Posts tagged travel
Escaping the Cold Weather with Breeze Airways

This winter, I swapped the chilly streets of Louisville, Kentucky, for the sunny shores of Naples, Florida, thanks to the convenience of Breeze Airways. With their affordable nonstop flights, what used to be a lengthy road trip transformed into a quick and easy escape to paradise. Here’s a recap of my unforgettable getaway.


The Flight Experience

Flying with Breeze Airways was a breeze—pun intended! The nonstop flight from Louisville (SDF) to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) took just over two hours. Breeze’s focus on comfort and simplicity was evident, with spacious seating, friendly staff, and seamless check-in and boarding. Once on board we were greeted with the friendliest staff. If you are lucky enough to have Ken on your flight, tell him I said hello- he is a treasure!

I opted for a “Nicest” seat, which offered extra legroom, but even their standard seats were comfortable for a short flight. No more worrying about hours on the road or layovers; I arrived in Florida refreshed and ready to explore. Please note the photo of my legs fully extended and I wasn’t touching the wall in front of me. So impressive!!

Exploring Naples

After a 30-minute drive from RSW to Naples, I was greeted by the swaying palms and warm Gulf breezes. Naples is the perfect blend of laid-back beach vibes and upscale sophistication.

Day 1: Check in and Sunshine


I kicked off the trip by checking into our hotel, the Inn on Fifth. It was beautifully decorated for the holiday season and is located in the middle of a ton of bars and restaurants. The sun was shining, so we decided to hit the pool! It is located on the 3rd floor, which made it feel more private and quaint. We hung out there most of the day and then explored the surrounding area!



Day 2: Outdoor Adventures and Local Eats

Day two we hit the beach for some sand and saltwater! The Inn on Fifth has a shuttle service that will take you to the beach, as well as provide you with chairs and umbrellas. This was so nice, as the hotel was not located directly on the beach.

Lunch was at The Dock at Crayton Cove, a casual waterfront spot serving up fresh seafood. The shrimp tacos were to die for! Later, we explored Fifth Avenue South, the city’s charming downtown area, filled with boutique shops and art galleries all within walking distance to our hotel.

Day 3: Relaxation and Farewell

On my final day, I made sure to savor the peaceful vibe of Naples. I started the morning with coffee at a local café, then headed to Lowdermilk Park for a few more hours of beach bliss. The calm waters and gentle waves were the perfect way to unwind before heading back to the cold weather in Kentucky! We had a calm day and then hit a local steakhouse for dinner and ended the night fairly early since we had to head back to the airport in the early morning.

The Flight Back

The return flight was as seamless as the journey there. With just a short drive from Naples to RSW and a quick flight home, I was back in Louisville by 9 am Monday morning. Breeze Airways truly made this weekend escape effortless.

Why Fly with Breeze Airways?

1. Convenience: Nonstop flights between Louisville and Fort Myers make escaping the cold weather a breeze!

2. Affordability: Breeze offers budget-friendly options without sacrificing comfort.

3. Time-Saving: A two-hour flight beats a 14-hour drive any day.

Tips for Your Naples Getaway

• Pack Light: With Florida’s year-round warm weather, a carry-on with beachwear and casual outfits is all you need.

• Book Early: Breeze’s flights are popular, so secure your seat well in advance.

• Explore Beyond Naples: Nearby spots like Marco Island and the Everglades are worth a visit.

Heading to Florida for the weekend was everything I needed for a winter escape—sun, sand, and relaxation. Thanks to Breeze Airways, getting there was as enjoyable as the destination itself. If you’re dreaming of warm beaches and stress-free travel, South Florida and Breeze are a match made in heaven.

travelKatie Rankintravel
A Weekend in Wayne Co, KY

Over the winter, a friend and I did some research and found some really cool places to eat, shop and explore in Wayne County, KY! There are SO many hidden gems in this small town and I can’t wait to share the ones we visited with you!!


IVY BLISS BOUTIQUE

Our first stop was clothes! I have shopped Ivy Bliss online before but had never made it into the storefront. Let me just tell you- she has done a beautiful job with this place! There are shoes, tops, jackets, dresses- you name it, she probably has it! I tried on some spring clothes and then snagged a couple of outfits for the weekend. She has a dressing room in the back as well as tons of spots for photos! All of the outfits you see in this blog are from Ivy Bliss!


HAPPY HOPPERS

This coffee shop has everything you could wish for! They offer seasonal specials, the everyday mixes and some signature options. There is truly something for everyone here and the coffee is SO good! They also have muffins and breakfast or lunch sandwiches and plenty of space to sit and enjoy whatever you picked! They also offered some outdoor seating as well, which I took advantage of once it warmed up a bit! This place is so cute and the service was 10/10.


RAE + PALM

After grabbing some coffee, we went downtown to do a little more shopping! We went into a new store Rae + Palm. They had some of the cutest decor I have ever seen! They had everything from coffee mugs to tea towels, to decorative pillows. Everything was so carefully placed, it looks like it came straight out of a magazine. They carry a lot of classic and timeless items which I absolutely love. We took a ton of photos here so you can get a better idea of the items they carry. They are not online yet, but a visit to the storefront is a must when visiting Wayne County!


POOL HALL

The Pool Hall is iconic here in Wayne County! If you visit, it is an absolute must!! The burgers are made fresh, right in front of you, then you can get the works if you wish with your choice of salt, ketchup, cheese, mustard and onions. I went with everything but ketchup and I could have eaten 10 more haha! The atmosphere here is very chill, and there are a few tables to sit at as well as some pool tables! You will not be disappointed, I promise!!


WILDFLOWER MARKET

After lunch we went to Wildflower market, which is across the street from the Pool Hall. This is such a cute shop with a little bit of everything! They have coffees, cupcakes, homemade soaps, teas, and more! I wish I could send the smell of this shop through the computer, because it was just so good! They also do cupcakes for events too, which I will definitely be utilizing in the future! They have so many flavors and combinations and they were so delicious! Stopping in here for a pick me up is a must!


BLACK STALLION

Next we decided it was time for a drink! We headed over to The Black Stallion where they have a full bar out back on their enclosed patio. They also have a full food menu with everything from steak, to pasta, to salads, to burgers, you name it! This would be a great place to take a group because there are tons of options for every kind of eater. They also have a full bar, so you have tons of options there as well. I went with a frozen strawberry margarita, which was SO good!


MILL SPRINGS

After all the goodies we consumed, it was time for a hike! We headed over to Mill Springs, right on Lake Cumberland. Mill Springs is a historic watermill built in 1877 and the grounds surrounding it are beautiful. We were walking near the waterfall and saw an otter swim right past us and jump down into the lake! It was quite the site to see!


CONLEY BOTTOM RESORT

The last stop on our tour of Wayne County was Conley Bottom Resort. My family and I spend a lot of our summer here and we love it! They have houseboat rentals, pontoon rentals and have an entire store full of lake day essentials. They are currently building a restaurant, but offer pizza and ice cream as well as snacks inside. Conley Bottom also has a campground for nightly rentals and permanent RV sites as well.

Wayne County also has another marina, Beaver Creek, on Lake Cumberland. They offer houseboat and small boat rentals. They have covered an uncovered slips for rent as well.


As you can see, this small town in southern Kentucky has tons to offer! Whether you’re looking to shop, eat, grab a coffee or dessert, or get outside- there are options for everyone! There are quite a few murals throughout the city as well as some huge, painted Adirondack chairs that would make for the perfect photo opp! Make sure to tag @livelakecumberland in your photos when you come down, so they can share as well! Safe Tavels!

Xo- Katie