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Girl Gone Travel

Girl Gone Travel

North America, Travel
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August 3, 2010

Falling in love with Asheville, NC

Before beginning our amazing 2010 Road Trip Adventure, my husband and I had decided that our last stop would be Asheville, NC. I had never been. Almost went last year for a conference, but had to cancel last minute. My husband kept telling my about some amazing attraction or another, but honestly, I didn't really think much of it. There are travel writers who will say that before you go an[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 26, 2010

Gator, Gumbo, Crawfish, and Beignets…Eating Good in New Orleans

Ah, New Orleans. I still remember the excitement with which I visited and New Orleans didn't disappoint. In fact, it exceeded expectations. One of the things we enjoyed the most was the food. Oh the glorious food. I had a list of things to taste and hit the ground running once we got out of the car. Our first stop:Oceana Seafood in the French Quarter. The mission: Eat gator. Yup. Alligato[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 21, 2010

Exploring Family-Friendly Side of New Orleans, LA

Anytime I have ever asked anyone about New Orleans I have heard about how fun it is. "The jazz clubs!" "The art scene!" "Mardi Gras!!" And after visiting New Orleans on this Summer's road trip, I can say that all of these are definitely a strong part of the city's culture. But what about the family scene? Things to do with kids in New Orleans isn't something that most people I have spoken[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 21, 2010

Just Like Home at Residence Inn Biltmore, Asheville, NC

Asheville was the last stop on our 2010 Summer road trip and by this time we had pretty much spent our "extravagant restaurant experiences" budget. We could have stressed out a little wondering where all the inexpensive places to eat were in this new town we've never visited before. But because we were staying at the Residence Inn Biltmore we didn't have to. This is because we had the full[...]

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Travel
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July 19, 2010

Bliss at Le Richelieu, French Quarter, New Orleans

I was very excited about traveling to New Orleans, but never having been there before made it difficult to determine where to stay. Lucky for us we had the help of the New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau and they partnered us up* with Le Richelieu, a lovely hotel in the beautiful French Quarter. Located on Chartres St., Le Richelieu fits the feel of New Orleans in both charm and h[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 19, 2010

Meats and Other Eats in Austin, TX

Aside from all the hanging around and napping we did in our recent trip to Austin, TX we did a lot of eating. A lot. So much eating in fact, that it pretty much set us straight for the rest of the trip...well, almost. But good food is definitely one of those things Austin has going for it. As we were heading closer to the city my sister-in-law contacted us asking us if we wanted to order[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 16, 2010

Living it up in Austin, TX Family Style

Ok, well, maybe by "living it up" I don't mean taking part in the awesome music scene in Austin, or going to any of the many great bars, or even shopping. But, if you are like me, an adventurer with kids, than you will manage to live it up the best way you know how...with kids in tow. Truth is, we didn't do much in Austin, well, except eat, and THAT list will come soon enough. What we did[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 14, 2010

Eating Adventure in Memphis, TN

We've been on the road for almost a week and a half now and I have barely touched on the amount of awesome food that we have had since we set off on this amazing Summer adventure. After our wonderful experience with the discovery of The Cupcake Collection, we moved on to Memphis, TN. Before we even set off on this trip my husband had been talking about eating at Memphis non-stop. "We will[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 13, 2010

A Night at the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Memphis

During our one-night stay in Downtown Memphis, we had accommodations set up* at the Residence Inn by Marriott Downtown Memphis. This particular location is quite lovely as it fits well with the historic feel of Memphis. Registered with the National Historical Registry, you feel you are walking back in time as you take in the art deco lobby and decor surrounding you throughout. The hotel[...]

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North America, Travel
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July 12, 2010

Residence Inn by Marriott Brentwood Nashville

Residence Inn has partnered up with us* during our 2010 Road Trip Adventure, and we really couldn't be happier. As I have mentioned in my previous posts, I consider the Residence Inn hotels to be a perfect fit for our family. Not only because of the size of the rooms, but also because of the amenities found throughout. These reviews are to give you feedback of our experiences with them and[...]

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About me

Hi! I'm Carol! I am an award-winning travel blogger, a keynote speaker, and the Principal and owner of Brave World Media, a social media marketing, communications, and branding agency. I a wife to a handsome Irish/Scot and a mom to 3 sons. Welcome to my blog where I share stories of my travels and professional public relations insights and advice. Thank you for reading and for your support!

Carol Cain

Contact

  • caincarol@gmail.com

Follow @girlgonetravel

Twenty two years seems WILD. I still remember our Twenty two years seems WILD. I still remember our first date, and here we are a gazillion adventures and so many kids later, and over two decades together. 

I am the luckiest girl in the world to have met the most patient and kindest human around, and that he would end up being my person and best friend just feels, still, surreal and lucky. 

Happy anniversary, @travisjcain. I will try my hardest to make this year less chaotic and a bit more chill….but then again, you did decide to marry a Sagittarius, so it’s kind of on you. 🤣 Love you to infinity.
Happy winter and merry everything as we enjoy anot Happy winter and merry everything as we enjoy another snowy day in the Finger Lakes. 

Personally, I am ready to hibernate for a bit and enjoy a book or two by the fire while the sounds of my guys fills our home. 

I am in no rush to start the new year but am also excited to get started. I want a year filled with more time with friends, and pursuing projects that I am really inspired by and to be surrounded by inspiring people. I expect to say no a lot this year, after so many years of saying yes and regretting it. I want days that feel happy and healthy and fulfilling. 

Not too much to ask, right? And I wish you all a happy and healthy year too. May you love and be loved in all the ways you deserve and need. ❤️

Thanks for the follow, the support, the DMs and comments, and kindness expressed and shared.
This time of year is a joyous one but it can also This time of year is a joyous one but it can also be terribly overwhelming and draining. 

As someone managing two small businesses and all that life throws my way, I felt I needed a little escape, and Rochester always delivers!

We booked a hotel room, hit up all of our favorite spots, and a couple of new ones. On the list of musts:

📍Highland Park Diner- a must for a hearty breakfast to start the day. Best on weekdays for no crowds. 
📍Siren and the Sea - new cafe bookstore full of good reads, cozy vibes, and yummy drinks
📍Happy Earth Tea - where I picked up some delicious chai and matcha (also a sweet little yap spot with friends). 
📍Lamberton Conservatory - especially this time of year as it’s decorated for the holidays. Was a lovely spot to sit on a bench and zen out for a bit.
📍Winter Swan Coffee - afternoon cafecito, gift and plant shopping
📍Ugly Duck Coffee - the main reason we were inspired to come to Rochester on this specific day, for their Industry Night, where we nerded out about coffee “and beyond”. Of course we went back the next morning for coffee!
📍Rochester Public Market - for some evening holiday market strolling and hellos to our friends Sylvan Farm and Cidery who were working the market!
📍Lucky’s for dinner - yummy, but man oh man do I miss their onion rings!

Absolutely love this city for it’s ability to make me feel happier and lighter. Happy place 🫶🏾.
I’ve seen some pretty spectacular sunsets in my I’ve seen some pretty spectacular sunsets in my travels. Some of my absolute favorites have been on a beach in Mazatlán, Mexico, behind The Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany, while sitting on a fisherman’s dock in Seoul, South Korea, along the rugged seashore of La Perla, Puerto Rico, and here in the Finger Lakes. Not an exaggeration. The sunsets here are stunning. Breathtaking even. 

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry #sunsethour
As a Brooklyn girl, born and raised, I never could As a Brooklyn girl, born and raised, I never could’ve imagined a reason to stray too far from my beloved city…and then, I found the Finger Lakes. Never say never. 🤷🏾‍♀️

Bonus: Brooklyn feels like a world away from all this peace and beauty, but it’s only a 4 hour drive. 🫶🏾

#fingerlakes #newyork #citygirlinthecountry #roadtrip
During my recent jaunt to @visittheberkshires I im During my recent jaunt to @visittheberkshires I immersed myself in @massmoca bliss. With 250,000 square feet of gallery space, it’s easy to understand how with three visits thus far,  I still haven’t seen all there is to see. 

Strolling the interconnected buildings and walkways leads you into a new experience, and with each ticket allowing for two consecutive day visits, you are encouraged to take your time. 

Another thing to note is that in between my visits (separated by a month’s time) I got to see new installations that weren’t there before, as many of the exhibits are ever-evolving. 

I have yet to visit during warmer temps, when the outdoor spaces are activated with more art and events, so am definitely excited to return. It would also be cool to catch a live performance there! 

Bonus: the coffee shop adjacent to the museum - @tunnelcitycoffee - serves up some good sips, and I highly recommend reservations to @casitaberkshires, the Mexican restaurant also on campus.

#berkshiresma #roadtrip #museum #massmoca #visitberkshires

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