Over the years I've had friends move all across the country and aside from missing them dearly, the one upside is that each time I have to say goodbye I get to add another new city to my bucket list. My friend Ellie recently moved to Cleveland, Tennessee which is just outside Chattanooga and I recently boarded a plane for a girl's weekend reunion. Although my visit happened to be during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a time I'm sure no traveler will ever forget, we still had a few days to get out and enjoy the city. Read on to discover my list of Chattanooga highlights, perfect for a one or two day visit. 

There is something so charming about the small beach towns lining the Lake Michigan shoreline and St. Joseph, Michigan is no exception. No matter what season you visit, you can always find something to see and do. Whether you’re sipping local brews during the winter beer festival, shopping for fresh procure and local goods at the farmer’s market along the bluff, or enjoying a day in the sun on Silver Beach - there’s fun to be had for the whole family. When you start to plan your Southwest Michigan getaway, one of the most important aspects is deciding where to stay. My husband and I recently had an overnight getaway at The Boulevard Inn and Bistro and it was the perfect location for experiencing the most of what the city has to over. Located on the picturesque bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the hotel offers guests a full-service, all-suite hotel and restaurant. The best part is, the hotel is located in the heart of downtown St. Joseph and within walking distance of the beach, shops, restaurants and other attractions. All you need for a perfect Southwest Michigan getaway is all right there. Keep reading to find out more of the best parts of our recent stay. 

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by The Boulevard Inn and Bistro. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I hopped off the plane at LAX. Look to the right and I see the Hollywood Sign.

Okay, okay enough with the Miley Cyrus references, but in all honestly it has always been a dream of mine to visit California. The celebrities, the west coast vibe, and of course the gorgeous coastline - it was all calling my name. So when my sister and I were deciding where we should go for our third annual sister trip (#1 Waco and #2 Nashville) it seemed like a great choice.

We visited in mid-February and the weather most days was mid 60s which was a welcome change from the Michigan winter we were used to and actually felt a lot warmer with the sun out. Most of the areas we went to weren't as busy as I was expecting them to be and this time of year definitely seemed like an off season. In addition to exploring West Hollywood, we also spent time in Santa Monica and Malibu. 

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.

When most people think of a trip to L.A., a bustling city with lots of traffic is likely to come to mind. And while that may be the case for downtown Los Angeles, just west of the city is the not so hidden gem of Malibu.

​Home to 21 miles of coastline and nearly three dozen beaches it's no wonder countless celebrities call this city home. While on our recent sister trip to California, we made sure to dedicate one whole day to exploring this coastline paradise. Since we were staying in Santa Monica it was only a quick 20 minute drive with lots to see and do. In addition to the activities listed below, you can opt for a more adventurous afternoon with trails that weave through canyons, waterfalls and grasslands in the Santa Monica Mountains.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.