Non-Turkey Thanksgiving Menu Ideas | Dairy-Free Thanksgiving Recipes

November 24, 2025Leave a comment

No one will miss the turkey this year with these Thanksgiving menu ideas. My parents were recently visiting from Oregon, and we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving early with a mini feast for four. Since three people in our group don’t eat dairy (and none of us are huge fans of turkey), we had to get a little creative with the menu. Thankfully, we created a mouthwatering assortment of dishes that even turkey lovers can appreciate. Here are some dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes to try out this year—no turkey required!

To help you out, I also created a Thanksgiving menu shopping list with a selection of kitchen items. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through affiliate links on this post (at no extra cost to you). Thanks in advance for your support!

Breakfast

We prefer to keep things light and easy for breakfast on Thanksgiving Day to save room for all the other goodies in store. You can never go wrong with making canned cinnamon rolls at home—we usually stick to brands like Annie’s or Immaculate Baking Company.

Thanksgiving menu ideas, by food blogger Wandering the Gap

Biscuits and gravy are another go-to of ours, since some of the canned Pillsbury Grands! Southern Homestyle Biscuits are accidentally vegan. Making the sausage gravy is as easy as browning some Impossible Ground Sausage, sprinkling the pan with flour, and whisking in an unsweetened, non-dairy milk until everything is thick and bubbly. I’ll be the first to admit the sausage gravy isn’t super appealing in the picture above, but I promise it tastes better than it looks.

Don’t forget to pour yourself a mimosa, too!

Lunch

Since my family usually enjoys our main Thanksgiving meal for dinner, we often do a midday charcuterie board for lunch. If time allows, I like making a fresh loaf of sourdough using this Alexandra’s Kitchen recipe. You do have to start prepping the bread a few days in advance, so keep that in mind when planning your holiday festivities. Charcuterie board staples in our house include a dairy-free cheese spread, crackers, stuffed olives, tin fish, hummus, and a selection of cured meats, like salami and prosciutto.

Another option is a hard-boiled egg flight with tons of different toppings. Boil your eggs, cut them in half, and let everyone go wild dressing them up with sauces, seasonings, and condiments. Getting creative with the flavor and texture combos is a lot of fun. You can’t go wrong experimenting with items like Kewpie mayo, chili crisp oil, Everything But the Bagel seasoning, furikake seasoning, Tajín, and sriracha!

Pair your lunch with a fun beverage (we made cranberry gin cocktails this year) and you’re in for a real treat.

Dinner

Now, it’s time for the main event. If you’re set on having poultry for Thanksgiving, consider duck instead of turkey. Cooking a whole duck is a lot easier and more time-efficient for a small group, and the flavor is rich and savory. This roast duck recipe is a good place to start.

Steaks are another delicious option if you have access to a cast-iron pan or a grill. I recommend reserve-searing your steak if you’ll be cooking it in a pan, but this prep method isn’t necessary when grilling. Nothing beats a medium-rare ribeye right off the grill—especially when paired with a nice red wine.

When it comes to side dishes, we keep things pretty minimal with green bean casserole, au gratin potatoes, and stuffing. I like this Simply Whisked recipe for the green beans, but I use mushroom broth instead of vegetable for an extra savory flavor. You can use almost any standard au gratin potatoes recipe, but we skip the onions and swap the milk and cheese for non-dairy versions (like Violife shreds).

My favorite stuffing to make on Thanksgiving is an old family recipe I learned from my grandma:

3 celery stalks, diced
2 large carrots, diced
1 large sweet onion, diced
1 1/2 sticks of (dairy-free) butter
1 box of vegetable broth (you won’t use the whole thing)
2 demi baguettes, ripped into bite-sized shreds and left to sit overnight to get slightly stale
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried thyme
Salt and pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Wipe casserole dish(es) with oil or butter
Sauté veggies over medium heat with 1/2 stick of butter until slightly soft
Add seasonings and cook for another minute or so
In a big bowl, combine the baguette pieces, sauteed veggies, 1 stick of butter, 1 cup of broth, and stir
Add more broth a little bit at a time if the bread seems dry
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary
Once the stuffing is properly mixed and thoroughly moistened, pour it into the casserole dish and bake for about 45 minutes (until the brown is golden brown and lightly toasted)

Makes enough for about 4 people, with leftovers.

Dessert

I hope you saved room for dessert! Of course, there are many dairy-free recipes available for classic Thanksgiving pies, like pecan, apple, and pumpkin. My husband also introduced me to this cranberry custard pie years ago, though I haven’t experimented with making a non-dairy version yet.

Cookies are another holiday essential that I usually bake a day or two in advance. Thumbprint cookies with fruit jam are always a hit—I use raspberry preserves and a dairy-free butter. My family also loves making these espresso chocolate chip cookies for special occasions:

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 sticks of (dairy-free) butter, room temperature
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 bag bittersweet (or semi-sweet) chocolate chips
1 tablespoon finely ground espresso

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars until fluffy
Scrape the sides of the bowl before mixing in the eggs and vanilla extract
Stir in the oats, flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined
Add the chocolate chips and espresso, and mix until just combined
Evenly space spoonfuls of cookie dough (about 2″ big) onto the baking sheets and bake for around 15 minutes until lightly golden brown

Makes 15-18 cookies.

There you have my ultimate roundup of non-turkey Thanksgiving menu ideas! Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired to cook up something delicious and dairy-free for the holidays this year. Cheers to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones. Remember to browse my Amazon shopping list so you can snag all the essentials before the big day!

Reykjavík food tour, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Should You Book a Reykjavík Food Tour? Iceland Food Tour Review

September 26, 2025September 25, 20253 Comments

Should you book a Reykjavík food tour for your upcoming Iceland vacation? When my husband, Solomon, and I were planning our honeymoon trip to Iceland, he suggested doing a food tour on the first night of our itinerary. I’m so glad he did because it ended up being an incredibly fun and informative way to start our vacation! In this Iceland food tour review, I’ll detail our experience and everything you need to know before scheduling one.

Should You Book a Reykjavík Food Tour?

What to Expect

As Solomon and I researched things to do in Reykjavík, food tours quickly emerged as a popular option. We decided to book one through Wake Up Reykjavík for our first evening in Iceland. Tours start at 17,900 ISK (around $148) per person and last about three hours. We scheduled ours for 5pm, which was perfect timing since we normally eat dinner back home around 6-7pm.

There were 14 people total on our food tour, which is Wake Up Reykjavík’s max group size. It felt like an appropriate amount so that we weren’t walking around the city in a massive group. After meeting up with our guide, Bryn (a native Icelander), we set off on the tour. We had five scheduled stops—though we had to skip one, more on that later—and ended up walking a little over a mile.

Stop #1 – Fjallkonan

Our first stop was Fjallkonan, a chic eatery located on Ingólfstorg Square in the heart of downtown. I loved the cozy, intimate vibes here, and Bryn had some fun facts to share about the history of the restaurant’s building as well. At Fjallkonan, we tried two dishes: cured Arctic char on a chickpea blini with Arctic char eggs and yuzu mayo, and Icelandic slow-cooked lamb on flatkaka (traditional flatbread) with carrot puree and horseradish. Solomon and I thought both were delicious!

Stop #2 – Messinn

After the small bites at Fjallkonan, we headed over to Messinn. This spot is known for its seafood, which did not disappoint. We tried another dish featuring Arctic char, this time baked in honey, butter, and lemon, with cherry tomatoes and almonds.

We also sampled plokkfiskur, which consists of cod and potatoes in Béarnaise sauce. This meal was a top highlight of the food tour for me. Bryn explained that plokkfiskur is a popular comfort food in Iceland, and I can definitely see why.

Stop #3 – Íslenski Barinn

The third stop on our Reykjavík food tour was Íslenski Barinn, a laid-back bar and restaurant with familiar Icelandic favorites. Here, we had bowls of traditional Icelandic lamb soup with either a “beer of the moment” (Viking Gylltur) or Appelsín, an orange-flavored soda.

Bryn also gave us the option to sample a piece of fermented shark (Iceland’s national dish) chased with a shot of Brennivín. Solomon and I had heard horror stories of how awful the shark and liquor combo tasted, so we, of course, had to find out for ourselves. While it wasn’t good by any means, it wasn’t as bad as we were expecting, and I’m grateful we had the opportunity to try it.

Stop #4 – Café Loki

Café Loki was the final stop of our food tour, and one of my favorites. We were served cups of rye bread ice cream topped with whipped cream and caramelized rhubarb syrup. It sounds like an odd combination, but it was insanely good. I wish we had rye bread ice cream here in the States! Bryn entertained us with some local tidbits and folklore stories while we enjoyed our sweet treats.

Honorary Stop #5 – Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur

Technically, we were supposed to make five stops on the Reykjavík food tour, but the line at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur ended up being a bit too long on the day of. Instead, we received vouchers to come back for a free hot dog. This worked out perfectly for me and Solomon because we swung by the next day for lunch before hitting the road for Akureyri.

Iceland is famous for its hot dogs, which are typically made with lamb and served with ketchup, mustard, remoulade, and both deep-fried and raw onions. They’re quite different from American-style hot dogs, but I actually ended up preferring the Icelandic version. Solomon and I loved them so much that we recreated the hot dogs later in our trip when we stayed at an Airbnb that had a grill available!

Overall, Solomon and I had a fantastic experience on our Reykjavík food tour. We gained a lot of knowledge about Icelandic cuisine and customs that we used throughout the rest of our trip, and sampled some delicious foods along the way. A few folks in our tour group even had dietary restrictions, but were still able to enjoy something at each place we visited. Bryn was an excellent tour guide, keeping everyone engaged and interested, answering questions, and providing local recommendations.

You must be open to trying new things to make the most of your food tour. It isn’t a cheap activity, but I think it’s well worth it if you’re an adventurous eater. Solomon and I left with full bellies since we tasted everything that was offered. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be doing a fair amount of walking (which also helps prevent you from feeling uncomfortably stuffed).

I highly recommend scheduling an Iceland food tour if you have time on your trip!

Check out my other Iceland travel guides:

Top 7 Snæfellsnes Peninsula Things to Do | 1-Day Snæfellsnes Peninsula Itinerary

Sky Lagoon or Blue Lagoon? Iceland Travel Guide

Reykjadalur Hot Springs | Iceland Hiking Guide

Must-try Icelandic foods, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Must-Try Icelandic Foods | Iceland Food Guide

July 25, 20258 Comments

Don’t believe all the haters who say Iceland has terrible cuisine—these must-try Icelandic foods prove them wrong! One of the things I was most excited about ahead of my trip to Iceland was trying as many traditional foods as possible. My husband, Solomon, and I didn’t know much about the local cuisine, so the first activity we booked on our Iceland itinerary was a food tour through Wake Up Reykjavík.

The tour was the perfect opportunity to learn about and sample authentic Icelandic meals. Our guide was knowledgeable and engaging, and we gained a lot of practical information that we utilized throughout the rest of our trip. Then, on our last night in Iceland, we had a 10-course dinner at Matur og Drykkur. This was an excellent way to wrap up our travels, and it was cool to come full circle by starting and ending our vacation with a unique food experience!

While I’m no expert on Icelandic cuisine, I do consider myself an adventurous eater who will try almost any food once. With that said, these are the top Icelandic foods I recommend trying during your trip! And don’t worry, I saved the most divisive dishes for the “Honorable Mentions” section at the end.

8 Must-Try Icelandic Foods

1. Plokkfiskur (mashed fish)

Seafood lovers, this one’s for you. Plokkfiskur became one of my favorite dishes that we ate in Iceland. Solomon and I first tried it at Messinn in Reykjavík during the food tour. Later on in our trip, I got a slightly different version of the meal in Húsavík, at Naustið. At its core, plokkfiskur consists of flaked or mashed white fish, potatoes, and béarnaise sauce. It’s a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that feels cozy and comforting.

2. Rhubarb

Who knew rhubarb was such a big deal in Iceland? The plant is grown throughout the country, and I spotted many rhubarb-based cocktails and desserts during our trip. I tried a rhubarb compote at Naustið that was divine, and both of the Matur og Drykkur dessert courses featured the ingredient. Rhubarb adds a sweet yet tart element to dishes that I love—definitely order it if visiting Iceland in spring or summer.

3. Arctic char

Another essential Icelandic seafood you must try is arctic char. This cold-water fish closely resembles salmon but is slightly less rich, in my opinion. During the Wake Up Reykjavík food tour, we sampled two styles of arctic char at Fjallkonan and Messinn: cured and honey-baked. I preferred the latter—Solomon and I also had some arctic char sushi from Rub23 in Akureyri that was very delicious.

4. Skyr

While I’m usually dairy-free in the States, I didn’t want to restrict myself while in Iceland. Plus, I was too excited to try skyr straight from the source to miss my chance! Skyr is a specific style of Icelandic yogurt that’s known for being thick, slightly tangy, and high in protein—very similar to Greek yogurt.

I tried several skyr variations during our vacation, including one with a puffy mousse-like consistency and some protein drinks. All of it was so yummy and surprisingly didn’t seem to affect my stomach too much. I recommend grabbing some skyr to enjoy with granola for a tasty, quick, and healthy breakfast.

5. Pylsa (hot dog)

Forget everything you thought you knew about hot dogs—Iceland knows how to make them right! You must try a pylsa (Icelandic for “hot dog”) with the works at least once: fried onions, raw onions, mustard, and remoulade. The hot dogs are typically made with 80% lamb, adding a distinct flavor, and I love the combination of fresh and fried onions.

Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur is an excellent and authentic spot to try them in Reykjavík. Most supermarkets throughout Iceland also carry everything you need to make the hot dogs at home, which are delicious fresh off the grill!

6. Kjötsúpa (lamb soup)

On a cold and rainy day in Iceland, nothing will warm you up quite like a hot bowl of kjötsúpa (lamb soup). You’ll find many variations of this hearty meal throughout the country. At Íslenski Barinn in Reykjavík, for instance, it has a rich, stew-like base. Meanwhile, the lamb soup from Stapinn in Arnarstapi features a lighter broth. Regardless of the preparation, you can’t go wrong with this classic soup.

7. Anything baked

Make sure to save some time on your Iceland itinerary to visit one of the country’s fantastic bakeries. Kökulist was the first stop Solomon and I made after landing and picking up our rental car. I got a buttery, savory bread knot, and we split a pistachio croissant—both were fresh and full of flavor. Another bakery item highlight during our Iceland trip was the basil cake from Sjávarborg in Stykkishólmur.

8. Black crust pizza

You can’t visit Vík without grabbing a black crust pizza from (you guessed it) Black Crust Pizzeria. The restaurant offers a special crust infused with activated charcoal in honor of the area’s famous black sand beaches. While the charcoal doesn’t affect the taste of the crust whatsoever, it provides that signature black color.

Don’t get me wrong, the black crust pizza is a bit touristy, considering it costs extra and is only for aesthetics, but the pizza itself was high-quality and delicious. Solomon and I got the No. 3, a wonderfully salty, spicy, and slightly sweet pie topped with pepperoni, sausage, cream cheese, cherry tomatoes, date pesto, and basil.

Note: The Soup Company is another great restaurant in Vík where you can try the activated charcoal trend (they offer black bread bowls)!

Honorable Mentions

Horse

The horse fillet served at Matur og Drykkur was certainly one of the most unique Icelandic foods that Solomon and I sampled! Since the restaurant has a seasonal menu, we didn’t know we would be eating it until the day of our reservation. We were somewhat skeptical, but it wasn’t too strange (if you didn’t think about it too hard).

The horse fillet was served raw as a tartare, so the texture was a bit odd, but the meat didn’t have a very noticeable flavor. While I wouldn’t personally consider horse a must-try, be aware that you’ll probably have the opportunity to sample it if you’re curious.

Something meat-free

Hear me out—Iceland has some of the best meat-free meals ever! I always like trying vegetarian and dairy-free foods when I travel, and Iceland did not disappoint. I loved the black bean burger from ROK in Reykjavík and the beetroot burger from Kaffi Lára El Grilló Bar in Seyðisfjörður. There were lots of impressive non-dairy options, too, for that matter.

Hákarl (fermented shark) chased with Brennivín

Of course, no Iceland food guide would be complete without mentioning hákarl (aka fermented shark). I’d heard horror stories of it being the world’s worst national dish. The “delicacy” is usually served with Brennivín, an Icelandic liquor made from grain or potato mash and flavored with herbs such as caraway. You’re meant to eat the hákarl first and then chase it with a shot of Brennivín to overpower the ammonia flavor.

Solomon and I had the opportunity to try the combination at Íslenski Barinn during our food tour, and it was interesting, to say the least. Honestly, the shark and Brennivín weren’t as bad as I feared. Don’t get me wrong—I won’t be reordering it anytime soon! However, I’ve eaten far worse. Trying the hákarl and Brennivín was a fun experience, and I’m glad I tasted them once (so I never have to again).

There you have my essential Iceland food guide! Drop a comment if I left out any of your favorite Icelandic foods so I can be sure to sample them during my next trip.

Everything I Ate in Charlotte, NC | Charlotte Food Tour

April 25, 2025Leave a comment

I hope you’re hungry for this guide to everything I ate in Charlotte, NC! I recently visited for a solo afternoon adventure and embarked on a mouthwatering self-led Charlotte food tour. The city is full of incredible eateries, breweries, and coffee shops. While I only sampled a fraction of Charlotte’s delicious food offerings during my short afternoon trip, I definitely plan to return and taste even more!

Lunch: Oh My Soul

I don’t eat dairy, so it’s usually easiest for me to stick with vegan restaurants when I travel so I have plenty of options. After a quick search of the best vegan spots in Charlotte, Oh My Soul emerged as the top contender. The 100% plant-based restaurant is highly rated and the menu looked absolutely divine.

Located in Charlotte’s NoDa neighborhood, Oh My Soul has a cozy and welcoming vibe. My favorite area was the massive outdoor patio with a 100-year-old oak tree, full bar, and a stage. It was the perfect place to enjoy lunch in the beautiful spring weather, and I can imagine it’s a fun hangout spot in the evenings when there’s live music.

The founders of Oh My Soul are originally from South Africa, so the menu has many “Rainbow Nation” influences. I settled on The Crunchy Mom, a vegan twist on Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap Supreme, with a side of the Kickin’ Kale Salad. I also picked up a “Snickers” Bar to bring home and enjoy later.

This was undoubtedly one of the best vegan lunches I’ve ever had! The Crunchy Mom had a fabulous blend of tastes and textures, with black beans, salsa, homemade “queso,” and more stuffed into a crispy tortilla. I also loved the kale salad, which was light, fresh, and flavorful.

Honestly, dessert was the only aspect of Oh My Soul that I wasn’t crazy about—and don’t get me wrong, the “Snickers” Bar was still delicious. My only critique is it had a strong almond butter flavor that I wasn’t expecting. I would like to try some of their other dessert options, like their dairy-free ice cream, next time.

Coffee: Caffeto Specialty Coffee

I needed a caffeine boost after lunch, so I walked down the street to Caffeto Specialty Coffee. I discovered this charming Colombian coffee trailer on TikTok—it was definitely a popular pick! There was a live DJ playing music when I went, so a lot of people were hanging out and enjoying the tunes.

I ordered an iced dirty chai latte with oat milk, and it was really tasty. While the chai could have been spicier in my opinion, I appreciated that it wasn’t too sweet. The espresso was smooth, and all of the flavors were nicely balanced. I’ve also heard good things about Caffeto’s ceremonial matcha—I’ll have to try it next time I’m in town.

Snack: Salted Melon Market & Eatery

On my way out of town, I decided to grab a snack for the drive home. A smoothie sounded refreshing, so I headed over to Salted Melon Market & Eatery. The Matcha Magic drink ended up being the perfect pick-me-up. With yummy ingredients like vegan protein, spinach, and banana, it was equally beautiful and delicious! I’d like to return and try a full meal at Salted Melon because the food menu sounds amazing, and it had a fun, laid-back atmosphere.

Charlotte, your food scene left me thoroughly impressed! I will definitely be back to explore the city and sample more local spots—especially since I didn’t have time for a brewery during this visit. What are your favorite Charlotte food places? Drop a comment with your recommendations!

NuGo Nutrition Discount: Save up to 50%!

April 1, 2025Leave a comment

NuGo Nutrition discount, by food blogger Wandering the Gap

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Prepare to level up your healthy snack game with NuGo Nutrition! I’ve been a fan of the brand’s plant-based nutrition bars for almost a decade, and I’m so excited to be an official NuGo Ambassador.

Psst…this post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) if you purchase anything. Thank you SO much in advance for your support!

I first discovered NuGo Nutrition’s vegan dark chocolate snack bars back in high school, and it was love at first bite. Each bar is made with real cocoa butter—not palm oil—and contains 10+ grams of protein.

They remind me of a crispy rice treat enrobed in rich, decadent chocolate, yet they’re somehow good for you! Mind = blown. Dark chocolate pretzel is my personal favorite because of the satisfying sweet-yet-salty flavor combination.

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I’ve also become a big fan of NuGo Nutrition’s Slim line, featuring low-sugar protein bars that make it easy to hit your fitness goals. I discovered them on a recent trip to my local Sprouts Farmers Market and have been hooked ever since.

The Slim protein bars have incredible macros, boasting 16+ grams of protein and only 3 grams of sugar each. Somehow, they taste just as delicious as the dark chocolate ones despite having less sugar. I don’t know how they do it, but sign me up!

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Oh, and NuGo Nutrition has vegan protein powder with 20 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of sugar per serving. The Chocolate Plant Protein is a must-try—I mix it into a smoothie or chia seed pudding to hit my daily protein goals while satisfying my sweet tooth. What can’t NuGo do?!

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Honestly, I can’t say enough good things about NuGo Nutrition. Not all plant-based protein bars and powders are created equal, but NuGo has cracked the code for macro-friendly, vegan snacks that actually taste good. Don’t believe me? Try NuGo for yourself and let me know what you think!

Veganuary Recap: Going Vegan for a Month Results, Thoughts, and Pros + Cons

February 7, 2025Leave a comment

I decided to kick off 2025 by celebrating Veganuary, and I’m ready to share everything that happened after going vegan for a month! Some context: I was 100% vegan for 2-3 years in late high school and early college. Following a plant-based diet was pretty easy when I was still living at home since my parents were also vegan. After moving out for college, I gradually started eating animal products again.

Towards the end of 2024, I began to feel like my body was craving a break from all the meat and dairy I’d been indulging in for the holidays. I decided to return to my plant-based roots and challenge myself to eat vegan for the entire month of January. I knew it wouldn’t be easy since my husband eats animal products and we would both be celebrating our birthdays, but I was determined to start 2025 with a “health reset,” and Veganuary was just the thing.

Homemade vegan cheeseburger, fries, and ranch (recipes from Death for Dinner)

Veganuary Results

Weight Loss

I didn’t do Veganuary for the purpose of losing weight—I just wanted to feel physically better. I ended up dropping a few pounds, which was a nice bonus, but I think it’s important to remember that weight is only one component of health. Instead of focusing on the number on the scale, I’d rather prioritize fueling my body with a well-rounded diet that balances protein, fats, and carbs while incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Cravings and Taste Preferences

About halfway through Veganuary, I began to notice some changes in my food preferences. Fresh produce tasted better than ever, and I successfully satisfied my cravings for things like burgers and fries with delicious plant-based alternatives.

I tried a lot of new vegan recipes which helped keep things interesting, and I noticed I was drinking more water than usual. With all the holiday celebrations in the weeks leading up to Veganuary, I was probably more dehydrated than I realized.

I never really felt like I was “missing out” by going plant-based for the month. There were a handful of times that I found myself craving eggs with breakfast or salmon on my salads, but that was about it.

Digestion

Improving my digestion was a big motivating factor for me to do Veganuary. I’m mildly lactose intolerant, so I’ve learned over the years that dairy does not agree with my body. My stomach feels SO much better following a completely dairy-free diet.

Eliminating dairy is the one part of eating vegan that I struggle with. I would be 100% fine never eating meat again, but giving up cheese and ice cream is hard! Thankfully, there are many dairy-free options that are (almost) as good as the real deal.

Vegan Old Dirty Bastard donut from Voodoo Doughnut

Pros + Cons of Going Vegan for a Month

Pros

I saved money by eating out less and ordering plant-based options at the restaurants I did visit.
My body felt overall healthier, more hydrated, and energized.
I started craved things like salads, vegetables, and fruit!
My digestion significantly improved and I had far fewer stomach issues.
I lost a couple of pounds and felt less bloated.
I tried a lot of new and delicious recipes.
I felt more in tune with my body as far as recognizing which foods made it feel good and strong, and which left me feeling icky.

Cons

Some settings—like going to a steakhouse for my husband’s birthday dinner—had limited vegan food options, which made it tricky to throw together a well-rounded meal.
My husband is a good sport about eating plant-based food that I cook for him, but he’s definitely a meat and potatoes kind of guy. There were a few times that I chose to prepare non-vegan meals specifically for him, which took some extra time and effort in the kitchen.
I probably wasn’t consuming enough protein because I didn’t track what I was eating daily. I’m sure there were times that I was lacking in the protein department, which made me snack more because I wasn’t fully satiated.

Chicken chilaquiles from 417 Union in Nashville (made dairy-free with no cream/cheese!)

What’s Next?

Moving forward, I’m committed to being more intentional with what I’m eating to fuel my body. For instance, I know that dairy doesn’t make me feel good, so I’m trying to avoid it altogether (or, at least, significantly minimize my consumption).

If you follow me on Instagram (@lizzieml74), you know that I recently spent a weekend in Nashville indulging in a lot of non-vegan food. I didn’t beat myself up over this because I wanted to enjoy some local eats without stressing about being 100% plant-based. I still avoided excessive amounts of dairy and opted for lean proteins like chicken when I did eat meat.

My main goal for February (and beyond) is upping my protein intake to better support my fitness routine. I try to do CrossFit 2-3 times a week and go for the occasional neighborhood run, so I want to make protein more of a priority.

To achieve this, I’ve reintroduced foods like pasture-raised eggs and wild-caught salmon into my diet. I’m still eating about 90% vegan at the moment, but might start incorporating things like lean ground turkey and high-quality steaks once a week or every other week.

Overall, I’m feeling really excited and motivated to continue on this health journey! If you’ve been debating going vegan for a month (or even a week, or a day), I highly encourage you to do it. Even if eating plant-based doesn’t end up working out for you, it’s fascinating to see how your body changes and adapts without consuming animal products.

I hope you’re all having a happy and healthy start to 2025—talk soon!

15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon | Oregon Coast Travel Guide

September 2, 2024September 2, 20241 Comment

If you’re planning an Oregon coast vacation, make sure to check out all the fun things to do in Newport. This quaint coastal town is famous for its marine life, coastlines, and family-friendly activities. My parents just celebrated one year of living in Newport, so it’s the perfect time for me to share a local’s guide to the best Newport things to do.

Top 15 Things to Do in Newport, Oregon

1. Shop on the Bayfront

Things to do in Newport, Oregon, by travel blogger Wandering the Gap

Newport’s historic bayfront has fun souvenir shops, candy stores, art galleries, and clothing boutiques. Spend an afternoon strolling the area and browsing the local stores.

2. Grab a Drink at a Brewery

Oregon is an excellent vacation spot for fans of beer and cider, and Newport has several top-notch craft breweries:

Rogue Brewer’s on the Bay – this spot is located inside Rogue’s headquarters. Enjoy tasty bites, specialty brews, and stunning waterfront views.
Pelican Brewing Company – technically, this spot is in Lincoln City, but it’s only 30 minutes north of Newport. The Siletz Bay location has gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows and a sleek, modern design. There’s tons of seating, so it’s the perfect place to grab a drink with friends or family.
Beachcrest Brewing Company – another place a bit north of Newport but worth the drive. Beachcrest is across the street from the Salishan Coastal Lodge, a beautiful resort with classic PNW vibes.

3. Hunt for Agates

The beaches in and around Newport are fantastic for agate-hunting. This area of the Oregon coast is famous for its rocky shorelines, which often have tons of these fascinating rocks. Unsurprisingly, Agate Beach is a popular spot to find agates.

4. Tour a Lighthouse

Visit Yaquina Bay or Yaquina Head Lighthouse to learn more about the local history. Both are still in operation but open to visitors. Admire their viewpoints of the rugged coastline while diving into their storied pasts, stretching back over 100 years.

5. Watch Sea Lions on the Dock

If you hear a strange barking noise or catch a whiff of something fishy in Newport, it’s probably the resident sea lions. They’ve been spotted on Newport’s public docks for almost two decades. The sea lions usually stay in Newport 11 months out of the year, migrating to California the other month.

See Newport’s iconic sea lions at Port Dock One. You can usually find them by following their noise, which can be heard throughout town.

6. See Tide Pools

In Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area lies Cobble Beach. This is one of Newport’s best tide pool spots. At low tide, Cobble Beach reveals pools of various sizes teeming with starfish, chitons, crabs, anemones, urchins, and so much more. If you’re lucky, you might also spot some adorable harbor seals.

7. Go Whale-Watching

Newport is a wonderful place to see gray whales and orcas. There are many tours that will take you on the water to get up close and personal with the whales. If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can often spot the whales spouting and breaching around kelp beds.

8. Head to Devil’s Punchbowl and/or Thor’s Well

There are some unforgettable rock formations near Newport. Devil’s Punchbowl is a distinctive sea arch you can hike into at low tide. It’s also interesting to view from above at high tide as the waves crash and swirl.

Another cool spot is Thor’s Well, which appears to be a sinkhole on the ocean’s edge. It’s only around 20 feet deep but looks wonderfully dramatic, with waves pouring over at high tide.

9. Visit the Hatfield Marine Science Center

I’ve heard great things about the Oregon Coast Aquarium but haven’t visited yet. However, I can recommend the Hatfield Marine Science Center. It’s a laboratory owned by Oregon State University with some entertaining, interactive exhibits.

The touch tank teaches you about sea urchins, anemones, and sea cucumbers. Other display areas feature fascinating fossils and skeletons of marine animals like sea lions and whales. Admission is only $5, so it’s also a cheaper afternoon activity than the aquarium.

10. Take a Trip to Pacific Sourdough

Set an alarm to drive to Waldport first thing in the morning and line up for Pacific Sourdough. This beloved bakery almost always has a line out the door and down the street. I completely understand after sampling the treats myself! Everything here is tasty, but you must try the chocolate chunk cookies, marionberry muffins, and lemon bars.

11. Eat Local Seafood

Seafood lovers will be in heaven with all the mouthwatering restaurants. Whether you’re craving sushi, oysters, fish ‘n chips, or smoked salmon, Newport has it all. Here are some of my favorite seafood spots:

South Beach Fish Market – some of the best fish ‘n chips I’ve ever had! Almost always busy, so visit during an off-time.
Rogue Bayfront Public House – this is the sister restaurant to Brewer’s on the Bay—visit for delicious clam chowder and salmon, plus there are pool tables in the back.
The Taphouse at Nye Creek – laid-back atmosphere, tasty cocktails, yummy fish ‘n chips, hearty oyster shooters, and vegetarian/vegan-friendly options. What else could you need?
Asiatico Waterfront Fusion Sushi – super tasty and fresh sushi—I love the spicy salmon and tuna rolls.

12. Explore Yaquina Bay State Recreation Site

Get your daily dose of outdoor adventure at the Yaquina Bay Recreation Site. It has a lighthouse, bluff overlooks, forests, and rolling dunes. Bring the entire family, including furry friends, to check out what Yaquina Bay offers.

13. Get Coffee at a Stand

Coffee stands are one of my favorite aspects of the PNW, and Newport has several worth visiting. I recommend The Surfing Bean Coffee Company or Camp One Coffee.

14. Watch Otters from the Public Fishing Pier

You’ll likely see at least one otter from the public fishing pier. Crabbing is popular at the dock, but it’s also a great spot to watch for otters and see the boats. Otters are very playful and social, so where there’s one, there’s usually more!

15. Walk Across the Bridge

You can’t go to Newport without crossing the Yaquina Bay Bridge. It’s a good place for a morning walk and provides views of Newport from above. Bring a pair of binoculars to spot animals in the water below.

BONUS: Admire Art at the Visual Arts Center

Many fantastic artists call Newport home, and the Visual Arts Center showcases everything from photographs to paintings and sculptures. I’m biased, but my dad’s astrophotography exhibition, The Dynamic Poetry of Nature, is out of this world and runs until October 6, 2024!

I hope you’re inspired to visit the charming town of Newport next time you’re on the Oregon coast. Let me know if I missed any of your favorite Newport spots!

Everything I Ate in Washington DC

August 31, 2022August 31, 20222 Comments

I recently took a spontaneous solo trip to Washington DC and one of the things I was looking forward to the most was enjoying some delicious food! From previous trips to DC I remembered the city has some excellent food options and I wanted to try a variety of restaurants I’d never been to before. Here’s everything I ate during my 30 hours in Washington DC!

Day 1

Lunch: Old Ebbitt Grill

For my first meal in DC, I arranged a lunch reservation at Old Ebbitt Grill. As I was researching lunch options near the National Mall, where I planned to be most of the day, Old Ebbitt Grill kept popping up as one of the highest-rated restaurants in the area. The restaurant is just a block or so away from the White House and holds the title of oldest bar in Washington DC, having been in operation since 1856. I definitely suggest making a reservation if possible because lunchtime on a Saturday was incredibly popular.
I started off with their Queen Bee cocktail, a gin and soda concoction with lemon juice and hibiscus syrup which was super light and refreshing. I also got a cup of New England clam chowder soup which wasn’t super creamy but had great flavor. For my entree, I tried the jumbo lump crab cake sandwich with a side caesar salad. The crab cake had a very mild flavor which was especially delicious with a squeeze of lemon on top. I almost wish the crab cake had more of a fritter vibe, as it was a bit one-note with the crab, but overall I really enjoyed it. The caesar salad and side of coleslaw were tasty as well, and I definitely left satisfied.

Dinner: Oyamel

After exploring a few more museums, I headed to Oyamel for dinner. I was super excited to see they had an entire station dedicated to making fresh guacamole, and I was definitely not disappointed. I tried their spicy guacamole which was some of the best restaurant-made guacamole I’ve ever had. It was incredibly fresh and all the flavors were perfectly balanced, from the bite of the jalapeno to the fresh-squeezed lime. Don’t worry, I didn’t eat that entire bowl – though I was defintely a bit tempted! I also ordered their classic margarita which was equally fresh and delicious.
For my main course I tried a dish I had never heard of: cabacitas con frijoles. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect, but it ended up being a very light stew of white beans, squash, corn, and spices. I absolutely loved this dish and am eager to try and recreate it at home.

Dessert: Dolcezza

Of course, I had to save room for dessert. I ended up swinging by Dolcezza to pick up some gelato, and this ended up being one of the highlights of all the food I tried in DC. I grabbed a pint of their black and white cookie batter gelato without sampling it or reading the description first, because I’m a sucker for anything cookie batter! The flavor ended up being amazing, with stripes of icing and chocolate ganache and chunks of cake. It wasn’t overly sweet, but definitely hit the spot after a long of day of walking in the DC heat.

Day 2

Breakfast: Farmers Fishers Bakers

To kick off day 2 in DC I made my way over to Georgetown to enjoy breakfast at Farmers Fishers Bakers. I heard Farmers Fishers Bakers offers some of the best brunch in town, and I was excited to try for myself. To start, I ordered a bellini which was very light and refreshing – the perfect way to kick off Sunday brunch in my opinion!
My first round through the buffet I grabbed some fresh green beans, parmesan grits, sourdough bread, yogurt with granola, hummus, and a sweet corn pancake. The highlights from this round were definitely the sourdough and hummus as well as the corn pancake.
My second time through the buffet I opted for broiled grapefruit, fresh pineapple, hashbrowns, a buttermilk pancake, and a french toast stick. My favorites by far ended up being the broiled grapefruit and french toast stick.
My main complaint with Farmers Fishers Bakers is the buffet itself was a bit disorganized, with there being no defined line or sense of which direction to go. People were wandering all over the place, hopping in and out of line, and there also happened to be a large group of children running around which made things a bit stressful (though that obviously wasn’t the restaurant’s fault). While the dining experience was a bit chaotic, I did enjoy all of the food I tried and would definitely love to return to try more.

Compass Coffee

After breakfast I set out on a mission to find some fall-inspired coffee, and I settled on the local chain Compass Coffee. The space itself was very cool with tons of seating, and it was obviously a very popular work/study location for locals. I tried the pumpkin spice cold brew which was super delicious, with just the right amount of sweet and spice while still maintaining a smooth cold brew flavor.

Lunch: Cava

My final meal in DC was lunch, which I actually ended up eating at the airport. I didn’t have high hopes for airport food options, but was pleasantly surprised to see Cava, which I consider the Mediterranean version of Chipotle. I had eaten at Cava on a previous trip to DC, and remembered it was super quick, fresh, and delicious.
I got a greens and grains bowl with their super green lettuce mix, brown rice, lentils, falafel, roasted vegetables, tzatziki, hummus, pickled red onion, cucumber, feta, and harissa vinaigrette. My bowl was super delicious and filling and ended up being the perfect airport lunch option.

All in all, I was super impressed with all the food I tried during my time in Washington DC. DC has some amazing food options and I always thoroughly enjoy trying new restaurants and dishes during my visits. What are some of your favorite restaurants in the DC area?

Review: RightOnTrek Backpacking Meals

July 19, 20223 Comments

Today I’m really excited to be sharing a review of some RightOnTrek backpacking meals! RightOnTrek was kind enough to reach out to me and send over some of their meals for me to taste-test and review. I got to try the vegan shepherd’s stew, mac and cheese, backcountry chili, and high country pad thai, and I was really impressed wih all of them!

RightOnTrek was founded in 2018 by a group of backpackers after they completed the 200+ mile long John Muir Trail in California. The company is based in Montana and specializes in making the backcountry more accessible for hikers and backpackers. For being a relatively small company, they have an impressive variety of backpacking meal options, with plenty of allergy-friendly meals as well!

The first meal I tried was their mac and cheese, which was actually rated the #1 mac and cheese by Backpacker Magazine! I can definitely see why – the mac and cheese was super creamy and flavorful, and very filling as well.

Next up, I tried their vegan shepherd’s stew meal. I was really happy to see that RightOnTrek offers vegetarian/vegan meals, as many backpacking meal companies aren’t so accommodating. The vegan shepherd’s stew was really hearty and comforting, and my fully carnivore husband enjoyed it too!

The next meal I tried was their backcountry chili. Chili is definitely a staple when it comes to backpacking meals, and RightOnTrek’s version was a great option. Like the other meals, the chili was delicious and filling, especially with the addition of the corn biscuits that came as an optional mix-in.

Finally, I sampled the high country pad thai. I actually didn’t realize the pad thai was vegetarian, and what I thought was chicken was really soy curls! The pad thai was super rich and flavorful, and definitely one of my favorites from the meals I tried. I especiaally enjoyed it with the addition of the peanut butter, sriracha, and salted cashews that RightOnTrek provided.

All in all, I was really impressed with all the RightOnTrek meals I tried. I definitely plan on stocking up next time I embark on a backpacking trip! Thanks again to RightOnTrek for sending over some meals. Let me know in the comments if you’ve ever heard of RightOnTrek, and if you’ll be trying some of their meals for yourself!

How to Start Freelance Writing

April 3, 20222 Comments

Hi everyone! I’m switching up my normal content to share with you some insights on how I started freelance writing as a side hustle. One of my big goals for 2022 was to grow my freelance writing portfolio and start doing it as a consistent side hustle. I first started my freelance writing journey in summer 2021, and I’m so excited that I’m now writing for two companies on a regular basis and taking on extra projects on a monthly/bi-monthly basis. I’ve always loved writing and have wanted to do it part time or full time, so it feels really exciting and rewarding to bring in some consistent income from it! Without further ado, here’s how I personally started freelance writing, and how you can start too.

Before you even begin freelance writing, you’ll want to identify your niche. You can write on pretty much any topic, from finance to travel to food, and so much more. I specialize in travel/outdoor writing, so a lot of my work consists of travel guides and trail reports. The key to determining your niche is finding a topic that isn’t overly-saturated with writers, while still ensuring it’s broad enough that you’ll get consistent work. This can take some trial and error, but really think about what topics you’re personally interested in, or have some existing knowledge about.

Once you’ve identified your niche, you’ll need to put some work samples together to show potential clients your writing skills. Starting a personal blog is one great way to start writing consistently and prepare samples for potential clients. Another good option is to start contributing to websites or companies where you can submit your work to be featured. For instance, I have a few trail reports published on Outdoor Project, and I often link to those when I’m seeking out new jobs or clients.

Now that you have a target audience in mind and some work samples to provide, it’s time to start finding gigs! My three big tips for finding work as you start off are to reach out to your personal network, offer your services on Fiverr (or a similar website), and join Facebook groups related to freelance writing.
One of the first regular gigs I got was the result of me reaching out to business owners I knew personally. I let them know I had a goal of expanding my freelance writing portfolio and wanted to work with them, which would be mutually beneficial for us both. From there, we figured out expectations for services I’d be providing as well as rates. I will say that when I first started off, I priced my services very low. I still made sure I was getting paid appropriately for the time and work I was putting in, but I wanted to provide a competitive edge to my services by offering very fair pricing. A few months in, I still price my services very competitively because freelance writing is just a side hustle at the moment, and I really want to focus on taking on new opportunities to build up my portfolio.
Another great way to find freelance writing jobs is by offering your writing services on Fiverr or a similar site. I’ve gotten some really cool gigs through Fiverr, and can easily point to those blog posts as examples of my work. Let me know if you’re interested in a whole guide to starting your Fiverr profile!
The last way that I personally started getting freelance writing jobs was by joining several Facebook groups related to the topic of freelance writing. Specifically, I’m a member of some female travel creator Facebook groups, and business owners often post seeking writers for one-off projects or short term contracts. By being active on these Facebook groups, I got partnered with a travel blog who I recently started ghostwriting for on a short-term contract basis.

Once you start seeking out jobs and actually getting paid to freelance write, make sure you regularly check in with yourself about how much time and energy you’re prepared to dedicate. If you want to jump into freelance writing full time, you’ll want to be really active in seeking out opportunities and making connections. If you plan on just doing it as a side hustle, make sure you’re balancing your responsibilities properly so you’re not taking on too many projects at once.

Another big piece of advice as you begin your freelance writing journey, and honestly something I think you should maintain throughout your career, is to always be open to feedback. I make sure to ask very specific questions before starting a gig so I have as much information as possible to give my client exactly what they want. If any other questions arise during the writing process, I reach out ASAP so I can get clarification, instead of just guessing and potentially delivering something they’re unhappy with. I also offer revisions for my work, so that I can make sure my client leaves 100% happy with the product I delivered. I make a point to set realistic expectations for how long it will take me to complete my projects, and I always welcome feedback throughout the process.

Starting your freelance writing journey can be an intimidating process, but nothing beats the feeling of getting your first published work or paid gig. I’m so excited to continue building up my writing portfolio and challenging myself with new and exciting opportunities. I hope you find this guide helpful as you start your own freelance writing career, and I wish you the best of success!