My Complete Caribbean Island Packing Guide

Are you planning a Caribbean Island getaway?? YES! I’m stoked for your adventure!! So, have you given any thought to what’s going on your suitcase? Maybe I can help 🙂

As someone who is fortunate enough to have visited the breathtaking island of Caye Caulker, Belize eight times over the last couple of years, I’ve nearly perfected my packing list. Like most travel, it’s always trial and error, right?! Well, I’ve learned a lot along the way… For example, don’t try to wear a long dress and ride a bicycle across the island. My glamorous dress didn’t look so hot when I got it stuck in the bike chain riding on the beach. It was such a mess that I had to recruit the help of a friend to cut me loose (thanks Andrew!).

Clothes:

• 3-4 swimsuits

• 3 jean shorts

• 3-4 tanks or t-shirts

• 1-2 Lululemon or active shorts

• 1 pair of yoga pant

• 3 swim coverups or light SHORT dresses

• 1-2 sandals

• rashguard – BodyGlove makes some really cute ones

• 1 closed-toe casual shoes or tennis shoes

• 1-2 long sleeve shirt/sweater/light jacket

• Sarong (MUST!!) – Can be used as a travel blanket, dress, coverup, towel to sit on the beach

Toiletries:

• Poopouri!! (you can thank me later)

• body spray (doubles for room spray)

• travel shampoo and conditioner

• travel toothbrush & toothpaste

• travel razor

• dry shampoo – still searching for a fave (what’s yours?)

• lotion

• travel Hairbrush

• hair-ties and Bobby Pins (for diving)

• hand sanitizer

Rx:

• reef friendly sunscreen

• sunburn lotion or cream

• anti-itch lotion or cream

• bug spray – I like Herbal Bug Repellent Roll on from CW Organics &  Off Smooth & Dry travel size

• Bonine – anti-nausea for motion sickness (dive boat necessity)

• stomach meds: Pepcid AC, Zophran, Pepto-Bismol

• Benadryl (just in case)

• chapstick

• Excedrine or Tylenol

• hangover prevention – ex: Blowfish, Airborne, Dihydromyriceitin

Other:

• small to medium backpack or a light and functional tote  – like my favorite ALOHA Collection of Splash & sand-proof bags. This is my favorite travel carry-on tote bag for exploring the island and dive trips

• aluminum water bottle – Swell make several fun ones. I put a vinyl Mermaid tail on mine 🙂 

• a microfiber towel – I love Sand Cloud towels because they’re lightweight and easy to roll up and carry and can be used for a blanket or shawl

• sunglasses

• small bluetooth speaker

• earbuds, or headphones

• snack bars like Kind – to have in the room or to grab a few when I’m headed out to dive

• dive gear – although most of my gear stays on the island to reduce my airport baggage

• cash & credit card (NOT debit) – the island uses Belizean dollars and US. Make sure to check you destination’s currency.

That’s my list!  I will also enhance this basic list depending on the nature of my travel. Here is my last food for thought, TJ Max and Homegoods have so many resonably priced suitecases. Buy one that is lightweight, has 4 wheels, rolls in any direction (I’m sure there is a term for that), and something in a bright color or easy to spot if you are  checking your bag ANYWHERE including water transfer service.

Have the best time in paradise!!! As they say in Caye Caulker, GO SLOW!!

Please let me know if this list was helpful. Also, what would you add or remove? 

How to Make the Most of Your First Solo Adventure

Congratulations! You are about to embark on your first trip by yourself. The decision to just take the plunge is the biggest hurdle, so celebrate. Think about it, how many times do you hear people say why they don’t travel alone? They don’t have the money, they’re worried about safety, it’s awkward eating at a restaurant by yourself, they don’t want to be lonely, and dozens more. The truth is ALL of these reasons are valid. That’s what makes this trip so empowering, so let’s get to the fun part….PLANNING!

While you are brainstorming all of the fun-filled deets of your trip, here are five ways to make an exciting venture, even more promising!

1. Get PSYCHED, wherever the Destination!

Your first solo location may or may not be your choice. Say you have a work trip scheduled to Denver in a month. This is prime opportunity to tack on a few a play days to either end of the trip. Stacking trips is a great way to save some cash and vacation time. Plus, you get to explore somewhere not even on your bucket list (yet).

Alternatively, if you get to choose your where you’re going, then hooray! It’s time to get stoked!! Download a countdown App on your phone, computer, or do it old school and stick a picture on the fridge. T minus 30 days to vacay!! Having a trip to look forward to is very motivating and does wonders for your work performance.

2. Check out the Tourist Scene

Being a tourist is a blast even, if it’s in the town you live in now. One key benefit to being a tourist is getting to see the popular attractions. Don’t pass up this opportunity to explore the sights that put your destination on the map. For some great suggestions, I like using Trip Advisor to get some great suggestions. Look for the sights that have the most positive reviews and choose a couple to consider.

On a recent work trip to Phoenix, I chose to take a Hot Air Balloon ride. It proved to be one of my best ventures yet! Once I decided that was going to be my focal point of my trip, I planned everything else around it. It was perfect!!

3. Scope out the Local Scene

What’s almost as fun as being a tourist? Acting like a local! So how can you find places and events that locals frequent? Why not ask them? The best Uber/Lyft drivers are the ones that give you buku suggestions on restaurants, clubs, shopping, etc.

Now, I realize for planning purposes, it’s not strategic to wait to you’ve already arrived to get the local scoop. So, here are a few sites/apps that will give you a jump on it. Yelp! When it comes to local food favorites, Yelp has it in the bag. Just type in the area you’re headed and search for “local picks.” Stick with the spots that have the highest star ratings AND the most reviews.

Another great place to look up local outings in the area is Facebook. Go to your Facebook Events page and search the location and dates you will be visiting. Often times, you’ll discover local farmers markets, concerts or even yoga classes! Bonus, many of the events posted here are free!!

4. So Much Room for Activities!!

Choose 2-3 activities that your destination is known for and make plans to go! For example, are you visiting somewhere that is known for rock climbing, water rafting, outdoor activities, or shopping? If so, you should probably add it to your Tentative Itinerary.

During my Phoenix trip, I kept hearing locals talk about Camelback Mountain, a local landmark, you can see from virtually all over Phoenix. Even though it was in the middle of the summer I decided I had to check it out. Of course I like to push my limits, so I chose the hardest path, Echo Trail to the top. After an hour and a half, a dozen quivering muscles and a bucket of sweat, I made it to the top. Oh the view! Camelback was one of my favorite parts of the trip and BONUS, I met so many locals!

5. Schedule Down Time

Lastly, and perhaps the most importantly… allow yourself plenty of time to rest and catch your breath. You are going to be so excited to get out there and explore everything, see all the sites, eat all the food, and live it up! But you will need a few moments each day for R&R. Maybe you need this time to look at your agenda and figure out your next steps or you’re just exhausted from the day and need a nap. However you use your downtime, it’s important to schedule it in so that you don’t feel overwhelmed or stressed. Remember, an adventure doesn’t have to be constant action. Make the most out of it by giving yourself the breaks you need. Don’t worry, if you love your trip, you can always make plans for solo round two or maybe this time bring a companion?!

Have the BEST TIME on your first Solo-venture!!! Please keep me posted in the comment section!!

Namaste 🙏🏻

Tavel Guidance in the Face of a World Wide Pandemic

Like many of you, I am in shock over the response to the fast growing Corona Virus (COVID-19) pandemic.

This especially a challenging and confusing time for all of us who like to travel. Many of us, adventure-seekers and travelers are torn between our passion for having for exploration and concerns about the health, safety and complexity of traveling during the coronavirus outbreak.

As part of my responsibility as blogger and influencer, I strive to provide guidance on wise travel and sharing tips to make your experiences worthwhile.

Now more than ever, it’s crucial to arm yourself with information. That includes healthy practices to minimize exposure, to potential pathogens, frequently look for updates on the CDC website, stay home if you feel sick and choose you’re activities wisely. This virus, like many illnesses are not only about our own body’s ability to protect us, but equally about the potential of passing it along to someone with a weak or compromised immune system.

We wouldn’t be the adventure lovers we are if we didn’t keep chasing experiences! Many travelers are holding off on travel all together for a few weeks to see what evolves. Others are seizing the money-saving opportunities provided by travel sites, airlines, cruises and other providers.

There are so many travel deals popping up everyday for 2020, even into 2021.

So many airlines, resorts and hotels, are responding to this situation with grace by offering flexibility to their cancellation policies. Those cruise lines that have not yet cancelled cruises are offering refunds, bonus incentives, and ramping up their screening processes.

If you decide to continue your trips this spring, ultimately it is your decision, but do so with guidance and expert advice provided by the the CDC and health care professionals.

I like many of you will keep moving , though a little more cautiously. Taking care to protect myself and and others through good hygiene practices and health practices.

Above all, I want to continue to inspire your adventures while offering responsible guidance.

Happy horizons and safe travels!

Christina

11 of the Best Things to DO and EAT in Breckenridge, CO

Over the past decade or so Colorado has completely transformed, attracting tourists and adventurists worldwide. Colorado is my old stomping grounds (I grew up “shredding gnar” or snowboarding if you’re unfamiliar with skater lingo); and I couldn’t wait to get back on the slopes again!

While planning my trip, I realized Breck had so much to offer and can actually be a bit overwhelming, especially to a new visitor. So I decided to break down my itinerary into “11 of the best things to do and eat” in this charming little mountain town of Breckinridge, Colorado. Enjoy!

Where to Stay?

1. Beaver Run Resort

Beaver Run Resort, Breckenridge, Colorado

This lodge is a Ski-in Ski-out resort complete with an indoor/outdoor pool, hot tubs, restaurant, bars (the Elevation Bar has some surprisingly delicious nachos!), on-site ski lessons, free shuttle, equipment rental and great hospitality! If you stay here, there is no need to catch a lift up to the slopes or worry about fighting the crowds. You just walk out of the locker rooms, put on your skis or board and you’re literally on the mountain, just a few feet from the lifts. When I lived in Colorado I was here all the time and just drove myself, but now that I don’t, I wouldn’t want to do it any other way.

What to Do?

2. Ski or Snowboard

Me snowboarding in Breckinridge.

“Breck” has ALWAYS been my slope of choice! It’s so big so make a plan beforehand so you know exactly what slopes you’re actually on. If you’re a beginner, stick to the green slopes and maybe explore a couple of blue slopes as you get comfortable. Also, beat the lift lines by planningto ski Mon-Thursday’s. Night and day difference in the crowds on a weekday versus weekend.

3. Visit the Ice Sculpture Championships

My favorite ice sculpture were the two dogs. So cool!

Dale and I freezing our booties on the abominable snowman sculpture

This occurs every year in January (check the schedules).These artists are super talented, and in person, it’s so cool to see the detail they put into their work.

4. Tour a Gold Mine and Pan for Gold

The old ruins at Country Boy Mines

“Darnit” (right) and “Goldie” left are the resident advisors at Country Boy Mines.

The “Country Boy Mine”, located in Breckenridge is open year-round and great for adults and kids. Make a reservation to hold your place on the tour. It’s better to go on a warm day since you will be panning for gold in a creek outside the mine. Don’t forget to love on the donkeys, they’re very friendly. Hee-haw!

5. Heat Things up in a Hot Tub

The Hot tub at Beaver Run Resort in Breck

The hot tubs at the resort fill up quickly, so make sure to snatch one up before the lifts close at 4pm, as everyone wants a quick dip before dinner.

6. Ride the Gondola

Take the Gondola to Peak 7 or 8 and have lunch or a cocktail. It’s free and you can catch some gorgeous views and pictures.

What to Eat & Drink?

7. Aurum

Aurum Restaurant sign, Breckinridge, Colorado

Definitely make a reservation as it is small and has a huge following. 

Take a Lyft or the resort shuttle to “Main Street” as most of the restaurants and shops are located in close proximity to Main. All the food here is great, but I devoured the Seared Sea Scallops! Don’t forget to finish dinner with a selection of “Digestiffs”.

8. Hearthstone

Hearthstone restaurant, Breckenridge, CO

Take the shuttle or walk if the weather is nice. I’m not a red meat eater, but my boyfriend ordered a rack of lamb (a Colorado staple, like elk) and still talks about it being the best meat he’s ever eaten (he’s a huge foodie, so that speaks volumes).

9. Mountain Flying Fish

Featured Dragon Roll at Mountain Flying Fish Breckenridge, Colorado

Sake Flight at Mountain flying fish, Breckenridge, Colorado

It’s so weird to think about going to a good sushi restaurant in the Mountains, but the “Mountain Flying Fish”is LEGIT!! The same owner has upheld its glory for nearly 20 years. Best sushi in the Rockies! Try the sea urchinhand-roll, the nightly dragon roll, or if you’re feeling really adventurous, ask about the kama cheek combo. It’s the fish cheek meat that’s apparently a delicacy and usuallyonly reserved for friends or family of the chef. There’s only one combo available every night. For drinks, order the sake flight!

10. Crêpes á la Cart

Crepes á la Cart, Breckenridge, Colorado

The frequently long line in front of Crêpes à la Cart in Breck

Make sure the weather isn’t treacherous because there’s always a wait! And remember: “it’s not fast-food, it’s food made to order.” Touché! They have two locations, I visited the food cart on Main. Believe me when I say, it’s worth the wait!! Each crepe is about $9-$12, but you won’t need more than one, unless you want to try 3 .. like me! My favorite was the Bananas Foster. Get this, even the locals waited in line for it!

11. Breckenridge Distillery

A winter vacation would not be complete without visiting the highest distillery in the world, reaching 9,600 ft above sea level!

If you like whiskey on a cold day, order the Barrel-Smoked and Elevate. This is a fun twist on your traditional “Smokey Olde Fashion”, it’s literally served in a mini smoked barrel! It smells and tastes like everything you love about a campfire.

To eat, try the Brussel Sprouts or deviled eggs and the D.B. Burger.

D. B. Burger from Breckenridge Distillery, Breckenridge, CO

Heads up! Tours are only offered during the day with the last tour at 5:30pm. I would have loved to go, but we spent too long in the hot tub.

Travel tips; take a Lyft or Uber and definitely make a reservation for dinner as this hip restaurant is smokin’(!) popular!

I want to hear about your experiences! Have you tried any of the above or any other suggestions!

Make tons of mini Snow-Globe memories in Breck! 

For more travel and food recs, check out my Trip Advisor and Yelp here!

Gone Glamping Chapter 1: The Preparation

The crisp fall weather was making me a little nostalgic and as someone who’s done her fair share of river camping, I’m no stranger to the rustic experience. I started to imagine the aroma of scorching campfire on a cool fall night and after seeing an autumn picture on Pinterest, I decided an Ozark Mountain camping trip would be the perfect way to celebrate fall.

This would be no ordinary camping adventure. No, I knew I had to level up. It went a little something like this; 1 part primitive camping, 1 part car-camping and 1 huge part “glamour”. Yes, “Car Glamping” was born! I started my plan. 

For those unfamiliar with “glamping,” this rapidly growing trend isn’t disappearing anytime soon. Glamping is the culmination of primitive camping and the 4-star hotel amenities. Simply put, setting up camp which includes interior decor and accents. lamps, rugs, faux fur blankets, string lights, furniture and a Michelin Star campfire menu. 

Planning

The next couple of weeks I decided on my supplies (I wanted to create the complete “glamp” site) my location and menu. As my trusty four-legged sidekick “Sally Boo” and I would be sleeping in my Jeep, space was limited and I had to consider what I wanted to carry with me. 

Why did I opt to sleep in my car vs. in a tent? I weighed the options and considered the benefits; 

1. The climate could be easily controlled if it was too cold or hot
2. Since I would be venturing solo (just a girl and her pup) sleeping in my car would be safer at night especially if I found myself in very remote location (which happened!)
3. I could spend more time shopping for a tent at a later time
4. Save $$$
5. A tent on wheels makes moving camp a cinch!

Supplies

Over the years, my camping gear has dwindled. Items lost in between moves or thrown out, so it was the perfect time to rebuild and in this case customize my camping kit. 

I made two kits; one with camping essentials and another with glamping flair. Remember my cargo space was limited. 

(Complete car glamping kits coming soon).

Location

I needed to decide on a location. Arkansas was the clear first choice. The autumn colors are gorgeously brilliant in the Ozark National Forest right now. 

So this part was a cinch! 

I’ll admit I didn’t do the best job mapping out a camp site prior to my trip, but I was very pleased with the two areas I found when I arrived. 

I decided on two areas; one for Friday night and another for Saturday. Unforeseen circumstances meant I had to break down camp Saturday and find a safer location for the rest of my trip. 

FYI I would not recommend moving “Glamp” sites due to the time and work involved in setting up your space, but in this case it was necessary (more to come on this). 

For any future trips I will spend more time choosing a location especially because I am more familiar with the areas. 

Menu

Lastly, I planned my menu. As this was no ordinary camping trip, the menu needed to include gourmet-ish meals that could be prepared and cooked over a campfire. 

Breakfast 🍳:

Turkey Kelbasa and Eggs

Campfire Breakfast Burritos 

Mimosas

Creme brûlée French Pressed Coffee

Mimosas

Lunch sandwich 🥪🥗 :

Camping Mac and Cheese

Dinner 🥘:

Coconut Red Lentil Stew with Kale

Wine

Snacks 🍿:

Granola

Popcorn

Almonds

No bake Bourbon Peach cobbler 🍑🥃

Want more camp meals and recipes for your trip? Check out my Pinterest board HERE

We are set!

Whew! Did all my hard work and preparation pay off? 

Check out the Gone Glamping Chapter 2 & 3 for all the fun details of my trip and to see more recommendations for yours!

How Can YOU Help Save the Sea Turtles from Extinction?

In my previous post, I shared the moving story of how my mom and I got the extraordinary opportunity to rescue baby Sea Turtles by helping them out of the sand and set them off to sea! By lending our help, we give them a greater chance to survive and overcome extinction. Read it here and check out the video!

I’m so grateful to have had that experience and want you to do the same! If you aren’t in a position to travel, no worries, you can still help!

How Can You Help Save The Turtles from Home?

Donate! Donations can be made to SeaTurtle.Org. (Comment below with other donation centers, dedicated to turtles or other endangered animals).

Reduce your plastic footprint and save the Sea! Did you know that plastic straws kill Sea Turtles? Say no to plastic straws, by replacing it with a reusable straw like this one I use and LOVE, Final Straw (they also make great gifts, ask all my friends, haha). Not only straws are dangerous to our ocean and the animals that live there, millions of pounds of plastic pollute our seas everyday. Over 120 countries throughout the world have banned the use of single plastic, until the US and every country joins the movement, it’s our responsibility to reduce use when we can.

My favorite color Final Straw (I use this everyday!)

Recycle whenever possible and sponsor organizations that are dedicated to cleaning up our oceans, like 4ocean. For ever bracelet that is sold one pound of trash is removed from the ocean and coastlines. Bonus, all of their bracelets are made from post consumer recycled plastic and glass. For 15 ways to reduce your plastic use, check out the article here.

4Ocean Bracelet

We have the extraordinary chance to make a difference everyday, no matter how small. Live you most generous life for the well-being of Our planet and the animals we are privileged to live with 🙂

Rescued!

Rescue Baby Sea Turtles in Cozumel

How did this experience begin?

I just returned from taking my mom on her first cruise and first trip out of the country. Since she has never traveled, she had been looking forward to this trip for over a year. So much time and discussion went into planning all of the details, but when it came down to the wire, all that was left was to decide was which excursions to do. So many cruise excursions are similar; Beach Day, Island Relax and Margaritas, ZIP Lining, Mayan Ruins, etc. On the last page of the excursion brochure, there was one excursion that stood out and instantly grabbed my attention, “Save a Sea Turtle Experience.” Finally, an excursion that wasn’t about us, but something much greater! After I read through the description, I was set! Convincing my mom was no issue, because she had also seen it on the list and planned on asking me. So it was settled! Baby turtles, here we come!!

The day we arrived in Cozumel (I love Cozumel btw) we loaded up on this cute little safari bus and headed to the Turtle Sanctuary on the other side of the island. The bus ride was beautiful because it traced the coast on the south side of the island!! We did a big loop around the island so that Nacho, our guide, could tell us about the city.

The tour bus

When we arrived at the turtle sanctuary, we we were briefed on next steps by one of the members of the Turtle Protection Committee. I VERY loosely translated that from “Comité Municipal de Protección de la Tortuga Marina.” Please send me a message if I wrongfully translated because this group of people deserve all of the praise for what they do!

The nesting beach. Red flags are active nests.

Why do the baby turtles need saving?

Well, first they’re endangered. They have many enemies on land and sea so the babies that are able to make it out of their nest and to the sea (while still so vulnerable), do have the chance to grow up and live long lives, 50-80 years on average for Green Sea Turtles.

If you are a diver like me, hopefully you have had the honor of swimming with these docile animals. They’re extraordinary to encounter in the wild and some are huge; I’ve seen some bigger than me!

The Green Sea Turtles in Cozumel lay roughly 100 eggs 3-5 ft below the surface of the sand and 45-55 days later, the eggs will begin to hatch. A majority of the babies are vital enough to break free from their shell and sand, but many are not and die in the nest. This is the reason human intervention is necessary! Without groups like the Turtle Protection Committee monitoring these nests and organizing rescues (like the excursion), the Green Sea Turtle population would rapidly decline and extinction would be a certainty.

Our Heartwarming Experience

The dig sites marked with flags. Blue buckets are used for collecting the babies we dig out.

After we received a briefing on the rescues process, we we began to dig in the sand with our hands. After several feet deep and lots of sweat later, we pulled our first live baby turtle out of the sand. This was the most intense emotional feeling to see and hold a baby turtle. It was then that we realized our efforts were rewarded and this inspired us to work harder to break these babies out. An hour later, we cleared the nest, rescuing 10 babies. Combined with the other digging groups, 59 baby turtles were saved that magical morning.

The straight deep holes are the most effective way to retrieve the babies.

Two babies pulled directly from the sand. So precious!!

A baby after he was dusted off

They are almost ready to swim!

Bucket-O-Babies

My Favorite Part: The Release to the Ocean

Almost there!

All of the babies were placed in buckets so the researchers could confirm and record the number of babies. Once the coast was clear of any birds, came the most moving part of the process; the release into the sea. One by one, we picked baby up from the buckets. This was also the cutest part because these little guys are wide open, ready to go as soon as they leave the nest. It’s so funny to see their little flippers flapping like they’re trying to fly. The instant you set them down on the sand they race to the waters! See the video here 🙂

And they’re off on their voyage ❤️

Go find your Dad!!

It was truly a powerful experience. Knowing that without our help, those babies may not have had the chance to swim in the ocean and live!

I wanted to take a million pictures of them, but we were on a mission to these little ones to their new homes

How Can You Help Save The Turtles from Home?

Fortunately, many Mexican beaches participate in this mission. I whole heartedly recommend getting involved in this rescue if you ever get the chance to visit. All experiences must be coordinated through your groups on the island. If you are visiting on a cruise, book through your excursions, but if you are traveling independently check out Blue H2O Cozumel

Read more here to learn how to save the Sea Turtles from home…

5 Must-Visits while Day-Tripping Down Natchez Trace

What’s great about wandering is you can truly plan your trips on a whim. Where should we go? Which route should we take? Should we stop along the way? How long should we stay? Spontaneity gives us the ability to choose our own adventure. And so we did!

Last Saturday, I woke to the bright summer rays shining through my window and quickly decided, it was too beautiful of a day to waste. Why not explore somewhere new? So I packed my day bag consisting of a swimsuit (because you never know), blanket, shorts, bottled water and some snack bars, loaded up my favorite furry co-pilot, Sally Boo, and we set sail for the Trace!

Spanning 444 miles from Nashville, Tennessee down to Natchez, Mississippi is a beautifully maintained scenic highway known as Natchez Trace Parkway. Since I live in Jackson, I frequently commute on the trace, but…. I’ve never headed Southbound before now.

Natchez Trace is a travel experience all its own. Saturated with historic landmarks, campgrounds, parks, picnic areas, and many other sights, it’s easy to spend weeks exploring and never leave the trace. On this particular adventure, we (Sally & myself) set our tentative destination for Natchez, MS, the origin of the trace and only 100 miles from Jackson. We were off!

1st Stop: Owens Creek

Our first stop was Owens Creek Waterfall. Decades have reshaped this quaint little brook that the community of Rocky Springs used to spend their hot southern summer. Now, it’s disguised by a small turnabout along the Trace, just south of the Rocky Springs exit. You wouldn’t know it was even there unless you were looking. I pulled into the half moon drive to scope out the creek. It was perfectly serene! A quiet cool spring in the middle of the forest. I was surprised the stream was clear, unlike most of Mississippi’s muddy water. Immediately I knew we found our first destination. After exploring the waterfall, capturing some landscape pics, and a short yoga practice, we continued on down the Trace.

2nd Stop: Windsor Ruins

Every time I hear the word “ruins” I immediately think of ancient Mayan burial grounds and ghost stories. Well the Windsor Ruins aren’t quite that creepy, but theres still something about them that takes you back through history.

These 45-ft-tall masonry columns are all that’s left of the Windsor Plantation home built in 1861. What was once one of the largest private residences in Mississippi before the civil war, is now ghosted by these 29 century-weathered pieces of supreme architecture.

If your traveling on the Trace, the ruins are only a 10 mile detour, but definitely worth the visit and a few pictures. If you are a motorcyclist like me, this is a beautiful ride and exhilarating bike ride from Jackson.

3rd Stop: Sunken Trace

The sunken Trace was an impulsive stop, but was also one of those nostalgic landmarks that change the way your appreciation for the parkway today. Here, we followed the short path to a bend, where we found what looked to be a dried up ditch bank. What I didn’t expect is that this ditch bank once paved the way for thousands of travelers in the 1800’s. As they ventured 500 miles, through swamps, forrest and rivers, they undoubtedly suffered the heat, humidity, mosquitoes, and disease along they’re journeys.

The ditch has become eroded over the centuries and is now a depression of the earth. Hence the name “Sunken Trace.” While traveling north of Natchez, pause here to walk along side the old paths and take a minute to appreciate the stories this ground would most certainly tell.

We Made It: Natchez, MS

Natchez caught me entirely by surprise with its prestige beauty, Once I reached the end of the beautiful trace, I headed for the River. Since we had to drive through downtown, to reach Bluff Park. This is the center of the historical French Fort Site the French settlers built in 1716. During the Civil War, so much of Natchez’s structure and development was spared from damage and preserved since the city did not hold a strategic position. Today, Natchez is peppered with a blend of French, English and Spanish architecture. You can tour plantation mansion, antebellum homes and even stay at some that have been transformed into bed and breakfasts.

Walking through Bluff park, I admired the tall walls that protected the fort centuries ago. Today there are several running and walking trails both above and below the park. Since it was a hot day we did not go down to the bottom of the Bluffs but they will definitely be an Natchez Adventure!

Final Mention: Bridge of Sighs

As we walked through Bluff park, we crossed a pretty little bridge that offers passage over Roth’s Hill Road. On the bridge I noticed several pad locks on the cables of the. This is the Bridge of Sighs, named after the famous Bridge of Sighs of Venice, Italy. The bridge historically got its name from the sighs of despair heard as convicts got a final glance at Venice on their way to prison.

Many French and Italian bridges are glittered with pad locks as a symbol of a couples unbreakable love for each other. Since Natchez has such strong French and Spanish influence, it only makes sense for locals to express their love by repeating the tradition. Now, couples come from all over to write their names on the locks, attach them to the bridge and throw the key away in the river to pledge their affection for each other.

Bridge of Sighs, Natchez, MS

After a long fruitful journey down the Trace to Natchez, it was time to go home. However I came to the conclusion that one afternoon in this town wasn’t enough. In that spirit, Natchez 2.0 weekend trip is in planning. Stay tuned….

Who am I?