bookmark_borderThings to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan: The Weekend Travel Guide!

Hey earth muffins, Happy Thanksgiving!! 🦃 As many of you know, I recently lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Back in July, I moved home to be closer to family… And I am extremely grateful that next month I will be moving into my new house! 🎉 Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks – so I wanted to write a tribute post to my year in Grand Rapids. I am incredibly thankful for the time I spent in the city; here is my travel guide for the best things to do in Grand Rapids, Michigan!

Things to Do in Grand Rapids

First, I highly suggest taking a walk around Downtown. I’m a huge believer in exploring cities on foot, and Grand Rapids has plenty of fun things to do as you walk around. From embracing the beauty of the Amway Hotel (which also has public restrooms you can use!) to shopping around near Rosa Parks Circle, there is fun for everyone in the family. I also suggest taking a walk over the Blue Bridge. It is an iconic part of the city, so make sure to take a photo!

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bookmark_borderAwesome Things To See and Do: A Weekend Travel Guide to Austin, Texas

Hey earth muffins! If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that I took a trip to Austin, Texas last month. It was my first vacation in almost two years – it felt so weird traveling after the pandemic! I was only in Austin for about four days, but I hit up a lot of fun places. As I haven’t written a travel guide post in awhile, I thought I would share my travel guide to Austin with you all today. Here are my recommendations for what you should see and do in the great city of Austin, Texas! 🤠

Fun Things to Do in Austin, TX

Hit up some bars downtown! Austin is known for having a great nightlife scene; however, I am not really into that… So, I didn’t actually go to any bars downtown. However, it is still fun to walk around the city regardless! If you want to see an old hotel (and use a public bathroom), I suggest hitting up the Driskill Hotel. It is super pretty! The area around it has a few shops and a Voodoo Donuts as well.

Go shopping on S. Congress street. In the actual downtown portion of Austin, there are plenty of restaurants but not much shopping. If you are looking for some cute shops, I suggest heading to the trendy S. Congress street area. They have everything from cowboy boot stores to vintage and cutesy art shops. One of the coolest shops in this area is Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds, a huge costume store with so much interesting stuff!

A picture of cowboy boots inside a boot store in Austin Texas

Take some pictures at Austin’s many murals! I’m not one to drive around for Instagram photos, but there are definitely plenty of opportunities for Insta pics in Austin. I just had to add this in my travel guide to Austin, as I know many peope love a good mural pic!

Drive through Hill Country. Texas is absolutely beautiful. (Hot, but gorgeous views.) There is a famous lookout spot called Mount Bonnell that has a great view of the city of Austin as well as the Colorado River. To get there, you have to drive through some affluent neighborhoods – I spotted around 20 Teslas in only five minutes! I was impressed at how beautiful Hill Country actually was, so I would highly suggest driving around it for a bit.

Go see some bats at dusk! 🦇 The “Bat Bridge” in downtown Austin has a gigantic population of bats that live underneath it. At dusk, they fly out for the night which has become a popular spectacle for tourists and locals alike. The timing of when the bats emerge is different each night, so I suggest bringing a picnic blanket and some snacks as you wait.

Tasty Things to Eat in Austin, TX

Bananarchy food truck in Austin, Texas

Get yourself a frozen banana at Bananarchy. This food truck has three different locations across the city – and I totally recommend going at least once! The truck sells frozen bananas dipped in anything you can imagine. You can either build your own (with a sauce, drizzle, and topping) or get a combo that has already been created. I’ve shared my frozen banana snacks recipe before, and this is an amped up version of that. So perfect for a hot Texas day.

Eat some Torchy’s Tacos! I am a huge fan of Mexican food, and I try to get it whenever I travel. Austin has a huge taco scene and a lot of great Mexican restaurants. Torchy’s is a chain that has some delicious food! Their queso dip is really good, and the tacos are excellent as well. 10/10 would recommend to a friend!

A Cheer Bear milkshake from The Yard in Austin Texas

Get yourself a gigantic milkshake at The Yard. This place was on Shark Tank and sells massive milkshakes… How could I not add this to my travel guide to Austin? Be prepared for a long wait – the one I ordered took about an hour to come out due to a crazy amount of people at the store. But, it is located in a cute shopping area, so just go shop while you wait to pass the time. I personally loved that the milkshake came in a collectible glass jar, and I can’t wait to add it to my mason jar collection!

Final Thoughts on Austin, TX

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I hope this was a helpful travel guide to Austin, Texas! 🤠 There is a lot to see and do in the city (and in the area around it); it was a super fun trip that was packed full of good times. From shopping the cute vintage stores on S. Congress street to eating a too large milkshake at The Yard, the memories from this trip will last a lifetime! If you ever have the chance to visit Austin, I would highly recommend. Where have you traveled to lately? Comment below, and I’d love to hear about other fun things to do in Austin that I didn’t add to this list!

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Remarkable Things to Do in Boston, MA: A Weekend Travel Guide to the the Beacon Hill Area!

Hey earth muffins! Today, I am back with another weekender’s travel guide! The last travel guide I wrote was back in March where I shared my thoughts on what you should do in Ann Arbor, MI. With this pandemic, I haven’t been able to write many of these in the past year…. But I am hoping to post a few of them once I start traveling again. 😊 Check out this page with all of my sustainable travel guides so far! Today, I wanted to share my recommendations from a trip I took before the pandemic started. (I didn’t want to post it during the pandemic because no one could travel, but I figured now would be a fun time to share.) Here are my thoughts on fun things to do in Boston, Massachusetts!

Two feet by a Freedom Trail marker in Boston, MA

What to Do in Boston, MA

Check out the Freedom Trail! Whether you like history or not, Boston is full of some pretty cool sites to visit. I personally love that the trail is marked with a brick path throughout the city. It makes you feel like you are almost on a treasure hunt as you walk around. One of my personal favorites is the Old North Church where Paul Revere hung up the lanterns in the window – such an iconic symbol of American history!

Take a ride in a Duck Tours… (or maybe don’t?). As someone who grew up on the East Coast, I visited Boston many times as a child. The Duck Tours are basically tour buses that end up driving into the harbor where they then turn into boats. While an iconic scene in the city, they aren’t that safe… So maybe just get a picture of one and call it a day!

Enjoy the outdoors at Boston Common. Just like any well known city, Boston has a great park to play in! This park is a great place for a picnic or to soak up some sun. The park is massive and has a bunch of fun statues to look at as well. My personal favorite is Make Way for Ducklings – which they dress up for certain holidays!

Make Way for Ducklings statue dressed up during COVID pandemic

Do some shopping at Newbury Street. There are a ton of fun little shops on this street, including well known brands but also some local boutiques. If you are traveling with someone who likes to shop, this is a great option that will take all afternoon!

Visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner museum – and see empty frames from the infamous robbery! Whenever I travel I love to visit at least one museum. This museum is full of amazing pieces of art, as well as 13 empty frames from the pieces that were stolen in 1990. If you are interested in learning about the theft, I would highly recommend the book Master Thieves: The Boston Gangsters Who Pulled Off the World’s Greatest Art Heist by Stephen Kurkjian, which I read last year. I’ve always loved heist novels, so it is amazing to actually go to the museum and see the empty frames for yourself.

What to Eat in Boston, MA

Eat a cannoli in Little Italy! If you are by the Old North Church I mentioned above, then you are right next to Boston’s Little Italy. The streets are so quaint and adorable, and it honestly reminds me of my trip to Italy a few years ago. As a girl who loves good cannoli, I recommend checking out Mike’s Pastry. While it is a bit of a touristy location, the cannoli are totally worth it. Definitely a great snack for walking along the Freedom Trail!

Two cannoli from Mike's Pastry in Boston, MA

Find something tasty at Faneuil Hall. If you are traveling with a group of people who have totally different tastes in food, then this stop is for you! This hall is full of tons of different choices from Chinese food to pizza. It can get pretty busy during peak hours; it is best if some people order while others go track down a table. Sometimes it can be hard to find a place to eat when you have a ton of tasty food in hand!

Hit up a classic Dunkin’. Growing up on the East Coast I was around a lot of Dunkin’ Donuts. They are all over the place in Boston, so I would recommend getting a few donuts at least once. There is nothing special (in my opinion) about their drinks and pastries, but it is just an East Coast thing you have to do. 😊

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Final Thoughts!

Overall, I think Boston is a great place to visit. There is tons of history, plenty of fun things to do, and definitely some tasty things to eat. Make sure you are conscious of your choices as you travel – make your Airbnb as sustainable as possible, reduce your impact when flying, and explore the public transportation Boston has to offer instead of driving everywhere. Where will you be headed on vacation this summer??

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids, MI

Hey earth muffins! After I moved out of my college apartment last summer, I wrote a post about my favorite thrift stores in Ann Arbor, MI. Now that I’ve settled into a whole new city, I thought it was time to share my favorite thrift stores in the Grand Rapids area! Mister Corona hindered many of my secondhand shopping plans this past year or so; but, now that I am fully vaccinated I’ve been able to get back into thrifting again. Let’s jump right into my favorite thrift stores in Grand Rapids! 🎉

A picture of a thrift store

Rustic Market – 389 68th St. SE

Over the years of perfecting my thrifting routine, I have found that small, local thrift shops often have great finds. This is totally true for Rustic Market. The store is volunteer run and has a nice “local” vibe to it. While the clothing selection isn’t very big, the rest of the store makes up for it. As soon as you walk in, the front of the store is dedicated to secondhand finds for the upcoming holiday(s)… I’ve found some really cute decor here! They also have a nice card selection for various occasions and events. Would definitely recommend shopping around if you are in the area!

World Mission Thrift Store – 2640 Burlingame Ave SW

If you are looking for a huge thrift store, this is the place to go! One of my top tips for thrifting is to look in every single department. Even if you don’t think you will find anything in the men’s clothing, you might actually find some really great stuff. Each section of the store is huge, with a lot of fun stuff to look through. I personally go here when I am looking for some home decor, as they have aisles dedicated to frames, holiday decor, kitchenware, etc. You can find some awesome things here!

Salvation Army – 4281 28th St. SE

I’ve always preferred Salvation Army to Goodwill; but, this is totally an opinion. There are a ton of great Goodwills in Grand Rapids too! I like this Salvation Army because they have a huge clothing department. I’ve found some great pieces here, including some high quality brand names. I remember shopping here during an internship a few summers ago… I found a Carlos Bakery t-shirt and was stupid enough to not purchase it. Definitely regret that every time I shop here. 😂 This location is on 28th Street, which means there are tons of other stores around it – perfect for a day of shopping!

Estate Sales Warehouse – 3524 E Mall Dr SE

While not technically a “thrift store” I had to include this place, as it is relatively close to the Salvation Army I mentioned above. This warehouse sells a bunch of random things from estate sales. While there aren’t a lot of clothing items, there are treasures galore. From furniture to kitchenware to baskets, you can find plenty here! It has rummage sale vibes for sure. I often head here if I have nothing in particular to buy but an itch to thrift… And usually find something super cute for my apartment. 😊 Definitely on my list for the best “thrift” stores in Grand Rapids!

Warehouse One Antiques – 449 Century Ave SW

While this is an antique store, I had to include it on the list anyway. Thrifting and antiquing have very different stereotypes, but I love them both the same. This is a HUGE antique mall; it has two floors and spans an old furniture factory downtown Grand Rapids. It is awesome – just make sure you have a lot of time to look at everything! Each booth is different, and I’ve found plenty of clothes (mostly vintage) among furniture, housewares, and anything else you can think of. Super fun place to go with friends because there is something for everyone.

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Final Thoughts on the Best Thrift Stores in Grand Rapids

While there are a ton of other great secondhand stores not mentioned on this list, I wanted to share some of my favorites. I am hoping once Mister Corona settles down even further I’ll be able to thrift shop a bit more this summer… But, no promises! If you are interested in seeing thrift hauls or cute secondhand finds, feel free to follow me on Instagram! What are your favorite thrift stores currently?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderHow to be Eco-Friendly When Staying in an Airbnb

Hey earth muffins! With the mass distribution of COVID vaccines, travel has become a possibility again. While you obviously need to still stay safe from Mister Corona, I myself have been venturing out more. Whenever I travel, I love to find cute Airbnbs to stay at. Not only does this provide you with a more unique stay compared to a hotel, it often allows for better amenities as well. 😊 However, is it possible to stay sustainable when using Airbnb? Of course it is! Here are my top tips on how to be eco-friendly in an Airbnb!

A picture of an Airbnb loft apartment

Pick an Airbnb that is the perfect size for you and your fellow travelers.

When looking at Airbnbs, there are often many options in your price range. While it might be tempting to reserve that mansion by the water, try to pick a rental that is the right size for the number of people attending the trip. If it is way bigger, the host will need to clean a lot more than necessary. This will result in excess waste from cleaning supplies, wasted water when doing laundry for bedding, and just extra time that the host could spend doing something else! Aim to be Goldilocks – pick the Airbnb that is “just right”! This will ensure that the preparations for your stay won’t create as much of an environmental impact.

Cook for yourself (if possible) and bring food & drinks!

I always try to get an Airbnb with a kitchen. This allows me to avoid takeout waste and cook for myself. Many Airbnbs with kitchens will already have the essentials – oil, salt, pepper, etc. All you need to do is bring the rest of the ingredients for tasty meals! Go the extra mile and make sure your groceries are plastic-free, from the bulk bins, and/or in glass/reusable packaging. I also like to bring my large Hydroflask so that I can stay hydrated while exploring a new place. 😃

A picture of a pan of food, getting cooked over a stove

Don’t use travel-size bath products if they leave them out for you.

This is a great tip for hotels as well! I’ve stayed at some Airbnbs where the host leaves travel-sized shampoos and soaps in the bathroom. While this is super kind, a great “how to be eco-friendly in an Airbnb” tip is to avoid those single use plastics. If you don’t use them, another guest can which reduces the amount of trash that will end up in the landfill. It is easy to make sure that you pack your own toiletries and don’t forget them at home!

Take recycling & compost with you when you check out!

At the end of your stay, make sure you sort your waste. If your Airbnb doesn’t have a recycle bin, take your recyclables home (if you have any). Even if the rental does have a recycling bin, I usually still take it home as the rules of what can recycle differs by location. I definitely don’t want to be a “wishcycler“! If you were able to cook for yourself, save any food scraps for your compost bin. This is an excellent way to reduce food waste as you travel!

Leave notes to show what is still clean.

If you didn’t use a bed or some pillows, leave a note saying that they are clean! This will (hopefully) avoid the host washing an already clean item. The same goes for towels in the bathroom. For anything that is dirty, make it obvious that they are dirty by putting them in a pile or even placing them in the washing machine so that the host can just turn the machine on after you leave. The less confusion over what is clean will allow for a lower impact on the environment!

how to be eco-friendly when staying in an Airbnb
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Final Thoughts on How to be Eco-Friendly in an Airbnb

It is definitely possible to stay low waste while traveling this summer. If you choose to stay in an Airbnb, make sure to pick one that has the amenities you want (like a kitchen!) but isn’t too large for you and your fellow travelers. By cooking for yourself, you will be able to reduce takeout waste and save yourself some money for other experiences on your trip. If the host leaves travel-sized items, gratefully pass them up and use what you bring from home instead. Lastly, clean up after yourself and take recyclables and compost home with you. What else do you do to reduce your impact while traveling? 🌎 ❤️

Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderA Weekender’s Travel Guide to Ann Arbor, Michigan – The Best Things to See & Do

Hey earth muffins! As many of you might know, I spent my undergrad/grad years in Ann Arbor attending the University of Michigan. I would definitely not go back to school any time soon; but, those years were some of the best in my entire life. Sure, academics were tough, but college is such an exciting time in anyone’s life. 😊 I have really wanted to travel recently due to spending way too much time stuck in my apartment; I’m not sure when Mister Corona will allow us to travel again. So, I thought it would be fun to post a Weekender’s Travel Guide post. I haven’t posted one of these in a hot minute! Let’s jump right into the ultimate travel guide to Ann Arbor, MI!

A picture of a girl on the field of the Michigan Stadium

What You Should See on Campus:

If you haven’t ever been to Ann Arbor before, then you obviously need to check out some of the campus highlights. I personally would recommend these sites:

The Diag: As you are walking through the Diag, you will be able to also check out a ton of the cool buildings on campus. This is the center of the school, so it is a great place to start when exploring Ann Arbor. The Union is an iconic building to visit, and it is right near the Diag.

The Law Quad: If you want to feel like you are at Hogwarts then the Law Quad is for you. It is gorgeous year round and the perfect place to take grad photos. 😂 One of the prettiest libraries is also in the Law Quad, so feel free to go peep at some exhausted students.


The Michigan Stadium: While the stadium itself is a ways from campus, you can jump on a Blue Bus (for free) and take a quick ride to it if you don’t have a vehicle with you. I am personally not a huge sports person, but if you are there during footbal season then definitely get tickets to watch the game!

The Ross School of Business: If you want to see the ugliest colored building on campus, then this is for you. It is also where I spent 99% of my time, as I graduated with two business degrees in my 5 years in Ann Arbor. The building itself is pretty impressive to look at, and there is a Starbucks inside if you are getting thirsty on your tour.

Travel Guide to Ann Arbor – What to Do Off Campus:

Other than campus activities, Ann Arbor also has some awesome things to see. If you are in Ann Arbor during warmer months, you can check out the gorgeous nature at The Arb. You can walk the many trails or just lay in fields of flowers or sit at the side of the river.

The Michigan Theater and the State Theater both have great selections from new movies to old classics. Along with movies, they also do live shows from students orgs and even livestreams of Russian ballets. It is a great place to support the local community! My personal favorite is that they do these awesome sing-alongs where you can go and watch Disney movies with the words on the screen. It is actually a super fun activity to do with your friends!

A picture of the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor, Michigan

If you want to check out the local secondhand scene, I recommend checking out my favorite thrift stores in Ann Arbor! It is pretty expensive to live in this city, so you can find some pretty awesome brands at local thrifts. 😍 Along with those listed in that post, there are also a few small vintage stores close to campus as well.

Main Street also has a bunch of fun activities to choose from. There is The Ark where you can go listen to live music, many cute stores to shop in, and (of course) a TON of delicious places to eat!

Where to Eat in Ann Arbor:

Even during my college days I tried to eat out as little as possible to both save money and reduce my waste. But, I do have some favorite restaurants that I would recommend checking out.

Sadako – 1321 South University Ave

If you love sushi, this place is for you! The restaurant itself is tiny, so I would recommend going at a weird time (or getting it to go). They have great rolls at good prices; I loved going during lunch hours to get the bento boxes – SO much delicious food! They also have mochi ice cream that is really tasty as well. My friend once put the whole thing in her mouth and had a Princess Diaries moment if you know what I mean. 🤣

A picture of a bento box from Sadako restaurant in Ann Arbor, Michigan
An old photo at Sadako when I used to eat meat.

Salads UP – 611 E Liberty St.

While it might sound lame, their salads are so good! It is a Subway-style restaurant, where you can either get a custom made salad or order one from their menu. I personally always get a custom made one; it was such a great way to finish off a day of studying! I also love that this place was founded by two UoM alums. Feels like I am supporting the school when I eat there!

Cafe Zola – 112 W. Washington St.

This place is on the pricier side compared to the others above. But, it is still reasonable considering the high prices at many of Ann Arbor’s restaurants (again, it’s a wealthy town). The salmon burger and fries are to die for here! My friend’s family would always take us here when they were in town, and it was such a delicious treat. I have yet to try to make my own salmon burger because I know it will never compare!

So, if you ever find yourself in Michigan, Ann Arbor is a great choice to visit! While I could write a novel about all of the cool things to see, I tried to keep this travel guide to Ann Arbor relatively short. But, if you are making plans to go check it out, please let me know! Email or DM me on Instagram, and I would love to make more recommendations. Go Blue! 💛 💙

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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Best Thrift Stores in Ann Arbor, MI

Hey muffins! After spending the last five years in Ann Arbor during both my undergrad and grad school experiences, I have definitely checked out many of the city’s thrift stores. Secondhand shopping is an excellent way to reduce your waste and avoid fast fashion. It is also super fun to look for treasures! Now that I no longer live in the area, I thought it would be fun to share some of my faves with you all. These Ann Arbor thrift stores are the ones I would shop at the most; each one has different reasons on why I like it, so here are my thoughts!

1. The ShareHouse

A picture of the clothing section in the ShareHouse in Ann Arbor

Address: 5161 Jackson Rd

This store was my absolute favorite place to shop – I will definitely miss it! The building is large and contains a mix of literally everything and anything you could be searching for. The clothing department is relatively small, but they have a nice chunk of vintage pieces. There are even wedding dresses if you are looking to have a sustainable ceremony. 💒 Even though they don’t have a large amount of clothes, the prices are excellent ranging from $0.25 to $3.

In terms of home items, they have bins of EVERYTHING (ex. utensils, bathroom storage, craft supplies, etc.). While everything is well labeled, you will have to dig through bins if they are full. But you are bound to find some treasures! They have a huge wall of cheap cookbooks and a whole room for games and puzzles. Most things are assigned prices at checkout (except for clothes), but the owners always give extremely reasonable prices. You could probably bargain with them if you wanted, but I’ve never seen the need. A great thrift store to check out – give yourself at least two hours to look at everything! 😀

Best finds: Three 1000 piece puzzles ($4), a huge stack of vintage greeting cards ($4.50), Mickey Mouse shirt for Disney trip ($0.25)

2. Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop

A picture of the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop

Address: 2280 S Industrial Hwy

This thrift store has a moderate amount of clothes, but each week a certain color tag makes those pieces only $0.50! Because the section isn’t massive the clothing turns over pretty quick, so there are always new things to look at. I’d recommend shopping for those 50 cents pieces at the beginning of the week; they are perfect for any thrift flip projects!

If you are looking for crafting/DIY supplies, this is also the place to go. They have everything from single buttons to stickers to scrapbooking paper to fabric to vintage patterns. It is truly incredible and the labeling is on point. The kitchen section is relatively small, but I have found some nice things there. They also have a good game section and check each one to ensure all the pieces are in the box! Unlike the ShareHouse, everything is individually priced. All the proceeds go to support local schools of the area, so I loved supporting this place these past five years!

Best finds: “Technicolor dreamcoat” sweater ($4), Halloween pillow ($4.50), fabric for my DIY Mary Poppins costume

3. Salvation Army

A picture of the Salvation Army in Ann Arbor

Address: 1621 S State St

My favorite “chain” thrift store has always been Salvation Army, and the one in Ann Arbor doesn’t disappoint. This store is basically 90% clothing – it has everything you could ever look for! Because Ann Arbor is a wealthier area, this location is stocked full of amazing brands. This also means the prices are slightly higher, but even as a broke college student the prices were never too high. The store is quite busy, and a lot of people shop here (including college students as it is walking distance to campus). But, this means the inventory turns over often… There are a ton of new items each week!

Best finds: Gnocci “Gucci” shirt ($3)

4. Recycle Ann Arbor’s Reuse Center

A picture of the Recycle Reclaim Center in Ann Arbor

Address: 2420 S Industrial Hwy

This recycling center is close to the PTO thrift store, so I would always stop in when I was in the area. Their “barn” has bits of everything from kitchenware to boxes of books to lots of furniture. Nothing is individually labeled, and I have found that the prices end up being higher than the ShareHouse. But, this center also has a huge selection of reclaimed wood and other materials. If you are a handy person or is about to start some home projects or rebuilds this would be the place to check out!

Best find: Nice golf club for my boyfriend ($8)

Overall, I think there are a lot of awesome secondhand options in Ann Arbor. On top of the ones I mentioned, there are also many vintage and antique stores in the area. The city can be quite expensive overall, so thrifting is an excellent way to save that coin AND save the planet! 🌎 What are your favorite thrift stores in Ann Arbor?

The best thrift stores in Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Love,
Jenna ♥

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bookmark_borderThe Weekender’s Travel Guide to Bangor, Maine!

Hey earth muffins! Like I mentioned in my previous Focaccia Bread recipe, the world is a scary place right now. 2020 has been an absolute ride, so I hope you all are staying safe and healthy! Today marks the end of the stay at home order where I live; I am excited, but also cautious, to start going out of my house again. The one thing I have missed the most during this pandemic is traveling. I have written some weekend travel guides in the past, so I thought I would share one for a city close to my heart: Bangor, Maine.

A photo overlooking the city of Bangor, Maine

If you read my Bar Harbor, Maine travel guide, you will know that my family spent a lot of time in Maine. I loved growing up on the East Coast and now that I live in the Midwest, I often miss the ocean. Going back to Maine is the number one destination on my travel bucket list at the moment! Bangor is the third largest city in the “vacation state”, so I hope this guide helps you plan your next trip! 😍

What to Do & See:

~Drive by Stephen King’s house. Mainers are pretty proud of iconic author Stephen King. He has a home close to downtown Bangor, which is currently being converted into a museum/living space for other writers. I personally love the creepy fence that surrounds his house at 47 W Broadway St, and the neighboring houses are also super pretty to admire!

A photo of the front of Stephen King's house in Bangor, Maine

~Walk around downtown Bangor. While it isn’t the nicest downtown, there are a couple of highlights. First, the Maine Discovery Museum is perfect for any young kids; I still think the sign out front (complete with a huge frog) is super cute! The Rock & Art Shop (36 Central St) has some really pretty stones and gemstones, which are awesome souvenirs to bring back home!

~Hit up the Bangor Mall! If you are in need of some shopping there are a ton of chain stores at the mall (or in surrounding buildings). I got my ears pierced at this Claire’s location – such good memories haha.

~Visit the Paul Bunyan statue! I have a weird fascination with oversized roadside attractions… I love to make my family stop and look at gigantic animals, etc. This statue is a Bangor classic! Located at 519 Main St, you can admire Paul in all of his greatness.

A photo of a Paul Bunyan statue in Bangor, Maine

~See a show at the waterfront or the Collins Center for the Arts. Bangor is right next to the Penobscot River, and there is an awesome waterfront that hosts concerts and festivals. Each summer there is a huge music festival that is super fun to go to, and I bet there are a bunch of other festivals throughout the year! If you want to see a symphony, ballet, or play, the Collins Center for the Arts is only 20 minutes away in Orono.

What to Eat:

~Bagel Central (33 Central St): I crave their bagels and cream cheese at least once a week! They make bagels, sandwiches, pastries, etc. all from scratch, and their prices are always very reasonable. It is also in a great location downtown, right across the street from the Rock & Art Shop.

A photo of three bagels sitting on a brown napkin

~Asian Garden (123 Franklin St): The last time I went here it was called Panda Garden, but I am sure the Chinese food is as good as I remember! I am a huge sucker for some tasty Asian food, and my family would frequent this restaurant whenever we were in the area. 🐼

~Hannaford: Not a restaurant but a East Coast grocery store that is way better than the Krogers of the Midwest. If you will be staying in an Airbnb or driving to Bar Harbor to camp then you NEED to check out a Hannaford. Treat yourself with their store brand carrot cake – I have yet to find an equivalent!

~Dysart’s (1110 Broadway): Ever seen the meme/video of the old man who can’t say buttery, flaky crust?

Well it comes from an ad for this restaurant! Granted the original truck stop restaurant isn’t this location, it still has the same food. It is homemade and you get a large portion – perfect after a long day of being a tourist!

~Gifford’s Ice Cream (1109 Broadway): Who doesn’t love some Maine ice cream? Just like Bagel Central bagels I often crave Gifford’s too… Their Moose Tracks is the best! 😍

A photo collage of pictures from Bangor, Maine with the words The Weekender's Guide to Bangor, Maine on top
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There you have it – my travel guide to Bangor! I’ve been to a bunch of other cities in Maine; if any of you are interested in other guides please let me know! 😃 Where are you planning on traveling to next?

Love,
Jenna ♥

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