"Uncork the Alleghenies ": A Fun-Filled Event for Wine Lovers

Looking for a fun wine-related event to attend this year? Look no further than the 11th Annual Uncork the Alleghenies wine festival!

Uncork The Alleghenies is back! This year, the 11th Annual Uncork-the Allegheny’s will be coming to Blair County Convention Center on Saturday March 12th from 12pm – 10pm. With free souvenir wine glasses for everyone who attends as well as reusable shopping bags and caricatures handed out by our talented artists during lunchtime or dinner time if you want them too (depending upon availability).

This event has everything that makes these types of events so entertaining: food samples & tastes; live entertainment including music performed by vocalists while guests enjoy themselves at photo booths with props ranging anything imaginable—it doesn't stop there though because wine seminars will give wine lovers the opportunity to taste wine and learn about wine production from local wine experts.

Tickets are now available on their website and we have a wine lover's special for those of you who purchase tickets

Looking for the perfect gift for your special wine lover? Look no further! Frugal Fashionista has an array of gifts from handmade tumblers and wine glasses to wine glass holders and corkers! See customer favorites here!

Pennsylvania Spring Events: A Guide to Fun in the Sun

Looking for some fun plans this spring? Pennsylvania has tons of events happening all over the state! From arts and culture events to food festivals to outdoor activities, there's something for everyone to explore. Keep reading for a guide to some of the best spring events in Pennsylvania.

Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh also has a ton of events coming up for spring. One of the most popular events is the Pittsburgh Folk Festival which takes place each spring in downtown Pittsburgh. The family friendly event celebrates world culture and features events like live performances by international musical acts, arts and crafts vendors from around the globe, and lots of delicious food! The event features over 100 different events during its three day run.

Future events in Pittsburgh:

Pittsburgh Winter Beerfest - Feb. 25th & 26th @ David L. Lawrence Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Pittsburgh Arts & Crafts Spring Fever Festival - March 18th-20th @ Monroeville Convention Center

See here for tickets!

Philadelphia

Food events are a popular choice in Pennsylvania. There's always plenty of these events happening throughout the year but springtime is when they really ramp up! The Philadelphia Flower Show is one of the most popular events in all PA and it takes place each March at Lincoln Financial Field (home to football team). This event features live music, food trucks, carnival games, and more!

Future Events in Philadelphia:

Philadelphia Auto Show - March 5th -13th @ The Pennsylvania Convention Center

See here for tickets

Harrisburg

Harrisburg is known for its events, and the city has a ton of events coming up for springtime. One of these events is ArtsFest which takes place at Riverfront Park in downtown Harrisburg. This event features live music, arts and crafts vendors, food, and more! Another popular event in Harrisburg is the Pennsylvania Farm Show which takes place at the PA Farm Show Complex. This event is billed as "the largest indoor agriculture exposition in the world" and features events like livestock shows, a giant petting zoo, tractor pulls, and more!

Future events in Harrisburg:

ArtsFest - May 28th-30th @ Riverfront Park

Learn more here!

So whatever your interests are, Pennsylvania has an event for you this spring! Be sure to check out the events calendar on your state's tourism website for a complete list of events. Have fun and enjoy the warm weather!

Countdown to Mardi Gras 2022

It's that time of year again! It's almost Mardi Gras 2022! Learn where you can see the greatest parades, what food to eat before or after the parade, and how to make your vacation go smoothly here!

History of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras has been around for centuries. It began in Europe as a way to commemorate the conclusion of Lenten season. The first Mardi Gras parade took place in New Orleans in 1837, and it has grown in popularity every year since!

Mardi Gras Parades

If you're in New Orleans for Mardi Gras, the parades are a must-see! There are dozens of them throughout the city, and they can last all day long. Some of the most popular ones include the Krewe of Rex Parade, the Endymion Extravaganza, and the Bacchus Parade.

Best Food Spots in New Orleans

There are so many delicious food options in New Orleans, but some of the most popular ones for Mardi Gras are king cake, beignets, and gumbo. Whether you're eating before or after the parade, you won't be disappointed!

If you're looking for some great food options in New Orleans, check out these spots!

- Cafe Du Monde: This spot is famous for its beignets and cafe au lait. It's a must-try if you're in the city during Mardi Gras.

- The French Market: This market has everything from Creole food to Cajun food. It's a great place to try some of the local cuisine.

- Cochon: This restaurant is known for its Southern comfort food, and it's definitely a must-eat if you're in town for Mardi Gras.

Historic French Quarter

The French Quarter is one of the most popular tourist destinations in New Orleans, and it's easy to see why. This historic neighborhood is home to some of the best restaurants, bars, and shops in the city. You can also catch a parade or two here!

If you're looking for a place to stay in New Orleans, the French Quarter is a great choice. There are plenty of hotels and Airbnb rentals available, and you'll be close to all the action! Be sure to check out these spots while you're there:

- Pat O'Brien's: This bar is famous for its hurricane cocktails, and it's a great place to relax and enjoy a drink.

- The Carousel Bar: This bar is shaped like a carousel, and it's one of the most unique places in the French Quarter. Be sure to check it out!

- Cafe Du Monde: This cafe is known for its beignets (fried doughnuts), and it's a must-visit for anyone who's visiting New Orleans.

- The French Market: This market has everything from Creole food to Cajun food. It's a great place to try some of the local cuisine.

- Cochon: This restaurant is known for its Southern comfort food, and it's definitely a must-eat if you're in town for Mardi Gras.

- Bourbon Street: This street is famous for its bars and nightclubs. If you're looking to party, this is the place to be!

Best Places to Stay in New Orleans for Mardi Gras

Louisiana is home to some of the best hotels and beautiful accommodations in the country, and they tend to fill up fast during this time of year. Here are some of our favorite places to stay:

The Roosevelt New Orleans, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel has been around for about 125 years. It's located in the heart of the French Quarter, and it offers luxurious accommodations and amenities.

The Fairmont New Orleans is another great option for those looking to stay in the French Quarter. It's a historic hotel that features beautiful architecture and stunning views of the city.

If you're looking for something a little more affordable, we recommend checking out the Wyndham New Orleans Garden District. This hotel is located in a charming neighborhood, and it offers comfortable accommodations and great service.

The Westin New Orleans Canal Place boasts one of the best New Orleans hotels. This AAA Four Diamond hotel is located in the heart of the Central Business District and overlooks the French Quarter. It's perfect for business travelers or those looking for a luxurious getaway!

The Sheraton French Quarter is right on Bourbon Street. If you're looking to be in the heart of the action, this is a perfect location!

These are just a few examples – there are plenty of other great hotels throughout Louisiana that will make your trip perfect. If you're looking for a more affordable option, Airbnb is always a great choice. There are plenty of options in all parts of the city, so be sure to check it out! Be sure to do your research and find the right one for you!

Planning Your Trip

If you're planning on coming to New Orleans for Mardi Gras, now is the time to start planning! Hotels and flights tend to fill up quickly, so it's best to book as soon as possible. We recommend checking out websites like Visit New Orleans or Louisiana Travel for more information on what to do and see during your stay.

We hope you have a fantastic time during Mardi Gras 2022! We can't wait to see you in New Orleans. Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Mardi Gras is an amazing event that everyone should experience at least once in their life. If you're looking to have a good time, come to Louisiana – we know how to party! Be sure to book your trip early and enjoy the countdown to Mardi Gras 2022!

Historic Lower Garden District

If you're looking for a more laid-back experience in New Orleans, head to the Lower Garden District. This historic neighborhood is home to some of the oldest buildings in the city, and it's a great place to wander around and explore. You'll also find plenty of bars and restaurants here, so you won't have to go far for a good time.

Some of our favorite spots in the Lower Garden District are:

- Commander's Palace: This restaurant is famous for its Creole cuisine, and it's been serving up dishes like gumbo and jambalaya since 1892. It's definitely worth a visit!

- The Sazerac Bar: This bar is named after the classic New Orleans cocktail, and it's the perfect place to relax and enjoy a drink.

- Cochon: This restaurant is known for its Southern comfort food, and it's definitely a must-eat if you're in town for Mardi Gras.

- The Pierre Maspero Museum: This museum is dedicated to the history of New Orleans, and it offers an interesting perspective on the city's past.

The Lower Garden District is a great place to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of Bourbon Street. Be sure to check it out during your stay in New Orleans!

Mardi Gras Your Way

Mardi Gras is one of the most famous carnivals in the world. It's celebrated all over the globe, but nothing compares to the experience of celebrating in New Orleans. The city comes alive with music, food, and fun, and you're sure to have a blast!

If you can't make it to Mardi Gras 2022, don't worry – there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy Mardi Gras:

- Go to a Jazz Bar: New Orleans is home to some of the best jazz musicians in the world. Be sure to check out some live music while you're in town!

- Sample Cajun cuisine: Louisiana is famous for its Cajun cuisine, so be sure to try some of the local dishes while you're here. You won't regret it!

- Attend a parade: Mardi Gras is all about the parades, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Be sure to check out our guide to find the one that's right for you!

No matter how you choose to celebrate, Mardi Gras is sure to be a blast. We can't wait to see you in New Orleans! Laissez les bons temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

A Walk at Raystown Lake

Not that I was counting on today being a terrible day, but it ended up being a pretty great day.  The weather forecast called for thunderstorms from Friday clear into next Tuesday, however it was nothing but clear skies and sunshine.  I got some work accomplished in the early part of my day and then was surprised by a text from my friend Hannah, asking if I wanted to do something.  

I immediately thought we have to do something outside since sunshine seems so rare these days.  Last summer we had more recorded rainfall than Seattle.  No joke people.  This spring it’s not been looking any better.  Anyways,  I asked if she would like to go for a walk at Raystown Lake.  It’s just a few minutes drive for us.  I have heard many talk about a walking path that was put in, ​and figured we could give that a try.  She was willing to go, so off we went.  

I’ll have to do some additional research but the walking path seemed to have been made from recycled rubber.  It was very soft and gave way under your feet somewhat like memory foam.  ​

We parked at the visitors center and ventured across the street to check out the bike trails.  There were many cyclists riding in the area, trying out the jumps and paths.  It was pretty neat​.  Not sure if I’ll ever be brave enough to try biking in that specific area or not.  We joked a good bit about what we could foresee each other doing, trying to jump mountain bikes.  Especially since we haven’t rode a bike in years.  😂

​After watching people biking from the viewing area, we headed back across the street to the walking path.  It was pretty warm today, however most of the path was in shaded area which made the walk even more pleasant.  

We stopped at the marina and walked down to the waters edge.  We looked at some of the boats docked there and began to chat about how nice it would be to have a house boat and spend weekends on the lake. 

Back on the path we went, stopping again just a short distance away at a picnic area at the waters edge.  I snapped a few pictures and took a video to share with you the beautiful view.  At this point we were about 3/4 of the way done with our walk.​  After enjoying a few minutes at this spot we finished our walk arriving back at the visitors center.  I used the Map My Walk app to tack our distance.  We made it 2.63 miles.

View from picnic area near waters edge.  

I’m not sure about you, but the weather definitely has an effect on my mood.  The fact that the weather was beautiful and I got to take a nice walk definitely gave me some positive vibes for the rest of my day.   

A view from early on in our walk.  

If you’re interested in learning more about Raystown Lake, click here.  They have lots of campsites available.  The lake is rather large offering boating, kayaking, swimming and more.  If you have any questions let me know I’m sure I can help answer any questions you may have.  As always thank you for stopping by to read the blog.  

Lewis Mountain Cabins - Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive

Recently my husband Max, our lovely dog Lincoln, and myself visited Shenandoah National Park in Virginia. This was our first visit, and I’m hoping not our last. A few years ago we were traveling to Myrtle Beach, and saw signage for Skyline Drive which sparked our interest. It continued to linger in our minds, and after some research we finally booked a trip. If you’ve never heard of Shenandoah National Park or Skyline Drive, I hope to shed some light on both. Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It’s hard to imagine when you’re there as it seems so remote, but it’s just west of Washington, D.C. The Park stretches 105 miles from its northern entrance at Front Royal to its southern entrance near Waynesboro.

We decided to stay at Lewis Mountain Cabins, as they have pet-friendly options available, that way Lincoln could enjoy the trip as well. Booking was a breeze, as the representative was very nice and courteous.  You can book online here or by calling 877-847-1919. Since this was our first visit, I called to make our reservation. Within minutes of booking, I received an email confirmation outlining everything we would need for our trip.

Finally our departure day came. I have to admit I was so badly looking forward to a few days of relaxation. I didn’t really care what we did while we were there. My only requirements were to be schedule free, and not connected to an electronic device at all times.  I do suggest to plan your driving route beforehand as there are four entrance stations to Shenandoah National Park, but only one has a physical address. We entered via the Swift Run Gap entrance in Elkton, Virginia. In order to enter there is a fee. We chose the $30/per vehicle fee which gives you access to the park for 7 days. Skyline Drive is the main road that runs the span of Shenandoah's 105 miles. I highly suggest covering the entire route from the southernmost entrance to the northern most.  We were pleasantly surprised with the number of amenities available just off Skyline Drive, and by “off” I mean for the most part, simply pulling into a parking lot.  Directly off of or near Skyline Drive, are multiple campgrounds and lodging options, as well as gift shops, areas to purchase food or even sit down to eat, as well as a majority of the hiking trails.

The first thing I noticed as we entered, is the beautifully lush surroundings. Vibrant shades of green everywhere.  I can only imagine what this area looks like in the fall.  This continued to go thru my mind throughout our entire stay. It’s gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.  It was a short drive to our lodging, which was nice after a four hour drive. The signage along the way made it very easy to discover where you are along the way. We arrived at Lewis Mountain Cabins and checked in at the office. Again we were happily surprised that there was a store which carried the essentials and much more.  The pricing in the store is great too!  There were two women who were working at the office/store.  I apologize greatly for not remembering their names, but they were great.  Very accommodating and pleasant with every interaction.  Check-in was simple.  Our cabin (Cabin #8) was located just across the street from the office, we were able to pull up to the cabin to unload our items and then park in the parking lot a short distance away.  Below is a short video of the interior of our cabin upon arrival.

 After arriving, the rest of our first day was spent exploring the Lewis Mountain Cabins area which included the cabins, campsites, trails and picnic area.  Each person we interacted with were happy and polite.  By evening we relaxed by the fire pit and watched an eerie fog roll in until it was time to head off to bed.

Day two was great.  We woke up to a bright sunshiny day.  While the hubby made breakfast, Lincoln and I walked to explore a little more.  It was neat to see the different posts marking the position on the Appalachian Trail, and to see the hikers coming and going.  Personally it made me want to be in much better shape than I am presently and partake in activities like hiking.  Not just simple evening walks around my neighborhood, but true hiking.  I can only imagine the sense of accomplishment I would feel after hiking a great distance, getting to experience nature and take in the views.

After breakfast, we packed up and headed south on Skyline Drive, stopping at each overlook on the southbound side of the road until we reached the southernmost end of the drive.  We then turned and headed back towards our lodging, stopping at each overlook on the northbound side of the road on our way back.  The views are spectacular.  There’s something simplistic yet amazing about going at your own pace, stopping to take as much time as you’d like to enjoy beautiful surroundings. Once we got back to the cabin we were ready for lunch and more relaxation.  Unlike the evening before, the wind was less aggressive which allowed for a nice fire and cooking dinner over the fire pit.  We lounged around for the evening, taking walks here and there.  We were visited by some deer walking thru the woods just behind the cabin.  It was a great end to a great day.

Our final day came and again we were fortunate to wake up to perfect weather again.  After breakfast we packed up all our belongings and checked out.  Again the process was as simple as could be.  The staff again were great.  We headed home northbound on Skyline Drive.  Just like the day prior, we took our time and stopped at every single overlook.  We even pulled into the other camp grounds and some of the picnic areas to see what they were like.  I love that there is so much do to.  I give props to everyone that had a hand in planning the layout of this park.  There are  plenty of restrooms, picnic areas etc spaced all along the park so that you aren’t going any great distances without a place to stop.  Also if you are into biking there were TONS of cyclists, so this is probably a wonderful place to ride.  I was impressed at the number of people pedaling along. 

I suppose I have rambled on long enough about our stay, but I wanted to give a true review and share our experiences so you can decide if this place is for you.  In short we loved it! You should go visit too. For your own research purposes lots of information can be obtained here.  If you have any questions feel free to email me and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.