10 PHOTOS TO MAKE YOU BOOK A TRIP TO NEW ZEALAND NOW
 

Written by: Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


 
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand
Auckland

Auckland

Franz Joseph Glacier

Franz Joseph Glacier

New Zealand
Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

public.jpeg
Poor Knight’s Caye Scuba Diving

Poor Knight’s Caye Scuba Diving

 

Have you ever been to New Zealand? What was your favorite part of the trip?

You may also be interested in:

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND
 

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN, NEW ZEALAND

Written by: Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


Queenstown, New Zealand

In April of 2017, my friends, husband, and I spent an amazing 15 days in New Zealand. The first five of which we spent in Queenstown. If you’re thinking of planning a trip to New Zealand and have no idea of where to start, then Queenstown is probably your best bet! There are so many things to do there. From hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, skydiving, bungee jumping, the list is truly endless.

We visited during their “fall” since the seasons are opposite from the US. We were hoping to catch great weather, milder temperatures, and less crowds. Unfortunately, the weather is very unpredictable and we ended up having several adventures cancelled. If I ever go back (and I plan to), then I would shoot for their summer months, January and February, so that the weather would be more predictable.

 

FIVE DAYS IN QUEENSTOWN:
DAY 1: Arrive into Queenstown
DAY 2: Milford Sound: Fly-Walk-Cruise-Fly
DAY 3: Tandem Paragliding + Canyoning
DAY 4: Hike the Routeburn Track
DAY 5: Whitewater Rafting – Shotover River

RECOMMENDED HOTELS

Queenstown New Zealand

Welcome to New Zealand, where your adventure begins in Queenstown! After a long flight, grab your bags and head to your hotel for the next 4 nights.

After checking into the hotel, make your way to the Skyline Gondola + Luge for an adventurous downhill ride with stunning 220-degree views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables mountain range beyond.

If you’re feeling extra daring, you can also sign up for bungee jumping at AJ Hackett ledge jump or swing!

Grab some dinner at The Bunker or if you’re looking for something quicker to eat, try Smith’s Craft Beer House.

 
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This morning is an early start, but for an amazing reason! Head to Queenstown airport to catch your short flight to Milford Sound with Milford Sound Scenic Flights, where you fly over Wakatipu Basin and into Fiordland, sweeping the length of Milford Sound where you can take in unparalleled views of world famous fiord.

Once landing in Milford Sound, you will take a short boat ride over to Sandfly Point to begin your guided walk on the famous Milford Track. This is a three and a half hour walk taking you along a well formed track to the half way point, Giant Gate waterfall.

After the walk, transfer to the boat terminal where you’ll board a Mitre Peak Cruise through Milford Sound where you will see scenic highlights along the way, such as the Bowen Falls, snow-capped Mount Pembroke, and the awe-inspiring Mitre Peak itself, towering 1692 meters from the ocean floor.

The flight back is breathtaking as you first spot 548 meter Sutherland Falls. This scenic flight will allow you to take in magnificent views of the mountains, glaciers, lakes and forests of the Fiordland national Park on your way back to Queenstown.

After your busy day, grab dinner at The Cow. This is seriously the coolest restaurant. The ambiance is awesome and they have a roaring fire for cold, dreary days. This was one of my favorite restaurant experiences in Queenstown.

 
Dinner at The Cow

Dinner at The Cow

Pizza at The Cow

Pizza at The Cow

 

TIP: If you end up like us and have bad weather, take this opportunity to explore downtown Queenstown or plan a trip on the Shotover River Extreme Jet Boats.


Since you have some time this morning, I highly recommend grabbing breakfast at Bespoke Kitchen before your excursions for the day.

After breakfast, head to your thrilling Tandem Paragliding excursion.

Grab a quick burger at Fergburger for lunch or head back to your hotel and make a quick lunch if you got the suite with a kitchen.

Next up, canyoning! This was probably one of my favorite things that we did while in New Zealand. If you’ve never done it, then I highly recommend this excursion! This adventure you will go down natural water slides, zip lines, pool jumps, abseils (rappelling), swimming and scrambling. I have a major fear of heights, but I would do this again and again!

Suprisingly, New Zealand has some of the best Thai food that I have ever eaten! Check out @Thai for some delicious Thai green curry.

Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown. Picture / Guy Coombes

Bespoke Kitchen, Queenstown. Picture / Guy Coombes


Routeburn Track, Queestown, New Zealand

The beautiful Routeburn Track is located in Mount Aspiring National Park and is our plan for today. It is a hike that begins with a gradual ascent, through 130 million year old magical world of ferns, mosses, lichens and beech forest. During this trek, you will explore forgotten paths of the Maori, finding enchantment around each corner. This walk is often described as, being “far better than the Milford Track”.

Routeburn Track
Routeburn Track, Queenstown

Just 2.5 hours down the track, the woodlands part to reveal the rich grassland of the Routeburn Flats, overlooked on all sides by cloud-scraping mountains, some so high they have permafrost. The Flats is a pristine site to stop for lunch. After a delicious Kiwi style picnic lunch, turn and enjoy the valley in reverse.

 
Routeburn Track, Queenstown
 

Being from Tennessee, I have been whitewater rafting numerous times. That being said, whitewater rafting on the Shotover River after tons of rain making normal class 4 rapids become class 5 rapids was a whole other level!

This was the coolest experience! Due to weather, it was almost cancelled. Thankfully, at the last minute, they decided to run the excursion.

Shotover River

The Shotover River runs through Skippers Canyon and was one of the richest gold bearing rivers in the world. Start the journey from Deep Creek over peaceful waters at first, head towards the exhilarating rapids of the lower canyon. The adrenaline pumps as you paddle Rock Garden, After Shock, Sharks Fin, and Pinball to name but a few of the rapids. Raft the 170m Oxenbridge Tunnel before shooting Cascade Rapid to complete your adventure.


Here are three hotels that I would recommend. We stayed in the Scenic Suites. It was really nice because it was walking distance to downtown and it had a kitchen so that we could cook breakfast in the mornings before heading out on our busy day.

PLATINUM QUEENSTOWN

LAKERIDGE QUEENSTOWN

SCENIC SUITES QUEENSTOWN


 
Queenstown
 

Have you ever been to New Zealand or Queenstown? If so, leave me a comment below and tell me your favorite experience of your trip!

If you need any help booking a trip to New Zealand, I would love to help!


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
FOODIE FRIDAY: BURNING RICE
 

FOODIE FRIDAY: BURNING RICE

Written by Rachel Yue

Featuring: BURNING RICE

www.thatblondetravels.com


Rating: 8.5/10 (the best bibimbap I've had my entire life, but I have yet to go to South Korea)

 Website: BURNING RICE

I had heard of this place opening up in Frisco recently and had passed by it multiple times, but never got the chance to try it until recently when a couple of church family friends asked me to go with them. I did not really have high expectations for this place, but what I ended up eating here blew me away (like literally). The restaurant has a very simple and clever setup (I would call it the "Korean" Chipotle). You walk in and go up to the cashier and order your food. The menu is also very simple, which consists of just bibimbap (either hot stone bowl or regular bowl), but you can choose meat and other toppings to put in the bibimbap. The cashier will then give you a number and you can go sit down at a table. There is a self-service counter in the middle of the restaurant where you can get different types of Korean sauces, free salad, and free miso soup and seaweed vermicelli soup! There will be someone to bring you your order when it is ready. Overall, the food was delicious as I will go into more detail below and the service was top-notch. On another note, the portions are HUGE. (you can order one bowl and share between two people and be very full).

FOODIE FRIDAY-FOODIE-FOOD BLOG-DALLAS FOOD BLOG-BURNING RICE-NEW RESTAURANT-GOOD  FOOD-WINE

HERE ARE MY RATINGS FOR THE SPECIFIC ITEMS ORDERED:

 LA Kalbi Regular Bowl (pictured above, around $11): this is more like a salad type dish that is not hot). The toppings for this one included zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, and an egg on top. The kalbi at this place is one of the most well-cooked I've had in my life. The kalbi (korean short rib) didn't have a lot of fat in it and was all meat, and it was grilled and marinated to perfection. I enjoyed the regular bowl, but I prefer my bibimbap hot rather than cold.

 Bulgogi Hot Stone Bowl (pictured above, around $10): this is what I prefer in terms of the food being in this sizzling hot stone bowl with rice at the bottom. The bulgogi was very delicious, seasoned and cooked perfectly as well. This bowl consisted of carrots, zucchini, mushroom, spinach, kimchi, and bean sprouts. I love the crispy rice at the bottom. I would recommend getting this hot stone bowl more than the regular bowl unless you prefer eating a cold dish vs. hot dish. I would also recommend getting the LA Kalbi with the hot stone bowl and adding all the toppings onto it.

FOODIE FRIDAY-FOODIE-FOOD BLOG-DALLAS FOOD BLOG-BURNING RICE-NEW RESTAURANT-GOOD  FOOD-WINE

Pineapple Kalbi Steak Hot Stone Bowl (around $11): Another meat choice is something called pineapple kalbi steak, which is basically pineapple with kalbi meat without the bone. If you want something both savory and sweet then I would recommend this choice of meat. The toppings are similar to the ones mentioned above. This was also very delicious as the meat was tender and grilled to perfection with some sesame seeds sprinkled on top. 

 Please check out this place if you LOVE bibimbap. I promise it won't disappoint! 


About me:

I fell in love with food and all the intricacies about it at an early age and after that my passion for food just kept growing. Two of my favorite things to do if I’m not training for a marathon is checking out a variety of restaurants (after doing a lot of research and studying the menus way beforehand=p) and trying out new recipes. My favorite cuisines are Japanese and Cuban but I’m always excited to try a variety of cuisines. Be sure to check out my Instagram page for frequent stories of endless food adventures!

Follow me: @rachrun11 


 
ULTIMATE ICELAND RING ROAD ADVENTURE
 
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

ICELAND - the land of FIRE and ICE. When I first starting looking into going to Iceland, I was entranced by it’s natural beauty and the idea of being in a remote area and having it all to myself.


ICELAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY:
DAY 1: Arrive into Reykjavik + Golden Circle
DAY 2: Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail
DAY 3: Seljalandsfoss + Skogafoss Waterfalls
DAY 4: Svartifoss + Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
DAY 5: Lake Mytvan
DAY 6: Dettifoss + Husavik + Godafoss
DAY 7: Kolugljúfur Canyon + Snaefellsnes Peninsula
DAY 8: Glymur Waterfall + Reykjavik + Blue Lagoon
DAY 9: Leave Iceland for home

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

Arrive into Reykjavik and head to pick up your camper van at Cozy Campers. Grocery shop at the local Bónus. Once you’re loaded up and comfortable, head out to begin your roadtrip!

TIP: It is recommended to get to know your camper van and rest before heading out on the Ring Road. We had limited time to explore so we headed out immediately.

Begin your week long Iceland adventure with the Golden Circle Drive. Along the way, you will check out Flosagjá fissure, Öxarárfoss Waterfall, Geysir - Geothermal area, Gullfoss Waterfall, and the Secret Lagoon (Gamla Laugin). This drive takes about 4 to 6 hours to complete.

End day one with the Reykjadalur hike - ~45 min to 1 hr hike that ends in a hot spring river!

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling

This morning drive to Seljalandsfoss/Gljúfrabúi base for the Fimmvörðuháls Hiking Trail (25 km trail; 15.5 miles) if you’re feeling up to it with Southcoast Adventures. If hiking isn’t your thing, you can do one of their superjeep tours thru Þórsmörk.


Solheimasandur Plane Crash

Get up early this morning and beat the crowds to see Seljalandsfoss. While there, continue north to the waterfall Gljúfrabúi, which is found partially hidden behind a rock face. The rest of the morning is spent sightseeing - Seljavallalaugh Swimming Pool, Skogafoss, Solheimasandur Plane Crash, Loftsalahellir Cave, Dyrhólaey, and Reynisdrangar.


 
Iceland-land of fire and ice-ring road adventure-ring road-self drive-hiking-active travel-travel-adventure travel-traveling-luxury travel-travel agent-traveling
 

After all the beautiful sights, head into Vik to have a yummy lunch at Halldorskaffi.

Continue on from Vik, stopping at Laufskálavarða, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon (3 km round trip hike), and Systrafoss.

End the day at Skaftafell campground, which is the perfect location to begin tomorrow’s adventure!


Today starts bright and early in Skaftafell National Park with a 3.4 km hike to Svartifoss (Black Falls) and Sjónarsker viewpoint.

TIP: If you have time to burn, then spend an entire day in Skaftafell National Park. There are tons of hikes in this area!

Svartifoss

Svartifoss

After your hike, head to the town of Hof to get some groceries and then continue to Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach.

Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and Diamond Beach

Next is the town of Höfn for lunch at Pakkhús Restaurant and stop at Hoffell hot tubs if you have time.

After lunch, take Scenic Fjord Route 92 towards Egilsstaðir. Along the way, you will see, Djúpivogur (Lighthouse), Breiðdalsvík, and Litlanesfoss/Hengifoss (40 min detour for a 2.5 km hike).


Starting off over half way around the Iceland Ring Road today! Head over to the Lake Mytvan area for today’s sights!

Dimmuborgir Lava formations

LAKE MYTVAN SIGHTS:
Leirhnjukur Lava Fields and Geothermal Area
Krafla/Viti Crater
Myvatn Nature Baths
Grjotagja Lava Cave and Geothermal Spring
Dommuborgir hike to Hverfjall Cinder Cone and Crater
Dimmuborgir Lava formations and “The Church”
Skutustadir Pseudocraters

Dettifoss

This morning head to Dettifoss, which is said to be the most powerfull waterfall in Iceland.

Stretch your legs on a 5.5 mile hike to see Hafragilsfoss and Ásbyrgi Canyon both located in Jökulsárgljúfur Canyon or Vatnajökull National Park.

Stop in Husavik for lunch and a whale tour if you have time.

After lunch, head to Godafoss via scenic route I-85 (~40 min off the ring road).


 
Godafoss
 

Once you leave Godafoss, you will head to the town of Akureyri where you can spend some time exploring Akureyrarkirkja church.

Last stop of the day is Sundlaugin á Hofsósi (Hot pool by the ocean) for some relaxation.


Begin the morning with a short drive to Grettislaug Pool, then spend some time relaxing and enjoying your last day on the ring road!

Once you’re good and relaxed, head over to Kolugljúfur Canyon for some breathtaking views.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula is your next stop and where you will camp out tonight.

 
Arnarstapi

SNAEFELLSNES PENINSULA SIGHTS:
Gerðuberg Cliffs
Búðakirkja
Budhahraun
Arnarstapi
Snæfellsjökull
Londrangar
Djúpalónssandur beach
Saxhóll Crater
Kirkjufellsfoss
Kirkjufell
Berserkjahraun


Today is your last day in Iceland and we are going to make the most of it! Leaving the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, head towards Glymur Waterfall (~2 hour drive) for a short waterfall hike.

 
Glymur Waterfall
 

Grab lunch and head out to Reykjavik. If you have time, why not do a free walking tour of the city. If not make sure to check out these well-known sights: Sun Voyager Sculpture, Harpa Cultural Center, and Hallgrimskirkja Church.

 

TIP: Don't miss the hot dogs at Bæjarins Beztu Pylsur! They are world famous!

Reykjavik

Finally, drop off your trusty van and head out to the Blue Lagoon. Why not treat yourself after spending an entire week in a campervan? Tonight, we are having dinner at the Moss Restaurant, which was recently recommended by the 2019 Michelin Guide, followed by a stay at the Silica Hotel.

Your stay includes entrance into the Blue Lagoon as well as a mud mask. Treat yo-self!

 
Blue Lagoon, Iceland
 

Say your final goodbyes to Iceland and head to the airport for home today.


This is the itinerary that I have planned for my husband and I’s trip to Iceland at the end of August. If you have any suggestions as to anything that we MUST see or do, please leave them in the comments below! I know that this is an over-zealous itinerary so I will let you know how it goes!


ABOUT ME:

I was born in Mississippi but raised a Tennessee girl! I attended undergrad at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where I received my degree in Biochemistry. I then proceeded to go to pharmacy school at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center with my last 3 years in Knoxville. (Go VOLS!) 6 years ago I followed my sweetheart to Dallas, Texas, where I have been ever since!

I am currently a practicing Inpatient Pharmacist with a love for traveling. I love to get off the beaten path and go places/do things that are not the normal “tourist” thing to do. I love hiking and adventure travel!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
FOODIE FRIDAY: SACHET ALL DAY
 

FOODIE FRIDAY: SACHET ALL DAY

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Sachet

www.thatblondetravels.com


 
 

Sachet is a new Mediterranean restaurant that just opened in Highland Park. We went last weekend for a friend’s birthday!

When you first walk in, the ambiance of the place is outstanding. I loved the air plants that were hanging over the bar. We sat down at the bar while we waited for our table and ordered a couple cocktails. My husband was super excited that they had the beer Mythos because it took him back to when he visited Greece with one of his best friends. I ordered the Xoriguer Mahon to start and I was not disappointed!!

 
sachet-dallas-foodie+friday-foodie-food-dallas-texas-travel+agent-travel+blog-foodie+blog
 

Sachet was not the traditional Mediterranean food that you think of when you think Mediterranean. I felt it had a more Middle Eastern Flare. The food was very light and fresh. We did family style when ordering and by the time it came to order a main meal we were stuffed!


WHAT WE ORDERED:

MEZE:

PISTACHIO AND MARCONA

BROCCOLINI

SPICY CARROT TABBOULEH

SPICY ROASTED EGGPLANT

COMPRESSED MELON


PITAC/O YELP

PITA

C/O YELP

 

SALAD:

GREEK

APPETIZER:

PITA

ARANCINI


ARANCINIC/O YELP

ARANCINI

C/O YELP

 

PASTA:

SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

SPELT FUSILLI


SPICY GOAT RIGATONIC/O YELP

SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

C/O YELP

 

If you’re into wine, have the Sommelier come over and recommend something to you! I ordered a glass of the Belle-Vue “La Renaissance/Le Chateau” Cabernet, Mt. Lebanon, Lebanon 2011. It was so refreshing and light. I am a huge fan of red wine, specifically Pinot Noir, and when we were in Budapest I had one that was amazing. That is all I said to the Sommelier and he delivered!

if you’ve been thinking about checking Sachet out, then do it ASAP! 😋

See my review on Yelp!


About me:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


Dallas-Texas-City-Skyline-Food-Eating-Travel-US
 
MY FAVORITE TRAVEL-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES ON AMAZON
 

Written by: Lauren Bailey

www.thatblondetravels.com


Amazon has become a powerhouse for Americans due to super fast shipping and convenience.

Here is what is always in my bag when I travel abroad. (You can click all the photos to buy the product!)


 

My go-to daily facial moisturizer + SPF.


The perfect facial mask for during and after a full day of travel.


Deodorant wipes for after a long travel day.


My favorite dry shampoo that smells so good!


Facial cleansing wipes for sensitive skin.


Body wipes to refresh while on the plane or after before you can check into your hotel (a must!).


Airplanes always dry me out so I love to keep a great hand lotion with me!

 
 

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES AND BEAUTY PRODUCTS ON AMAZON?


ABOUT ME:

I'm a full-time pharmacist that loves to travel whenever I get the chance and eat great food while doing so!

Follow me: @thatblondetravels


 
 

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I would never recommend anything I don’t personally love, and the income goes to keeping this site updated and free for everyone!

 

FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 2
 

FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 2

Featuring Global Cafe, City Silo, RP Tracks

Written by Ashton Few

www.thatblondetravels.com


memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food

Global Cafe is another fabulous restaurant at Crosstown Concourse. They offer Syrian, Sudanese, and Venezuelan food made fresh by immigrants and refugees. Not only are you eating delicious food with fresh ingredients, but you are also helping to transform the lives of the ones that work there.

memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food

Not everything is vegan or vegetarian so don't go in and order one of everything, but I do suggest getting one of every vegan thing! The falafel and hummus are the absolute best! Grab some stuffed grape leaves, the traditional Venezuelan meal, a yummy drink from the bar, and enjoy them outside if the weather permits. Most items are made vegan and then you can add meat, but be sure to ask!

memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food

Mostly vegetarian but also offers local farm raised chicken, City Silo is the perfect spot to go with your friends that think they can't have a meal without meat. Compromise, right?

C/O MRS HIPPIES BAKED GOODS

C/O MRS HIPPIES BAKED GOODS

It is difficult to pick a favorite salad because they are all SO. GOOD. If I am eating out, I don't typically pick a salad because, when you're vegan, you can usually make it better at home. After your remove all of the toppings that aren't vegan, you are often left with lettuce and oil and vinegar dressing. The salads here are not those salads! Make a small modification to make it vegan and you will still have plenty of toppings to satisfy all of your cravings. You will not be disappointed by any of their burgers or sandwiches (get the vegan bun) either. I can't begin to tell you how delicious the BBQ Bowl and Buffalo Tempeh + Sesame Cauliflower Bowl are! Pick a base of quinoa, brown rice, or zucchini noodles with any of these. City Silo also has smoothies, juices, acai bowls, kombucha, coffee, local beer, wine, cocktails, and more. You might want to visit this place twice in one day!

C/O BIANCA PHILLIPS

C/O BIANCA PHILLIPS


I may have saved the best for last because you can't beat the BBQ Tofu at R.P. Tracks.

C/O @lacomidajeremie

C/O @lacomidajeremie

If your meat-eating friends have a taste of this, they will regret ordering anything else. The BBQ Tofu Nachos are always a favorite (you could share these, but you will not want to!) but be sure to order without cheese and sour cream for the vegan version.

You can get the BBQ Tofu in a quesadilla, a sandwich, or as sticks. Speaking of sticks, you can get these lemongrass style or buffalo. They even have Imagine Vegan Cafe ranch for dipping! If a burger is what you're feeling, the Veggie Melt is a patty melt with a Beyond burger patty (go sans cheese for vegan). They even have the Beyond Brat so you can order their Homewrecker Dog.

memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food
memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food

You'll want a side of waffle fries and regular fries, because who can choose?! Wash it all down with a local draft beer such as Meddlesome's 201 Hoplar. This place stays open until 3:00 AM so it's great for those late-night munchies!

memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food
memphis-vegan-foodie friday-memphis eats-tennessee-food

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!


About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

Follow me: @smashton901


vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday
 
FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 1
 

FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 1

Featuring Imagine Vegan Cafe and Crosstown Arts Cafe

Written by Ashton Few

www.thatblondetravels.com


vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday

Being vegan or vegetarian in, arguably, the BBQ capital is not always easy, but these five restaurants give you more than the go-to of a bland salad and fries. If you think you can't eat your southern comfort foods just because you're vegan, these restaurants will quickly prove you wrong!

vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday
vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday

First up is the only completely vegan restaurant, Imagine Vegan Cafe. Their menu may say things like steak burger, cheese, and bacon but no animal products can be found in any of their food. Their menu urges you to go ahead and order whatever you want since it's all vegan and, trust me, you will want some of everything!

vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday

With that being said, the Appetizer Sampler is a great start to give you a little of a lot of things: Dogs 'n Blankets, Potato Skins, Wings, Chicken Nuggets, and Hush-puppies! You don't want to leave here without getting the Cheese Sticks, though! They are house breaded and deep fried and absolutely amazing! You better come hungry because the Chicken Drumsticks are a must as well! These are also house breaded and deep fried and the guys at Imagine do it right! They make and bottle their own honey mustard and ranch dressing and you'll want one of each for those drumsticks, and a bottle of each to take home! Leave a little room for dessert or take some home with you if you're too stuffed.

vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday
vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday

Next up is Crosstown Arts Cafe at Crosstown Concourse. This cafe is vegetarian, but they label everything that is vegan (as well as gluten free) and most items can be made vegan with a simple modification. Crosstown Concourse is an amazing space with restaurants, a brewery, shopping, living spaces, and more. If you are in Memphis, this is a must see! Take some time to visit each area, admire the art, and read about the history of the building. There are some really cool things here!

Crosstown Arts Cafe has an ALWAYS menu, and a TODAY menu with specials of the day. I recommend getting “Let's hear it faux the boy” off the ALWAYS menu. It's a fried oyster mushroom po' boy with lettuce, tomato, onion, and remoulade on a baguette. You're still in Memphis, but you'll think you've jumped a train to New Orleans! The Big Ass Salad changes daily and always delivers. Since the TODAY menu is always changing, I can't tell you what to get, but I can tell you that I have loved every single thing I ever had here. Seriously, it's all ridiculously good! If they happen to have fried green tomatoes, don't miss out on these! Grab a sweet treat off the counter if you have room for dessert!

While Memphis may not have a ton of options for vegans, they are evolving daily and restaurants are becoming more aware of the demand for plant-based menu options. Memphis is a great city with lots of history, multiple venues with local and world-famous musicians playing nightly, great food, eclectic people, and good ole southern charm! It's worth adding to your travel list at least once!


About me:

Hey there, I’m Ashton! I’m 30 years old and living in Memphis, TN with my hubby and adorable Frenchie, Psilo! I love traveling anywhere our RV will take us, and places far beyond. I have recently found a love of yoga and can’t wait to see where that takes me! I have always had a passion for food so I love getting creative and making vegan versions of childhood favorites for our family!

Follow me: @smashton901


vegan-memphis, tn-memphis eats-foodie friday