Cheers Sippin Gypsy Travelers! Check out my Quick Tips for cocktails and cuisine and what to do in Philadelphia!

Cheers Sippin Gypsy Travelers! This post comes to you while popping open a cold refreshing Prosecco to celebrate my nomination for The Entertainer Blogger Award!

A huge thank you to my friend Lucy of Lucy Williams Global for my nomination!  Lucy is such a talented writer and shares incredible adventures as she cruises the world.  She has been to some of the most coveted places around the globe and she isn't slowing down!  I am honored that she selected me! Thank you Lucy!!

This nomination comes upon the anniversary of my start into blogging and the inception of Sippin Gypsy with my friends and I.  Lovers of travel, amazing food and cocktails, the concept begun out of a playful nickname that celebrated our whimsical and eclectic personalities, fashion style preferences and a shared passion to source out local food and recipes while trying new cocktails or variations on cocktails that were indigenous to the places we ventured. There is a simple belief that although we do have plans to travel the globe, there are things to treasure and experience just down the street.  Being fortunate to live in such a beautifully diverse country as the United States, it was easy to start here.

The Entertainer Blogger Award is an award nominated by one blogger to another blogger whom he or she finds fun, inspiring and entertaining.

THE RULES
• Thank the person who nominated you to add the link to their blog
• Add the rules so others can follow
• Nominate people who you find fun, inspiring and entertaining!
• Answer the same questions
• Include the graphic in your post



MY RESPONSE TO THE QUESTIONS:

Why did you start blogging in the first place?
It really started with creating I Cloud photo share albums on our travels.  My friends and I would want to see the beautiful places each other visited, the amazing food we tried and what new cocktails were inspiring that we would try together on our next girls night.   In our travels and meeting the locals and other travelers, we found so many more amazing women like ourselves. When each other would travel to another place one of us had gone or experienced, we would dump a myriad of tips and suggestions.  From there it was obvious to me that there was a whole world of Sippin Gypsies out there: Bold and amazing women who also loved "Exploring the world Sip by Sip" and enjoying everything this vast planet offers.  Cheers to all of us!

What is your favourite book?
This is really hard to choose.  My "favorite" changes so easily based on my mood.  Currently I have been slightly obsessed over the history of the French Quarter in New Orleans.  I have read and re-read the book "The French Quarter" by Herbert Asbury at least three times.  But I am working on a fun project for my blog and vlog that has me gathering a lot of history and information about New Orleans, so this book has been not only intriguing but resourceful.

What do you dislike the most?
Negative people.  There is so much beauty in world...don't poison the punch with a negative outlook...when life hands you lemons...make a margarita! Cheers!

What is your favourite food at the mall?
Mall food!?  Ugggg.  The mall closest to my home has brought in some small local entrepreneurs that offer fresh made salads and sandwiches.  I would choose them,   

What is your favourite pastime?
Sippin' and Strollin': I love to venture out, have a well crafted cocktail and walk and explore.  If the place or city allows the cocktail "to go" even better! 

Thank you again Lucy of Lucy Williams Global for nominating me for the Entertainer Blogger Award.  You are a talented blogger and amazing woman and I admire your accomplishments! 

My Nominees:

I would like to nominate a few of my peers that are also incredible writers and really inspirational in their contribution and support:
​
​Kathryn of Kathroundabout
Laurel of MoreThanADestination
Tif of LiveLove&Voyage
Katie of SuitKateDiaries
Maggie of FromToddlertoTraveler
Taryn of TheTripWishList
Laura ofExploreLikeAGirl

Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Gin! This post comes to you while enjoying a refreshing Sorbet Sparkler with raspberry sorbet and thyme from my garden, Enjoy!

Philadelphia was such an incredible experience.  First, I had time with my cousin, Jeremy... and second, since he loves living in Philadelphia and has been there almost 10 years, he showed me all of the best places and local secrets for what to do and where to go!  Check out some of the great spots we found for cocktails and cuisine at my Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin.

Before I list some of top things to do when visiting Philadelphia, I wanted to share a few other easy tips for your adventure to one of the oldest cities in the United States.

1. Downtown Philadelphia is very easy to navigate with many spots within walking distance of Center City.  However many of the streets are still lined with old brick or cobblestone.  While this may appear charming, your feet will not find it so charming...wear very comfortable and supportive shoes.

2.  If you aren't used to the weather in the Northeast of the United States, wear layers and expect the cooler evenings and days to have a dampness in the air which can make it feel more chilly, especially after the sun sets.  

3. Philadelphia hosts a lot of festivals, concerts and shows.  Consider planing your travels through Philadelphia based on a particular show or artist you may was to catch, or see what is happening in the communities.  This may also effect availability of hotels, but can also be a nice anchor for what to plan your stay in the city around. The Visit Philly website is very resourceful to see what events could enhance your visit.

4.  Philadelphia has one of the best markets I have experienced.  Consider visiting either the Reading Terminal Market or The Italian Market on your first day to stock up on delicious goods to keep in your hotel in place of always eating out. 

5.  Philadelphia is an easy trip to New York City and Washington DC.  Consider using Philadelphia for where to fly into or out of when visiting this iconic part of the United States.

  1. Reading Terminal Market
A public market since 1893, the Reading Terminal Market is one of the oldest public markets in the United States and features local produce, meats, prepared goods as well as quick service prepared meals to tide you over until you get back to a kitchen to cook up something delicious on your own.  I highly advise making Reading Terminal Market one of the fist places you visit to fill your room with delicious local snacks and options for while in Philly.  ​

  2.  Historic Tours
As in any big city, Philadelphia has no shortage of tours.  I personally love the intrigue of dark tours...getting the inside scoop of ghosts and other things that may go 'bump' in the night.  I find I get almost just as much history in these tours, but the added charm of a good ghost story.  My cousin and I elected to do the Ghost Tour of Philadelphia.  Just a side note, this tour does not have bathroom stops, nor does it stop for food or beverages.  Make sure you have already had food and bring a bottle water or coffee with you for the tour, and have solid plans afterward for food and perhaps cocktails.  The tour ends near the historic City Tavern, a fun place to wrap up your history lesson and grab a beer before heading off for the evening for dinner or cocktails.  Philadelphia is also sprinkled with important buildings and preserved sites that take you back into time.  It was amazing to see Independence Hall, The Liberty Bell and tour the very ground where Benjamin Franklin's house and businesses once stood.  The Visit Philly website puts together great lists and suggestions for what each museum and historic site offers.

3.  Catch a show or concert
Philadelphia hosts so many concerts and shows ranging from world renowned symphonies and ballets, to off Broadway hits and local up an coming talent. I sadly lost track of all the venues that Philadelphia offers.  While walking around, my cousin would point out more and more theaters or bars with space for live performances.  Philadelphia Theater website gathers what is available at most of the larger venues throughout Philly along with ticketing options.

4. Tour The Masonic Temple
I truly battled with listing this with my other tour suggestions above.  But in the end, if your visit doesn't take you through the footsteps of the founding fathers of the United States, it should at least take you through the impressive structure located just behind City Hall, the Masonic Temple.  Tours are offered regularly and the structure is truly breathtaking. 

5. Search for your favorite Philly Cheese Steak
I specifically did not put any places on my Sippin Gypsy Quick Tips for Sippin for where to find the "best Philly Cheese Steak" because I haven't found it yet.  My time in Philly was incredible exploring the other amazing cocktail and cuisine venues throughout Philadelphia.  However it should be known, that the city has no shortage of spots that claim to offer the best Philly Cheese Steak.  During my next visit to Philadelphia I will take part in this friendly war and seek out which place offers this iconic sandwich best to my liking!  Until then, if your travels take you to Philadelphia and you wish to indulge in cheesy meaty goodness, consider visiting the dueling locationsPat's or Geno's  located directly across from each other, or talk to the locals...they will all have different suggestions, and one will be close to your hotel or lodging or along your path as you explore the city.

Philadelphia was an incredible experience.  There is truly is so much to do and explore ranging from walking in the footsteps of the founding fathers of the United States to enjoying the talents of local artisans.  The people are amazing and passionate about their beautiful city.  Thank you to my cousin Jeremy for showing me around your city.  I can't wait to get back there and continue the adventure! Cheers!

Cheers Sippin Gypsy Team Rum! This post comes to you while enjoying a Pina Colada from the recipe by friend Laurel of More Than A Destination that she shares below along with her suggestions for three of the best beach bars she's encountered in her travels!  Enjoy!

3 Best Beach Bars to Visit in 2018

The 3 Beach Bars that made our list this year include one of Thailand's lesser-known islands to visit, Barbados next big party spot, and a favorite of the isle of St. Kitts.

#1 - Bon Island, Thailand
When I image myself visiting an island, I see crystal clear water, soft sand, peaceful solitude and a Pina Colada in my hand. Bon Island (or Koh Bon) located south of Rawai Beach in Phuket meets all of my requirements. The only occupants of the island are visitors during the daytime and the owner Dawn and the staff of Bon Island Restaurant.

The locale is perfect for a day trip out to the island by a longtail boat for lunch. Most everything is negotiable in Thailand, and we hired a taxi to take us down to Rawai Beach to find a boat for hire. The hills and roads of Phuket remind me of Honduras, and the taxi driver was a little crazy on the turns and hills, but we made it to our destination, and all was well.

There are many boats near the pier, and you can negotiate a ride very smoothly. The transportation costs for the day broke down to be 1200 Baht for the round trip by longtail boat out to the island. You should arrange to pay after the return trip to ensure they come back to get you. The taxi was a little different, we negotiated 1400 round trip, but we paid for each leg of the journey. Before leaving for the island, I had messaged Dawn, the owner on Facebook to find out how much the average cost of a longtail boat out to the island would cost. I suggest doing this as we knew what price was fair when we arrived at Rawai Beach to find a ride.

The restaurant is charming with thatched roof structures and colorful sand chairs to relax in after your meal. The owner and her staff bring their supplies out to the island every morning by longtail boat and cook in an outdoor kitchen. The restaurant was clean; the food was excellent, the owner and her staff were fantastic and made you feel at home. We will visit again next time we are in Phuket.


The Piña Colada is a sweet cocktail made with 1 1⁄2 ounce light rum, 2 ounces coconut cream/milk, and 2 ounces pineapple juice. My favorite way to drink a Pina Colada is in a coconut shell, shaken with crushed ice.

#2 - The Boatyard, Barbados
Located in Bridgetown, Barbados this beach bar is a favorite spot for the crew members of the
cruise ships.

The Boatyard was a recommendation by one of the crew members on board the vessel that we were sailing on. It is a 20-minute walk from the cruise port, located in Carlisle Bay. The water here is the most beautiful color of blue I have ever seen.

We paid USD 25 for two beach chairs, two drinks, and the price included a taxi back to the cruise port. The owner and staff are both attentive and go out of their way to make sure everyone is having a great time. For lunch we ordered their Fried Flying Fish plate, it was delicious. As a result, we ordered the dish a second time and enjoyed it as much as the first time.

#3 - Reggae Beach Bar & Grill, St. Kitts
We found out about the Reggae Beach Bar after we arrived at the port in St. Kitts. There are tour operators stationed at the port that offers private or shared rides to the different locales on the island. We picked a shared van provided by an expat named Rosie to Cockleshell Beach.

While the ocean is warm and very inviting, the water here was not as blue and clear as Barbados. There are beach chairs available that are owned by the beach bar that you can use if you spend money at their establishment. Also, there are restrooms and a picnic table in the shade if you need to get out of the sun for awhile.

They launch boats with a tractor in the middle of the beach. Therefore this is something to watch out for if you are in the water!

If you are planning a trip to any of these islands, visiting one of these beach bars will ensure you have a fantastic day on a picture perfect beach with good food, cold beer, and all the amenities needed for a couple of beach bums!

Happy Travels!

Thank you Laurel for these suggestions!  And the Pina Colada was delish!  Check out more of Laurel's travel adventures at More Than a Destination.  Also check out her other social media platforms at:
Pinterest: More Than A Destination
Instagram: @morethanadestination
Facebook: @morethanadestination
Twitter: @mtadestination