Posted in Travel on May 7, 2013
Surrounded by jewel like blue waters, this British island is not only picturesque but almost theme park like. With gorgeous, brightly colored, white roofed homes that line the hills and over look the water to the clean yet windy roads that cut through floral lined neighborhoods, it’s incredible to see a country that is so pristine and pleasant. In fact, Bermuda’s residents take so much pride in their land that they’re hospitality mirrors the loveliness of the landscape.
I just came back from an absolutely wonderful trip to Bermuda. Thanks to the lovely folks of the Bermuda Visitor’s Bureau, I was part of a select group of travel writers who was wined, dined and schmoozed in this beautiful island in the middle of the Atlantic.
A country steeped in history yet governed by it’s fantastical geography, there is so much to do and see in Bermuda!
Let’s start with where to stay! I had the pleasure of staying at the Southampton Fairmont Hotel. A global hotel chain that prides itself on being leaders in the green hotel marketplace, they offer everything from green meeting rooms and Audubon certified golf courses to rooftop gardens and local, organic ingredients in their restaurants. They have ties to international environmental and wildlife organizations that coincide with each of their locations and the Southampton location in Bermuda is no different. Boasting 4 restaurants, inside as well as beach front, the Fairmont was incredibly accommodating to my special dietary needs. I had the luxury of staying on their Gold Floor that featured complimentary food and beverages all day. From breakfast and tea time to happy hour snacks and desserts, every day was a veritable smorgasbord! I devoured fun snacks like cucumber salads and mushroom purses as well as raw red pepper gaspacho and organic oatmeal. At the Waterlot Inn, located at the hotel’s ferry harbor, enjoy local drinks and dishes like Mushroom Risotto or the watermelon granola crumble for dessert! Be sure to ask for their lifestyle cuisine plus menu that offers veg, vegan. gluten free, diabetic and even macrobiotic options!
Additionally, the Fairmont has a fitness center, world class spa and of course, great beach activities such as snorkeling, paddle boarding and more! Stay green, healthy and fit with Fairmont!
Located in the capital city of Hamilton (no relation, by the way), Muse Bistro is an eatery that showcases international fare with a twist. I had the distinct honor of meeting the chef whose passion for his food, restaurant and the island was exuberant. He told me about traditional Bermudian food along with its influences. I had the spinach onion and garlic bruschetta and was told that many of the dishes, including pasta, could be easily veganized. Yay!
If you’re visiting the Bermuda National Museum at the Royal Navy Dockyard, be sure to dine at Bonefish Bar and Grill overlooking the Great Sound. IWth traditional Bermuda faves such as rock fish and fish chowder, veggies can enjoy italian veggie paninis and more. Don’t forget to have a Dark and Stormy with your meal!
Looking for a neat dining experience? Check out Henry VIII in Southampton for all sorts of cuisine. Offering vegetarian Indian dishes and sushi, to local seafood and beyond, there is something for everyone in your dining party. I had a fabulous seaweed salad, veggie rolls and a pretty killer Indian Vegetable Strudel that was packed with veggies in a mild curry and coconut sauce. Plus, on the weekends, they’ve got a dj, dancing and plenty of drinks!
The Swizzle Inn is an absolute must. Showcasing another Bermudian drink, the Rum Swizzle, it is a fun, kitschy and tasty locale. With lots of veggie options, I had the curry lentil veggie burger and was tempted to veganize the nachos. Super fun vibe along with swizzle and good bar and grill eats, be sure to put the Swizzle Inn on your list. Swizzle in and Swagger Out!
Join me again for more Bermuda bites coming up soon!
For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com
Earth Day is just around the corner. Have you thought about what you might do to celebrate this big blue and green marble we call home? Well, here are some ideas for some earth friendly activities that you can do with friends and/or family for a fun and green Earth Day!
- Go Meatless! Combine Meatless Monday with Earth Day for a healthy and environmental 1-2 punch!
- Join a beach or park cleanup with groups like the Surfrider Foundation
- Plant a tree – visit the Arbor Day site for more info
- Check out a Green Drinks event in your area
- If you have kids, Print out our calendar and draw a green star for each day that you do an activity that helps the earth!
- Get your green thumb dirty and start a garden. While you’re at it, start a compost pile too!
- Turn trash into treasure! Refurbish an old sofa, chair or even a garment. Get crafty and creative and you just might produce a work of art ; )
- Park your car. Spend the day walking or biking to the places you need to go. If you’re heading somewhere that’s a bit far, try public transporation!
- Green Spring Clean. Swap our bulbs for energy efficient CFL’s, clean your house with eco alternative products, upcycle and or doante unwanted clothing and household items, etc. Get creative!
- Cook up a local, organic meal and serve up some organic cocktails! Toast mother earth and yourself too!
Hopefully some of these ideas spark your imagination! Happy Earth Day!
For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com
Posted in Travel on March 20, 2013
Just an hour or so south of Nashville, you’ll find the small town on Lynchburg. The reason it’s a place of note is that it’s most famous resident was Jack Daniels, and he chose to start his whiskey operation there. Home to the world famous whiskey’s distillery, it’s a great little small town with a neat historic attraction and adorable town square. So if you’re planning a visit, check out where and how to find healthy, vegan and special diet eats!
Obviously, the big draw to town is the Jack Daniels Distillery. On a beautiful piece of land, complete with a cavern and waterfall (the water from the aquifer is used in Jack!), it’s a super neat day trip. And don’t worry of you’re not a boozer as the distillery is located in a dry town so no drinky drinky o the tour! The tour is neat as it takes you to the spot where Jack’s temper lead to his untimely demise as well as through the entire whiskey making process. It’s quite interesting and a lot of fun. And depending on the time of year, the grounds have great places for a picnic so it might be a good idea to plan ahead and pack a fabulous meal to enjoy at the distillery.
If you don’t get teh chance to pack a meal, the best option for veganizing a meal in town is the Southern Perks Cafe. Offering pizza that is easily veganized by holding the cheese and a southwestern wrap, sans chicken and cheese. Perks also has salads that are simple to customize and all goes well with the southern charm and hospitality. It’s worth a drop in at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House but for vegans, it’s a no go for eating. It’s a family style, set menu of southern comfort food, none of which is vegan. But like I said, it’s the second most popular spot in Lynchburg and worth a peek in if even to visit the gift shop and take a photo in front of the historic building.
And if all else fails, there is a Subway in town. Offering veggie sandwiches and now, veggie patties as a protein substitute. If you’re gluten free, shoot for a salad and pile on the veggies.
While food options might be scarce in Lynchburg, it’s worth a visit if you’re in the area just to take in the history behind it and for a photo opp with good ol’ Jack!
For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com
Posted in Travel on March 13, 2013
Who doesn’t love visitng the happiest place on earth? Well, I would imagine folks on special diets have some trouble at theme parks however, I’ve scoured both Disneyland and California Adventure and found some pretty fabulous options for vegans, gluten free diners and even health counscious park goers. Be you a kid or an adult, you can have the full magical experience with none of the food worries! Here is what I found on my last visit to the Anaheim parks:
- California Adventure – Cars Land – Flo’s V8 Diner – Veggie tater bake made with soy crumbles (vegans, order it sans cheese)
- California Adventure – Starbuck’s – Soy milk beverages
- California Adventure – Carthay Circle – Veggie risotto
- California Adventure – Cocina Cucamonga – Veggie burritos and salads
- California Adventure – Fairfax Market - fresh juices and healthy snacks like hummus and raw veggies
- California Adventure – Lucky Fortune Cookery – Veggie rice bowls
- California Adventure – Paradise Garden Grill – Tofu skewars, Mediterranean plates and salads
- Disneyland – Blue Bayou – Portobello Risotto
- Disneyland – Near Pirate’s of the Caribbean – Veggie Gumbo
- Disneyland – Across from the Hanuted Mansion – Veggie Chili
- Disneyland – Bengal BBQ – Veggie skewers
- Disneyland – Jolly Holiday Cafe – Grilled veggie and mushroom salad with whole grains and soy milk for coffee
- Disneyland – Tropical Imports – fresh juices and healthy snacks like hummus and raw veggies
- Disneyland – Rancho del Zocalo - Veggie burritos and salads
To check out other Disneyland and California Adventure options, check out my theme park round up post! You can also check out options at the Orlando area parks here:
Additionally, if you really want to plan your worry-free day at Epcot, make your dining reservations ahead of time and let guest services know of any special diet requests so they can accommodate you accordingly. Contact Disney’s Dining Reservation Center at (714) 781-DINE (3463) to speak with a Cast Member to make your special requests and reservations.
For mroe information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com
Posted in Travel on February 27, 2013
If you are planning a trip to Nashville, be sure to add Franklin to your list of places to visit in the area. Home to lots of civil war and historic battlefields and haunted sites, it’s also home to many musical celebrities and of course, some awesome veggie and gluten free options!
Brixx Pizza is a fun place for friends and family to dine. And no one is left to starve as they offer vegan cheese and toppings as well as gluten free crust options, available for all varieties of their delicious, wood fired pizzas. They also serve a smorgasbord of salads, sandwiches and more. I devoured my veggie stacked, vegan pizza and so will you ; ) And, Brixx is steps away from Frankiln’s newest Whole Foods so you can stock up after you dine so you don’t shop on an empty stomach!
For a great cafe atmosphere, check out Olivia’s Good News Cafe. Using all natural, organic, local and even superfood ingredients, Olivia’s is a great option when you’re in Franklin. The vegan love sandwich is awesome as are the quinoa veggie burger sliders! For gluten free folks, be sure to order up the gluten free mushroom pasta! Yum! Pop into Olivia’s and they will take care of you!
If you’re in the mood for a vegan wiener, Music City Dog House is the place for you! With live music and veggie dogs and vegan toppings for days, it’s tough to not leave full and with a smile. Don’t forget to veganize the Tornado Potato!
In search of an ethnic meal? Try Bombay Bistro! They’ve got tons of veggie options, so many in fact, you’ll have ti dine there more than once! I had 2 kinds of samosas and the Aloo Saagwala and then shared veggie kofta. Mmmm!
Well, if you don’t bump into a country superstar here in Franklin, you’ll keep quite busy stuffing your face!
For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com
