The Journal

One blog. Every trip, meal, and planning note.

Browse every published note, then use the category labels when you want to narrow the list.

Chicago skyline and city streets during a late winter weekend trip.

March 5, 2026 / Road Trips

Chicago Elimination Chamber Weekend

A late-winter road trip from Northern Virginia to Chicago built around WWE, skyline time, and a hotel base that made the weekend easier.

Great Wolf Lodge comparison graphic for a Travel n Taste Journal review.

July 8, 2025 / Road Trips

A Tail of Two Wolves

A side-by-side family travel note comparing Great Wolf Lodge Williamsburg and Perryville after two summer visits.

Music City Rodeo + Tim McGraw travel photo from Travel n Taste Journal.

June 11, 2025 / Worth the Trip Reviews

Music City Rodeo + Tim McGraw

Music City Rodeo + Tim McGraw with notes on bridgestone arena, the setting, and how we would plan around it.

May 22, 2025 / Worth the Trip Reviews

Maggiano's Tysons Review

A Maggiano's Tysons family-style meal with generous portions, classic Italian comfort food, and practical group-dining notes.

More from the journal

Older notes stay in one place.

May 5, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSongbird Fairfax Review: Cocktails, Dumplings, and Shareable PlatesSongbird in Fairfax brings moody cocktails, dumplings, shareable plates, and a night-out feel that works best with a group.May 3, 2025 / Planning ToolsFrontier GoWild Pass Review: What to Check Before You BuyFrontier GoWild Pass Review: What to Check Before You Buy with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 29, 2025 / Planning ToolsMilk & Honey Sterling Brunch ReviewMilk & Honey Sterling Brunch Review with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 28, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsTime 4 Bagels Gainesville ReviewA practical Gainesville breakfast note on Time 4 Bagels, oversized bagels, hearty sandwiches, and when the stop makes sense.April 24, 2025 / Planning ToolsLightning Lane & Multi Pass - Our ReviewLightning Lane & Multi Pass - Our Review with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 23, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsHollywood & Vine Disney Play 'n Dine ReviewHollywood & Vine Disney Play 'n Dine Review with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.April 21, 2025 / Weekend EscapesA Real-Life Fairy GodmotherA Real-Life Fairy Godmother with the food, lodging, and timing details that shaped the short trip.April 19, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsDining in the CastleDining in the Castle with notes on cinderella's royal table, the setting, and how we would plan around it.April 18, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Day of Thrills, Castles, and Cinnamon RollsA Day of Thrills, Castles, and Cinnamon Rolls with notes on space mountain, the setting, and how we would plan around it.April 17, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Hollywood Studios Day Full of SurprisesA Hollywood Studios Day Full of Surprises with notes on art of animation, the setting, and how we would plan around it.April 16, 2025 / Planning ToolsTwo Parks, One Epic DayTwo Parks, One Epic Day with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 15, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsGrand Floridian Cafe Review: A Calm Disney Meal Outside the ParksGrand Floridian Cafe Review: A Calm Disney Meal Outside the Parks with notes on grand floridian cafe, the setting, and how we would plan around it.April 14, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Relaxing Day Before the ParksA Relaxing Day Before the Parks with notes on marriott grand vista, the setting, and how we would plan around it.April 12, 2025 / Road TripsThe Drive to DisneyThe Drive to Disney with route notes, useful stops, and what made the drive work better.April 11, 2025 / Road TripsOur Overnight Drive to DisneyOur Overnight Drive to Disney with route notes, useful stops, and what made the drive work better.April 10, 2025 / Planning ToolsWhy We Took a Day Off Before Our Disney Trip (And You Should Too)Why We Took a Day Off Before Our Disney Trip (And You Should Too) with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 9, 2025 / Planning ToolsBooking Day at Disney: Chaos, Curveballs, and a Solid Plan (Eventually)Booking Day at Disney: Chaos, Curveballs, and a Solid Plan (Eventually) with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 8, 2025 / Planning ToolsBooking Disney Rides Like a ProBooking Disney Rides Like a Pro with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.April 8, 2025 / Planning ToolsFrom Planning to Pixie Dust - How We're Getting Ready for Our Disney World AdventureFrom Planning to Pixie Dust - How We're Getting Ready for Our Disney World Adventure with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.March 15, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsRascal Flatts at Mohegan SunRascal Flatts at Mohegan Sun with notes on roared with anticipation, the setting, and how we would plan around it.March 8, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsMohegan Sun, more than just a casinoMohegan Sun, more than just a casino with notes on kilkenny irish cream ale, the setting, and how we would plan around it.February 25, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsVirginia Finds Worth Adding to the MapVirginia Finds Worth Adding to the Map with notes on car & carriage caravan museum, the setting, and how we would plan around it.February 15, 2025 / Worth the Trip ReviewsR&B Vibe Tour - A Night of Pure SoulR&B Vibe Tour - A Night of Pure Soul with notes on eaglebank arena in fairfax, va, the setting, and how we would plan around it.February 11, 2025 / Planning ToolsThe Great American Road TripThe Great American Road Trip with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.February 5, 2025 / Planning ToolsThe Power of TravelThe Power of Travel with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.January 31, 2025 / Planning ToolsWelcome to Travel n Taste JournalWelcome to Travel n Taste Journal with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.January 26, 2025 / Cruises20 Useful Items for a Smooth Cruise20 Useful Items for a Smooth Cruise with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 24, 2025 / CruisesA Day at SeaA Day at Sea with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 24, 2025 / CruisesFarewell, Liberty of the SeasFarewell, Liberty of the Seas with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 22, 2025 / CruisesCocoCay: A Family AdventureCocoCay: A Family Adventure with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 21, 2025 / CruisesAll Aboard! Liberty of the Seas Sets Sail for NassauAll Aboard! Liberty of the Seas Sets Sail for Nassau with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 21, 2025 / CruisesNassau: Sun, Sand, and SerenityNassau: Sun, Sand, and Serenity with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 15, 2025 / CruisesEscape to Paradise: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise & Perfect Day AdventureEscape to Paradise: 4-Night Bahamas Cruise & Perfect Day Adventure with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.January 3, 2025 / Planning ToolsNew Year, Travel Goals: Make 2025 Your Year of AdventuresNew Year, Travel Goals: Make 2025 Your Year of Adventures with practical planning notes, tradeoffs, and the details we would confirm before booking.December 2, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsAn Evening at 1609 Prime Cuts + Cocktails During The Rose's Million Dollar GiveawayAn Evening at 1609 Prime Cuts + Cocktails During The Rose's Million Dollar Giveaway with notes on the rose resort, the setting, and how we would plan around it.November 17, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Cozy and Flavorful Experience at Pho Thai 66 in Haymarket, VAA Cozy and Flavorful Experience at Pho Thai 66 in Haymarket, VA with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.November 17, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsRefreshing and Delicious - A Visit to Kung Fu Tea in Haymarket, VARefreshing and Delicious - A Visit to Kung Fu Tea in Haymarket, VA with notes on coffee milk tea, the setting, and how we would plan around it.November 7, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsThe Rose Resort - A New Destination for Fun and Entertainment in DumfriesThe Rose Resort - A New Destination for Fun and Entertainment in Dumfries with notes on 1609 steakhouse, the setting, and how we would plan around it.October 13, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsRamyun Zip - A Custom Ramen Experience in Centreville, VARamyun Zip - A Custom Ramen Experience in Centreville, VA with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.October 11, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Memorable Evening at Musashi Japanese SteakhouseA Memorable Evening at Musashi Japanese Steakhouse with notes on musashi japanese steakhouse, the setting, and how we would plan around it.October 4, 2024 / CruisesA Paris Adventure: From Offenburg to the Eiffel Tower and BeyondA Paris Adventure: From Offenburg to the Eiffel Tower and Beyond with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.September 22, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsBrunch at Mariachis Manassas: A Flavorful Fiesta in Old TownBrunch at Mariachis Manassas: A Flavorful Fiesta in Old Town with notes on brunch lovers, rejoice, the setting, and how we would plan around it.September 9, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsWhat a Weekend: Virgo Vibes and Epic CelebrationsWhat a Weekend: Virgo Vibes and Epic Celebrations with notes on appetizers to start, the setting, and how we would plan around it.September 1, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Charming Escape to Historic Smithville: A Quick Getaway from Atlantic CityA Charming Escape to Historic Smithville: A Quick Getaway from Atlantic City with notes on best time to visit, the setting, and how we would plan around it.September 1, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsDolphin Watching in Cape May - A Perfect Escape from Atlantic CityDolphin Watching in Cape May - A Perfect Escape from Atlantic City with notes on the experience, the setting, and how we would plan around it.September 1, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSavoring Italian Delights at Linguini's in Atlantic CitySavoring Italian Delights at Linguini's in Atlantic City with notes on chilled shrimp, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 31, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsAtlantic City: From Iconic Past to a Thriving PresentAtlantic City: From Iconic Past to a Thriving Present with notes on family-friendly fun, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 30, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Flavorful Feast at Qui Korean BBQ in GainesvilleA Flavorful Feast at Qui Korean BBQ in Gainesville with notes on qui korean bbq, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 24, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsThrills and Excitement at the 2024 Charlestown Classic FestivalThrills and Excitement at the 2024 Charlestown Classic Festival with notes on charlestown classic festival, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 23, 2024 / Weekend EscapesAn Electrifying Night with Imagine Dragons at Jiffy Lube LiveAn Electrifying Night with Imagine Dragons at Jiffy Lube Live with the food, lodging, and timing details that shaped the short trip.August 21, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsExploring Cajun Flavors at Voodoo Brothers in Old Town ManassasExploring Cajun Flavors at Voodoo Brothers in Old Town Manassas with notes on voodoo brothers, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 21, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSavoring Italian Excellence at North Italia in Reston, VASavoring Italian Excellence at North Italia in Reston, VA with notes on wild shrimp scampi, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 19, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Flavorful Journey at the Thai Food Festival in ManassasA Flavorful Journey at the Thai Food Festival in Manassas with notes on upcoming dates, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 17, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsTea Around Town DC: A Royal Adventure Through the Nation's CapitalTea Around Town DC: A Royal Adventure Through the Nation's Capital with notes on tea around town dc, the setting, and how we would plan around it.August 10, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Sushi Delight at Passion Fin, Gainesville VAA Sushi Delight at Passion Fin, Gainesville VA with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.August 2, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsStep Back in Time at Creekside LanesStep Back in Time at Creekside Lanes with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.August 1, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA Delightful Breakfast at BreakfastTime Anytime in Winston-Salem, NCA Delightful Breakfast at BreakfastTime Anytime in Winston-Salem, NC with notes on breakfasttime anytime, the setting, and how we would plan around it.July 29, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsEmbracing the Charm of Winston-Salem: A Scenic GetawayEmbracing the Charm of Winston-Salem: A Scenic Getaway with notes on reynolda gardens, the setting, and how we would plan around it.July 19, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsLume Asian Fusion Manassas ReviewLume Asian Fusion Manassas Review with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.July 13, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsA memorable Summer Night in DC with Janet Jackson and Nelly @ Capital One ArenaA memorable Summer Night in DC with Janet Jackson and Nelly @ Capital One Arena with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.July 13, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSTK DC Brunch Review: Steakhouse Plates and a Long TableSTK DC Brunch Review: Steakhouse Plates and a Long Table with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.July 12, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSmall Town Charm and Fantastic Dining Experience at Little in Fort CollinsSmall Town Charm and Fantastic Dining Experience at Little in Fort Collins with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.July 9, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsSTK Salt Lake City Review: Dinner, Cocktails, and Service NotesSTK Salt Lake City Review: Dinner, Cocktails, and Service Notes with notes on our server, john, was strong, the setting, and how we would plan around it.June 30, 2024 / Taste GuidesAn afternoon in HeavenAn afternoon in Heaven with notes on mediterranean salt body scrub, the setting, and how we would plan around it.June 30, 2024 / Weekend EscapesTilghman Island Fishing Weekend: Chesapeake Bay Charter and Quiet Island TimeA Tilghman Island weekend with Chesapeake Bay fishing, changing water conditions, and a quiet Airbnb reset.June 25, 2024 / CruisesLiberty of the Seas: A Bermuda AdventureLiberty of the Seas: A Bermuda Adventure with notes on timing, ship days, port plans, and what we would check before booking.June 22, 2024 / Worth the Trip ReviewsOur Jack Daniel's Distillery Visit: What Stood OutOur Jack Daniel's Distillery Visit: What Stood Out with what we ordered, what stood out, and how we would plan the stop into a food-first trip.