Category: Eat

Everything I Ate in Washington DC

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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

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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

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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!

How You Can Support Ukraine

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This isn’t my normal type of content, but the situation in Ukraine has been weighing heavily on my heart as events have continued to unfold. Today I simply want to share a list of resources to support Ukraine and its people.

UNICEF – provides “lifesaving support for children and families under threat” in Ukraine

Doctors Without Borders – as of March 1 they are “working to set up emergency response activities in the country [of Ukraine] and dispatching teams to Poland, Moldova, Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia”

International Committee of the Red Cross – provides the Ukrainian people with “emergency assistance such as food, water, and other essential items”

UN Refugee Agency – coordinates emergency relief efforts and provides cash assistance, education, and other opportunities for displaced people

Save the Children – your donation will help “provide children and families with immediate aid, such as food, water, hygiene kits, psychosocial support and cash assistance”

Here are some additional articles with ideas on how to support Ukraine:

“22 Meaningful Ways You Can Help Ukraine” – Global Citizen

“How can I help Ukraine?” – International Rescue Committee

“Ukraine conflict: How to help yourself, your kids, and others” – BBC News

Header image courtesy of Euronews.

Looking Back on 2021 and Ahead to 2022

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Happy 2022! I’ll admit, this year is off to a not-so-great start as I’m writing this from bed surrounded by tissues, Gatorade, and Dayquil, but I still wanted to take the time to reflect a bit on 2021 and share some of my goals for the new year. 2021 was quite the year for me, and everyone else I’m sure, with some big highlights and some real low points. As I enter 2022, though, I remain hopeful and strive to be intentional as the new year unfolds.

Looking back on 2021:

  • Solomon and I started the year by adopting our pup, Willie Nelson. He’s been such a fun addition to the family, providing endless entertainment and some good lessons in patience. Our house feels more like a home with him here, and it’s been so great to have a new adventure buddy.
  • We traveled a lot, and saw lots of friends and family – almost every single month we either traveled to visit loved ones or had loved ones visit us. I was so nervous moving to Colorado that we would feel isolated from friends/family who live on opposite coasts. Instead, I felt more love than ever.
  • I changed jobs not once, not twice, but four times… and now I’ve landed at a company and in a role I truly love.
  • I started freelancing and became a brand ambassador for some awesome companies. It’s been a really exciting and challenging experience to start freelancing, and I love having a creative side hustle outside of work.
  • I started going to therapy (again) and started accepting the fact I’ve been living with an eating disorder. This is a tough one to write about as I’m still unpacking everything that comes along with disordered eating and learning to live with it and work through it on a daily basis. I plan to address this more in the future, but for now, I can say that I truly believe therapy is beneficial to everyone, and if you’ve ever felt an urge to go, please look into it.
  • In November I also tackled my first solo road trip which left me with an even bigger desire to continue traveling and embarking on new adventures.

Looking ahead to 2022:

  • Probably the biggest goal I have for 2022 is to be more intentional and consistent in living a healthy lifestyle. I have not treated my body well this past year, and I know I need to be more conscious of the food I’m putting into my body and getting back into a consistent workout routine. I’m signed up for an 8-week online bootcamp through one of my favorite gyms, and I’m so excited to jump in on Monday.
  • Another big goal I have is to manage my finances better. We’ve had to dip into our savings a few times this year thanks to unexpected life expenses, but I want to build that fund back up and then get back to saving money in a personal fund to go towards fun stuff, like planning trips. I use a budgeting spreadsheet from I Was Broke. Now I’m Not. which really helps me track how much money I spend.
  • I also want to get back into reading more consistently in 2022. I used to read alllll the time as a kid, and then I fell out of it once I got caught up in college and working. I recently got a Kindle and a subscription to Kindle Unlimited, so I’m really looking forward to reading for fun again. One of the upsides to being sick is I’ve had plenty of time to lay around and read.
  • In 2022, I also want to remain consistent in posting on Wandering the Gap and my YouTube channel. I’m really proud of myself for posting consistently throughout 2021, and I want to continue the trend in 2022.
  • Another big goal is to travel somewhere new! Colorado and the surrounding states have so many beautiful areas to explore, and I want to take a trip with Solomon to somewhere that neither of us have been.
  • Finally, I want to continue building up my freelance portfolio. Even though freelancing just recently became a side hustle for me, I want to continue to grow my projects and would love one day to do it full time and work for myself. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities I’ve worked on so far, and I can’t wait to see what 2022 holds.

How I Stay Healthy on a Road Trip

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Ah, road trips. A classic American experience that some love and others hate. I, personally, love embarking on a good multi-day, cross-country road trip, but one of the hardest parts to plan for is how to stay healthy while you’re on the road. When you’re trapped in the car all day, it’s easy to reach for candy, chips, and soda, and even exercise is virtually out of the question. But trust me, there are ways to enjoy the journey while still treating your body well, and I’m here to pass along some of my favorite tips for doing just that!

Plan ahead

It may seem obvious, but planning out your meals and snacks ahead of time will give you the best opportunity to nourish your body without resorting to grabbing handfuls of gas station snacks because you ran out of food or are simply just bored. For my recent road trip from Colorado to Washington, I stopped by my local grocery store the night before leaving town and selected a few snacks and meal options I was excited to eat, that were still at least partially nutritious. Road trips should be fun, so don’t force yourself to eat a head of broccoli as a snack if you’re not actually craving it. On the other hand, be wary of over-indulging, or you’ll set yourself up for a long and painful drive.

Avoid fast food when possible

My personal strategy while road-tripping is to eat breakfast and lunch in my hotel room or the car, and then enjoy dinner out on the town. Fast food is undeniably tempting, and sometimes a greasy, salty, McDonald’s breakfast really hits the spot, but for the most part, I’d rather make the most of my time and money by enjoying a nicer, sit-down dinner in the evening than rushing through a drive-thru at the very beginning or in the middle of my day. Alternatively, if I’m passing through a town where I know there are food options I’m interested in, I will stop for lunch or a snack and then enjoy dinner in my hotel room at the end of the day. Eating locally is one of my favorite ways to experience an area’s culture, and I always like to try new food when the opportunity arises.

Stretch your legs

One of the most uncomfortable parts of a road trip is obviously the extended hours sitting in a cramped car. I will try to stop every 2-3 hours to give myself a break from sitting and take even just a short walk outside of my car (this is especially necessary when traveling with a pet, like I recently did). I also brought along some 5 pound dumbbells so I could do a very short workout in my hotel room in the evening. This isn’t something I always manage to stick to, but for me personally, it feels good to get my body moving for at least 10-15 minutes after a long day of driving. Whether it’s a workout with weights or even just a body-weight workout in the room, a quick walk through town, or a swim in the pool, getting in some kind of movement will make your body and mind happier.

Balance is key

At the end of the day, I’m a firm believer that everything has its place in moderation. If you want to indulge in some fast food or a snack you would normally deem “unhealthy,” then enjoy! If you don’t want to do any kind of workout and would rather just pass out at the end of the day, you deserve it! Road trips are truly one of the best reminders that the journey is often more important than the end destination. Allow yourself the freedom to enjoy your time on the road however you like, and it will make the experience so much more enjoyable. Listen to your body’s cues about what it’s craving in regards to food and movement, and you will feel emotionally, physically, and mentally satiated.

Best Vegan Spots In and Near Colorado Springs

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Colorado Springs has a thriving vegan restaurant scene that has grown a lot in the past couple years, and I want to highlight some of my personal favorites in case you need ideas for your next meal out!

Trinity Brewing Co.

What’s better than beer and vegan bar food? Trinity’s menu isn’t strictly vegan, but what options they do have are very impressive. The vegan buffalo wings are a great appetizer for sharing, and their vegan philly is a super yummy offering. I would also recommend their brussel sprouts with vegan parmesan – trust me, they’re so good you won’t even remember you’re eating vegetables! And, of course, their beer is delicious!

Santana’s Vegan Grill

Santana’s Vegan Grill has an extensive menu, offering delicious options for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert! Their bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwiches and blueberry pancakes are to die for, and I highly recommend their burgers or steak and cheese sandwich for dinner. You really can’t go wrong with anything from Santana’s!

Burrowing Owl Lounge

The Burrowing Owl is a super amazing restaurant, and I’ve loved everything I’ve ordered there. I crave their mac and cheese at least once a week, and their nachos are unbelievable. They also offer awesome daily specials, like a veganized Crunchwrap Supreme on the weekends after 5pm!

Fern’s Diner & Drinkery

Image courtesy of Fern’s Diner & Drinkery

Fern’s Diner & Drinkery is a brand new local vegan spot from the same owners as Burrowing Owl. Technically located in the nearby town of Cascade, Fern’s is a charming little diner tucked among the foothills of Pike’s Peak. They have lots of classic diner dishes like pancakes, burgers, soup, and sandwiches – and everything is vegan!

Wildflour Bakehouse

Wildflour Bakehouse is a unique offering in that they don’t have a physical storefront, but instead make home deliveries of vegan baked goods around the Colorado Springs area. These desserts are seriously dangerous because they are So. Dang. Good. I personally recommend their rainbow cookies (because everything is better with sprinkles) and their chai cinnamon rolls are probably some of the best I’ve ever had, period.

The Joint Vegan Street Food

The Joint is another unique one because it’s not a sit-down restaurant, but a traveling food truck! You can frequently find them at various breweries and events around town, and they keep a schedule on their website. Their menu changes every so often, but last time I ate there I thoroughly enjoyed their David BoWings and Dr. John’s Poutine. (Fun fact: the poutine is made with mushrooms which I normally hate, but they made them so good I actually loved it!)

Adam’s Mountain Cafe

You can find Adam’s Mountain Cafe just a short drive from Colorado Springs, in the quaint town of Manitou Springs. Adam’s Mountain Cafe is a charming spot with plenty of vegan and non-vegan options alike. This cafe is the perfect spot to grab a coffee and some breakfast before exploring the area, though their lunch and dinner menu is delicious, too!

Vegan’s Guide to Seattle

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Hello folks! Today I’m sharing with you some of my favorite vegan spots in Seattle! The first couple times I visited from Georgia I was so impressed with how many vegan-friendly restaurants there are, and it’s still one of my favorite places to try new vegan dishes.

I don’t frequently find myself in the city for breakfast, but I thoroughly recommend Wayward Vegan Cafe if you’re looking for some fantastic breakfast/brunch grub. They’ve added even more options since I last visited, but I can vouch for the country fried seitan and pancakes being absolutely delicious! They also serve lunch and dinner, so you’ll have tons of variety whenever you decide to visit.

While some may argue donuts aren’t a “proper” breakfast, I say to follow your heart and eat the dang donuts! Mighty-O Donuts is my favorite spot in the city for vegan donuts because they offer some amazing classics and delicious specialties. I’m a sucker for any cake donut with sprinkles, but their fritters and yeast-raised donuts are also fantastic. What better way to start your day in Seattle than a delicious vegan donut and a hot cup of coffee?

Once you walk off breakfast and get hungry enough for lunch, I’d recommend swinging by Pi Vegan Pizzeria. Pi Vegan offers up some of the best vegan pizza I’ve ever had. My favorites are buffalo chicken and magic mac, which features their very own vegan mac and cheese on top! Don’t worry, if you’re not in the mood for pizza you can also just get a serving of their delicious mac and cheese on its own.

Veggie Grill is another awesome vegan option in the city, especially if you’re on the hunt for something quick and casual. Veggie Grill serves up a variety of sandwiches, salads, and bowls, and anything you order is sure to be delicious. Their salads are absolutely massive, so I love getting one as my entree and then a couple sides to share. If you’re on the hungrier side, they also have classics like burgers and fries to fuel you up!

If you still have room for dinner by the end of the day, you must swing by El Borracho. They actually have a location in Pike Place Market which makes it a fantastic option after a day of shopping. El Borracho’s menu is 100% plant-based and they have so many incredible options, it’s hard to know where to begin. When in doubt, I always recommend the nachos which you can load up with shredded “chicken” or seitan steak.

This restaurant recommendation is a little bit outside of Seattle in a town called Renton, but I included it because it’s a fantastic option if you’re heading into the city from SeaTac. Blossom Vegetarian is hands down one of my favorite vegan Asian restaurants in Seattle. They specialize in Vietnamese cuisine and have everything from Vietnamese chicken nuggets to pho to entrees with plant-based duck and fish. Their menu is extensive and has some of the most impressive plant-based meats I’ve ever tried.

You didn’t think I would forget dessert, did you? Cinnaholic is actually a chain but their Seattle location is worth a visit because these are the best vegan cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had. These aren’t your standard, canned rolls: they have almost any kind of topping you can think of. You can get a standard frosting or try flavors like chai, cake batter, or maple, and your topping options range from fruit to pretzels to vegan COOKIE DOUGH. Yup, you read that right. Mind. Blown.

If you’re more of an ice cream person, Frankie and Jo’s is the place to go. All of their ice cream is vegan, and they offer some deliciously unique flavors like salted caramel with activated charcoal as well as dark chocolate with coffee and toasted almonds. You can also get your ice cream served up in a cone and topped with extras like cookie dough bites and chocolate fudge sauce. Talk about dreamy!

I hope you get to enjoy some of these recommendations on your next visit to Seattle, and let me know what your favorite vegan spots are in the city!

My Favorite Breweries in Colorado Springs

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Happy Sunday! I’m changing it up a bit this week and sharing with you guys some of my favorite breweries in Colorado Springs. Local breweries are a really cool way to experience different cities, and we’ve had a lot of fun checking out various breweries in the past couple months that we’ve lived here.

Trinity Brewing Co.

Trinity Brewing Co. is actually the first brewery we explored in Colorado Springs when we went for my birthday back in January. The staff there are super helpful and friendly and will work with you to recommend a drink that they think you’ll love. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every beer I’ve tried from Trinity (last time I went I tried the Raspberry Kolsch which was delicious) and they even have great food! As a bonus, they also offer some vegan options as well, and their vegan wings are a delicious compliment to their drinks.

Colorado Mountain Brewery

Colorado Mountain Brewery is an awesome option if you want good beer and a great meal. There are two locations and both have a great atmosphere which makes this spot perfect for the whole family, whether you plan on drinking or not. I recommend getting a flight to sample some of their flagship beers, such as the Roller Coaster Red Ale and the Monumental Stout. As far as food goes, you really can’t go wrong, but their bison queso is exceptionally amazing.

Bristol Brewing Company

Bristol Brewing Company is another spot I’d recommend checking out for good beer and an awesome location. This brewery is located in Ivywild School, a former elementary school turned food and event hall that also features a bar-coffeeshop combo and a variety of restaurants (we love Decent Pizza Co.). There’s truly something for everyone to enjoy and the setting is super unique and interesting. Plus, their outside patio is dog-friendly!

Trails End Taproom

Trails End Taproom is a really cool brewery concept: instead of being served specific sizes of drinks, you receive a card that you can scan for a variety of on-tap local beers and pour yourself however much you like. That way, you can try a number of different drinks and you simply pay by the ounce at the end of your visit. This brewery features tons of beers, and even some wine, from local vendors, so it’s a fun way to taste a lot without spending an absurd amount of money.

FH Beerworks

FH Beerworks is the perfect option if you plan to bring your pups with you for a drink. They have a fantastic outdoor patio/garden area with plenty of seating options for you to spread out. This is one of the first breweries we brought our dog Willie Nelson to, and it was a great experience for all of us. More importantly, their beer is amazing as well! We got a flight to sample several different kinds and really enjoyed all of them.

Eating My Way Across the Country

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How did 2 vegans and 1 vegetarian stay well fed on a road trip from Georgia to Washington?  Is it possible to make it across the state of South Dakota without eating meat (and also not starving)?  But how healthy did we actually eat during 7 days of driving cross country?  Find out below!

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SNACKS

  • Protein bars
    TIP: make sure the bar you choose has a good ratio of protein to sugar – I prefer bars with at least 20 grams of protein and less than 5 grams of sugar.  Try the Quest brand in oatmeal chocolate chip or ONE in glazed donut!
  • Greek yogurt (again – watch the sugar content)
  • Freeze-dried fruit
  • Lightly salted mixed nuts
  • Dark chocolate covered nuts (a better option than candy bars!)
  • Potato chip alternatives such as pea crisps or whole grain crackers

When traveling, my philosophy with food is to make healthy choices about 75% and splurge the other 25%, and the splurges I do have are usually local treats.  That way I have a good balance of healthy eating while also enjoying what the area has to offer!

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NASHVILLE, TN 
The Southern V

Vegan. Soul. Food.  That’s about all you need to know.  Stop by for some killer jackfruit BBQ, crispy “chicken” sandwiches, creamy mac and cheese, and classic baked beans.

 

 


KANSIS CITY, MOIMG_3349
Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude was a gem to discover a few years back when we road-tripped to Colorado for a vacation.  The entire menu is plant-based and they have a huge range of raw options as well – try the chai milkshake which is to die for!

 

 

 

SIOUX CITY, IA
Coffee and Nosh Food Truck

Such a fun find in the small town of Sioux City, Iowa which hosts Food Truck Fridays over the summer!  We got one of their bowls with jackfruit instead of meat.  It was a fresh and delicious snack!

RAPID CITY, SD
Everest Cuisine

I’ll admit it – I was a bit wary of trying an Indian/Nepalese restaurant in South Dakota.  But Everest Cuisine was a delicious surprise with a great variety of vegetarian and vegan options!  Their vegetable samosas and yellow lentil dish never disappoint.

MID/NORTHWEST STATES
Taco Johns + Taco Time

 

So no, fast food Mexican is generally not a super healthy dining option.  But play the menu right and you can put together a quick vegetarian meal that is a way better option than french fries or cheese pizza.  The bean tacos and burritos from Taco Johns are a solid choice, and you can get a side of guacamole for only $1.00!  Taco Time is another great option as they offer bowls which can easily be made vegetarian.

BOZEMAN, MT
Red Tractor Pizza + The Nova Cafe

 

Boy, did we get lucky in Bozeman.  Dinner was from Red Tractor Pizza: with vegan crust and cheese options and a huge range of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, you can put together an amazing pizza (I recommend adding fresh basil, rosemary roasted squash, and roasted brussel sprouts)!  We were equally spoiled the next morning with The Nova Cafe’s breakfast of a blue algae smoothie bowl and potato hash with forbidden black rice – the perfect way to kick off your day.

SEATTLE, WA
So. Many. Restaurants.

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Seriously, there are soooo many crazy good vegetarian/vegan options in and around Seattle.  From an entirely plant-based restaurant chain only found on the west coast (Veggie Grill) to vegan nachos (El Borracho), pizza (Pizza Pi), donuts (Mighty-O Donuts) and more, Seattle has so much to offer.

There you have it folks.  Thanks so much for reading, and stay tuned for more Seattle-related posts soon!
-Lizzie