Go See Do Explore

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In this episode of Go See Do Explore, Ashleigh and Christopher share some of their favorite things to do, places to stay, and restaurants on Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Ashleigh's pick: The Inn on Mackinac - A small boutique hotel away from downtown, offering lower rates than other island hotels. It has a front porch, bay window views, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

Christopher's pick: Bike around the 8.2 mile perimeter of the island. See the water, bridge, fall colors, and more.

Christopher's Pick: Kingston Kitchen - Bringing Jamaican cuisine to the island, with authentic and delicious dishes.

Ashleigh's Pick: The Pink Pony at the Chippewa Hotel - Great patio overlooking the water, with local wine, fun cocktails, and good food.

Bonus: Gate House Restaurant - Appetizers were really good at this Grand Hotel restaurant located in the old gatehouse.

Visit Fort Holmes for island views from the highest point.

See Arch Rock, accessible by carriage tour or by hiking the steps.

Go during the off season for fewer crowds, lower rates, and a different island experience.

Get Ashleigh and Christopher's free Mackinac Island guide at goseeexplore.com/mackinac

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such we earn a small commission from each purchase that allows us to continue to tell our stories without costing you anything extra.

In this episode, we dive into the unique island of Mackinac, sharing its history, what makes it special, and tips for planning your visit.

Mackinac Island is located in Lake Huron between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas. What makes it unique is its ban on cars - the only transportation is by horse, bike, or foot. The Victorian-era architecture adds to the feeling of stepping back in time.

Mackinac has a rich history as an outpost occupied by the French, British, and Americans. Fort Mackinac was the site of battles during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812. Today, the fort is a tourist attraction with historical reenactments and one of the best views on the island.

The iconic Grand Hotel boasts the world's longest porch, while Mission Point Resort offers views of the sunrise side of the island. Downtown hotels like Lilac Tree Suites and Chippewa Hotel put you steps from the main street. For a quieter experience, consider the inland options like The Inn at Stonecliffe.

A carriage tour introduces you to the island's history and stories. Biking the 8-mile perimeter loop is a classic activity. And you can't miss the fudge shops that made Mackinac famous. We'll share more of our favorite sights and activities in an upcoming episode.

For this Mackinac-themed wine break, we sipped on a cherry-forward red blend from Thunder Bay Winery, located in Alpena.

Mackinac Island offers a uniquely relaxing, screen-free getaway. With its history and charm, it's a one-of-a-kind destination for travelers. Stay tuned for our next episode where we'll dive deeper into Mackinac's hidden gems and share recommendations to help you plan your perfect island vacation.

For more information about the island, download our Free Travel Guide at www.goseedoexplore.com/mackinac!

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support

Some of the links below are affiliate links and as such, we earn a small commission from purchases that allow us to continue telling our stories without costing you anything extra.

The hotel they stayed at, Hotel Fontan Reforma, is located right on Reforma Avenue in the historic center. They were able to easily walk around and explore the area during their stay.

One of the highlights was a private food tour with Eating With Carmen. They visited several top taco spots in the historic center that Ashleigh had researched. The tour helped them get better oriented to the historic center and sample many classic Mexican dishes.

They took a tour to see Diego Rivera murals throughout the city. Highlights included the Diego Rivera Museum, the SEP building with its famous courtyards filled with Rivera's murals, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes.

During a wine break, Ashleigh and Christopher discuss a red wine they had at Antolina restaurant called Anonimo Tinto from Valle de Guadalupe. They highlight its fruity nose and nice acidity. They tease upcoming content focused more in depth on their trip and experiences in Mexico City.

After changing hotels, they spent a day exploring the neighborhoods of Roma Norte and Condesa. These neighborhoods were designed to attract foreigners. Roma Norte has a very European feel with eclectic, mixed architecture styles. Condesa features Art Deco buildings.

They took a private cooking class with Lucia in her home and garden in San Ángel. They learned to make classic Mexican dishes like sopes, quesadillas, and chiles en nogada. It was a highlight of feeling welcomed into someone's home.

Ashleigh highlights their early morning kayaking tour in Xochimilco, where they paddled through the famous floating gardens and saw the sunrise. They then visited a farm, met farmers working to preserve the ecosystem, and had an amazing breakfast.

They visited Frida Kahlo's home Casa Azul in Coyoacán. Ashleigh advises getting tickets far in advance as it's one of the top destinations in Mexico City.

They toured the massive Anthropology Museum, which features artifacts from ancient civilizations. In Chapultepec Park, they walked around, visited Chapultepec Castle, and got tortas by the lake before taking a swan boat ride.

Christopher wraps up by mentioning their guide Laila will be on an upcoming episode. They'll be releasing more podcasts focused on their Mexico City trip and sharing their detailed trip itinerary.

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Ashleigh and Christopher discuss the latest travel news for March 2022 from Mexico City. Topics include Southwest Airlines eliminating free checked bags, a fire at Heathrow Airport causing major delays, New Orleans being named the #1 food city, and more. Please click the below links for more information about each story. 

https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/airline-news/2025/03/21/southwest-airlines-orlando-taxiway-takeoff/82589309007/

Ashleigh and Christopher discuss Mexican wine, which they have enjoyed during their trip to Mexico City. They highlight the Nebbiolo grape and wines from Valle de Guadalupe. Mexican wines are often light-bodied reds that pair well with Mexican cuisine. Most Mexican wine is consumed domestically, but some producers like LA Cetto can be found in the US, even occasionally at Costco.

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support

Top Ten Things to Do When Preparing for a Trip

On this episode of Go See Do Explore, Christopher and Ashleigh share their top 10 tips for preparing for an upcoming trip. They cover everything from charging devices and packing essentials to arranging transportation and tidying up the house before leaving.

Christopher's first tip is to make sure all devices are fully charged before leaving for a trip. He recommends setting devices next to their chargers the night before departure so everything is topped up and ready to go.

Ashleigh always starts by making a list of what to pack as well as any tasks that need to be completed before leaving like feeding pets or paying bills. Checking things off a list helps avoid last minute panics.

For flights, Christopher sets an alarm 24 hours before departure to check in online as early as possible. This confirms all the details are in order and improves chances of not getting bumped from full flights.

Knowing the forecast at your destination helps guide packing decisions. Ashleigh also recommends checking typical clothing styles to blend in better as a visitor.

Christopher downloads offline maps to his phone when traveling anywhere new. This provides navigation even without cell service or data.

Ashleigh prepares by downloading shows, movies, books, and podcasts to have entertainment options readily available without relying on in-flight systems.

A week before leaving, Ashleigh reviews toiletries and first aid supplies and restocks anything running low. Better to take care of this at home than pay inflated prices for essentials while traveling.

Christopher recommends printing out any important travel documents you may need rather than relying solely on digital copies. This includes reservations, tickets, insurance paperwork, etc. Also, for international trips, locate your passport at least a week in advance. Verify it's valid and avoid last minute passport emergencies.

Ashleigh tries to straighten and clean the house before leaving so it's not a mess to come home to after a tiring trip.

Figure out parking and transportation for getting to the airport well in advance. Book discounted parking if available.

For flights, Christopher recommends weighing your bags beforehand to avoid fees for overweight luggage.

During the wine break, Christopher and Ashleigh try a rare Greek red wine called Agiorgitiko. They describe flavors of red fruit, plum, and blackberry. At 14.5% alcohol, it's quite strong but enjoyable.

If you find value in our podcast and have the means to support our work, please support us here: goseedoexplore.com/support

In this episode of the podcast, Christopher and Ashleigh sit down with Chef Shawn Fearon, the owner of Kingston Kitchen on Mackinac Island, Michigan. Originally from Jamaica, Chef Shawn shares his inspiring journey to the United States and the unique challenges of opening and running an authentic Jamaican restaurant on Mackinac Island.

Discover how Chef Shawn creatively adapts traditional Jamaican dishes like jerk chicken and oxtail to fit local regulations (including clever workarounds for island rules on open-flame cooking!). Learn about his popular fusion dishes such as jerk chicken quesadillas and jerk chicken Alfredo.

We discuss:

Chef Shawn's journey from Jamaica to Michigan

The unique experience of operating a restaurant during Mackinac Island’s intense tourism season

Authentic Jamaican cuisine: ingredients, traditions, and Chef Shawn’s favorite dishes like Jamaican oxtail

Innovative fusion dishes including jerk chicken quesadillas, smoked jerk chicken without traditional pimento wood, and other creative adaptations

The exciting opening of a second Kingston Kitchen location in St. Ignace

Christopher and Ashleigh also enjoy a tasting of Michigan’s Chateau Grand Traverse Gruner Veltliner wine, highlighting its refreshing, floral notes ideal for warm weather.

In this 50th episode, Ashleigh and Christopher dive into their top 10 must-see attractions and activities in Detroit. 

Tour the original Hitsville U.S.A. where Berry Gordy founded Motown Records. See Studio A where hits were recorded and even sing a few bars yourself.

Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park offering nature trails, architectural sights, kayaking, and more right in the Detroit River.

Moving, emotional exhibits that comprehensively trace African American history and culture.

World-class museum featuring Diego Rivera's famous Detroit Industry murals depicting the city's manufacturing heyday.

See prime examples of Detroit's architectural wonders like the Guardian Building, Fisher Building, and Michigan Central Station.

Take in spectacular performances at venues like the Fox Theatre, Masonic Temple, Fisher Theatre, and more.

Catch games conveniently located downtown at new arenas like Little Caesars Arena and Ford Field.

Tour the still-standing original factory where the first 12,000 Model T cars were assembled.

Savor delicious cuisine in this vibrant neighborhood near Michigan Central Station.

Ashleigh and Christopher celebrate episode 50 with a higher-end Prosecco DOCG from Italy's Veneto region.

February 2025 Travel News

In this episode, Christopher and Ashleigh discuss the latest travel news for February 2025.

Airline News

American Airlines will begin flying from Chicago to Honolulu in October 2026 on a Boeing 787-8, its longest domestic route. (https://www.travelandleisure.com/american-airlines-chicago-honolulu-11683485)

Direct flights from New York to Puglia, Italy will start in June on Nios Airlines (https://www.travelandleisure.com/neos-airlines-puglia-jfk-bari-8786338)

Southwest's partnership with Icelandair allows booking Southwest flights to Europe (https://thepointsguy.com/news/southwest-airlines-icelandair-partnership-how-to-book/)

Spirit Rejects Frontier's Merger Bid Again (https://thepointsguy.com/news/spirit-airlines-rejects-frontier-merger-proposal/)

The cheapest airports to fly to in the US (https://www.travelandleisure.com/cheapest-most-expensive-airports-government-data-8787606)

Cruise News

Royal Caribbean will homeport in San Diego for the first time in over a decade (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/cruises/2025/02/13/royal-caribbean-cruises-san-diego-california/78517781007/)

Celebrity Cruises announces plans to enter the European river cruise market (https://www.frommers.com/tips/cruise/celebrity-cruises-announces-its-getting-into-small-boat-european-river-cruising/)

Other News

Uber will start showing fares in travelers' home currencies rather than local currencies, adding a convenience fee (https://www.frommers.com/tips/money-and-currency/should-travelers-make-credit-card-purchases-in-their-home-currency-the-lesson-of-ubers-dirty-trick/)

National Park Service Layoffs will affect Summer travel (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/national-parks/2025/02/25/national-park-service-layoffs-what-to-know/80234977007/)

World's Tallest Roller Coaster Coming Down (https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/experience/theme-parks/2025/02/21/kingda-ka-demolition-six-flags-great-adventure/79413031007/)

Christopher and Ashleigh try a Marquette Reserve red wine from Burgdorf's winery in Michigan. They discuss hybrid wine grapes like Marquette that are crosses between American and European grape varieties.

We discuss a recent Expedia study on travel hacks for getting the best deals in 2025, covering topics like the best days to book flights, when to travel for the lowest prices, and trending destinations for the coming years. Click here to read to read the report from Expedia.

The cheapest day can change over time as prices fluctuate. Best not to rely on one particular day forever.

Domestic

International

We try mulled cherry wine from Wisconsin's Door Peninsula Winery. Christopher shares his recipe using mulling spices from the Spice House and cherry wine. A nice wintry drink! 

That's our take on Expedia's 2025 travel hacks study. Let us know if you have questions or are visiting any trending destinations. Email us at [email protected].

This week Ashleigh and Christopher play a fun travel-themed game of "Would You Rather?" covering topics like flights, hotels, budgets, destinations and more. Which would they choose - unlimited free flights in economy or luxury hotels and paid flights? Listen in to find out!

Ashleigh and Christopher introduce the show and explain they're playing a travel "Would You Rather" game this week.

Ashleigh and Christopher taste Handstand White wine from Chateau Grand Traverse and discuss the history of the winery and its founder.

Ashleigh discusses an article about how medical claims accounted for the most travel insurance claims in 2024, especially on cruises. They provide tips for purchasing travel insurance.