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

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

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:

• Hollywood Studios
• Animal Kingdom
• Epcot

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

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

Nashville, Tennessee. Another city seeded in music, country and country pop oozes from this town. Also known as NashVegas, Music City and of course, The Grand Ole Opry, this town is pulsing with music  and actually, it’s overflowing with flavor too! Follow me to see where to find some great vegan eats in Nashville!

One of the coolest parts of town is the 12 South District. Not far from downtown, it’s a hipster kind of town filled with cool places to shop, dine and sip. Here you will kind Burger Up, and upscale burger joint that doesn’t leave out the green eaters. I have to say that their black bean and quinoa burger makes my top 5 favorite burgers ever. The texture and flavors of the patty are fantastic but what sends it over the awesome edge is the crispy coating, yum!! You can enjoy gluten free buns as well as sweet potato fries and other burger fixins!

Now if it’s Italian you’re looking for, head to West End and check out Amerigo. Consistently winning “Best Of Nashville” awards, this Americanized Italian eatery has lots of great options for vegans as well as gluten free folks. I enjoyed a gluten free pasta with fabulous grilled veggies (mmm, artichoke, sundried tomatoes, mushrooms, spinach, etc) along with a tasty glass of pinot noir. Light, flavorful and yummalicious!

In scoping out Nashville for cool places to shop and check out, I stumbled into The Germantown Cafe. Basically downtown in the up and coming neighborhood of Germantown, this joint is chic and mega scrumdidlyumptious! With a seasonal menu that highlights organic and fresh eats, veggies and gluten free diners have no problem here! I started with quinoa and black bean cakes as my appetizer and devoured my “Green Plate” entree that showcases a delectable Portobello mushroom, quinoa, butternut squash and lots of tender veggies that lead you to poner a second helping. A great place for a drink and a perfect place for a healthy and tasty meal!

Of course, I had to find the popular veggie spot and The Wild Cow is just that place in Nashville. Across the bridge, the Wild Cow offers up incredible vegetarian fare that is mainly vegan. Soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees, you can’t go wrong at the cow. I shared the spinach and artichoke dip, scarfed my vegan reuben and shared their insane oreo cheesecake. I also ordered a ton of to-go food for my plane ride home! A definite thumbs up for The Wild Cow!

There is still more to come from Nashville so stay tuned!!

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com 

Wasn’t it just Christmas? Aren’t taxes due soon? This time of year money can be tight so finding the right gift for your sweetie can be tough. However, experiences trump material gifts any day! Why not create a great day or weekend where you get to spend time with your Valentine, showing them just how much you love being with them? Well, I’ve got some ideas that are not only healthy and green but will also make such a statement that your sweetheart won’t care about that diamond encrusted chocolate heart anymore!

• Morning Glory - Nothing is more romantic than surprising your Valentine with a lavish breakfast in bed! Be sure you plan ahead to make sure you have everything you need to create your tasty menu. Be sure you let your sweetie know that they are the VIP and should lounge until breakfast is served. Perhaps turn on their favorite movie or show, have an assortment of magazines prepared for them and/or start them off with a yummy almond milk latte or fresh squeezed juice until the meal is served.  Try sweet potato pancakes, a fabulous tofu scramble or even decadent cinnamon rolls!
• Romantic Camp Out - Plan a romantic getaway to your back yard! Pitch a tent and fill it with your fave bedding and bring your wifi enabled tv or tablet for smooth tunes or to cuddle and watch a great flick. Or, if you have an SUV or can borrow one, put down the seats and turn the back into a luxurious bed, park by the ocean, river, or great mountain spot. Either way, don’t forget to bring a great meal, snacks, dessert and/or some wine and bubbly!
• Al Fresco Dine n’ Hike - If you and your honey are the outdoorsy type, find a hiking trail you haven’t tried out yet. Make a day of it by packing a great picnic so when you reach the perfect spot in the hike, you can relax and enjoy the scenery along with a tasty treat. 
• Be A Hometown Tourist - Looking to get the juices flowing? Try planning a bike or walking tour of your city. Find an area you would like to explore and plan a bike tour with your Valentine. Roam a new part of town, stop in cute shops or eateries and have fun trying something new together.
• Kitchen Action- For the foodie couple, try preparing a meal together. Nothing is sexier than cooking an aromatic meal together since you know it’s made with love! Try out a fun new menu from all the way from drinks and appetizers to dessert. Digest by cuddling and watching a great movie and don’t worry about the dishes until later!
• “Creating” Memories - If you and your love are the creative types, try to start a fun project. Be it a painting you work on together, a piece of furniture or even planting a garden, whatever you create will be a lasting symbol of your special day together.
• Pampering Powwow- If you are in the mood to pamper and relax, turn your bathroom into a spa! Get your bathroom ready for a luxurious bath by lighting candles, adding floral arrangements having slippers and robes handy as well as some champagne. Give each other spa services such as massages, mani/pedis, body scrubs and more!

The possibilities are endless and ultimately, regardless of budget, spending a special day or weekend together is what’s most important. Get creative, have fun and indulge in love!

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com

New Orleans, The Big Easy, Chocolate City…now add Home of Super Bowl 47! Hosting this year’s big game, fans witll be pouring into the city in droves and bringing an appetite. If you happen to be one of those fans and are looking to steer clear of greasy, fattening food, be sure to check out some of these places I found that offer up healthy, vegan and even gluten free options!

If you happen to wander the French Quarter in search of some southern delights, make a pitstop at The Gumbo Shop. This quaint eatery has been around for some time and specializes in southern cajun cooking. But what to do as a vegan? Order up a delicious veganized special ; ) They have a vegetarian special that changes nightly on the menu. It comes with salad and a tasty side (I had this crazy yummy corn dish) with the main dish being a rice an beans stew with some cajun kick. It is fantastic and I highly recommend The Gumbo Shop for veggies and omnivores alike. Great food and sweet southern hospitality!!

Looking for breakfast at dinner? Grab a hearty dinner/breakfast at Slim Goodies Diner. It’s a good 5-10 minutes outside of downtown but in the super cute Garden District. They have something for everyone including the hungry vegan. I had the Garden Slammer – a pile of hash browns, veggie bacon and veggie chili with lots of yummy veggies mixed in. My dude had pancakes ; ) Check out the creative menu at Slim Goodies!!

One thing that is hard to find is something quick and healthy off of Bourbon Street. It’s jam packed with bars, strip clubs and pizza joints but that’s about it. I hunted and I found The Royal Blend on Royal. Just a blockaway from the madness, I got a tasty veggie sandwich that was made completely fresh. They have a cute courtyard, coffee, soups, salads and pastries and is a great place to get a quick and healthy bite while hangin’ out near Bourbon.

A cuisine that you don’t often see is African. And having been to Africa myself, I have to say, it’s delicious! I was so excited to find Bennachin and even more excited when they had vegan options! I indulged in the “KONE NI MAKONDO” which is black-eyed peas in tomato and onion stew served with fried plantains and coconut rice. Awesome! Bennachin is definitely worth the stop!

Latin food is always on my mind so I was excited to stumble upon La Macarena. A latin eatery that features veggie and vegan options! Bringing me back to my childhood were the platanos and yucca tapas. And I thoroughly enjoyed the vegan pupusa! Fabulous for an on-the-go snack during sight seeing ; )

Yet another locale with tropical flair is Carmo Cafe. They LOVE their veggie and gluten free diners as they get to show off their fantastic array of tropical produce. My personal fave is the Esmerelda Salad with a slice of vegan banana bread, mmmmm!

So amidst the booze and beignets and football, New Orleans has a great amount of healthiness to go around ; )

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com 

Not really known for being a hot tourist town, Orland, California is actually quite special. With hundreds of people visiting this small farm town north of Sacramento, the main attraction is Farm Sanctuary. A beautiful farm dedicated to saving farm animals from slaughterhouses and other awful environments, giving them a new lease on life. Though Chico is only 20 minutes away, I was surprised to find some compassionate eats in this sweet, historic, all-American town!

One of the most beautiful places you can visit is Farm Sanctuary. With locations in New York, Los Angeles and in Orland, the opportunity to spend time with rescued farm animals is priceless. Founded by the compassionate vegan, Gene Bauer, Farm Sanctuary is the epitome of ethical vegan locations and if you find yourself getting the vegan munchies, be sure to stop into the gift shop for some goodies! I had the honor of speaking at their annual Celebration for the Turkeys this past Thanksgiving. A wonderful event that celebrates the turkeys, instead of consuming them, and feeds over 200 guests a delicious vegan Thanksgiving meal. It is 1 of 2 big events they do at each of the locations and one that everyone should experience at least once ; )

On the evening before the celebration, I was wined and dined at Farwood Bar and Grill. A historic establishment since 1916, Farwood actually has a secret vegan menu and the chef whips up an incredible vegan gourmet meal if you let them know ahead of time. It was a cold and rainy night and our meal was divine. Chef magic was made with a delicious butternut squash soup, incredible fried avocados, a fabulous seasonal vegetable pasta and awesome ice cream for dessert. Be sure to let you know you’re coming if you’re passing through town and they will hook you up!

For a quick meal, pop into the Soda Shop at 809 4th Street, Orland, for some sweet potato fries and a veggie burger. But if it’s chips, salsa and vegan burritos you’re looking for, be sure to check out La Corona, located at 1002 6th Street in Orland.

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com

Known for being a college town surrounded by farmland, Chico is a great little town in California. Just north of Sacramento, Chico has a great downtown area that is packed with cute shops, nice restaurants and an awesome park. It’s a fun place for a little excursion and a fab place to dine as well!

As you may have noticed, I’m always on the hunt for great vegan and gluten free pizzas when I travel and Left Coast Pizza definitely makes the cut! With a new gluten free option and tons of great veggie toppings, just order up a pie sans cheese and you’ve got a delicious meal that suits all your special dietary needs!

Nothing starts a morning right, especially when traveling, like a nice latte and a tasty pastry. Upper Crust Bakery hooks up their vegan and gluten free diners at breakfast as well as during lunch. Lots of delicious sandwiches, soups and salads, and even yummy black bean chili, UCB is a must on your dining card when in Chico ; )

If a nice sit down meal that cooks up healthy, local fare, Leon Bistro is your place. Using fresh, farmer’s market produce, they whip up some awesome vegan meals. You can veganize the wild mushroom wellington, devour their paleo sweet potato chips or savor their flavorful organic veggie platter. Or have them all, yum!

For a quick yet healthy meal, Pluto’s is just the place. Tossing up fresh, made-to-order salads and sandwiches, Pluto’s is perfect for a quick lunch on the go. I love their wide variety of vegan ingredients to create a ginormo yet nutritious bowl of green goodness!

I love Mexican food as it always puts a smile on my face. Tres Hombres is a super fun establishment with lots of great veggie options to help keep your tequila down ; ) Try the veggie fajitas or tacos and be sure to share some guacamole!

For more information, visit www.HealthyVoyager.com