Virginia Beach Weekend Escape: Pizza, Pho, Arcade Fun and Oceanfront Bliss

We spent a windy but wonderful Thursday through Sunday in Virginia Beach, and by the time we left, we were already plotting our return. From digging into nostalgic slices to chasing waves and arcade tickets, every moment felt real.

What We Did

We checked into the Embassy Suites by Hilton oceanfront, which turned out to be our hub. From pools and sunset views to spontaneous porch chats, it had everything we wanted. Down below the boardwalk we played in rolling surf. Windy, yes, but so invigorating.

We ducked into Dough Boys Pizza on Atlantic Avenue for a local favorite. Their Wave Pizza — half calzone, half flat pie — hit the spot, and the cheesy breadsticks only made it better. This family‑owned spot has been a staple since 1989 and delivers fun, flavor, and beach town hospitality.

Later, a crave for something warm led us to Pho Nguyen at Lynnhaven Mall. The broth was rich, the noodles tender, and it was just the kind of unexpected comfort halfway into the weekend.

Downtown, we found ourselves at the Beach Arcade. Despite some games being offline and no AC making it hot and a little rundown, the staff kept spirits up and classic machines still ran. It’s nostalgic and humble, but so worth punching in a few quarters and laughing as the tickets roll in.

Evenings wrapped with burgers. Inside the Embassy Suites we sampled Arbuckle’s burger, casual and satisfying. Then, a visit to Fuddruckers felt like reconnecting with an old friend. The milkshakes were just as indulgent, the condiment bar familiar, and the protein choices reminded us of youthful adventures.

Tips for Visitors

• Expect wind on the beach – it can cool you off or add drama to the waves, so bring windbreakers or extra towels.
• Go to Dough Boys close to happy hour (Monday through Friday, 11:30 AM to 4 PM daily deals, plus a $5 Party Hour from 4 to 5:30 PM) for the bargains and best atmosphere.
• At Beach Arcade, ask staff about games in repair – they’ll often offer extra play time as a workaround.
• Reserve oceanfront rooms early. Embassy Suites fills up fast and is ideal for families or groups craving both comfort and beachfront access.

Plan Your Trip

• Book flights into Norfolk/Virginia Beach airport
• Reserve your hotel at Embassy Suites by Hilton oceanfront
• Explore tours like boardwalk photo walks or dolphin kayak trips

What We Used

• Beach towel – lightweight and sand-resistant, perfect for windy beach days
• Portable phone charger – because arcade tickets and beach photos drain batteries fast
• Travel first aid kit – handy for minor scrapes after ocean fun

What catches your imagination more: salty boardwalk adventures or diving into the unexpected charm of arcade redemption games?

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We stood in the middle of DC, our hearts still buzzing from the surreal moment of seeing our eyes transformed into vibrant, mesmerizing artwork.

The Magic of Iris Art in the Heart of DC

If you’re on the hunt for something that blends art, technology, and intimacy, Scio Art in Washington, DC, delivers. This studio takes the phrase “eyes are the window to the soul” to striking new heights. Using high-definition imaging, Scio captures the intricate patterns of your iris and turns them into personalized works of art.

You can go solo or create a composite design with up to four people, perfect for couples, families, or close friends. And yes, it makes a killer date idea.

More Than a Portrait: A Tech-Meets-Art Experience

From the moment we walked in, the vibe was sleek and modern, but the staff made it feel warm and inviting. The photo session itself felt like a creative shoot, a mix of science and soul. Choosing our final artwork took the most time (there were so many gorgeous options!), but that just speaks to the quality of the visuals.

The coolest part? They offer custom jewelry options, too, so you can literally wear your loved one’s eye (or yours) as a pendant. It’s art that stares back, and stays with you.

“The soul, fortunately, has an interpreter – often one eye, or both.” – Charlotte Brontë

Why It’s the Ultimate Romantic Date Idea

There’s something deeply intimate about locking eyes with someone and capturing that energy forever. Whether it’s an anniversary, a surprise date, or just a creative way to say “I see you,” this experience hits different.

Pro tip: Pair it with brunch nearby or a golden-hour walk along the National Mall. DCis full of charming spots to complete the perfect date day.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Visit

• Look for a Groupon deal before booking. You might snag a sweet discount.
• Arrive early to find parking (it can be tricky).
• Think about your look for the shoot: colors, reflections, and something you’d want in a frame.

Essential Info

Scio Art DC
933 F St NW, Washington, DC 20004
Visit Website →

We were in and out in under an hour, and the whole experience felt smooth, thoughtful, and incredibly special. Whether you’re a local or just passing through DC, Scio Art is a meaningful stop you won’t forget.

Would you ever turn your eyes into art?

Tags: Scio Art DC, iris photography, DC date ideas, personalized art, DC

Hashtags: #TravelnTasteJournal #HiddenGems #ArtExperiences #DCDateIdeas #ScioArt

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Two Great Wolf Lodges, Twice the Adventure

When planning a family getaway, Great Wolf Lodge is consistently at the top of our list. This year, we decided to try two locations: Williamsburg in June, followed by Perryville in July. Each lodge offered its own flavor of family fun, making our choice far tougher than expected.

Williamsburg: Making Waves with Waterpark Wonders

The Williamsburg waterpark immediately felt like an inviting aquatic playground. The standout feature for our family was the expansive wave pool. It felt deeper, giving even older kids plenty of room to dive, float, and splash. Seating around the pool was abundant, comfortable, and well-placed, offering perfect sightlines for watchful parents.

Yet the true highlight was Williamsburg’s gigantic tipping bucket. Its colossal splash turned waiting moments into pure excitement. Our kids stood eagerly each time, squealing as gallons of water cascaded down, creating lasting memories of pure joy.

The layout of the water attractions felt natural and easy to navigate. From lazy rivers to thrilling slides, everything flowed smoothly, allowing maximum enjoyment with minimal stress.

Perryville: Dry Adventures and Magical Quests

Perryville surprised us with its impressive collection of dry activities. Our kids couldn’t stop talking about the indoor rope course. Suspended high above, it challenged their courage and boosted their confidence. We also spent hours in the mini ten-pin bowling alley, where friendly competition made for lots of laughter.

MagiQuest in Perryville offered a little extra magic, too. Wandering through enchanted hallways with interactive challenges kept the kids entertained well into the evening. The mirror maze provided an additional unexpected delight, as we navigated endless reflections and playful confusion.

One downside: Perryville lacked laser tag and virtual reality, two activities our kids loved in Williamsburg. Still, the activities here were more than enough to keep everyone busy and happy.

Dining Delights at Both Lodges

Food at both locations was consistently tasty. We appreciated the variety—from quick snacks to sit-down dinners. Williamsburg had one small advantage: slushies were included with the soda sipper cup, whereas Perryville charged extra. This small detail became a notable perk during hot afternoons.

Detailed Family Fun Ratings

Activity	Williamsburg	Perryville	Winner
Wave Pool			Williamsburg
Giant Bucket			Williamsburg
MagiQuest			Perryville
Rope Course			Perryville
Bowling			Perryville
Laser Tag		N/A	Williamsburg
Virtual Reality		N/A	Williamsburg
Mirror Maze	N/A		Perryville
Overall Layout			Williamsburg

Williamsburg emerged as our slight favorite due to its unmatched water features, but Perryville made a compelling case with its engaging dry adventures. Both locations offer frequent discounts and specials, ensuring a fantastic family vacation without overspending.

Our Top Tips for a Perfect Stay

• Always check for online discounts before booking your lodge stay.
• Opt for MagiQuest at either location. It’s a memorable experience your family won’t regret.
• Williamsburg’s soda sipper cup with included slushies is a must-have for families.
• Pack swimming goggles for the wave pool. We almost forgot ours but found these great goggles on Amazon at the last minute, and they saved the day: Best Family Swim Goggles.
• Don’t miss story time and dance parties—these unexpected moments made our evenings extra special.

Ultimately, whether your family prefers waterpark adventures or dry-land excitement, both Williamsburg and Perryville promise fantastic memories.

Does your family lean toward splashing in Williamsburg’s wave pool or conquering Perryville’s ropes course?

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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?

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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!

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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!

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We visited Maggiano’s Little Italy in Tysons this past Saturday around noon and opted for the Family Meal, and let me just say—$50 has never gone so far. The portions were incredibly generous, and every dish brought warmth, flavor, and comfort to the table.

Our Maggiano’s Family-Style Feast (in Pictures)

What We Ordered

We started with a delicious salami, cheese, and olive board that immediately set the tone—fresh, vibrant, and full of flavor.

Appetizers:

• Wagyu Meatballs – Tender and packed with flavor.
• Caesar Salad – Fresh, crisp, and dressed just right.
• Crispy Calamari – Lightly breaded and golden brown.
• Fried Zucchini – A surprise hit. Crispy, salty, and addictive.

Main Entrées:

• Beef Medallions – Juicy and rich, a crowd-pleaser.
• Stuffed Shells – Comforting and cheesy.
• Fettuccine Alfredo – Classic, creamy, and well-balanced.
• Chicken Parmesan – Crispy outside, tender inside, topped with melty mozzarella.

Special Mention: One of our guests ordered the Spicy Branzino with lobster and crab—and it was hands-down one of the best dishes on the table. Bold, buttery, and unforgettable.

Desserts: We ended the meal with a trio of sweets—Tiramisu, Strawberry Cheesecake, and Lemon Cookies. Each one hit the spot, light but satisfying.

Drinks: If you’re into cocktails, don’t skip the Pomegranate Martini. Refreshing and beautifully balanced, it was a table favorite.

Service & Atmosphere

Our server, Rue, was absolutely phenomenal. Attentive, kind, patient with kids, and full of great suggestions. The whole team helped create an experience that felt special but totally relaxed.

Final Thoughts

Maggiano’s Tysons is ideal for group outings, celebrations, or just treating yourself to classic Italian comfort food. The price-to-portion ratio is fantastic, the dishes deliver on flavor, and the service is top-notch. We’ll absolutely be back.

Have a favorite Maggiano’s dish? Let us know in the comments!

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Craving a brunch that combines soulful Southern flavors with a modern twist? Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen in Sterling, VA, delivers just that.

Quick Summary

Who it’s for: Foodies seeking hearty Southern brunch dishes in a cozy setting.

What’s inside: A firsthand experience of Milk & Honey’s standout dishes, ambiance, and tips to enhance your visit.

A Taste of the South in Sterling

Nestled in the Dulles Retail Plaza, Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen offers a vibrant atmosphere paired with a menu that celebrates Southern comfort food. From the moment we stepped in, the warm decor and inviting aromas set the stage for a memorable meal.

What We Ordered

• Tail of Two Fish: A delightful duo of crispy battered catfish and Atlantic salmon served with creamy grits.
• Chicken & Biscoff Waffles: A sweet and savory treat featuring a Biscoff cookie butter-infused waffle paired with crispy chicken thighs.

Each dish showcased the kitchen’s commitment to quality and flavor, leaving us eager to return.

Know Before You Go

• Pricing: Moderate. Expect to spend around $20–$30 per person, depending on your order.
• Timing: Weekends can be busy. Consider visiting on a weekday or arriving early to avoid the rush.
• Drinks: They offer a variety of beverages, including their signature Mimosa Towers.
• Atmosphere: Lively yet cozy, making it perfect for both casual outings and special occasions.

Explore More in Northern Virginia

Planning to explore Northern Virginia further? Check out these activities:

• Things to do in Northern Virginia
• Day trips around Northern Virginia

These curated experiences will help you make the most of your visit to the region.

Pro Tips for a Great Experience

• Reservations: While walk-ins are welcome, making a reservation can help avoid wait times.
• Parking: Ample parking is available in the plaza, but it can fill up during peak hours.
• Dietary Needs: The menu offers options for various dietary preferences, but it’s best to inform the staff of any specific requirements.

Final Thoughts

Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen stands out as a must-visit spot in Sterling for those seeking authentic Southern flavors in a welcoming environment. From the delectable dishes to the attentive service, every aspect of our visit was top-notch.

Have you dined at Milk & Honey? Share your favorite dish in the comments below!

Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

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A Disney Debrief from Travel n Taste Journal

If there’s one thing that can make or break your Disney day—it’s your ride strategy. Between Lightning Lane, Multi Pass, and a 7AM booking scramble, there’s a lot riding on your plan (and your refresh finger).

Here’s what we learned after using it all—what saved us, what surprised us, and what we’d tweak next time.

What Worked: Standby Skipper (Lifesaver!)

We can’t say this enough: Standby Skipper saved our trip. On our booking morning, many of the top ride times were gone by 5:30 AM—before our window even officially opened. We were scrambling. We were bummed. We were already debating park day swaps over coffee.

But with a few refreshes and some Standby Skipper alerts, we started finding openings—fast. By noon, we had nearly every top-tier ride booked, including hard-to-get options like Slinky Dog Dash, TRON, and Rise of the Resistance.

Read the full story from our Disney ride booking chaos here.

What Helps: Have a Plan (and a Backup)

We had a detailed ride plan organized by priority, walking distance, and average wait time—and it was still stressful. But having that structure helped us make smart calls on the fly.

Pro tips:

• Book early—even if it’s a bad time. You can always modify or refresh later.
• Build in park break windows so you can check availability during downtime.
• Have a “must ride” list for each park in case you need to pivot quickly.

What Surprised Us: MagicBands Make It Feel Seamless

This was our first time using MagicBand+, and honestly? We loved it. Not only did it make Lightning Lane access a breeze (just tap and go), but it also added a fun layer of interactivity throughout the parks.

They blinked and buzzed on certain rides, pulsed during fireworks, and became a little techy piece of magic that added to the immersion.

What We’d Do Differently

Even with a plan and tools, booking Disney rides is intense. Here’s what we’d tweak:

• Don’t count on the “perfect time.” Get something booked, then edit or swap later.
• Stack evening rides. We found the most success building up to a big night of coasters and thrill rides.
• Start your booking day early—like, 5:30 AM early.

Final Thoughts

Lightning Lane and Multi Pass can be amazing tools—but only if you go in with the right expectations. With a little prep, a few refreshes, and a backup plan, you can skip the stress and ride everything you came for.

Just don’t forget: even the best plans might change. That’s Disney. Be ready to pivot. And if all else fails—Standby Skipper’s got your back.

Want to see how we planned our top park days? Read our full EPCOT + Animal Kingdom strategy here.

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A Disney Debrief from Travel n Taste Journal

Our breakfast at Hollywood & Vine Disney Play ‘n Dine was the perfect way to kick off our Hollywood Studios day. Between beloved Disney Junior characters and a surprisingly delicious buffet, this experience served up magic, movement, and Mickey waffles—before we even hit our first ride.

Characters That Truly Interact

This breakfast wasn’t just a quick wave from a costumed character across the room. At Hollywood & Vine, the characters really make the rounds—and they do it twice! We met Doc McStuffins, Fancy Nancy, Vampirina, and Goofy, and they each spent time dancing, playing, and personally connecting with the kids.

Our daughter had a moment with Goofy that completely brought her out of her shell—dancing together and giggling nonstop. Those kinds of unscripted interactions are what Disney memories are made of.

The Vibe: Nostalgic and Cheerful

Hollywood & Vine is styled like a retro diner, with a bright and cheerful atmosphere. It’s comfortable, inviting, and full of cast members who truly go out of their way to make you feel welcome. It was a nice contrast to the sometimes-rushed feeling of other character breakfasts.

The Food: Best Buffet of the Trip?

This was easily our favorite breakfast buffet at Disney. The spread was massive, fresh, and surprisingly flavorful. Some highlights included:

• Corned beef fried rice – savory, unique, and delicious
• Fresh omelet station – always a hit with grownups
• Mickey waffles, fresh fruit, and yes—ice cream for breakfast – Disney logic at its best

Other options included biscuits and gravy, cheesy hash brown casserole, bacon, sausage, egg benedict, spicy chicken and doughnuts, bananas foster French toast, plant-based frittata with tomato jam, salmon and bagel casserole, assorted pastries, and more. We didn’t have a single bite we regretted.

What You Need to Know

• Character Dining is Breakfast-Only: Play ‘n Dine characters only appear during breakfast (8:30 AM–10:30 AM).
• Bring an Autograph Book: Each character visits your table, so be ready with books and markers!
• Paying with MagicBand+ is a breeze: Just tap and go—super convenient with kids in tow.
• Missed a Character? Let a cast member (in light blue) know. They’ll make sure you get your full lineup.
• Location Can Be Tricky: Hollywood & Vine is near the front of the park. If you reach the Frozen theater, you’ve gone too far.
• Don’t Confuse It: Disney Junior Play Theater is a separate experience entirely.

Final Thoughts

We’d absolutely book Hollywood & Vine Disney Play ‘n Dine again. The food was a win, the character time was generous, and the overall energy was fun and relaxed. It was the perfect start to a day full of Star Wars, Slinky Dog, and skyliner sunsets.

Looking for more character meal reviews? Explore our full Disney Debrief series here.

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