or as a casual date night dinner choice. 

Sarah's Picks: Nopales Guajillo, Mole Enchiladas with Asada, Tacos

   I fondly remember spending mornings at The Vintage, completing classwork and enjoying a coffee. I was happy to see this casual downtown spot still going strong when I returned, as it still is an excellent place for a bite to eat and to work for a couple of hours. A casual stop for a coffee and beignet, or stay for their small plates and sandwiches. In the evenings, The Vintage transforms into a posh bar and light dinner spot, perfect for happy hour after work with colleagues. 

   Their baked goods are always fantastic, and if you like sweets they have flights of gourmet beignets you can try. Overall, if you're looking for a quick bite and a pick-me-up, The Vintage has you covered. 

 Sarah's Picks: Truffle Parmesan Fries, 3 Sisters Panini, The Vintage Breakfast

   There aren't many whole animal butchers around, these days. There are even fewer with an attached eatery, serving up sandwiches for lunch and perfectly cooked steaks for dinner. Iverstine Butcher is one such place, with a small farm market in the front of the building and a small restaurant in the back. Here, you can pick up a delicious sandwich for lunch, then walk ten stops over to pick up your cuts of meat & dairy for dinner that night.

​    Iverstine Butcher also boasts a $40 Prime Rib Special on Fridays only, which includes smoked Prime Rib and 2 sides. It's hard to imagine such a deal, but the quality of their steaks are so high that I would jump on the chance! Whether you're looking to take home a quality cut of meat, or popping in for their Friday night Prim Rib Special, Iverstine Butcher & Eatery is a gem of a place, and it's a shame more people don't know about what they have to offer. 

Sarah's Picks: Bavette Steak, Lemon Posset, Prime Rib

​~

   I was happily surprised by what Baton Rouge's culinary scene had to offer. It had been a few years since I had been back, and being able to explore the food culture more was a lot of fun. I look forward to visiting again in the future, and seeing what other surprises await. Dear Reader, please take this as a sign to not discount a place's restaurant scene because it's not a culinary hub. There are always hidden treasures, just waiting to be discovered. 

    Within Tennessee, there's a wealth of beautiful areas to explore. Between the Smoky Mountains, the waterfalls, the forests, it seems like you could never fully explore all that TN has to offer. There are 72 state and national parks in TN, and many more trails in remote areas!
 
   With the car finally parked, my partner and I stretched. It had been a 2 hour drive from my parent's house in northern Tennessee, and we were more than ready to take on  Old Stone Fort Archaeological Park. Our goal was to hike the Enclosure loop only, but we ended up making a full loop around the park with  the Enclosure, Moat, and Backbone loop! Sitting at a comfortable 2.8 miles, the combined loop takes a little over an hour on average to complete (although hikes always take me significantly longer, since there are always beautiful things to stop and look at). The trail immediately slopes downwards, so the initial part of your hike is easy, and there are many beautiful things to look forward to!

    From old stone ruins of a mill, to multiple gorgeous waterfalls on the park grounds, this area is one to plan to spend a few hours in. I highly recommend exploring Tennessee's parks in the early spring, when it's still a bit chilly but the wildflowers are poking their heads out to enjoy the sun. The trail follows a beautiful portion of the Little Duck River, where you can wade and fish and play to your heart's content. 

   Once you're at the bottom of the decline, you'll find yourself walking alongside calm, gently bubbling sections of the river. Should you decide to take on the Backbone trail, the walk to it will vary significantly! There are sections of flat, wide trail that's well-maintained, but there are also portions (specifically next to the river) that are very narrow, with lots of roots and hard-to-find footing. A walking stick is advised, but not needed if you're a more advanced hiker. The 'backbone' itself is quite steep, and at times only a few paces wide, so please be cautious if you're planning on bringing children along.

  As a beginning hiker with bad knees, I found that I struggled mainly on the inclines and in places with lots of roots lacing across the trail...With that being said, I would still rate this trail as moderate. If you're in better shape than I am, it may be a bit tiring, but since it's a relatively short trail and there are many flat portions you shouldn't have much trouble at all. 

Overall, I would love to revisit this park when it's a bit more green, and I can wade in the river. It's a beautiful area, with lots of gorgeous scenery, so I do hope that you visit if you're ever in the area. Dear reader, it's a pleasure to share the things I love and the things I struggle to improve with you. I think that being human is beautiful, and sharing our triumphs and gorgeous imperfections help connect us. I hope that today, you find a small imperfection to celebrate.

It was Wednesday night, and as the plane descended I began to notice the familiar glow of a city I left too soon-the place I feel the most connected. I stepped off the plane, and the familiar bustle of the airport hugs my senses like a friend that never guilts you for being away. 

It's been a year since I last saw New Orleans, but only the tightness in my chest gave away that I had been gone. The potholes, the aged buildings- everywhere I looked, I drank in the cityscape like a drinking man's first sip of vice.  It had been a year, but I was home. 
~
I had the absolute pleasure of spending a week in my old home, New Orleans. It was such a lovely experience to sink into the city like an old, familiar armchair for a short time, and I'd love to share a few of my old haunts with you. While the places I'm about to list aren't tourist attractions per se, they are places I love for various reasons. Dear reader, if you've never been to the Big Easy, or you're looking for new places to explore, incorporating a couple of these during your visit may prove to be enjoyable. 

Briefly, I'd like to add that I'm not partnered or sponsored by any of these locations or businesses. I just genuinely love them, and frequently recommend them. 

I think everyone knows that New Orleans isn't just for drinking-it's a gastronomical Mecca. Having the privilege of living there meant I got to experience all kinds of cuisine-from cheap & delicious street tacos to high-brow omakase experiences. Here are just a few of my standouts.

Debbie Does Doberge

Okay, so Debbie Does Doberge is technically located in Kenner, but it's very close to New Orleans, and even CLOSER to the Louis Armstrong International Airport. I used to work for Baker Bar  (R.I.P.), a restaurant in the Garden District that was owned by DDD. I had a wonderful time working for them, and I had the opportunity to take photos of many of their cakes & dishes.  They have a lot of flavors, and if you're wanting to travel with them, just freeze your cake overnight! 

If you don't know what a Doberge cake is, it's a Nola classic birthday cake. Layers of pudding rest in between thin layers of cake, and have a poured fondant (think like a pourable icing) draped on top. It's best served directly from the fridge, and you'll never need to worry about if your cake is moist or not. This treat is quite rich-so the krewe at DDD also has petit four versions of many of their flavors, called Dobites.  

If you can't make their bakery & restaurant location in Kenner, don't worry! Their website, debbiedoesdoberge.com/ , has a list of locations across the Greater New Orleans area where you can pick up some goodies!

Sarah's Picks: Nectar Snoball, Wedding Cake, Sweet Potato Spiced Latte

~

Budsi's Authentic Thai

 Listen, there are a lot of Thai places in the Nola area. I'm an avid lover of Thai food, and after trying many, many places, Budsi's stands out at the best Thai food I've ever had, ever. Run by a husband and wife, Budsi's makes authentic Thai street food. It's fresh, the flavors are well-rounded and vibrant, and every time I visit I get so excited about my food that I forget to snap a photo. 

I started going to Budsi's in grad school-my hair salon (She Comes in Peace, a hair salon that's part salon, part boutique, and part art installation) was in New Orleans, and after sitting in the salon chair for hours, I'd be super hungry. My stylist recommended it, and it was perfect: close to the salon, and not busy during the off hours when I'd come in after my appointment. After graduating and moving properly to New Orleans, it was a staple that I would visit weekly for lunch. There's just something about their fresh, simple dishes that never gets old. I make it a point to go at LEAST once every time I'm in New Orleans. 

This unpretentious spot is a favorite by locals who know; nestled on a residential corner between the French Quarter and the Marigny, this restaurant has a small but mighty menu of the classics done right-and fast. Order at the counter, grab a boozy Thai Tea, and find a table. In minutes, you'll be greeted with steaming dishes that are casually but beautifully presented. 

Sarah's Picks: Pad See Ew (with extra chili vinegar!), Mushroom Larb

Dat Dog

 Truly one of the best places to cure a hangover. With multiple locations across New Orleans, You'll be able to get your hot dog fix here, for sure. Of course, Dat Dog has all the classics, but that's not why people love Dat Dog. Boasting a large menu full of non-traditional hot dog choices (Etouffee Dog? Gator Sausage?) Dat Dog can truly fulfill any hot dog dream you may have. Create your own abomination, or select from their menu of tried and true dogs, you really can't go wrong here. 

With the gourmet dog gaining popularity quickly in many cities, it's easy to find a locally-inspired hot dog. Dat Dog is my favorite so far, of specialty dog joints in the country. It's not pretentious, there are multiple locations, and it's both great as prep for pre-drinking or for your hangover cure. 

Sarah's Picks: Bacon Werewolf, Crawfish Etouffee Fries

Empanola

Sometimes, you're so exhausted after work that the thought of cooking makes you want to pass out. That's how I first found Empanola, a small shop on Magazine Street that specializes in empanadas. With both a standard menu and a few rotating flavors, Empanola is a one-stop shop for your quick meal needs after an afternoon of shopping at the many boutiques and vintage stores along Magazine St. 

If you're looking for a quick bite in the Garden District, this little gem won't disappoint!

Sarah's Picks: Pizza Pepperoni, Spinach & Artichoke

~

Snake & Jake's Christmas Club

This is probably the only dive bar I've ever felt comfortable in. Located on a residential street and tucked away from major roads, you'll really only find locals at this spot. If you're wanting to make friends at a chill, casual spot, Snake's is a great spot. So dark you're almost blind & filled with vintage Christmas memorabilia, there's a cozy atmosphere that greets you once you enter the building. A late night staple, Snake's opens at 7 and stays open until....I've seen it close around 8 am. Whenever the vibe's right to close, I guess. 

Drinks are cheap, the people are kind, and it's a perfect spot to build community. You'll have to see it for yourself.

La Boulangerie

 I have many fond memories of grabbing a Le Parisien sandwich & a glass bottle Coke, and heading down to the pond at Audubon Park. Everything at La Boulangerie is good, from their entrees to their breads and baked goods. A light & airy restaurant on the quiet part of Magazine St., La Boulangerie boasts a large assortment of award-winning baked goods & sandwiches. I have never met anything from this place that I have not liked. While their sandwiches aren't the New Orleans standard Poboy or Muffuletta, the Le Parisien is my favorite sandwich, hands down. It's truly simplicity at its finest: Salted butter, Comté cheese, butcher ham, and a layer of cornichons lie between two halves of a house-baked baguette. This sandwich doesn't need anything else, the quality of their ingredients shine. A perfect morning stop, grab a coffee and croissant to start your day off right.

Despite their beautiful interior, what really stands out about La Boulangerie is the quality of everything they produce-You can truly tell that their staff have high standards for their work, and it shows in both presentation as well as flavor. 

Sarah's Picks: Le Parisien, anything in the pastry case

There are countless small businesses to peruse, from locally-designed clothing to the many, many antique shops with treasures from yesteryear. In addition to what you might see in the French Quarter, I strongly suggest shopping along Magazine Street for lots of vibrant and creative locally-made goods. 

Elektra Cosmetics

 When you're in New Orleans, glitter is the real neutral. 

​You really can't deny the quality of Elektra Cosmetic's bolt balms, they're bright, shiny, and last until you decide to take them off. Because of the sheer amount of joy it brings, I now always keep a bolt balm (and hand sanitizer) in my purse, even when I'm not going out. You'd be shocked at just how many people have asked me where I got my glitter, and are thrilled when I offer to put some on them. You'll find any color you could ever want at their Glitter HQ, or at any of the places they've set up a stand (French Market, Disco Warehouse, local festivals). 

If you're looking to get your glitter fix (Hair & skin safe) and you can't make it down to Nola, no worries! Their website is elektracosmetics.com/, where you can find all the glitter. 

A bit of a side note, If you're having trouble taking off your glitter, you can either use the included sticker (use the sticky side!) or a lint roller to roll the glitter right off!

Sarah's Picks: Opal Unicorn, Fire Opal, and April Showers

City Park & Audubon Park

I've found that New Orleans' parks are largely overlooked by tourists. Sure, there's plenty of museums and restaurants and tours to take, but if you need a moment of peace, look no further than my two favorite parks in the city: Audubon Park & City Park. Walking amongst the Live Oaks, grabbing a coffee & beignet from Cafe Du Monde, or settling in for a quiet picnic can be a great way to just...exist in the city. 

Audubon Park boasts a nicely-paved circular path that you can walk, bike, or roller skate; it also hosts a golf course and the Audubon Zoo.  

City Park is larger, and as such has more attractions and paths than Audubon. It hosts the Art Museum, the Botanical Gardens, a Cafe Du Monde location, a small theme park, and the free to visit Sculpture Gardens. Please note that both parks will host seasonal events (my favorite is the winter celebration & drive through lights at City park!) that will sell out, so if you're looking for a nice themed-date night or a family night out, make sure to keep on top of those dates!

Both parks are gorgeous, and worth a visit. I hope you enjoy exploring them!

Sarah's Picks: Immerse yourself in a world of plants at the Botanical Gardens, then grab a snack at Cafe du Monde for a picnic by the pond!

~


Slow Down Nola

Located on Magazine St, Slow Down Nola is a boutique & vintage store that emphasizes sustainable fashion & uplifts local artists. A treasure trove of goodies, it's truly the perfect place to find a memorable souvenir or new closet staple. While their stock consists mostly of wearables, they also have some cosmetics, trinkets, and art to adorn your space. 

I love to pick up fun socks, silly hair accessories (think things like Crawfish Claw hair clips), and other pieces that bring joy to my life whenever I'm in New Orleans. I always am in a better mood when I put on a piece from Slow Down Nola!

Sarah's Picks: Any hair accessory, the sticker booth 

Fringe + Co. 

Have you ever wondered what the locals wear when it's time to celebrate? Look no further! Fringe + Co. is a locally made,  Women & LGBTQ+-owned shop that truly believes in all that glitters. From their caftans to their matching sets, Fringe + Co is fun, shiny, and has a plethora of quality pieces for your collection. 

While their warehouse is only open to the public once a year, you can find them online at fringe-co.com/ or pop-ups around the Greater New Orleans area. 

Sarah's Picks: Copper Iridescent Sequin Long Caftan, Fringe Jackets

Dear reader, the time spent in the Crescent City is ultimately yours. If you're visiting, and you find one of these spots, I hope you enjoy them just as much as I do. If you live in Nola, I hope that you may come to love these places as much as I have, and that find your community. I know I did.