Written by: Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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With Halloween quickly approaching, I thought that I would deviate from my normal travel and foodie posts to bring you some spooky books to check out during the fall season. These would be great airplane or road trip reads as well! If you’ve read any of these books, let me know your favorite or your thoughts in the comment section below!

Also, if you have any other SPOOKY suggestions, then please add them in the comments below as well! I would love to check them out!

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THE LAST MRS PARRISH

Stay tuned until the end for an unexpected twist!

VERITY

A novel about a murder-mystery writer..what do you think the truth is?!

BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Not going to lie, this one is very disturbing. I had to skip a section of the audio book.

GIRL ON THE TRAIN

I feel like this is a classic that you have to add to any spooky reading list.

THE ALICE NETWORK

Not necessarily a psychological thriller but this follows a story of a spy during WWI and can be quite scary at times!

THE SILENT PATIENT

You cannot have a spooky reading list and NOT include this book!

THE PERFECT COUPLE

Follows yet again another murder mystery writer and a weird murder. Who did it??

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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!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Disclaimer: This Spooky Books to Read this Halloween contains Affiliate Links for products I’m currently using. By using these links you won’t pay any additional fees but support me to keep this site running!

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MUST EATS IN PRAGUE: ESKA

Written by Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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Eska - an amazing restaurant located about 10 minutes from the heart of Prague - is part of the Ambiente group which owns many restaurants throughout Prague.

C/O ESKA

This was our second breakfast, the first being at Boho. We all were pretty full so we ordered light. Even though we didn’t eat a full course meal, everything we ate was absolutely delicious!

It was also really nice to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city to relax and hang out with a great cup of coffee.

Eska’s dishes have a Nordic flare with a focus on vegetables. We all ordered coffees. I ordered pancakes with fresh creme (OMG! so good!). Lauren ordered a yogurt parfait which was also equally delicious and Wendi ordered oatmeal. Everything was so fresh and tasty!

If you’re heading to Prague anytime soon, then I definitely recommend checking this place out! You can thank me later!

Eska

Pernerova 49, Prague 8
Website
Phone: 731 140 884 - Email

See my review on Yelp!

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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!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Before I left for Iceland, I took my planned itinerary and made a blog post about it. If you remember it, then you probably remember that it was a little over-zealous and included a lot of activities!

Here is the updated version of my Ultimate Iceland Ring Road Adventure!

SUGGESTIONS:

In order to see the entire ring road, I would recommend no less than 10 to 12 days. We did the entire ring road, but it involved a TON of driving. We had to cut some stuff out so that we could make it to our next destination before midnight.

Þórsmörk is absolutely breathtaking! You could easily spend 3 to 4 days in this area hiking, snowmobiling on a glacier, or taking a Superjeep Tour (See my post here about our Superjeep adventure with Southcoast Adventures.)

While our Cozy Campers campervan was amazing, I highly recommend splitting up the trip and spending a couple nights in a hotel just to stretch out your legs. While I’m mentioning the campervan, it takes a while to get organized and head out from the campground in the morning. We would wake up, make breakfast, clean our dishes, then shower and get dressed. Depending on the campsite, the showering is sometimes more difficult than at other places.

Do yourself a favor and skip the DC plane - it is a 4 mile walk round trip and there is absolutely nothing to look at during the walk - OR you can pay 2500 kr to take a shuttle bus. It was the biggest tourist trap. I felt like they just placed this plane out in the middle of nowhere and were like these stupid tourists are going to walk all this way to see this - insert evil laugh here.

Hot Springs:

• The Blue Lagoon: Like Disney World for adults (If you go, I would recommend staying at Silfra so that you have your own private hot spring.) Also, VERY IMPORTANT, do not get your hair in the water at the Blue Lagoon unless you have a ton of conditioner in it or your hair will be dry for weeks!

• Grettislaug Pool: There is a campground here! I would recommend camping here overnight so that you can enjoy this amazing hot spring!

• Secret Lagoon: While touristy, this was one was by far my favorite. The bottom is rocky instead of slimy like others and the water does not have a ton of floating algae in it.

Snaefellsnes Peninsula - If you remember back to my full itinerary post, then you will see that this is at the end of our trip. We were exhausted by this time due to all the driving that was involved during our last few days. We had planned to start the next day with the Glymur Waterfall hike but there was a monsoon the night before and morning of so we weren’t able to do it.

These are just a few of my suggestions to changes that I would make to the itinerary that I blogged about a few weeks ago! Updated itinerary Iceland post coming soon!

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You might also like:

ULTIMATE ICELAND RING ROAD ADVENTURE

ÞÓRSMÖRK HIKING AND SUPERJEEP ADVENTURE WITH SOUTHCOAST ADVENTURE ICELAND

ESSENTIAL ICELAND: CAMPERVAN PACKING GUIDE

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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

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Written by: Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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ICELAND - the land of FIRE and ICE. We spent a wonderful and adventurous 9 days in Iceland over Labor Day (You can find the blog post here.)

Our time was filled with numerous hikes, beautiful sunsets, and breathtaking views. One of our most memorable experiences was our day with Southcoast Adventures!

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ÞÓRSMÖRK SUPERJEEP ADVENTURE:
Spectacular hiking options and adventurous rides over various un-bridged glacial rivers.

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Southcoast Adventures Gljúfrabúi base is located down the road from the famous Seljalandsfoss waterfall. There is an amazing campground that is located at this base (Hamragarðar Campsite) that sits below the Gljúfrabúi waterfall. You can park your camper van here for the night while you spend a full day in þórsmörk hiking.

TIP: Spending the night camping at Hamragarðar Campsite allows you to beat the crowds at Seljalandsfoss and Gljúfrabúi waterfalls

Our Þórsmörk superjeep adventure started first thing in the morning with a 45 minute drive from Gljúfrabúi base to Þórsmörk, which is the sight of many trail heads.

The drive to Þórsmörk itself is quite entertaining! You’re fording rivers and going over large rocks down one of Iceland’s F-roads all while spotting glaciers and mountains in the distance.

We did several hikes during our time in Þórsmörk valley. The main one that we did was . This is the longest of the most popular ‘short hikes’ in the area (around 10km) usually starting in the canyon valley. We started in Húsadalur and made our way to a delicious lunch at Húsdalur at Volcano Huts cabin. Our guide was Darri and he kept us entertained all day with stories of Icelandic Trolls (The Christmas story was especially entertaining.) and normal day to day life in Iceland.

My husband’s bag was lost for the whole first five days of our trip so we had to cut our hiking day short. Just a heads up, there is no where to buy men’s underwear in Iceland - HaHa! (We finally found some at a local grocery store on night four!)

We had enough time to stop by a small canyon on the way back to Gljúfrabúi base, however. The canyon involves some jumping from rock to rock over a small creek/river. Once inside the canyon, you use this chain that has been bolted into the side of the canyon in order to pull yourself up over a small waterfall to see the much larger waterfall. It was gorgeous!

If I could do this trip all over again, I would spend a couple days in Þórsmörk taking in all the sights and doing multiple hiking trails. Everywhere you turn, the views are incredible and all so different. I would have to say this is probably the most favorite hike that I have ever done.

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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

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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.

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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

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DAY 1:

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!

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DAY 2:

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.

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DAY 3:

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.

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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!

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DAY 4:

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

After your hike, head to the town of Hof to get some groceries and then continue to 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).

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DAY 5

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

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

DAY 6

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).

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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.

C/O SKAGAFJÖRÐUR

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DAY 7:

C/O ICELAND LAGOONS

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.

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

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DAY 8:

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.

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!

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!

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DAY 9:

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

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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!

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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!

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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FOODIE FRIDAY: SACHET ALL DAY

Written by Lauren Bailey

Featuring: Sachet

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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C/O KATHY TRAN

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

C/O KATHY TRAN

C/O KATHY TRAN

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 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!

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WHAT WE ORDERED:

MEZE:

PISTACHIO AND MARCONA

BROCCOLINI

SPICY CARROT TABBOULEH

SPICY ROASTED EGGPLANT

COMPRESSED MELON

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PITA

C/O YELP

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SALAD:

GREEK

APPETIZER:

PITA

ARANCINI

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ARANCINI

C/O YELP

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PASTA:

SPICY GOAT RIGATONI

SPELT FUSILLI

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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!

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About me:

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

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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Written by: Lauren Bailey

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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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!)

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My go-to daily facial moisturizer + SPF.

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

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Deodorant wipes for after a long travel day.

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My favorite dry shampoo that smells so good!

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Facial cleansing wipes for sensitive skin.

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

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

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

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ABOUT ME:

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

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Follow me: @thatblondetravels

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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!

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FOODIE FRIDAY: MEMPHIS VEGAN EATS PART 2

Featuring Global Cafe, City Silo, RP Tracks

Written by Ashton Few

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www.thatblondetravels.com

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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.

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!

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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

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 THE MEMPHIS VEGAN

C/O BIANCA PHILLIPS

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

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.

C/O THE CHUBBY VEG

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.

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!

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!

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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!

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Follow me: @smashton901

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