You are not alone. It’s no secret that I love a good mural. I’ve been known to pull my car over on multiple occasions to photograph street art when I see it. But what I love even more is public art with an important message. On a recent trip to Rochester, I was struck by this incredible mural on the side the Times Square building. After pulling our car into the parking lot to take a closer look, I learned that this mural was created to support people who are victims of domestic violence. The mural, Stories of Strength, was created by @msshaftway in collaboration with @willowcenterny. Sarah interviewed for domestic violence survivors while working on the design for this mural. The windows and the birds in this piece symbolize the struggle, the hope, the freedom that survivors face. It’s incredibly powerful. #storiesofstrengthROC While I was struck by the beauty of the mural itself, the message really hit home. I’ve made a point to be open and honest through my content. I’ve talked a lot about mental health awareness and my own struggles, particularly after losing my brother-in-law to suicide last year. But one thing I don’t talk about a lot is an abusive family member that I grew up with. I’m still not comfortable sharing details publicly, and I don’t know if I ever will be. But I do know that what I dealt with is nowhere near as awful as what other people have. My heart goes out to all of the people who are victims of domestic violence. It’s important to know that you are loved. You are important. And it’s not okay to have to be afraid in your own home. There are several 24/7 hotlines that are free and confidential. In Rochester: Call 585-222-SAFE Text 585-324-SAFE In Syracuse: 315-468-3260 (Vera House) The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE. If you are ever in immediate danger, call 911. Even if it’s to just “order a pizza”. As always my DMs are open to anyone who needs someone to talk to.

Happy National Cocktail Day! Last week I had the chance to sit down with Jon Page and Josh DeSantis, owner and head bartender at @threelivesbar in Armory Square. Let me tell you, this place is SO COOL! The bar/restaurant/arcade is retro in the best way possible. Everything is themed off of video games and other gamer favorites - classic arcade games, @nintendo, @xbox, @twitch, @pokemon ... Josh has put together an incredible cocktail menu, designed as elixirs, tinctures, potions, and power-ups. While enjoying food and drinks, guests can check out the arcade games, watch the Twitch streams on the TVs above the bar, or rent an Xbox controller and play for themselves! Head over to the blog to read more about one of my new favorite places downtown. . . . #syracuse #nationalcocktailday #downtown #downtownsyracuse #cuse #syracuseny #cocktails #cocktailsofinstagram #cocktailbar #gamingbar #barcade #arcadebar #nerdlife #gamerlife #eatlocal #drinklocal #nintendo #arcade #arcadegames #bubblebobble #twitchgamer #videogames #videogamer #newyork #iloveny #visitsyracuse

It’s maple season! Do you have a favorite maple farm to visit? I’ve got to admit, I LOVE maple season. After all, my favorite meal is breakfast - waffles, French toast, pancakes... Normally we celebrate @nysmaple weekend in March, but the statewide celebration was canceled this year, and many of the farms followed. Luckily @cedarvalemaple is still inviting visitors to come learn about the syrup-making process through a contactless tour through the woods. I can’t wait to share more about the process and some of the farms in the area. Many of them are doing virtual events. So check the blog later this week to find out more! . . . #nysmaple #nyfarms #mapleseason #mapleweekend #maplesyrup #maplesyrupseason #syracuse #syracuseny #newyork #visitsyracuse #upstateny #upstatenewyork #thisisupstate #newyorkonly #newyorkstate #iloveny #yesny #newyorkblogger #cuse #hiddengem #exploremore #femaletravelbloggers #naturalnewyork #exploreny

Beer Unites! Every time I visit Baltimore and I’m driving down 83, my eye catches the murals on the @union_collective building. Which is no surprise! Murals and craft beer are two of my favorite things. This trip to Baltimore we finally got off that exit and made our way to @unioncraftbrewing. What a joy! We got lucky with a perfect sunny April day to enjoy in the beer garden. I’m in love with the Mountain Girl Hefeweizen - the name, the style, the artwork are all totally me! For food, I took a risk on the spring biergarten pizza, and was pleasantly surprised! Mustard, bratwurst, apple, and arugula on a wood-fired pizza. Yum! Add to that some crispy chicken wings covered in old bay rub and we were some happy girls. The collective also is home to @thecharmery @wellcraftedkitchen @baltspiritsco @ventcoffeeroasters @thewinecollectivebaltimore @earthtrekshampden - soooo many great places to check out! Have you ever been to Union Collective? If not, what’s your favorite local collective? . . #beerunites #unioncraftbrewing #craftbeer #craftbrewery #brewery #marylandbeer #mdbeer #maryland #mdcraftbeer #visitmaryland #beerblogger #supportlocal #instabeer #muralsofinstagram #craftbeergirl #craftbeergirls #beerselfie #craftbeerbabe #baltimore #visitbmore #visitbaltimore #baltimorebeer #bmoreeats #bmoredrinks #localbeer #drinklocal #beergarden #biergarten #unioncollective

Can you guess where this is in Syracuse? I’ll share another one of my favorite photo spots in the city - but can you guess where it is first? Have you ever been driving down the highway and you see the perfect sunset, so you just have to stop and take a photo? Because that’s what happened to me this evening. I enjoyed a day off work, taking advantage of the beautiful weather to get out of the house to explore. And it ended with the perfect sunset. I can’t wait to share the adventures with you! . . . #syracuse #syracuseny #newyork #syracusedotcom #visitsyracuse #upstateny #upstatenewyork #thisisupstate #newyorkonly #newyorkstate #iloveny #yesny #newyorkblogger #cuse #hiddengem #downtownsyracuse #parksandrec #citypark #perfectview #perfectday #sunsetphotography #sunsetsofinstagram #sunsetview #cityview #exploremore #femaletravelbloggers #naturalnewyork #instasunset #nyparks #exploreny

This is a photo of a girl who is so excited to be able to travel again - and see cherry blossoms for the first time! Fully vaccinated + negative COVID test result to be extra safe = a trip to Baltimore that got pushed back over a year. Yay! I spent a perfect Saturday enjoying the cherry blossoms that were still in bloom along the shore of @fortmchenrynps then getting ice cream from @bmorelicks with some of my best friends. It’s the weekend I’ve been needing for a very long time. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Have you ever seen the cherry blossoms in Baltimore or DC? . . #visitbmore #cherryblossoms #baltimore #visitbaltimore #visitmaryland #fortmchenry #fortmchenrynps #nationalpark #nationalparks #bucketlist #marylandonly #femaletravelbloggers #dametraveler #girlswhohike #yourshotphotographer #yourshotphotography #googlelocalguide #letsguide #roadtrippers #saturdayvibes #bestdayever #happygirl #baltimorecity #chesapeakebay #fullyvaccinated #hereinbmore #beautifulbaltimore #MDinfocus