Whitney Rife

A Perfect Holiday Weekend at The Grove Park Inn, Asheville

If you’re looking to get in the spirit of the holiday season, there’s no better place to stay than The Grove Park Inn. From the Annual National Gingerbread House Competition display to the cozy oversized fireplaces, it looks like you’ve walked right into a Hallmark movie. Located in the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Asheville is a charming city that has so much going on. From its vibrant arts scene to it’s scenic drives, it’s the perfect place for a weekend getaway, especially around the holidays!

First things first, let’s talk about The Grove Park Inn. The luxurious, resort features an out-of-this-world spa… seriously you need to make sure you go to the spa! Has unbeatable mountain views, and the food is incredible. Make sure you head to the terrace to enjoy the breathtaking sunset views.

Of course, no visit to Asheville would be complete without a trip to the famous Biltmore Estate. Experience a true American castle in all of its splendor, complete with lush gardens and charming shops. Don’t miss the Wine Estate & Winery, where you can explore vineyards and taste wines from the estate. You can spend an entire day exploring the Biltmore and everything around it!

But, while you’re in town, definitely take advantage of Asheville’s famous food scene. Here are some of our top picks for dining options:

Vue 1913 at The Omni Grove Park Inn: You really could get away with eating every meal inside the Grove Park and never leaving. Vue 1913 is all about combining high-end cuisine with traditional Southern hospitality while you take in the stunning views of the mountains that surround you. This is one spot you won’t want to miss.

Cúrate: This tapas restaurant offers traditional Spanish cuisine in a chic, modern environment. Opt for one of their various paellas or enjoy some Spanish cheese with a platter of cured meats. This restaurant was recommended to and we loved it!

Corner Kitchen: If you’re looking for a classy, romantic dinner spot, Corner Kitchen has it all. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are used in their progressive American fare, and the personalized service only adds to the dining experience.

Biscuit Head: This spot has been hailed as one of the best places to eat in Asheville, and for good reason! From their fluffy and gigantic biscuit sandwiches, slathered in unique jams and spreads, to their creative and flavorful twists on classic Southern dishes, Biscuit Head knows how to satisfy your taste buds. Be prepared for a line, but this is the perfect spot to grab a bite with friends before exploring all the charming sights in downtown Asheville.

    We had the most magical holiday themed weekend here and it’s no wonder this charming city has become a go-to destination that’s on the rise — it’s straight out of a Hallmark movie! Where’s your favorite spot to get you in the holiday spirit?

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    My Honest Opinion about LEGOLAND: Is It Worth the Visit?

    We recently visited LEGOLAND and we wanted to share our honest opinion and experience. As you may know, there’s been a lot of debate about whether LEGOLAND is worth the visit, especially if you’re used to going to other theme parks like Disney or Universal. Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s not exactly like those parks, but there are still some fun things to do. However, if you’re thinking of going, here’s my honest review first so you know exactly what to expect.

    So, let’s start off with the main question: is LEGOLAND worth the visit? To be completely honest, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re expecting grand, immersive theme park experiences like you would get at Disney, then LEGOLAND may not live up to your expectations. But, if you don’t mind a more laid-back atmosphere and want a chance to appreciate the creativity behind LEGO, then you just might enjoy it.

    One thing I have to mention is that we did have a good time at LEGOLAND. The park is definitely kid-friendly, with many of the rides being designed specifically for younger children. If you have little ones, they will likely have a blast and appreciate all the LEGO creations throughout the park. However, if you’re an adult or you have older kids, you may not find the park as thrilling.

    That being said, we must emphasize that one day at LEGOLAND was enough for us. We actually purchased tickets for two days but decided not to go on the second day since we already did everything we wanted to. Some of the bigger rides were closed, so that could have impacted our experience to some degree. And while there were some good restaurants to choose from, some of them were closed as well.

    Now let’s talk about the hotel. We stayed at the LEGOLAND hotel and it was honestly the best part of the experience. We absolutely loved the LEGO theme throughout the hotel – from the colorful wallpaper to the LEGO figures peeking out of every corner. If you’re planning on visiting LEGOLAND, we highly suggest staying at the hotel to amplify your experience.

    Lastly, I want to reiterate that overall, we would not go back to LEGOLAND. However, that’s not to say that we didn’t have a great time. The park is unique and if you are a fan of LEGO, you might even consider it a must-visit. It’s just not exactly like other theme parks and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. So if you’re on the fence about going to LEGOLAND, I hope this review has helped you make a more informed decision.

    I always want to be transparent with our experiences and share my honest opinions with my followers. While LEGOLAND might not be for everyone, we do believe that it’s worth considering for families with young children or LEGO enthusiasts. Just don’t expect it to be exactly like Disney or Universal. And if you do decide to go, be sure to stay at the hotel for the ultimate LEGO experience. Happy travels!

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    The Best Fall Outfits to Wear to Disney World

    Disney World is a magical place to visit any time of the year. Fall is an especially wonderful time to go and my personal favorite time to visit, we love going around Bo’s birthday in October. The crowds are generally a little lower, and the weather is a little cooler, making it the perfect time to wear some cute, comfortable fall outfits. Whether you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon or you just love a little extra magic in your outfit, here are some of my favorite fall outfits to wear to Disney World.

    1. A Cinderella Inspired Look – this blue puff sleeve dress is both perfectly on-theme and suitable for any occasion. Sip tea with friends or twirl the night away with your own Prince Charming in this magical dress that will make you feel like Cinderella.

    2. Just Add Ears – If you want something a little dressier for your Disney World visit, try a mini dress. These are comfortable, yet weather appropriate (for Florida) and perfect for fall. Pair it with a warm, cozy cardigan for when the temperatures drop, and some sneakers. This look is perfect for anyone who wants to feel a little dressed up while still being comfortable. Add some mouse ears and you’re ready to go.

    3. Plaid Button-Up and Shorts – If the weather is still too warm for jeans, try a plaid button-up and shorts. This combination is perfect for a fall look that still keeps you cool during the warm Florida weather. Pair the outfit with some sneakers or comfortable sandals, and you’re ready for a day at the park.

    4. Oversized Sweater and Biker Shorts – An oversized sweater is a cozy fall staple that you can easily pair with biker shorts. It’s an effortless look for Disney World, and you can switch up the colors and styles of the sweater for a different look each day. Add some comfortable sneakers and your favorite pair of mouse ears, and you’re good to go. This outfit is perfect for anyone who wants a cozy and casual look.

    5. Polka Dots – If you want something a little more on theme for your Disney World trip, try polka dots. This classic print gives Minnie vibes and is perfect for any fall day. Pair your print with a denim jacket for some added warmth. This outfit is perfect for anyone who wants to be both comfortable and stylish.

    When it comes to creating the perfect fall outfits for Disney World, there are no right or wrong answers. The key is to find something that makes you feel comfortable while still being practical for a day of walking around the park. Whether you’re planning a trip to Disney World soon or just looking for some outfit inspiration, I hope these outfits have you fall-ready and Disney-inspired.

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    Explore Montauk in Three Days – Everything You Need to Know for a Perfect Hamptons Vacation

    Montauk was always on my bucket list, and recently, I got the chance to check it off. It was everything we hoped for and more. The food was delicious and the atmosphere was serene. This charming, beachfront town is the perfect place to escape the busyness of everyday life. With plenty of places to explore, you can easily spend three days just taking in all the sights. Whether you’re into sightseeing, hiking or just enjoying the local cuisine, Montauk has something for everyone. And if you’re a wine enthusiast or just enjoy a good glass of vino, make sure to add some of the local wineries to your itinerary. 

    We arrived mid-day after a few days of enjoying NYC and even the drive over was so relaxing. Once we arrived, we headed straight to the beach. Lunch at the Lobster Roll is a must and boy, was it worth it! Afterward, we went for a stroll around town. We checked out some boutiques and even popped into Chanel East Hampton, my request, obviously. I could spend days shopping here, so many amazing shops and boutiques. 

    We then checked into Gurney’s, and its views were unreal. We spent the rest of the day lounging by the pool and enjoying the resort’s amenities, it’s like it’s own little retreat. That night, we headed to Crow’s Nest for dinner, which was highly recommended to us. It was the perfect end to our first day.

    We started day two with breakfast at Goldberg’s, which was seriously delicious. After that, we set out to explore more of Montauk. There are so many outdoor activities like hiking trails, biking, and sea kayaking. We ended up exploring the beaches and staying close to Gurney’s that morning but options for activities were endless.

    Later in the day, we visited Fort Pond, where we had dinner at Harvest. The restaurant’s farm-to-table menu is perfect for foodies. The ambiance was so peaceful and the food was incredible.

    Our last day in Montauk was reserved for the beach and relaxation. We visited the famous Montauk Point Lighthouse, but most of our time was spent lounging by the beach. For lunch, we went to Maison Close, a French restaurant that was cozy and charming. The food was excellent, and the decor was adorable. The restaurant’s patio was the best spot for people-watching.

    For our final dinner, we got an ocean view table at Scarpetta Beach and watched the sun set. It was the perfect end to our dreamy trip.

    Montauk was everything we hoped for and more. There are still so many places here that we still want to explore and discover, but our first time in Montauk set the bar high. Not only did it offer incredible food and sights, it was the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind, and really take it all in. If you’re planning a trip to Montauk, I hope this itinerary will give you some ideas and inspiration! 

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    A Quick Trip to Bluffton, South Carolina + Updates On Our New Home Build

    Can I just tell you how obsessed I am with Old Town Bluffton Inn? This place is an absolute gem! 

    This past week we took a quick trip to Bluffton to meet with our designer for our new home build, and let me tell you, it was beyond amazing. Bluffton stole my heart with its charming town and friendly people. It truly embodies classic southern charm.

    Now, let’s talk about our new home build progress. We met with Kelly Caron Designs team to go over selections, and wow, did she exceed all of our expectations! I gave Kelly free rein to work her magic, and she has truly knocked our vision out of the park. I can’t wait to see everything come together. So far, the guest baths are my absolute favorites!

    We paid a visit to Kelly Caron’s design office to discuss lighting, aka my favorite part! And oh my goodness, I am head over heels in love with every single piece she has chosen so far. With over 40 lights and sconces to decide on, it has definitely been a task, but worth every minute. I wish I had more pictures to share, but I’ll keep updating once everything is finalized.

    Now, let’s move on to our favorite dining spots in Bluffton:

    We had the chance to explore some fantastic restaurants in the area. For dinner, we highly recommend checking out The Pearl, The Bluffton Room, Bricco, and The Farm. For lunch, we loved Agave, Nectar, Captain Woodys, and Mi Tierra. And when it comes to breakfast, Cahills is the place to go for a classic southern breakfast with a twist, while Squat & Gobble was also a favorite.

    Of course, we had to squeeze in some time to enjoy drinks and unwind. Skull Creek Boathouse, Poseidon, and Calhoun Street Tavern are all great spots to grab a cocktail and relax after a long day.

    Bluffton, South Carolina you are the cutest and we will be back, and we can’t wait to share more of our adventure and home build journey with you. Stay tuned!

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