We didn’t plan to cry into our Whiskey Smash, but Noir had other ideas.
That’s the thing about Nashville’s best secrets: they don’t stay secret long. Especially when they hit this hard on atmosphere, craft, and just the right amount of edge.

The Kind of Happy Hour That Turns Into a Night

We ducked into Noir thinking it would be a quick pre-dinner drink. Two hours later, we were halfway into a moody playlist, lingering in velvet booths, and ordering round two of the best Whiskey Smash we’ve tasted in town.

Tucked just enough off the beaten path to feel like a discovery, Noir doesn’t beg for attention. It earns it. The lighting is low, the bartenders are poetry in motion, and the crowd is there to savor — not scroll.

It’s not trying to be “the spot.” It just is.

Why Noir Feels So Different

What sets Noir apart isn’t one thing — it’s the way everything comes together.
There’s an elegance to the details: vintage glassware, candlelit corners, a music mix that skews soulful and unexpected. Even the restrooms feel like a set piece from a noir film.

We’d call it cinematic, if that didn’t sound too precious.

More importantly, it’s a place where you can talk without shouting, sip without rushing, and disappear from your own schedule for a while.

Our favorite kind of magic.

What Noir’s Perfect For

• Pre-dinner elegance before heading downtown
• Date night charm without the white tablecloth pressure
• Impressing visitors who “aren’t into Broadway”
• Solo moments where you just want to sit, sip, and exhale

And the prices? Surprisingly chill for a place this dialed-in. It’s luxury without the markup — something that’s getting harder to find in a city on the rise.

Travel n Taste Pro Tips

• Arrive early. Noir’s walk-in policy means the best booths go fast. Aim for golden hour.
• Order the Whiskey Smash. If honey and heat had a baby with bourbon, it’d be this.
• Make it your anchor. Start or end your night here — Noir adapts to both moods flawlessly.

Links You’ll Love

• Where to Stay in Nashville
• Book a Local Tasting Tour
• Find Flights to Nashville

What’s your go-to cocktail when the lights go low?

The post Noir: Nashville’s Smoothest Happy Hour Secret appeared first on Welcome.

When a spot known for its wings rolls out a full brunch menu, you go in with curiosity—and leave with a full belly. Velocity Wings surprised us in all the right ways. It’s casual, fast, and tasty, with a brunch lineup that covers everything from southern comfort to sweet tooth favorites.

What We Ordered

• Buttermilk Biscuits – Fluffy, buttery, and a great start. Surprisingly well executed.
• Caesar Salad – Classic and standard. Not a standout, but it did the job.
• Mini Burgers – Solid bar food. Familiar and satisfying if not groundbreaking.
• Chicken Wings – This was a surprise hit. Crispy, seasoned well, and true to their brand name.
• Espresso Martini – Bold and rich with a solid kick. A great brunch cocktail.
• Strawberry Lemon Drop – Bright and sweet, with just enough tartness to balance it out.
• Stuffed French Toast – Sweet, decadent, and plated well. Great for sharing or dessert vibes.
• Blueberry Lemon Pancakes – The unexpected star of the show. Light, fluffy, citrusy, and perfectly sweet.
• Shrimp and Grits – Comfort food done right. Creamy grits and well-seasoned shrimp.
• Catfish & Grits – Good seasoning on the fish, but the shrimp version edged it out for us.
• Chicken and Waffles – Just okay. Needed a bit more flavor or a sauce boost.
• Breakfast Tacos – A sleeper hit. Flavorful, balanced, and super satisfying.
• Pepperoni Flatbread – Crispy, cheesy, and exactly what you want from a brunch flatbread.
• Shrimp Alfredo – Creamy and comforting, though more of a lunch vibe than brunch.

Final Thoughts

Velocity Wings isn’t trying to be fancy—and that’s exactly why it works. The portions were generous, the flavors were bold, and the standout items (like those pancakes and wings) made the whole experience feel like a win. The drinks were legit, and the menu has enough variety to keep everyone happy—from your biscuit-loving brunchers to your wing-and-beer crew.

Looking for a relaxed, satisfying brunch spot? Velocity Wings might surprise you—in the best way.

Been to their brunch? Tell us your favorite dish in the comments!

The post Velocity Wings Brunch, Bottomless & Delicious appeared first on Welcome.

This spot is small, fun, and surprisingly delicious. The Pink Dinghy in Virginia Beach leans into seasonal ingredients, bold flavors, and coastal vibes. It’s built around shared plates, but delivers far more than you’d expect from its unassuming size.

What We Ordered

We kicked things off with three small plates that set the bar high:

• Brussels – Roasted and tossed with chorizo, crème fraîche, orange, and golden raisins. Sweet, smoky, citrusy, and impossible to stop eating.
• Focaccia – House-baked and served with whipped seasonal butter. Warm, airy, and dangerously good.
• Potato Croquettes – Crispy on the outside, creamy inside, topped with ranch labne, chili honey, and pistachio pesto. Possibly the best bite of the night.

Drinks: We tried the Thai Iced Tea cocktail and a Pineapple Daiquiri (off-menu special). The Thai tea leaned heavily on lime and ginger—interesting, but not our top pick. Still, both were refreshing alongside the food.

Main Dishes

• Smash Burger & Fries – Classic and satisfying, served with shredded lettuce, Duke’s mayo, and pickled onions. Fries were golden and crisp.
• Shrimp Pasta – A rotating special with garlic-lemon butter sauce and fresh herbs. Shrimp were tender, pasta perfectly cooked, and every bite packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

While the cocktails didn’t blow us away, the food more than made up for it. Every dish felt fresh and intentional, with flavors that surprised and delivered. Bonus: the menu changes regularly, so every visit is a new chance to try something different.

The Pink Dinghy is a must if you’re into creative food, coastal charm, and small plate dining done right.

Been there? Drop your favorite dish in the comments—we’d love to know what you tried!

The post The Pink Dinghy, Virginia Beach serving up bold small plates and a coastal vibe appeared first on Welcome.

Before we even got to dinner, we took some time to explore Fort Collins. This small town is full of charm and has a strong sense of community, with places like The Exchange and Old Town Square offering a ton of great activities.

We walked past a charming old hotel that’s now a 55+ community and made a stop at Mary’s Mountain Cookies for some delicious treats to enjoy later. 

As our reservation time approached, we made the quick 4-minute journey to Little in Fort Collins. The name says it all: this small restaurant has a rotating menu, limited seating, and food done the Chef’s way.

Our group of four started with mussels. They were tender and flavorful, setting a pleasant tone for what was coming next. For our main courses, we decided on three different entrees: two of us had the halibut, while the others went for the NY steak and duck. The halibut was delicate and melted in our mouths. The NY steak was juicy and full of flavor, and the duck was rich and enjoyable.

The cocktails were more than just drinks; they felt like part of the meal. The bourbon old-fashioned was a classic done right, like meeting an old friend. The Sleepy Honey Bee had a unique blend of flavors that was a delightful surprise.

Dessert was affogatos with biscotti. The mix of coffee and ice cream, along with the crispy biscotti, was a pleasant way to end the meal.

After dinner, we headed back to Old Town Square and Pinball Jones for some pinball, classic arcade games, and evening fun.

If you find yourself in Fort Collins, take the time to enjoy this small town and all its charm. If you’re looking for an upscale culinary experience with creative dishes, enjoyable cocktails, and a warm atmosphere, Little is definitely worth a try.

The post Small Town Charm and Fantastic Dining Experience at Little in Fort Collins! appeared first on Welcome.