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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

Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when th Snow day and the art of doing nothing even when the world demands we do so much. 

It’s ok to breathe. Process in silence. Seek comfort in yourself. Laugh. 

REST IS RESISTANCE. 

They want us scared. Broken. Isolated. Hopeless. Joyless. Exhausted. We are not. This moment is not how our story ends. 

“Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation and that is an act of political warfare.” - Audre Lorde
A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syr A wintery day with coffee and books was had in Syracuse, NY. For our coffee cart (@cafecomodony ) we headed over to @peakscoffeeco roasting site and were treated to a tour and cupping experience of their beautiful coffee selections which we are excited to serve at market this summer. 

We then headed to Books and Melodies to browse through their large selection of used books and vintage vinyls, while the cozy vibey tunes filled the space. 

Followed that with a stop at @kelseyscoffeeandfriends for a warm matcha and delicious breakfast burrito. And while a visit to Peaks Coffee roasters is not a public affair, you can still pick up a bag or two or more at Kelsey’s - trust us, it’s worth it!

Stay warm and safe out there everyone!

#syracuseny #newyork #winterday #thingstodoinsyracuse #booklover
People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think People are sharing memories from 2016 but I think this is my favorite one: going to Jamaica for work with my family. We went on a family adventure and it was the first time the boys were trying snorkeling. 

My youngest was so so scared but I made him get in the water still promising him I would hold his hand, be with him the entire time, and never leave his side. 

When I made him get in the water the other tourists on the boat gave me nasty looks and made comments making it clear they thought I was a shit mom for “ignoring” my son’s fears. I jumped into the water and he was crying tears coming down from behind his snorkel mask. I held his hand as promised and we started swimming.

The coral reef was bustling with life. Fish of all colors, eel, sand sharks, starfish. I wasn’t sure if it would terrify him or excite him. 

I would occasionally check on him with a thumbs up sign and he would confirm with a thumbs up back. After a while he signaled to come up and said “It’s ok mom. I can go on my own from here.” And let go of my hand and off he went. 

I watched him swim away from me and then it was me who started crying feeling both pride in him and that bittersweetness in seeing him not need me anymore. This memory still makes me cry. Today the little boy is pursuing a career in environmental science and forestry and photography (see his work at @liamlcc).

The second best memory of 2016 was Elle King renewing our vows at the Beacon Theater during one of her NYC concerts. Travis had arranged the entire thing…a blur as I was in shock the whole time! We just celebrated 23 years together❤️
@sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” @sagra_italia, a newly opened “Brooklyn-style” Italian cafe has opened in Rochester, and though I am always skeptical of anything claimed to be “Brooklyn”, I have to say, it was really pretty close. 

We started at the bar for drinks and light bites, where the bartender was friendly and made some pretty kick-ass drinks. We then moved to an open table (no reservations here - walk in and grab an open spot) before ordering from the counter (food is brought to you) You bus your own table, which I think contributes significantly to the affordable menu, and which I honestly didn’t mind. 

The food was solid. I ordered the funghi pasta and we shared a Caesar and fried burrata, which was 😘👌🏾❤️!

The whole vibe was exactly what I needed and the perfect spot to catch up with Rochester friends on a snowy night. 

Kitchen closes at 9PM, bar closes at 10. 

And if you’ve ever been to @tapas177 next door and loved it (if you haven’t, you should go), it’s by the same family. 

Highly recommend and excited to go back. Another Rochester win!

#fingerlakes #rochesterny #rochestereats #newyork #italianfood @visitrochester
The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I no The world feels heavy, so here’s some light I noticed today: this dormant field of wildflowers we planted has been nesting bunny rabbits, birds, and little insect ecosystems this cold season. So even though on the surface it just looks like a field of dead and dried stems, when you look deeper, you’ll notice that it’s also a reprieve, a safe space, a comfort, and a resting place. 

I guess, maybe, that’s a lot of us right now. A little worn out. Tired. Sad. Drained. Overwhelmed. But we can also be someone’s comfort, safe space, peace, shoulder, friend…a little light for those who need it. And maybe that’s what we should remember to keep us going.
I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answ I get asked often if I miss the city, and the answer is all the time, but not really, but also yes, but kinda…depends. 

I think living in a slower paced environment has been good for me. Healthy and challenging in different ways. I sometimes get restless, but often need rest too. I love the space both environmently and in time to be creative. And I love that if I ever do get too restless, I am not far from Rochester (a city I’ve grown to love) or NYC. 

But I also love that when I feel any sense of anxiety, I can step outside, be surrounded by nature, and come back home a little more healed. Life is unpredictable, but during my era of slow living, I want to make sure to appreciate and enjoy all it offers.

#fingerlakes #newyork #slowliving #citygirlinthecountry

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