Local Treats Worth Seeking Out: Nashville's Goo Goo Clusters

Whenever I'm traveling, I make a point of seeking out local foods and treats whenever possible. After all, I love Reese's, but I can get 'em at any gas station in the country. And if you're in Nashville, you must (like it should be a law) try a Goo Goo Cluster.

The holy grail of Nashville candy: The Goo Goo Cluster.

I had never heard of these before I visited Music City last summer, but they're candies you'll fall in love with. The original of the three varieties is made with "real milk chocolate, caramel, peanuts and marshmallow nougat." In short, it's chewy, texture-rich and all-around delicious. That combination is an undeniable winner. Each and every one I had melted in my mouth, and now I'd count these among my favorite candies. They're tough to find outside of Nashville, but they're always worth the trip.

 This is what heaven looks like in food form.

Hotels I Love: Nashville's The Hermitage

As much as I admire a boutique hotel, there's something about a city's grand historical hotels that can't be beat. Maybe it's knowing the celebrities have stayed there. Maybe it's the history. Maybe it's that we just don't make 'em like that anymore and never will again. But whatever "it" may be, historical hotels have an undeniable charm. 

And Nashville's The Hermitage is one of the best. This grand hotel hosted me for two nights in Tennessee this past July, and I was swept away from the moment I stepped foot in the building. I mean, just look at that lobby. 

Behold: the magnificent lobby. 

It exudes elegance and old school glamour. Plus, the staff was just beyond friendly. But aside from the impressive building, there's the guest rooms. Oh, my room. I was put in a deluxe room with a view of the Capitol and wow, did it impress. 

This bed was so beyond comfortable. I could have lived on it. Seriously. 

I melted into the sheets as soon I lay down on that big, soft bed. I appreciated the big TV, desk and sitting chair complete with the latest issue of the fabulous American Songwriter magazine. The plush room and slippers in the closet were a nice touch too. 

But what I really loved was the marble bathroom. This could have been featured in Dwell magazine. Two vanities, a deep soaking tub, separate bathroom and deluxe shower rounded out this impossibly plush room. Did I mention the hotel also gives out Molton Brown bath products? This line just smells luxe, and I can never get enough. 

If you think this hotel tub looks great, you're right. 

The Hermitage exceeded my expectations, and even if you're not staying there, be sure to check it out. Also, even if you're a woman, check out the men's bathroom in the restaurant. Reese Witherspoon posted a photo of herself in there, and I missed it when I was there. Yes, even the men's bathroom at this hotel is worth looking at! Just another reason why I'll have to return. 

Travel Highlights of 2014

Since 2014 is behind us and 2015 is here, I wanted to recap some of the best places I've visited last year. It was my busiest travel year to date.

1. The Pacific Northwest

I know it's far. I know the plane ticket from the East Coast is expensive. Yes, it does rain. But not as much people think. But the Pacific Northwest is gorgeous. I thought all the cloud cover would depress me, but it works with the aesthetic. The clouds seem to melt off those bright green trees that blanket the mountains. Put Seattle and Portland on your lists of places to see. Both cities are fun, hip and just gorgeous. Portland is pretty much the hippest city in the country right now. And Seattle is just full of so many iconic sights. Plus, the Puget Sound does seem to sparkle when viewed from up high. Both towns are nearby stunning outdoor scenery. I could go on, but I'll stop. Just visit and see for yourself. 

The view from the Bridge of the Gods in Oregon. You can get on the PCT from here.

Seattle as seen from the Columbia Tower. The photo doesn't do it justice. 

2. Kentucky

Don't write off Kentucky. I'll say it again, don't write off Kentucky. Every time I go, I'm always blown away by something. Maybe it's the local pride. Maybe it's how everyone who lives there seems to have an inherent knowledge of bourbon. All I'm really sure of is that I like it. Drink some bourbon. Have a hot brown. Check out uber-cool hotel chain 21c and enjoy Kentucky. 

Plan on drinking plenty of bourbon when you're in Kentucky. Go ahead, and have the Old Fashioned.

3. Michigan

The representative from the tourism bureau put it best, "Once you arrive, it sells itself." And it's true. From beautiful blue Lake Michigan to cute small town Petoskey, Michigan is chock full of cute quirks. You'll fall in love with this unpretentious place as soon as you arrive. 

Pretty Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes Park.

4. St. Croix, USVI

Whenever I'm on an island, I always think, "I could live here." And when I spent a week on St. Croix, I was already imagining where I would buy my groceries. Enjoy the ocean views, white sand and greenery. I couldn't get enough of this beach-side view from my The Buccaneer hotel room. 

I woke up every day to this incredible view in St. Croix. Swoon. 

5. Nashville

The food scene. Barista Parlor. The music. The Hermitage Hotel. Nashville lives up to the hype. It's the perfect size town that's just quirky enough. If you don't fall in love with the honky tonk bars on Broadway that are obsessed with late 90s country, you'll probably enjoy the hot chicken and record shops everywhere. I even bought a CD last time I was here. And I haven't done that since the early 2000s. Music City gets in your veins and stays there. Enjoy.

Nashville's Broadway is happening and touristy. 

6. Salt Lake City 

I wasn't expecting much from Salt Lake City, but I ended up loving it. The city has a really vibrant subculture and is just plain beautiful. I always love a mountain town and this is one of the best ones. I mean, just look at that incredible sunset. Be sure to check out nearby Park City if you're in town too. 

The breathtaking view from the Natural History Museum of Utah. 

Here's to more traveling in 2015!

The Best Thing I Ate in 2014: Hattie B's Hot Chicken

Since 2014 has just a few hours left, I've decided to eek out a few end of the year posts. I thought about doing a food list, but since the Internet is filled with lists galore, I decided one post devoted to my favorite dish should suffice. My best, by far, of 2014 was Hattie B's Hot Chicken. Hot chicken is exclusive to Nashville, and once you've tasted it, you'll wish it would come to your town. 

Behold: The magic that is Hattie B's hot chicken. 

Hot chicken is fried chicken that's spiced just right. The hottest at Hattie B's is called "Shut the Cluck Up." (wink. wink.) I ordered mild, but I wish I'd gotten it hotter. But then again, I like my pho so spicy that it makes me cry when I'l almost finished, so to each his own. But one thing's for sure: you must try this. Eating hot chicken in Nashville should be a commandment. Right up there with "thou shall not steal." 

Hattie B's chicken is hot, juicy and tender. From the moment you sink your teeth into that bird, you won't want to stop. The skin gives just the right amount of crisp and crunch that gives way to that succulent meat. And this is coming from someone who didn't eat meat for a decade. But the chicken's just the start. You'll want sides too. The fries were just crispy enough without feeling soggy or greasy. But the real winner here was the mac n cheese. This creamy concoction was probably the best variation of the dish I've ever had. Writing this post has even got me salivating just a tiny bit. 

And my final confession? I ate Hattie B's right before I left Nashville and pulled off at the very first road stop to finish it. I just had to have it.