Best Kept Secrets of 5 Great Travel Destinations | Secrets Series

You've heard it said that the "Devil is in the Details". I like to say the "Destination is in the Details". It's within the special ,sometimes overlooked details that the story is found. It's how one property distinguishes itself amongst the rest and creates loyalty and admiration from it's guests. Here are a few of my favorite details I consider best kept secrets that I recently shared on WJXT 4 News 4 Jax.

Best Kept Secrets of 5 Great Travel Destinations

One Ocean Resort is Very Pet Friendly

1. One Ocean Resort and Spa 
Luxury Ocean Front Resort in Atlantic Beach
- One Ocean Resort is extremely pet friendly.

- They are pleased to provide a dog walking service for your furry friends.

- One Ocean prepares made from scratch pet food. 

- Celebrity Dog Uggie from the Artist and Water for Elephants has been hosted by the resort. 

One Ocean Resort has hosted Celebrity Dog Uggie

2. Honey Lake Plantation Resort and Spa

Plantation Style Resort and Spa near Tallahassee

Jackie Kennedy is said to have been secreted away in the
Pansy Poe Cottage on Honey Lake.

- Honey Lake Plantation, true to its name, harvests its own honey on the plantation and they create custom blends of bourbons and whiskeys that they serve as cocktails and also use in a variety of dishes for a truly unique plantation-to-plate culinary experience.

- The Pansey Poe Cottage at Honey Lake Plantation has a neat piece of history that most don’t know about. Legend has it that following JFK’s assassination Jackie Kennedy was secreted in the Pansy Poe Cottage on the secluded shore of Honey Lake, which holds true to its original design today. 

Honey Lake harvests it's own own for use in custom blends of bourbon and whiskey as well in prepared dishes.

3. B Hotels & Resorts

Boutique Hotels and Resorts Geared Toward Millenials located in Orlando, and Miami

- Each property has a signature scent, specially designed for the resort

- Each property has a unique stuffed animal which is available for purchase.  When purchased, a portion of the proceeds are donated to saving endangered animals in a local conservation organization. 

B Hotels and Resorts have a signature fragrance for each property.

Beer and Wine is complimentary on board all ships

4. AmaWaterways 

Award Winning River Cruises Serving Europe, Southeast Asia, and Africa

- Each vessel has 25 bikes onboard.  Guests can use them to ride from one port to the next (if the ports are close enough)

- The line offers specific themed cruises which appeal to the interests of its sailers (for example, wine, beer and art themed cruises)  

- Beer and wine are complimentary on board all ships

Each Vessel has 25 bikes on board for sailors to take out to port

The First Full Service Resort for
the Margaritaville Properties

5. Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

First Full Service Resort for Margaritaville (slated to open summer 2015 in Hollywood Fl)

- Will have a FlowRider Double on the Ocean side of the property 

-There will be seven dining options, including JWB Prime Steakhouse and Seafood 
 (the first ever on a Margaritaville property)

- There will be 11,000 square feet of spa space called St. Somewhere Spa

Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort will have a FlowRider Double on the Ocean side of the property

These unique details separate the best from the rest. I encourage you to dig deeper as you make your choices when traveling. It could be details like these that make your journey that much more memorable. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West
www.amywesttravel.com

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Escape to Lunch at Eleven South Bistro and Bar | Lady Who Lunches

On the Menu:
Organic Baby Kale Salad with Grilled Atlantic Salmon

Lunch often gets overlooked as a non event meal. Generally it becomes a "thing" when it involves business or some of your favorite girls getting together for a ladies lunch. Personally, I love the thrill of sneaking away from my overwhelming to do list during the day to meet up with the hubby for an impromptu lunch date. Part of my inspiration for this series was to reawaken your imagination, and reveal a few great lunch spots that make the perfect mid day getaway. Eleven South Bistro and Bar is one of these special spots. You may remember them from my "Date Night Destination" series and thought perhaps it was just for date night. I'm happy to showcase their amazing lunch, which has recently undergone a little renovation.

On the Menu:
Orecchiette Pasta with Wild Gulf Shrimp

Intimate Escape

Eleven South's New Lunch Menu Features
New Weekly Specials for the Adventurous Palate

Eleven South is quite the desirable getaway for lunch time diners. If you are looking for an elegant escape with first rate menu selections prepared with finesse then this is your place. Add to that top notch service and you will leave your afternoon meal feeling positively doted upon. I love the courtyard which provides ample natural light and the soft sounds of a nearby fountain to erase the stress of your work day in a private setting. With a great climate inviting you to embrace the outdoors nearly year around, Eleven South's outdoor seating also accommodates weather fluctuations with fans and heaters accordingly, and is safely covered for those rainy summer afternoons, or you can always grab a table inside their intimate dining room.  Located in South Jacksonville Beach just steps from the sand and sea, this destination is ideal for business luncheons, and a great spot for infamous "Ladies Who Lunch" get togethers.  Sip on a selection from the miles long wine list which Eleven South has won many awards for, or taste the Bistro's signature classics. What's more, you may find a few new surprises...

On the Menu:
Tuscan Sandwich
Portobello, Fresh Mozzarella, Roasted Roma Tomatoes, Baby Arugula

Full of Surprises 

Eleven South is among the Top Restaurants in Jacksonville and one of the few fine dining destinations locally that has consistently impressed diners for years. One might think that it would be easy to kick a successful restaurant into auto pilot and stick with the basics that made it famous, but not at Eleven South. Their philosophy of maintaining a variety of classics while keeping patrons guessing with daily specials has long impressed. Now this methodology is gearing up for even more success. Over the past few years the foodie population in Jacksonville has increased dramatically. With dining being one of the top three reasons why visitors travel to the First Coast, you can be sure palates are becoming more refined. Critical tastebuds have begun demanding exotic flavors, and popular trends, and Eleven South has answered that demand with innovation. 

On the Menu:
Smoked Salmon Bruschetta

Now instead of a few daily specials including an entrée, a soup, and an app, you will now see weekly menu changes that are available in short runs just as you might see on a "Chalk Board" style menu. A classic set of local favorites will still remain, but now the chefs will have the opportunity to express themselves creatively more each week while exploring current trends, and seasonal specialties. You'll want to visit often to stay on top of each new dish, which to me only adds to the fun! 

On the Menu:
Ahi Tuna Tartare with Crispy Wantons

Personally, I can't wait to see what exciting new dishes rise as shining stars on this new adventurous menu. During my sit down I couldn't get enough of selections like Smoked Salmon Bruschetta which is smoked in house and balanced well with the salty tang of capers. The Organic Baby Kale Salad had me returning again recently with the family for more, and the playful spin on Coffee and Donuts has a magical combination of Panna Cotta and Beignets. 

On the Menu:
Coffee and Donoughts
Espresso Panna Cotta and Cinnamon Sugar Dusted Beignets

Unlike some finer dining destinations Eleven South doesn't skimp on the meal size and you can be sure when you leave you will have received a great portion of an incredibly conceived dish. So come enjoy this intimate getaway on the First Coast and embrace "destination lunch". Let's make lunching an event again, I think you will agree Eleven South is certainly one of the best places to start. 

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

See more of my Eleven South Lunch Experience on Facebook

Read More of my "Lady Who Lunches" Series 

Hawkers Asian St Fare

Best Kept "Secret" Tea Garden

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Amy Featured on Naturally Smart Commercial and More

It's been a busy start to the Fall which is typically normal for this household. Lot's of stories being written for 10Best.com and new material for Amy West Travel as well. Just wait til you see what's coming! In the meantime, here are some places you'll find me popping up.

If you haven't heard of Naturally Smart Frozen Dessert watch out because it's coming to a store near you! Already in Winn Dixie, Fresh Market and Whole Foods, this yummy dessert is full of pluses. What makes this dessert special is the protein content. Each serving has up to 10 grams of protein making it a great treat or recovery snack after work outs, and a guilt free indulgence for anyone. Did I mention it's gluten free?

The lip comes out when they are denied junk food... you know the one

I think moms will especially love this as a great alternative to junk food, one that the kiddos will heartily approve of. I can fully confirm that it's a win for moms as I had the opportunity to be featured in a recent commercial for Naturally Smart, with my little munchkin. She is exactly what every four year old tends to be, a picky eater who prefers sweets and chips. I didn't write the script for this one but it pretty much played out the exact scenario we deal with on a daily basis. Watch and enjoy, then go buy some. I've been a huge fan of this product long before we did the commercial, and am so excited to be involved.

 

A treat you can feel good about

 Watch Here

Make sure to keep up to date with what's new on 10Best.com. Did you see my latest piece on the 10 Best Restaurants in Jacksonville? How many have you tried? Put them on your bucket list and tell them I sent you:)

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

Fall Wedding in Tennessee | Photo Recap

This fall we had the great joy of attending one of the most perfect weddings I've ever been to. My brother in law married the most lovely girl, and their wedding was like a scene from a movie. They chose to hold the wedding on a farm that my brother in law had worked on and that is owned by dear friends of the family. The wedding was intimate and full of meaningful details. With only two months to execute the planning of this wedding I was so impressed with how special it was. Read more to enjoy the details...

Wedding Gone Retro

This wedding was the best kind of hipster there is. It felt authentic, and full of character, love, and warmth. Everyone was clothed in warm earth tones that suited the outdoor setting and felt at home on the farm. Lace, cotton, and leather were the fabrics of choice and you bet there were plenty of boots.   

One of my favorite parts of the wedding was the square dancing. I had always pictured square dancing as kind of hillbilly, but this was really fun, and very social. How many times in life do you get the chance to attend a fall wedding in TN and square dance? Count me in! 

We are so happy Josh found the perfect girl! Don't you just love these images shot by Abby Weeden? I think she perfectly captured their style and personality. 

Love Grows. This image is so perfect.

This iconic picture looks like it was shot 60 years ago, which is pretty much spot on for Josh's personality. 

We had the chance to take a few images ourselves while there. I'm more than a little proud of my little flower girl who did a most excellent job.  

The weather was cool and crisp and the bold colors of fall were starting to bloom.

I was loving this bohemian outfit I put together at the last min thanks to Dillard's (dress on clearance score!), Marshalls (sweater coat), and World Market (floppy hat). 

The hubby looked dapper performing his groomsman duties and was a great MC for the reception. 

What great memories we made on a gorgeous day celebrating love and family! Congrats Josh and Sarah!  

Until next time...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.

5 Things You Should Know about Nordstrom Jacksonville

Visit Jacksonville and Beaches recently reported that shopping is the number one reason visitors flock to the city. This came as a bit of a surprise since we are famous for our beaches, but when you consider some of the highly sought after brands that are making Jax their home, then it all begins to make sense. 

I'm happy to report that the highly anticipated Nordstrom Jacksonville is officially open. I had the great pleasure of participating in several events for the store opening and I can tell you the excitement is contagious! Here are 5 things you should know about Nordstrom Jax.

Did you know that Nordstrom originally started as a shoe store? This location happens to have 5 shoe departments! 

1. Innovative Design

Nordstrom Jax features all new design concepts for the brand including a very open environment with much more natural light. When you walk in everything is bright and welcoming. Enjoy the sunshine Florida is so proud of instead of feeling locked away in a cave. The store also features single surface tile throughout which I learned gives the store more flexibility for redesign and staging of merchandise. I love the women's department upstairs because it has an urban loft feel. It manages to be at once industrial and chic, while the the kids section has loads of cool factor and a bit of whimsy with a custom play area, children's shoe dept (including classes on shoe tying), and a complimentary balloon for all little shoppers. 

The second floor is reminiscent of an Urban Loft. Chic yet comfy.

2. Exceptionally Talented Team

Over 5,000 applications were sent in as potential candidates for the Nordstrom staff. Only 350 were hired. You can be sure their team is full of the best and brightest in fashion industry, and they are all ready to greet you with a smile and ensure you are completely doted upon. A highlight of the Nordstrom experience is their Personal Stylist service. These professionals will curate an individual look just for you (with no purchase necessary) from their long list of brands like Michael Kors, Gucci, House of Harlow, Hunter, Vineyard Vines, Hugo Boss and many many more. This is especially popular during the holidays while you are looking for the perfect pieces for your loved ones.Yes please! 

Beth Sullivan (left) is one of Nordstrom's talented stylist. You can schedule an appt at Beth.e.sullivan@nordstrom.com

Get custom fit for a bra by certified specialists for the most comfortable fit. 

3. Great Eats

Nordstrom offers two great places to nosh, their cafe the EBAR, and their full service sit down restaurant Bazille which features Bistro Style cuisine. No need to shop til you drop when you can refuel in style. 

Get a few apps or make it a meal at Bazille, one of Nordstroms newest dining concepts. 

A sample of Bazille's menu

4. Make Yourself at Home in the Dressing Room

Nordstrom prides themselves on listening to their customers and anticipating their desires. The ladies dressing room is a fine example of their creative innovation. Instead of the typical "practical" dressing room, they went the extra mile to make you feel more at home by creating a space that resembles an apartment. They even have an extra large dressing area they call a "girlfriends dressing room" where you are welcome to bring the whole crew and try on new looks together. The Jacksonville location also features a women's lounge which is ideal for nursing mothers. 

5. Open Beauty Concept

Another way Nordstrom is leading the way and changing up the department store norm is in their beauty department. Instead of the traditional counter space, they have redesigned the products to be more accessible to the customer. Browse beauty lines as you might in stores like Ulta and Sephora, and take a stroll through their "Pressure Free" zone. Larger testers are now available on demand, and you can pay attention to what looks are current in the the "Now Trending" space. If you want to try it for yourself have a seat at the "Play Bar" and get a look curated just for you. 

"Now Trending"

These are just a few of the things that make this location special. Check out the Jacksonville location in the St. Johns Town Center Mall amidst other fine retailers for an exceptional shopping experience.

Until then...

Enjoy the Journey!

xo- Amy West

www.amywesttravel.com 

See more images from the Nordstrom Jacksonville Grand Opening Gala on facebook.

Want to be featured on Amy West Travel? Contact us today at info@likelovewantneed.com.
Copyright © Amy West Travel. All rights reserved. Photography by Journey Productions Media.