Travel

My Solo Spring Reset: 4 Days in Arizona for a Wellness Escape

Published on February 26, 2025March 9, 2025 by Amanda Leggette1 Comment

Turning 40 felt like the perfect time for a reset—an opportunity to step away from the everyday hustle and gift myself a little space to reflect, move my body, and soak up nature’s beauty. When my husband needed to be in Arizona for work (and since I could fly for free thanks to his companion pass—woohoo!), I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and turn the trip into a personal wellness retreat.

For four days, I focused on slowing down, moving intentionally, and soaking up Arizona’s stunning landscapes. Here’s a recap of what made this solo trip such a refreshing escape.

Day 1: Hiking & Sunset Views at Piestewa Peak

Nothing sets the tone for a trip like a good hike after a long travel day, and Piestewa Peak did not disappoint. The climb was a challenge, but reaching the summit and taking in the panoramic views as the sun dipped below the mountains was absolutely worth it. There’s something about standing at the top, watching the sky transform, that makes you feel both small and limitless at the same time. It was the perfect way to kick off my time in Arizona—just me, (and several other hikers), the trail, and that golden-hour glow.

Day 2: Exploring the Neighborhood, Hot Yoga & A Private Oasis

I signed up for unlimited yoga at a nearby studio, which offered a variety of hot yoga classes. Before class each time I laced up my running shoes and went for a morning run, winding through beautiful neighborhoods with stunning mountain views. There’s something so peaceful about running in a new place, letting the scenery unfold, and viewing the achitecture and landscaping as you go.

Hot yoga was a regular practice of mine when we lived in Wilmington, NC and recently I reincorporated it back thanks to the amazing studio I found locally. Each session here in Arizona felt like a reset—sweating out tension, deep stretching, and grounding myself in the present. There was also something so freeing about not knowing a single sole in the studio for class.

Part II of Day 2: A Private Oasis & Total Relaxation

One of the highlights of this trip was my micro boutique hotel—a true oasis tucked away from the busyness of the city. With a pool, hot tub, fire pit, and even a cold plunge, it felt like a spa retreat all on its own. I spent time simply being—reading by the water, listening to music on the Bose speaker they provided, taking refreshing dips, and soaking up the Arizona sun. It was a reminder that rest is just as important as movement, and this space gave me the perfect environment to fully unwind.

After my time by the pool, I went to The Henry for dinner. Adam and I had eaten here a couple years prior when we visited a few national parks and Scottsdale, AZ. We loved the ambiance of the restaurant and were blown away by the food that is prepared in their craft kitchen. They have a great happy hour menu, robust menu offerings for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They truly are the neighborhood restaurant. Just look at their website and you’ll see why we talk about it to this day.

Day 3: A Day in Sedona – Hiking & Red Rock Magic

When Adam and I traveled out west in April of 2023 to visit Bryce, Zion National Parks and other bucket list stops, we passed through Sedona at the end of our trip but didn’t have time to explore. Knowing I’d only be 2 hours away on this trip, I made it a priority to incoportate it into my itinerary as an adventure day. I got coffee for the road at Black Riffle Coffee Co (which i was excited to know was walking distance from my rental) and made the drive to Sedona. I spent the day hiking three different trails, each one offering something special—red rock views, peaceful forested paths, and that unmistakable Sedona magic.

The landscape here is breathtaking, and I could feel the grounding, calming energy with every step. It was the perfect way to wrap up my wellness retreat, feeling strong, clear-headed, and deeply refreshed.

If you have one day to spend in Sedona, just know that it is an easy day trip from the Phoenix/Scottsdale area. I’m sharing a simple itinerary if you want to squeeze in hikes and see the area.

12 hours in Sedona:

Leave Phoenix by 6AM. If the timing is right, you can catch the sunrise as I did at Aqua Fria National Monument along the way. It was right off of an exit.

Arrive at Devil’s Bridge via Mescal Trailhead around 8AM and hike the beautiful trail. There is some rock scrambling as you get closer to the bridge but it wasn’t too difficult for a seasoned hiker. I would feel comfortable if our 3 sons were to hike it at ages 10, 8 and 4. Be sure you also check out the short trail that leads you to the underside of Devil’s Bridge. Allow 2 hours for this hike. During peak tourist season, you may need to allow more time if there is a long line to take picture on Devil’s Bridge.

*It’s not as narrow as it appears in pictures. It’s a wide area to walk across and again, I would be okay with our boys going on it but they would, of course, be holding our hands.

Drive to Fay Canyon Trail (10 Minutes) – This is a shorter hike. You can not miss the offshoot trail that leads to another arch. It is more scenic than the trail end of Fay Canyon. Allow 1.5 hours total for this hike.

Stop in town for a quick bite to eat or enjoy snacks you bring for the hikes as I did. I wanted to hustle to get in as much in as possible.

Drive to Cathedral Rock – 18 minutes from Fay Canyon. Pit stop at the Chapel of the Holy Cross that’s along the drive.

Cathedral Rock is considered difficult on Alltrails and I would agree. There is a lot of rock scrambling to get to the top. I pushed through the uncomfortable and challenging path to get to the top and I’m glad I did. The views were worth it.

Drive back to Phoenix and enjoy the views along the way. If you’re lucky, you’ll see hot air balloons in the sky near Sedona.

Day 4: A Travel Day – But first, Get. Those. Steps. In.

Given the time I needed to be out of my rental, I had time to make a cup of coffee, relax in my private Oasis, then head out for another scenic run before I had to shower and prep for the airport.

It’s kind of wild that Adam and I traveled so far together and didn’t spend much time, just the two of us, in Arizona. I did get the best surprise on the last night when he wrapped up work early and was able to join me at my rental for the night.

Final Thoughts: Why This Trip Was Exactly What I Needed

Stepping away from my normal routine and gifting myself these four days was one of the best things I could have done. Movement, nature, quiet moments, and intentional rest—this trip reminded me how important it is to carve out time to reset. So, thank you to all my friends for encouraging me to go when I almost backed out.

Whether it’s a solo getaway or just taking small moments in everyday life, prioritizing your well-being is always worth it. This is something that I have learned to not feel guilt over the older I get. At the end of the day, I know carving out this time will, hopefully, allow me to be present and live a healthier life so I can be here for our family.

If you’ve ever thought about taking a solo trip, let this be your sign to go for it! Everything you you normally have to do will be waiting for you when you get back. So, go on that trip. Take the time. Miss your family. Let them miss you. Then go back with a refreshed mindset and core memories that you’ll hold with you forever. (Especially if you’re celebrating a milestone birthday like I was). 💛

Would you take a solo trip for a wellness reset? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Rediscover Raleigh: A Staycation Guide to the City of Oaks

Published on December 5, 2024 by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

If you’re looking for a little getaway right in the heart of Raleigh, the Heights House offers a charming and cozy retreat with a touch of elegance. Whether you’re a local seeking a short break or a visitor wanting to explore the city’s vibrant culture, this staycation plan offers the perfect balance of relaxation, good food, and local adventure.

We recently planned our Raleigh staycation to celebrate our 14th anniversary that focused on exploring more of our area. We made reservations at the stunning Heights House, a place that has been on my bucket list forever and dinner reservations at one of our favorite local restaurants—one we don’t visit often enough due to its distance from home. The combination of a dreamy stay and an indulgent meal made for a perfect way to mark this special milestone and one that I hope you will consider planning if you are local or visiting the area. (Or perhaps you need a gift idea for that someone that is hard to buy for but loves experiences over things. This is it!)

Our check-in lead to a tour of the beautiful home, a brief history lesson and fun facts shared about the curated collection of furnishings within Heights House and how it came to be what it is today. Be sure to get a tour and history of the property when you check in.

Here is a suggested itinerary that is loosely based off of our experience.

Evening Kick-off: Cocktail Hour at Heights House

Start your evening with a drink in the beautifully restored parlor of Heights House. The intimate setting, paired with expertly crafted cocktails, sets the perfect tone for a relaxing night out. The mixologists here know their craft, and whether you’re in the mood for a classic or something a little more daring, you’ll be well taken care of.

The drink menu is set within vintage books. The attention to detail throughout the property was curated by the owners. Be sure to get a tour and history of the property when you check in.

After your cocktail, it’s time to head over to Brewery Bhavana. This award-winning restaurant combines craft beer, dim sum, and an elegant atmosphere to create a dining experience that’s both unique and satisfying. The food is creative and full of flavor, with dim sum options that are perfect for sharing.

For those who are gluten sensitive, there are numerous items that are gluten free. Make sure to try their bao buns and dumplings paired with a cold beer from their in-house brewery, my husbands go-to. I tend to stick to the wine. It’s a standout dining option for any Raleigh staycation.

Morning After: Breakfast and Coffee at Heights House

Start your next day with a delicious breakfast at Heights House. The inn offers a range of breakfast options, from fresh pastries to hearty favorites, all thoughtfully prepared to kickstart your day, all included in your stay. Enjoy it while relaxing in the peaceful surroundings of this beautifully restored home.

A Morning Stroll into Downtown Raleigh

After breakfast, head out for a leisure walk into downtown Raleigh. It’s a beautiful way to see the city and enjoy the fresh air before diving into the local scene.

Coffee at A Place at the Table

Your first stop? A Place at the Table, a nonprofit coffee shop that does more than just serve excellent coffee. This café’s mission is to provide a “pay what you can” model for its meals and drinks, meaning you can grab a coffee to go, and even purchase a meal for someone else. It’s a feel-good stop that supports the local community while also giving you that caffeine boost.

Explore Downtown Raleigh

From there, take a casual stroll along Fayetteville Street, stopping in local shops, boutiques, and art galleries. Raleigh is known for its mix of modern flair and historical charm, and this walk offers the perfect opportunity to explore.

One of my favorite finds on our recent staycation was Copperline Plant Co.. I’m growing my plant collection at home so it was nice to explore different varieties and chat with the shop owner to learn more.

Dinner Options for a Raleigh Date Night

If you’re looking for more date night ideas beyond a stay at Heights House, here are a few options that offer delicious food and drinks in different parts of the city:

Option 1: Drinks at Jolie, Dinner at Crawford and Sons

Start your evening with a drink at Jolie, a stylish spot offering craft cocktails in a chic atmosphere. Their rooftop is the perfect setting to catch a sunset. Be sure to make reservations. Once you’ve sipped your way through their menu, head to Crawford and Sons for dinner. Again, make reservations ahead of time. This upscale restaurant features modern American cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, but you can expect dishes that are both inventive and beautifully plated but most of all, delicious. I promise, you’ll talk about your meal for weeks to come.

Option 2: Whiskey Kitchen, City Market Sushi & Dessert at Bitter Sweet

For a more casual yet equally delightful evening, begin with drinks and apps at Whiskey Kitchen. This lively bar offers a fantastic selection of whiskey and craft cocktails, perfect for sipping before dinner. They also offer a creative menu that combines Southern-inspired dishes if you want to linger longer before dinner.

Then, make your way to City Market Sushi in Moore Square for fresh sushi and tasty rolls. To cap off your evening, walk over to Bitter Sweet for dessert. This local favorite serves decadent treats, from cakes to ice cream, all with a creative twist.

Whether you’re planning a full staycation or just looking for a fun date night, Raleigh offers a wealth of experiences that combine good food, great drinks, and plenty of local flavor. A night at Heights House or any of these recommended date-night spots will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to explore even more of what this vibrant city has to offer.

I hope you will feel inspired to plan a local staycation for your next special occasion. Too often we can feel pressured to travel far to have a magical experience but sometimes we just need to stay close to home and explore the wonderful options that are just outside our doorstep, or a short drive away.

Crisp Air & Colorful Trails: Our Top Family Friendly Hikes in The Triangle

Published on October 12, 2024October 18, 2024 by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

When I look back on my most cherished memories, from childhood to adulthood, so many of them were spent outside, immersed in nature. Adam and I have always loved to get out and explore new places, both locally and in our travels.

Our family dynamic has evolved with the addition of our three sons, who are now 10, 8, and 4 years old. What hasn’t changed is our love to get outside in nature and explore.

Bringing kids along can sometimes feel overwhelming, but I assure you, with patience and persistence, they’ll develop a love for the outdoors and enjoy exploring new trails with you.

Hiking, biking, scootering (this is a word, right?), and running different trails local to our area has lead us to find our favorite places that we frequently visit.

Here are our top 5 family-friendly trails that you should definitely add to your adventure list! Along with each trail, I’ve included a guide to help you determine if it’s ideal for walking, running, biking, or scootering—so you can pick the perfect path for your next outing.

Bass Lake Park – 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️ 🛴 (Greenway Path only)

This is a 2.02 mile loop, mostly mulched, that also has connecting access to the Carl Dean Greenway and Sugg Farm.

This is a beautiful trail year-round. In the summer and spring, everything is lush and green. In the Fall, the foliage is vibrant. Be on the lookout for wildlife year-round. We almost always see deer in the woods. We have also seen river otters, cormorants, and snakes in the summer but this is rare.

The main club house also has concessions available for purchase like various chips, cracker packs, ice creams, water and sports drinks. (Very inexpensive too) This is a fun fact you can keep in your back pocket if you need to encourage little ones to make it around the lake.

The kids will also love viewing the various reptiles and small animals they have inside the clubhouse.

If you are up for a longer distance, 4 miles out and back from the main parking lot, I highly recommend getting on the connecting greenway path. The kids take their scooters or bikes when this is our planned adventure. We often take the greenway all the way to Main Street Square where you’ll find a few shops but our favorite stop is Thanks A Latte. I can get a little pick-me-up and the kids share a baked good.

The greenway also connects to Womble Park in Holly Springs which is a great park for kids of all ages.

There are various workout stations along the greenway path that the boys love to rush ahead to find and try out. (Pull up bars, core bench, step-up boxes, ect.)

If you’re feeling really adventurous and are biking the greenway path, you can continue past Main Street Square and follow the sidewalk into downtown Holly Springs for shopping, lunch, and ice cream. I did this with all 3 of our sons one Saturday when daddy was out of town on a guys trip. We had the best day and felt like we were exploring somewhere far away from our home. We parked at Bass Lake, biked to Main Street Square (had a snack), biked to Smash Burger, biked to Fresh Homemade Ice cream, biked to Womble Park and played, then biked back on the greenway path to the car. Total mileage was around 8-9 miles. The older two did it with ease while the littlest was along for the ride in the carrier attached to my bike.

Fuquay Varina Greenway – 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️ 🛴
2-6 Miles

This is a mostly flat and paved path with a few gentle hills. Since it’s an out-and-back trail, you can easily adjust the distance depending on where you park and how far you choose to go along the greenway.

If you are to park in the main lot off of Hwy 55 in Fuquay Varina, you can follow the path all the way to the main lake which is 1 mile. There are benches and two swings at this point. If you continue past the lake and follow the pathway to the right, you will reach the High School. Continue around the school to the connecting sidewalk. Circling back around the school to the greenway path is 4 miles back to the parking lot. You can also park at the lot by ClubWorx gym but it will require you to cross Hwy 55 via the crosswalk. Parking here and following the path all the way around the high school will be 6 miles in distance.

Our boys love to take their scooters or bikes for this outing. Our youngest will often ride his balance bike but I still bring the stroller from time to time if I know he will teeter out and need to rest. Isn’t this how most walks go with toddlers? You end up carrying the gear of the tired little ones.

The boys sometimes fish at the kayak launch that is located on the lake.

Raven Rock State Park – 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

You can choose trails of varying lengths, depending on how far you’d like to hike. Our favorites, which are probably the most popular, offer scenic views and unique rest spots along the way. We usually stick to the Little Creek Loop Trail and Raven Rock Loop Trail, which conveniently connect for a seamless hike.

To access the trailhead for Little Creek Loop Trail, park at the first lot on the right after you enter the park entrance. There, you will see an oversized picnic shelter. The trailhead is just to the right of it.

The boys love Little Creek Loop as it follows alongside the creek with several pathways that run off the main trail that connect to the creek which they explore. They enjoy jumping onto the larger boulders that are in some areas, skipping rocks, and looking for crayfish.
(Insert picture of boys on the rocks at the creek)

Don’t miss out on the stairs that lead down to the banks of the Cape Fear River. The rock walls and exposed roots of the trees are worth exploring.

Explore the various trails at Raven Rock here.

Hilltop Needmore Town Park – 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️ 🛴

This was a former golf course within a neighborhood community. The trails are paved and were once the pathway for golf carts. There are some steeper hills which can pose to be more challenging for the littles on wheels. It’s never stopped our boys from trying to make it to the top peddeling. Going downhill is no issue apart from my own anxiety as they fly down.

There are 5 miles of paved trails with varying elevations on each. Due to some construction of a new community center and elementary school, there is one trail section that is closed to pedestrian traffic. Stay current with closures on their website, here.

This is a beautiful park year-round. The large oak trees, rolling hills and ponds throughout provide for many scenic spots for picnics, leisurely walks, and wildlife watching. Whether you’re exploring the trails or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, it’s a perfect place to connect with nature.

Lake Benson + White Deer Parks – 🚶‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🚴‍♀️ 🛴
2-4 Miles

Lake Benson Park and White Deer Park in Garner, NC, offer a perfect family-friendly outdoor escape. The trails at Lake Benson wind along the shores of the scenic lake, providing peaceful views and ample opportunities for spotting local wildlife. We have seen several deer on our visits. The wide, mostly flat trails are ideal for leisurely walks, jogs, or bike rides with kids.

There is one gravel section that goes into the woods that I’d recommend doing if you are on foot.

You can also explore shaded picnic areas and enjoy any three of the playgrounds making it a fun outing for all ages.

While you’re in the area, be sure to stop by Holl & Stone. It’s located between Lake Benson and White Deer park. There, you can feed the llama, alpacas and other farm animals, shop fresh produce and plants then get a ice cream from their food truck.

As a family, we’ve found that these hikes not only help us get outside and move but also create opportunities for bonding, problem-solving, and even a little adventure. Whether it’s a peaceful stroll or a more challenging trek, there’s something for every energy level. I hope you’re inspired to lace up your shoes and hit the trails with your family.

Colors of the Caribbean: A San Juan Edition

Published on June 22, 2024July 8, 2024 by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

I recently had an opportunity to join my husband on a work conference trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Even though I knew our time together would be limited due to his work obligations, I was all in to join him.

Alone time on a beach with a book? Yes, please.

Seeing San Juan through a different perspective this trip was much different than my first time on the island. Many years ago when I was in the youth group at church, we traveled to San Juan for a mission trip, World Changers. The week was spent tackling various construction projects to help serve the community.

Need a visual? I was on a crew that built a small home and put on a new roof on a home, in the Summer, in the Caribbean, and under the blazing sun. High schoolers with adult crew leads and supervision completed the physical labor. Can you imagine that?

I think it’s safe to say that my hands on experience with DIY and seeing the impact it can have on others, myself included, started at a very young age. Re-roofing a home for someone who didn’t have the means to fund it and building a small home from the ground up and witnessing a family’s gratitude when the job was complete was by far one of the most impactful moments for me on that trip. It certainly beat my coming home and my ankles being the same size as my calves because of my reaction to numerous fire ant bites. This is NO exaggeration, ask my parents who greeted us at the RDU airport.

Apart from one afternoon exploring Old San Juan as a group, we were immersed in the deep culture of San Juan and slept in a non-AC building where fire ants infested our beds (no amount of Arm & Hammer sprinkled on our sheets deterred them). It was a HOT week.

I think it’s important for you to have a visual of my first experience to see the contrast of my visit back to San Juan as an adult for vacation and not a mission trip.

Present day travels to Puerto Rico looked much different and I’m here to share about our few days in the vibrant city of San Juan.

Lucky for us, the conference was held at a beachfront resort on the popular Condado beach.

The area was pedestrian friendly with sidewalks and a greenway path for bikes that lead you all the way into Old San Juan which was approximately 3 miles before you reach the downtown entrance. We walked all the way into town early one morning. I ran the pathway every morning and soaked in the sunshine, ocean breezes and made a few stops along the way for scenic opportunites. It was fun to explore charming pockets of common areas, historical remnants and scenic overlooks.

We arrived to San Juan early on a Sunday morning which gave us a few hours to explore before Adam had to be at the conference. We unpacked, changed into shorts and t-shirts and booked an uber into town. There was a good bit of traffic on our commute so when we were close to town, we asked our driver if we could get out and walk. She was happy to let us out and we were happy to get out and walk in the sunshine along the coast.

As we wondered through the colorful streets and historic landmarks of San Juan, we found ourselves captivated by its beauty. There is vibrant architecture and rich culture everywhere we explored.

There are two major historic castles in Old San Juan that you can tour. Paying the entry fee into one gets you entry into both on the same visiting day. Because it’s a US National Park, we were able to use our National Park pass that we had purchased for our travels to Zion & Bryce National parks just last Spring. Read all about that life giving trip here.

It was well worth the time exploring Castillo San Felipe del Morro and the history lesson, highly recommend.

The greenspace around the Castillo was full of families flying kites, having picnic lunches and groups gathering to hang out.

If you’re wondering if San Juan is kid friendly, without question, YES.

We left the Castillo and walked the sidewalk into the vibrant streets of Old San Juan to explore. The only thing we had marked on a map were three recommendations from the hotel receptionist for places to eat and the location for the original Pina Colada.

We popped in a few shops along the way, talked to the locals working there and confirmed we needed to visit, Barrachina. We snagged the last two seats at the courtyard bar, ordered two of the original Pina coladas and an entree to share, a local specialty called Mofongo, pictured above.

It was a very rich dish with a lot of flavor.

After exploring the streets a little while longer after lunch, we hustled back to the hotel and went our separate ways. I set out for the beach where the staff set up chairs and umbrellas, anywhere you want to be, and Adam set off for the conference.

I have to admit, my chair was placed in a very popular area of the beach due to the Puerto Rican flag by the water. It provided entertainment for me as several couples seized it as a photo opportunity and video content.

The water was beautiful. I made the most of the only full sunny day we had and spent as much time at the beach and pool as possible.

Food Recommendations from our trip that I highly recommend:

Burrito Social – Fresh seafood tacos and Mexican cuisine + margarita happy hour.

La Hacienda – Market + Cafe, you can order fresh made items a la cart from the deli (eggs, chorizo, eat.), collect items to cook if you’re staying at an Airbnb, and order coffee. Prices were some of the best we found.

Barrachina – Pina Colada + local cuisine

Di Zucchero – Across the street from the Marriott, they have a very robust menu, rooftop and indoor/outdoor dining options.

Anitas – BEST gelato we’ve had outside of Italy. Truly, it was amazing. We visited the location on Condado beach and in downtown San Juan. Their story of how they started and where they have expanded globally is incredible. Come to NC Anitas!

One thing I wish I had researched ahead of our trip was visiting El Yunque Rain Forest for a hike and exploring. Some of the other conference goers had done this and show us pictures. It looked amazing so I would highly recommend doing this if you have a car rental and/or book an excursion through your hotel. Learn from our missed opportunity and read more about how you can explore the rain forest on your visit to San Juan, here.

This trip reignited my love of color and affirmed my recent design decisions in the home that incorporates more.

More than anything, Adam and I were reminded how much we love to travel. Before kids, we made travel a priority. After kids, we started including the kids. It’s important to us to expose them to many cultures and experiences from little weekend getaways to larger trips that require thorough planning.

All this to say, it’s worth making arrangements to travel with your spouse sans kids and together as a family.

San Juan, Puerto Rico would be a destination you could easily travel to with little ones and is also a great area to retreat to with your spouse, kid free.

Whether you’re drawn to its colorful streets, rich history, or lively culture, San Juan promises an unforgettable adventure. I hope you’re able to experience firsthand why this Caribbean gem captures the hearts of all who visit.

We certainly left with full hearts and vibrant memories.

Bryce Canyon National Park – An ultimate 2 day guide

Published on July 17, 2023July 18, 2023 by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

Many ask which National Park was our favorite between Zion and Bryce. If I’m being honest, I cannot choose either. They are both uniquely special and beautiful in different ways. Here’s a look back on our two days at Bryce National Park. If you missed the post on Zion, click HERE.

The drive from Zion National Park to Bryce National Park was only about an hour and 20 minutes at most. When we got closer to Bryce National Park, we were still in awe of how beautiful the Mt. Carmel Highway and scenic route was but little did we know, we’d continue to have those speechless moments when we saw hoodoos for the first time. I mentioned in the Zion post that we applied for the Coyote Buttes lottery when we were in the GEO range along the route from Zion to Bryce. See that post (toward the end) for more specifics if you hope to visit The Wave. You could also do this if your trip has you visiting Bryce Canyon before Zion.

Before entering Bryce National Park, you will drive through Dixie National Forest. This was the beginning of many moments when we were left, yet again, in awe of the sights surrounding us.

So much of Utah experienced more snow accumulation this Spring compared to the averages in years past. Lucky for us (because we don’t get much snow in our area of North Carolina), we saw a good amount of snow which had not melted as we approached Bryce National Park.

This made for a unique viewpoint and contrast of the hoodoos in Bryce with the snow that had not yet melted in contrast with the orange and tan hoodoo landscape. Seeing so much snow was fun for us. I also loved seeing my favorite type of Birch tree, the Paper White, nestled in the snow. It was quit picturesque.

Day I: Arrived in Bryce Canyon National Park by 12:30

We entered the park and went straight to the visitor center to look around and get confirmation on trail closures which are posted on a board daily. We also wanted to talk to a Park Ranger to confirm which hikes would be best to tackle the two days we were there even though we had pretty much decided what we thought was best.

Hike goal for the day: Peekaboo Loop Trail (5.5 Miles), Queen’s Garden Trail, Part of the Navajo Loop trail that was still open, Two Bridges Trail, and part of the West Rim Trail, and that leads you to the start of the first trail. This was approximately a 13 Mile total hike day.

You can view the trail map and descriptions of hikes HERE.

First, we decided to drive to the furthest point on the scenic area route that we wanted to see and then backtrack to park and begin our hike. This also gave us the opportunity to get our bearings of the park and possible lots with more parking.

Natural Bridge and Fairview Point were our first two scenic stops. They are located approximately 12 miles from the visitor center.

We decided to park at Inspiration Point which was a higher elevation overlooking the amphitheater. The views are incredible. Pictures cannot do justice of the scale of the amphitheater. Note, you will walk on the Rim Trail along the edge of the amphitheater until you reach the Queen’s Garden Trail entrance. This is mostly downhill so keep that in mind as the hike from this point to return is an out and back.

We weren’t able to hike the Navajo Loop Trail because of the melted snow that washed away most of the trail. We were still able to see the popular area from both the top and the base of the Navajo Trail. The switchbacks on the Navajo Trail are a popular highlight for many hikers but you will also experience views and hiking switchbacks on both the Queen’s Garden Trail and Peekaboo Loop Trail.

Bonus: Peekaboo Loop is a longer hike and considered strenuous. We felt the difficulty while hiking it as you ascend and descend a lot. We hiked the trail in a counterclockwise direction which, as I’m looking back on the park map now, it was recommended to hike clockwise. Given our experience and the views we had, I’d actually recommend hiking counterclockwise as we did.

See why from these views:

We’re so glad we pushed ourselves to hike one of the longer trails in Bryce on the first day and highly recommend it. Because there are so many places to stop and viewpoints to take pictures of along the way, you’ll have moments of rest throughout the hike.

You will also look forward to getting back to your car to sit at the end. Our leg muscles started twitched the moment we stopped and sat.

From here, we checked into our AirBnB in Tropic, UT which is only about a 20 minute drive. It’s a very small town with only a couple options for dining. The first night we ate at Rustler’s Restaurant. We barely made it before they closed but they happily served us. Adam ordered a Ribeye with sides and I ordered a grilled chicken Caesar salad. When you are as hungry as we were, it was an exceptional meal, particularly the fresh baked bread loaf they brought to the table.

We identified the only location we’d be able to get coffee in town first thing the next morning and made our way back to our AirBnB.

Day 2: Fairyland Loop Trail (8 Miles), plus The West Rim Trail out and back, totaling a 10 mile hike day.

We heated up oatmeal and leftover egg white and veggie omelets from our Zion hotel, I made lunches and packed snacks in our Camelbaks for the day and we headed for coffee at Bryce Canyon Coffee Co.

We decided to park at Sunset Point, hiked part of the Rim Trail until we reached Fairyland Point. There was a lot of areas on the furthest part of the Rim Trail that had muck and deep muddy areas. We passed a few people whose entires shoes looked like clay but realized they intentionally walked straight through those areas instead of making a path around them. You do you.

Fairlyland was widley different from the first day hiking in Bryce. The color of the hoodoos for one, was much lighter and almost a sandlike color. We also had more open trails with wide open views and weren’t down in the amphitheater looking up as we had the day prior.

We crossed one creek area that had the most beautiful pink rocks.

The coloring from the rocks and variations you see in the hoodoos are because of their mineral composition.

Do you know how the hoodoos come to be? They started out as a wall and over time, you will see a “window” form. As time continues, the top of the window breaks away leaving you will the individual hoodoos. If you want to read more on the history, this is a great source.

We felt this hike was much easier compared to Peekaboo Loop however, it’s much longer. It’s still considered strenuous on the trail descriptions.

We hiked relatively quickly and were done by lunch. We ended up eating our picnic lunch at Sunrise point and checking out the Bryce Canyon Lodge. There weren’t any available accomodations when we were booking our trip but I’d recommend looking into this when you’re planning in advance.

My mom had told us The Lodge had a restaurant that she remembered seeing when they visited and suggested we check it out. We looked at the menu, confirmed when they opened for dinner, toured the gift shop then headed to our AirBnB to regroup, rest and shower.

After a quick power nap, we decided to venture into another neighboring town that my parents stayed in, Panguitch. At this point, we were in search of finding another coffee shop in hops we’d make it to dinner.

The Flying Goat Cafe was our first stop in town. We walked to a couple restaurants down the street to check out their menus but decided pretty quickly that The Lodge was were we wanted to have dinner and planned to watch the sunset from Sunset Point overlooking Bryce Amphitheater.

Panguitch has a super cute downtown area with shops, restaurants and a couple Bed in Breakfasts, one of which my parents stayed on their trip the year prior. We ventured into two antique stores and had the best time looking at all of the vintage items. We shared memories with each other each time we saw something that reminded us of a grandparent, family member or a specific memory from our childhood. It was the perfect slow afternoon.

We made our way back to The Lodge for dinner as the restaurant doesn’t take reservations and seating is available on a first-come-first-served basis. Be sure to look at their menus!

Our meal was one of the best we’d had on the trip. Highly recommend it when you’re visiting Bryce. Don’t worry about being dressed up either. We saw a mixture of everything, people still in hiking attire (us included), and those who were dressed in casual dinnerware.

Two long hiking days in Bryce, we felt like we’d seen it all. We were ready for out next adventure, staying at Under Canvas in Page, AZ, visiting Antelope Canyon, Horseshoe Bend and more. We had a couple of stops planned along the way to Page which I’ll share in the next blogpost.

Our time at Under Canvas was unlike anything we’d ever done and was EVERYTHING we needed. Here is a peak at what I’ll share next.

Disney on a Budget

Published on February 3, 2020July 31, 2021 by Amanda LeggetteLeave a comment

If at all possible, I highly recommend traveling to Disney in or around January. In the past three years, we’ve always had mild weather in the low 80’s to upper 70’s. While temps can dip below that in January, the averages are still lovely.

In addition to milder weather, the crowds aren’t nearly as bad as summer months when EVERYONE is traveling during summer breaks.

Lastly, most resorts run specials during this time. We were lucky to snag a deal at the Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. Admittedly, we have been spoiled in the fact that we stayed at Disney’s Grande Floridian the 2 years prior. That wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for my husband having work obligations there.

What we love about both resorts, there is a running path connecting the two and a course you can run for additional mileage. Not to mention, it’s fun getting lost running around the resorts themselves. We also found the convenience of the monorail at these resorts ideal. With two little ones, it makes getting to places so much easier. You can also view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show nightly from each resort, music included as they have speakers projecting the full show for your enjoyment.

When considering where you’d like to stay, I highly recommend researching the cost to park a vehicle, sometimes at the resorts, but also at the parks you’ll be visiting. You may find it’s worth staying at a resort that is on the monorail.

You don’t need a car at Disney! When you stay at one of Disney’s resorts, you can sign up for Disney’s Magical Express, a bus service that takes you round-trip from the airport to your resort, for free. I understand why families do Disney. They make it so simple to travel with children without needing so many things. (No need for car seats on the buses.)

We booked flights with Southwest Airline points so that wasn’t a cost to us. If you have a credit card with rewards, check to see if your travels can benefit.

Tips for visiting Disney Parks on a budget:

Pack a bag solely dedicated to food. Snack items you and your littles enjoy such as flatbread rounds, peanut butter/almond butter and jelly, protein bars, ziplock bags, oatmeal, granola bars, fresh fruit, Chomps, raw nuts, cheez its, etc.
Pack paper plates, napkins, and bowls. They will be used in the hotel room.
Resorts have serving sized peanut butter, jellys, cream cheese, and plasticware at the cafe bars, for FREE.
Pack empty water bottles that you can fill up on resort.
Pack a compact/foldable cooler for your daily lunches and snacks in the parks. (Unless you have a stroller rental, see below, where it is included.) YES, parks allow them! They just check any bags and coolers thoroughly at security before entering.
Pack plenty of sanitizer, Clorox wipes and wet napkins.

Don’t hassle with packing a stroller. A friend of mine told me about Kingdom Strollers 3 years ago. It’s a stroller rental service that I cannot live without when doing Disney!

I’m excited to share Kingdom Strollers has provided me with a custom link for you to book your rental, HERE .

Cleanliness is my main care when renting. Three years renting with them, the stroller always looks brand new. They take pride in their process for sanitizing their strollers which you can read about on their site.

We always get the double Bob. Our most recent stay we reserved it for 4 nights, I added the insurance for $25 for the duration of the rental and paid around $90-100. To me, that’s worth not having to hassle bringing our own single stroller and having 2 kids fighting over who gets to ride. (Plus the risk of it getting damaged when checked at the airline.)

Also included are the drink holders, a cooler, and rain cover for the entire stroller. They deliver to your hotel and pick up from your hotel. You can also have it delivered to the airport! Their customer service is phenomenal. They’ve always been early for their deliveries, send convenient text reminders about your pick-ups and returns, and always have the friendliest staff to greet you. Need to cancel or change your reservation? They don’t penalize you and are happy to accommodate your requests.

Simple Tips for Planning:

Book your travel
Reserve your accomodations
Book your park tickets
Download the Disney app & easily link your reservations and tickets.
Determine which parks you are visiting which day then reserve your 3 Fast Passes (per person)
- Tip: After you use your 3 Fast Passes, you can book additional reservations for more rides in the same day. Keep this in mind when planning out your day because you won’t have access to additional FPs until all reservations are completed.
Use the app to view showtimes for each park, parades happen throughout the days at Magic Kingdom and are always fun to enjoy. Plan to arrive a little early to get a good spot.
Use the app to view when buses are arriving at your resort to take you to each park.
Use the app to make dinner reservations. The character breakfast at Ohana at the Polynesian is popular. We experienced Chef Mickey our first trip. It was fun, but they are expensive. It’s an all you can eat buffet so we planned for it to be a late lunch to serve as our lunch and dinner that day. Their is also a character meal at The Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. All of these options can be accessed via the monograil. Chef Mickey is in The Contemporary Hotel and can be accessed by monorail or the walking path from Magic Kingdom.
Once basic reservations are made, you can make an itinerary. I make a loose schedule and allow for the day to happen in lieu of holding to a tight schedule. That’s just not fun for anyone.

A Suggested Schedule:

Magic Kingdom – Day 1
Hollywood Studios – Day 2
Animal Kingdom – Day 3

I recommend this order because Magic Kingdom is a heavy walking day with the most rides. It is truly magical from the moment you walk in.

We discovered that Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom isn’t as busy first thing in the morning. Arrive when the park opens, ride Dumbo, The Barnstormer, Meet Donald, Goofy, Daisy and Minnie Mouse at Pete’s Silly Slideshow (short lines at this time), make a FP reservation for “it’s a small world”, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. The Mad Tea Party and Carousel are always fun too.

There is a nice shaded boardwalk that surrounds Tom Sawyer’s Island. It’s about this time in the day when the kids are ready for a snack and we let them enjoy a Mickey Ice Cream after.

Our boys always love The Jungle Cruise. Try to make a FP reservation for this ride also.

*Tip – If you’re traveling with a little one that is too short for a ride, a cast member will offer you a Ride Swap. They scanned our bands to allow for my husband and I to take turns riding with our oldest and also gave us FP to make this swap happen quickly. This is available at any of the parks.

Be sure to catch one of the park parades and shows in front of the castle. The muppet show in Libertyland is also fun to watch. Both also provide an opportunity for rest. There is a nice faux grassy lawn area in front of The Crystal Palace & Casey’s Corner where we have enjoyed our picnic lunch and the parade at the same time.

*If traveling with a baby and/or a child with sensory sensitivities, there is a Baby Care Center in this same area. Read about the facility resources here.

Plan to make Magic Kingdom an all day experience and include the night show at the castle.

Day 2 at Hollywood Studios is kind of a chill day. Make your FP reservations for the Slinky Dog Roller Coaster and Alien Saucers.

*There is a beverage cart in the line for the Slinky Dog Roller Coaster – adult beverages included.

If you’re a Star Wars fan, we were told you need to get there at opening if you want to experience Rise of the Resistance. There are only so many slots they can accomodate for the day. Once you get your booking time and they are all reserved, there will not be another opportunity. We’re not followers of Star Wars but we were blown away by the expansion of Galaxy’s Edge. You might as well have been in the movie, it was unreal!

There are so many great shows at Hollywood Studios, Frozen, Beauty & the Beast, 3-D Muppet Show, and Indiana Jones just to name a few.

Day 3 at Animal Kingdom is also another pretty chill day. Be sure to make a FP reservation for the Kilimanjaro Safari, an up close encounter with African wildlife you won’t believe.

We went straight to the Tree of Life when we first arrived and were able to walk straight into the It’s a Bug’s Life show. You can look at the available showtimes for this online. From there, we had a 10-11AM FP arrival time for The Lion King, a must.

If you are in need of a little extra coffee, there is a Starbucks called “Creature Comforts” on the way into Africa. Drinks are allowed in the Lion King Show.

Make a FP reservation for The Lion King. We didn’t have any inclination as to what this show would be like but it blew us away. There are times when the cast members are interactive with the audience. If you want your littles to have the possibility of standing alongside a showman, try sitting on the edge of a row.

After the show, we made our way to Rafiki’s Planet Watch. There, we hopped on a train that had views of some African wildlife, Ostrich, Elephant, etc. Once we arrived, we enjoyed a nice shaded path to a fun petting yard for little ones.

I also recommend exploring the other trails in Africa. You will see so much wildlife, it’s as if you’re at a dedicated zoo.

Up! is a fantastic show. Our boys are lovers of nature so they enjoyed the interactive show and close encounters with real life birds. We didn’t realize this show was so interactive. If you want to be a part of the show, try to sit on the end of the rows in the middle two sections. I won’t give away the surprise, but just know it’s REALLY COOL.

You’ll also find 2 rides in Asia, Everest and the Rapids. FP reservations would be good to have.

The River of Lights show is now open and a wonderful evening show to experience before leaving the park for the day. Either arrive early or make a FP reservation. Might I also suggest you choose seating with easy access to the exit.

We spent our last day poolside at the resort and loved the time to decompress and relax after all of the park excitement. We were lucky to have warm weather and enjoyed the pool everyday we were there. The kids in particular loved the slides at the main pool. I admit, they were fun!

Because our Disney Magical Express didn’t depart until 4:30, we had a full day poolside. We retrieved our bags from the bell service with plenty of time to change into clothes for the trip home.

Time together as a family and making unforgettable memories was so special. The ear to ear smiles our boys kept on their faces the entire time, the open mouthed laughs of excitement on rides, saying “yes” when they wanted the Mickey Ice Creams, the best bedtime stories told by daddy each night, and extra snuggles and love from the boys are all things I will never forget.

We are thankful for the Magical Time!