Summer Getaways 2023

with Team Hi Love

Photo credit BMPfilmco

Team Hi Love is back again to share more of our favorite summer getaways near and far!

Whether you’re seeking sun-soaked beaches, thrilling adventures, or serene retreats, we’ve got you covered. Join us as we uncover hidden gems, share insider tips, and guide you through unforgettable destinations handpicked by our team of travel lovers.

Get ready to embark on a journey of relaxation, exploration, and pure joy. So, grab your sunscreen, pack your bags, and let’s dive into the world of unforgettable summer vacations with Team Hi Love!

Miami, FL
with Melissa

So many weekend getaway possibilities…with so little time! A recent fun one was to Miami Beach!

Why Miami Beach!? Water, culture, food, art and SHOPPING! Swim in the sea, walk the sandy beaches, view interesting art at Wynwood Walls, shop til you drop, dine and just be. Go for a girls weekend, with a bestie or with your romantic partner/loved one.  

Stay at @miamibeachedition for an upbeat vibe, beautiful interior and pool.  It is near the beach, and Collins Ave and has a fun bowling alley and ice skating rink in the basement!  @hotelgreystone is a great price for what you get.  It is a quaint boutique hotel that is across from the beach, near shopping and located on Collins Ave to people watch. Book @1hotel.southbeach for full-on luxury inspired by nature! 

There is no place like home when it comes to the Miami food scene. Here are just a few.
MilaRestaurant  @milagroup_miami has rooftop views and their menu is filled with Mediterranean culinary delights. 
Serevene in Hotel Greystone is a hidden gem. Its French rotisserie meets Japanese izakaya cuisine was delicious. 
Or, Dine at WATR in  @1hotel.southbeach for a lovely Peruvian-inspired lunch with rooftop views.

Did someone say shopping? Lincoln Road is a pedestrian shopping street with big-name brands and outdoor cafes galore. 
Head across the bridge to the @MiamiDesignDistrict for an upscale outdoor shopping (art and food too) experience with panache. Finally, don’t miss @wynwoodwallsofficial to enjoy cutting-edge work from leading fine artists, graffiti writers, and muralists from around the world.

If you have an extra day a @gobrightline experience is just a hop skip and a fast ride away to Palm Beach Island.  The first-class train ticket is affordable and worth it! @thebreakers will entertain or relax you (at their spa) by day or head to @theroyalpoincianaplaza for shopping and a delightful dining experience @santambroeus Palm Beach to wind down.

Hi Love Favorites:
My Weekender; a few Medium Zipper Packs for a dozen uses to include using it as a folder clutch; a Puffer Fanny Pack for beach walks and my Love Me Knot Puffer Purse Tote for roaming around.

Miami is the place to go for a girls trip or romantic getaway.  Book this one for a cool, cultural vibe all around!

Hilton Head & Charleston, SC
with Courtney F.

South Carolina is a great summer destination for all things beach, food, and nightlife. For this trip, we started in Hilton Head and spent a few days exploring the island. In the mornings, we grabbed coffee and breakfast at The G-Free Spot, a cute family owned gluten-free bakery with absolutely delicious pastries (yes we tried a different one every morning). After breakfast, it was time to hit the beach for a nice morning walk and some sun. During the day, we also hit some of the cute shops and found new spots for lunch.

After a day of exploring, we freshened up and got ready for dinner. Old Oyster Factory in Hilton Head is a wonderful dinner restaurant with amazing food and even better views. Ask for a table with a waterfront view and keep your eyes out for dolphins!

After a few days in Hilton Head, we made the two hour drive to Charleston and stayed downtown for five days. Charleston is such a quaint and historic town that is so charming and exciting to explore. We spent the days walking down Rainbow Row, The Battery, Charleston City Market, and Waterfront Park. Here you’ll find the famous Pineapple Fountain. Charleston has Pineapples all over their city and being a pineapple lover, this was my favorite! You can also walk down the pier and spend some time in the sun watching for dolphins.

The Daily is a quick and delicious breakfast spot to grab food before a day out on the town. Baker and Brewer is a casual dinner hangout spot, with fantastic pizzas and trivia night. On our last day, we made a day trip to Isle of Palms, which was a more remote beach. There is nothing better than spending some time relaxing on the beach after experiencing that city hustle.

Hi Love Favorites:
Throughout the trip, I used my Carryall Tote for all of my essentials on beach days and I used two different Crossbody Purses. The Earth Gray Purse I carried with me for all of our long days of exploring. It was lightweight and easy to carry. Inside my purse, I had a Mini Pack to organize all the little things, like chapstick, hair ties, and medicine. Lastly, I had my Shimmer Beige Pouch to Purse, which I used as a clutch for one of our fancier nights out. I love that both purses are so versatile and I was able to choose which color best fit my outfit for the day!

The quaint little towns, all the sights to see, a great variety of restaurants, and beautiful beaches in Hilton Head and Charleston make for a fun and relaxing summer getaway!

Cayman Islands
with Lindsey

I loved my getaway to the Cayman Islands with my family! I loved it there because of its white beaches, crystal clear water, great food and multiple family-friendly activities on and off the water! My favorite things to do there included swimming with the stingrays and turtles, playing with my kids on the beach, the fabulous food and drinks and enjoying the incredible sunsets!

I definitely recommend taking the whole family to the Cayman Turtle Center for a great educational experience, swim with the turtles, and if it is during breeding season (April-September) you may even get to see a nest of eggs! My family's favorite restaurant spots included Sunshine Grill for breakfast, Tillie's on the beach for brunch or dinner to catch the sunset, and The Wharf and Calypso for dinner!

Hi Love Favorites:
My go to Hi Love bags for this getaway were my Carryall Tote, Love Me Knot Tote, Wristlet, and Medium Packs for my kids' suits and toys, and of course my Puffer Fanny Pack.

Seattle, WA
with Courtney B.

Seattle is a perfect summer getaway! There are so many wonderful things to do in the city and there is also an endless amount of things to do within driving distance too!

The main attractions of Seattle that are a must visit are Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Alki Beach and the waterfront piers!

Favorite cafes & restaurants:
Rachel's Ginger Beer - They have a location just outside of Pike Place Market, try one of there fun flavors and even make it a cocktail. 
Beecher's Handmade Cheese - If you're a cheese lover you don't want to miss this local Seattle staple!
The Pink Door - This gem is hidden behind a single pink door in an alley that would be easy to walk right by. It's a local Seattle gem with delicious food and caberet shows to entertain you while you dine.
Portage Bay Cafe - There are several locations within the city with amazing breakfast & brunch!

Other great things to do in Seattle in the summer:
-Kayak on Lake Union.
-Checkout Kerry Park for the best view of the iconic Seattle skyline.
-Take a walk or paddle board on Green Lake.
-Visit Chihuly Gardens and Glass or Gas Works park.

Must visit places near Seattle:
-Take a Ferry to one of the Islands like San Juan Island, Bainbridge Island, Orcas Island and many more!
-Drive to Mount Rainer National Park for an endless amount of natural beauty with camping, hiking trails and unbelievable views.
-Road trip to the Olympic National Park and see the Hoh Rain forest.
-Relax at wineries in the Woodinville area.

Go to Seattle for a summer getaway in a city full of culture that's surrounded by nature!

Favorite Hi Love bags :
-Puffer Fanny Pack - always great for handsfree exploring!
-Weekender - to carry everything I need with me for a long weekend.
-Crossbody Backpack - great for day hikes or to carry a little more with me handsfree while wandering.
-Puffer Purse - a great purse to carry while shopping and I love the veratility of removing the straps and using it as a clutch for dinners out in downtown Seattle.

Northern Michigan
with Stacie 

Growing up in Traverse City, MI, I was spoiled to have Northern Michigan as a built-in summer destination. My Dad still lives in the lake home where I grew up so we usually visit at least 1-2 times every summer. There are opportunities to swim, SUP, jet ski and do just about every water activity. There is so much to do in Traverse City, like strolling downtown, doing a tour of the wineries on the peninsula or in nearby Suttons Bay/Leelanau, hitting the many public beaches, riding your bike on the TART trail, and going to one of the many festivals. The Cherry Festival being the most well-known. Plus it's nice to explore the nearby charming towns.

One of those nearby towns is Glen Arbor, which not only has a cute downtown but it is also very close to the famous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Pyramid Point, a beautiful lookout point where the dunes meet the shores of Lake Michigan. You can also rent a kayak at Crystal River Outfitters and paddle down the beautiful Crystal River. Additionally, there is a Cherry Republic in downtown Glen Arbor, a chance to try all things cherry! 

Suttons Bay or Northport, both relatively short drives from Traverse City are also great places to visit in Northern Michigan. Both towns are filled with colorful shops and are perfect for strolling with an ice cream in hand. Both places have a lot of great restaurants.

Hi Love Favorite:
My favorite thing to have on these trips is my Puffer Fanny Pack. I can wear it traditionally or crossbody. It fits all my essentials. It's prefect for when I am biking around all of these beautiful places!  

Photo credit BMPfilmco

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse oneself with your loved ones in the beauty of nature or new city. Whether it’s a beach vacation, a city vibe, or a cultural expedition, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

So, pack your Hi Love bags, leave your worries behind, and embark on a journey that will rejuvenate your spirit and create lasting memories.  Live, Love, Travel!