KATIE KENNEDY - Page 88 of 250 -

Date Night on Briland

April 14, 2021

Date Night on Briland
📍 The Dunmore, Harbour Island

date night, Briland, Harbour Island, Bahamas, travel, Dunmore

One of my favorite things about traveling with David is having an extra special date night in a new destination. Although it’s only 3 miles long and a mile wide, Harbour Island was no exception. Lovingly called Briland by those in the know, this place just swept me off of my feet. The friendly locals, colorful buildings, and wide list of restaurants are the perfect recipe for a night to remember. If you’re planning on traveling to Harbour Island with your significant other, here is a short and sweet list to create an evening for two.

Stroll On Pick Sand Beaches

Because of where our rental was located, we quickly realized that it was actually quicker to walk along the beach to get to dinner. This worked out perfectly because you get to truly see the best of Harbour Island. Pink sand beaches and impossibly turquoise water starts the evening on the right foot. Many of my favorite resorts have beach access so you can seamlessly visit each of them for pre-dinner cocktails. Don’t miss the Ocean View Club, Pink Sands Resort, or Coral Sands Hotel. Each of them has their own aesthetic and are worth a visit.

Cocktail Hour at The Dunmore Club

There are several options for beachfront cocktails in Harbour Island. Hands down, my absolute favorite was The Dunmore and it’s painfully easy to see why. The 60’s inspired clubhouse was styled by one of my favorite interior designers, Amanda Lindroth. Bright white shiplap makes a dark mahogany bar pop, while the collection of vintage photos gives an intimate feel. As soon as I walked in from the beach, I felt at home. Our first night, we spent hours chatting with Lyn behind the bar and other regulars who floated in. Sitting with your Goombay Smash oceanfront is an obvious choice, but I loved sitting in the side patio that overlooked the chic pool area. It was so tranquil and we were able to enjoy the classic tunes being played.

The Dunmore, Harbour Island, Briland, Bahamas, Date Night

The Dunmore, Harbour Island, Briland, Bahamas, Goombay, Date Night

Dinner For Two

The options for dinner are as diverse as the visitors who come to the island. Most of the resorts have restaurants that require a collared shirt and pants for the gentleman. The Dunmore Restaurant probably was the most recommended, but I prefer the lunch menu more. Our first evening, we ate at the Coral Sand restaurant, Latitude 25. This space was absolutely beautiful, I especially loved the pink and green sofas. My seafood fettuccine was prepared perfectly and pair oh-so nicely with their signature rum punch. For a more local feel, you absolutely must check out Queen Conch. The service is on island time, so enjoy the view and order a cocktail or two. If you want extremely casual, why not just order a conch pizza from Island Hut? David and I grabbed one to-go and enjoy al fresco at our bungalow. No matter what you have in mind for dinner, you’ll be surprised to find that Harbour Island has that for you too.

Whether you’re traveling to Harbour Island solo, with friends, with a significant other, or your entire family, you’ll quickly see that the evenings here are truly magical. Enjoy the change in pace and make the moments turn into perfect Bahamian memories.

Love from Harbour Island,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Welcome to Harbour Island

April 12, 2021

Welcome to Harbour Island
📍 Coral Sands Hotel, Harbour Island

Dress || Sandals || Clutch || Bracelet

Welcome to The Bahamas! After a half-day of travel yesterday, we finally made it to our final destination of Harbour Island. I have been dreaming of visiting this tiny island for years. Although we’ve been here for less than 24 hours, so far it hasn’t disappointed! Throughout our stay, I’ll be showing off every corner of the island. Before that, I want to address the number one question that I’m sure will arise… Traveling during COVID. While it seems like we’re on the tail end, it’s still something to keep in mind. No matter where we are, we always have our mask, hand sanitizer in hand, and social distance when we can. If you’re hoping to visit The Bahamas for yourself over the next few months, here are some things you’ll want to consider.

Before You Travel

Because of its proximity to the United States, The Bahamas is typically a destination where you can just book and go. However, due to the pandemic, there have been major updates to travel protocols to keep the islands and their locals safe. You want to make sure you give yourself enough time to check all of the boxes. Number one, you need to have a Negative PCR Test no more than 5 days before you arrive. This was the most nerve-wracking aspect because I know, in the past, the results have taken a substantial amount of time. Luckily, we had our results in about 48 hours. From there, you apply for a Health Visa to upload your travel plans and test results. Again, this takes about another 48 hours. It’s a lot of moving parts, but it was surprisingly seamless. Be sure to visit The Bahamas Tourism for more details and specifics.

While On The Island

Masks and hand sanitizing are non-negotiable, but in my opinion, that’s a good way to be. Always have your mask on as you enter a business and you will also be asked to sanitize your hands too. From there, you’re pretty much free to move about the island as you normally would. If your trip extends more than 5 days, you are required to have an additional COVID test for good measure. This is just as well because US residents also need a negative test to reenter the country. Again, a lot of things to consider, but if you plan ahead it should all go without a hitch. The cottage we’re renting, which I plan on sharing after our stay, just happens to be around the corner from Harbour Island’s only medical center. Depending on where you’re staying, there may be a concierge service where the testing can come directly to your hotel.

Things to Remember

Because this is a small island, resources are finite, but they greatly rely on tourism as their main industry. As an American visiting, please remember that this is their home. The island and the people should be treated with the utmost respect. In the US, COVID restrictions look very different from state to state. You may not be used to things being strictly enforced. Thinking of Florida, I know that regulations even vary by city. Since St. Pete has been very proactive in their response, following Bahamian guidelines doesn’t feel any different than what we’re used to. Besides, do you really want to be that tourist who’s causing a scene?

After over 365 days of uncertainty, travel is finally returning to the forefront of our minds. Admittedly, the first big trip may seem a little scary. Half of me almost feels guilty for being here in the first place. The other half of me, clearly the side that won, is just so thankful! Number one, I’m thankful for our health and good fortune to be able to make a trip in the first place. As we approached The Bahamas and got my first glimpse of the turquoise blue waters, I almost felt like crying. I’m so relieved for a change in scenery and an amazing husband who will always travel with me along the way.

Love from Harbour Island,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.

Fresh Hopes for Travel

April 9, 2021

Fresh Hopes for Travel
📍 Vinoy Hotel, St. Pete

travel, hope, Palm Springs, Harbour Island, Jamaica

Shirt (also) || Jeans || Similar Flats || Similar Tote Bag || Bracelet

I’ve shared on here before that travel is the number one activity that brings me joy. Each year, I look forward to daydreaming about future trips with David, family, and friends. 2020 started off the same way, but for obvious reasons, nearly all of my travel plans were canceled or drastically postponed. Now that we’re 4 months into a new year, I’m letting myself be hopeful again for a new year of travel. Especially as vaccines become more and more prevalent, travel restrictions will relax and new adventures can present themselves. Here is my current list of wanderlust destinations, both domestic and international.

Harbour Island, Bahamas

When I typically think of travel, I don’t usually list international destinations first. Still, the Bahamas is just a quick puddle jump away from the east coast of Florida. I hate to admit that I’ve never been before! Harbour Island is the number one Bahamian destination on my radar. Colorful bungalows, pink sand beaches, and local boutiques… Doesn’t that sound like just my scene? We’ll be heading here very soon be on the lookout for a big change of scenery!

Follow @paolawellsphotography for more inspiration!

Palm Springs, California

For some odd, this Floridian has the desert on the mind! It’s very off-brand for a ‘coastal’ style blogger, but Palm Springs seems like a good in-between. The mid-century architecture and bright colors are something I can get behind. Besides, if there are palm trees, chances are I’ll love it! Specifically, I’ve been daydreaming of a long weekend stay at the Holiday House. Whether it’s for a girl’s weekend or just a fun trip, I’m ready to book today!

Follow @kellygolightly for more inspiration!

Palm Beach, Florida

In a similar light to Palm Springs, Palm Beach has been living in my mind recently. Not only is the city pristine and absolutely beautiful, but also gives me the slightest touch of life in NYC. That’s been something I find myself missing more often than not. I recently made a girl’s weekend to his Florida destination in November and had my bachelorette weekend there. The next item on the agenda is to bring David for a romantic getaway. I’m hoping he’ll love it as much as I do!

Follow @lcbstyle for more inspiration !

Basin Harbor, Vermont

Our biggest US destination this year is to make our way to Vermont to visit David’s family. We haven’t been able to see them in over a year. New England has been pretty strict on their travel restrictions and I’m really hoping things will ease up during the summertime. Ideally, we’ll be there for the 4th of July to see the Green Mountain State shine! While in the area, I would love to spend a few nights at the Basin Harbor Inn for our July anniversary. If their pictures are any indications, it reminds me of a New England cousin of the Gasparilla Inn. You all know how much I love it there.

Follow @basinharbo r for more inspiration!

Charleston, South Carolina

For years I’ve been hearing about how much I would love Charleston. The more I explore on Instagram, the more I tend to agree! It’s truly not that far a drive from my corner of Florida. I’m envisioning this would be an idyllic destination in December, where I can experience the holiday decor along with the historic city. Good thing one of my best friends used to live there and visits often. She’ll have all of the recommendations for me.

Follow @explorecharleston for more inspiration!

New York, New York

It has been incredibly hard to be away from New York for so long. When we first moved back to Florida, we were planning on visiting every few months or so to see our friends and favorite haunts. As soon as it is safe, hopefully in the summertime, David and I will be flying to Manhattan to support our favorite restaurants and businesses. Is New York dead? Of course not and I can’t wait to see the full comeback.

Follow @krystal_bick for more inspiration!

Jamaica

Thank you so much to my friend, Stacie Flinner, for putting Jamaica at the top of my radar. Her recent trip to the Strawberry Hill Hotel has caused a huge case of wanderlust. The sister property, GoldenEye, is equally as beautiful. In fact, it’s hugely inspired by Ian Fleming and the James Bond series. A little known fact about me is that I love classic Bond films. To me, Jamaica sounds like the perfect destination for David and me: equal parts mountains and beaches, with fantastic regional cuisine.

Follow @islandoutpost for more inspiration!

Barbados

It’s no secret that I absolutely adore pink hotels! One of the top hotels on my bucket list is Cobblers Cove in Speightstown. This hotel is equal parts tropical country club and English estate. Located on the west coast of Barbados, the pictures alone are enough for me to book a trip. From an interior design standpoint, nothing has been overlooked. Rattan, linens, and conch shells are always a recipe for success in my book. Because Barbados has extensive travel restrictions compared to other Caribbean islands, this one will have to wait until it’s safe and practical.

Follow @cobblerscovehotel for more inspiration!

How many of these travel plans will actually come to fruition? Only time will tell! As much as I love planning, trips often sometimes appear last minute. I accept spontaneity with open arms. When you have an amazing travel companion, the destination doesn’t always seem as important. A quick thank you to my husband, David, for always putting up with my nearly constant travel daydreams!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.