Afternoon in Algoma, WI

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Some days I just can’t shake off the desire to explore a new place. Ian and I are currently planning an out-of-state trip this year, but in the meantime, I needed to get in the car and drive! We are lucky to live in a state scattered with little towns brimming with unique cultures. On this particular day we chose to visit Algoma, WI!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Algoma is a small town nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan. I was drawn to this town for its gorgeous boardwalk, but more on that later! Ian and began our day with a tour of the von Stiehl Winery. For only $4 a piece, we were able to go behind the scenes of the winery and view the bottling line as well as the Rathskeller which dates back to the civil war!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

After a complementary wine tasting, Ian and I walked two doors down to the Ahnnapee Brewery Tap Room. While he sampled a few brews, I snacked on a warm pretzel since I still have not acquired the taste of beer (much to Ian’s dismay!)

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Once we settled our tab, we headed downtown to take a self-guided walking tour of the Walldog Wave murals. I had to treat Ian to a chai tea latte at Caffé Tlazo afterwards since his hands got so cold waiting for me to take a million photos of all the murals. #bloggerproblems

However, it was worth a few numb fingers since the walking tour led us to stumble upon a vintage gas station, retro advertisements, and adorable doorways (a photographer’s dream!)

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

We finished our day trip with a sunset stroll along the Crescent Beach Boardwalk. It was a clear day in Algoma and the view of the lake and the lighthouse was stunning. I’m looking forward to making another trip during the summer so we can take advantage of the beach!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Day Trip to Algoma, Wisconsin!

Where are your favorite travel destinations? Ian and I are looking to expand our list of places to visit!

Introducing the Beauty and Blooms Etsy Shop!

Beauty and Blooms Etsy Shop Now Open!

Guys, I am so excited to announce the launch of the Beauty & Blooms Etsy shop! I had been toying with the idea of opening a shop for over a year, and I decided to take the plunge and design a small print collection.

To celebrate and thank all of you for following this blog, I will be giving away one free Beauty and Blooms print! Here is how you can enter the giveaway:

  1. Like the Beauty & Blooms Facebook page (Mandatory)
  2. Follow me on Instargram (+1 entry)
  3. Follow Beauty & Blooms on Pinterest (+1 entry)
  4. Favorite the Beauty and Blooms Etsy Shop (+1 entry)
  5. Follow Beauty & Blooms blog (+1 entry)
  6. Leave a comment on this post letting me know which print is your favorite! (+1 entry)

This giveaway will be open for one week, ending at midnight on December 1, 2015. If you are under 18 you must ask permission before entering. The winner will be chosen at random and will be contacted via Facebook. The winner will be emailed one digital download of their favorite print.

Exploring the Scottish Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

By far, the Scottish Highlands were my favorite part of our trip! Our 12 hour road trip took us pass Glencoe and up to Loch Ness before heading back to Edinburgh. It was interesting to learn about the Scottish clans that inhabited this land and dive into Scotland’s deep history.

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

While on the road we passed hillsides spotted with sheep and highland cows. We were able to pull over and snap a few photos with our harry little friend below. Ian was bummed out that we didn’t bring any carrots to feed them. Maybe next time we will remember!

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

A few hours after Gelencoe we arrived in Fort Augustus, a small town perched on Loch Ness. As soon as we arrived the rain clouds came barreling in and left a dense fog on the loch. I wished we could have seen a better view of the loch, but Ian assured me the fog added an artistic element to our photos. You can’t help but love this guy!

IMG_1053Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

Tonner-Travels-Exploring-The-Scottish-Highlands

And just like that, our UK adventure came to an end. Ian and I loved our time exploring and catching up with his family. Fingers crossed it won’t be too long until we return.