“That’s a native plant to Florida”, Chuck the arborist told me pointing to the scraggly bush in my new backyard I had almost pulled up a few days prior. He continued, “they will produce a bright purple berry”. After hearing “native” and “purple”, I was sold! So, I trimmed it back the way he hadContinue reading “Vegan Beautyberry Recipes”
Category Archives: vegan
Celebrating My 11th Veganniversary with Tacos
Just over 11 years ago, only a few months after moving to Chiang Mai, Thailand, I made the switch from lifelong vegetarian to vegan. A lot has occurred in my life in the past 11 years: a move to Florida, surviving the pandemic and a divorce, turning 50 and visiting over 20 new countries. PerhapsContinue reading “Celebrating My 11th Veganniversary with Tacos”
Vegan “Find-Dining” in Asheville, North Carolina
As a part of my two-week road trip around the southeastern United States, I arrived to Asheville one June night having driven just over an hour from Newland, a small village in the mountains of North Carolina that was perfect for my friend’s wedding. Along the way, I stopped to visit my friend Nic nearContinue reading “Vegan “Find-Dining” in Asheville, North Carolina”
Feeling Blessed in Haridwar, India
“Thank you”, I told the taxi driver, “have a safe drive back to Delhi”. It felt good to step out of the car after the four hour ride. I put on my small backpack and took in my surroundings as I navigated the remaining 650 meters to the guesthouse on foot through increasingly narrow alleyways.Continue reading “Feeling Blessed in Haridwar, India”
A Week in Oaxaca, Mexico
Famous for its Day of the Dead traditions, Oaxaca had been on my Mexico bucket list for quite some time. Little did I know, but when I researched the area, I also discovered that Oaxaca is a mecca for cultural experiences, fascinating history and amazing natural wonders. During my visit, I managed to try veganContinue reading “A Week in Oaxaca, Mexico”
Vegan Fine-Dining Around the World
I have enjoyed all kinds of vegan food from around the world, from street food in Thailand to food trucks in Florida to cafes in Poland. I’ve enjoyed curries from India, Thailand and Malaysia, eaten loaded baked potatoes in Istanbul, chips in Dublin, poutine in Canada and Christmas fries in New Mexico. I love theContinue reading “Vegan Fine-Dining Around the World”
Otherworldly Bachelorette Day Trip to Cassadaga, Florida
“No candles, no incense and if you damage anything, you’ll have to pay $150”, the woman told me matter-of-factly from her seated position on the other side of the counter. My skin was still wet from the pouring rain outside. I took in my prevue and noticed I was surrounded by a large variety ofContinue reading “Otherworldly Bachelorette Day Trip to Cassadaga, Florida”
A Few Days in Old Delhi
I nearly step in poop of a source unknown, but I notice it just in time. A loud motorbike horn suddenly, and without warning, blares in my right ear causing me to jump. I raise my gaze to see a beautiful doorway. I pass a group of men squatting and eating rice dishes with theirContinue reading “A Few Days in Old Delhi”
Day Trip to Washington, DC
I grew up in Baltimore, an hour north of the nation’s capital. Spending the day in Washington, D.C. was never a very big deal. In fact, many of our school field trips were spent in the Air and Space Museum, driving by the Jefferson Memorial and walking up the steps to the massive statue ofContinue reading “Day Trip to Washington, DC”
Turning 50 on the Top of the World
I knew I wanted to celebrate my 50th birthday in a big way. I had turned 20 in Baltimore, 30 in Berlin, Germany and 40 in Chiang Mai, Thailand. I wanted to leave my 40s behind in a really cool place. Originally planning to travel to Antarctica to mark the occasion, I wanted to experienceContinue reading “Turning 50 on the Top of the World”
Vegan in Longyearbyen
I stepped off the plane in complete darkness and walked across the tarmac to enter the small Longyearbyen Airport. I was excited to be so far north, the furthest north I’d ever traveled. Once inside and only steps from the door I had just passed, I encountered my first real polar bear…stuffed and decorating theContinue reading “Vegan in Longyearbyen”
Day Trip to Strömstad, Sweden
I pushed the tab just behind the steering column away from me and I moved my foot from the brake to the accelerator. My friend’s electric car seemed like the perfect way to cross the Norwegian border into Sweden. While I always revel in visiting new countries, Sweden was particularly special to me for twoContinue reading “Day Trip to Strömstad, Sweden”
Hoity Toity Weekend in Manhattan
My friend Karin and I decided to enjoy a girls’ weekend in New York City. Both fans of opera, and Karin being a trained ballerina, our three-day adventure centered around Lincoln Center. I was very enthusiastic to see how the itinerary I had planned would unfold, from the classical performances to the restaurants I hadContinue reading “Hoity Toity Weekend in Manhattan”
Veganized Cheeses From Around the World
Traveling had become more challenging during the Covid pandemic and I found myself with a lot more extra time at home. So, I decided to attempt making vegan cheeses from places I’ve traveled around the world. In every case below, I traveled to the featured locations before becoming vegan. So, I am very excited toContinue reading “Veganized Cheeses From Around the World”
Unique Things To Do in Sante Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe, New Mexico attracts people with varied interests and seems to fulfill everyone’s needs and desires. There are amazing places to hike, including the southernmost peak of the Rocky Mountains (Shaggy Peak). Visual art enthusiasts are in heaven in Sante Fe with so many art exhibits, including of course the famous Georgia O’Keeffe. ManyContinue reading “Unique Things To Do in Sante Fe, New Mexico”
Vegan in the Amazon
As I twirled, the breeze of my bright blue billowing skirt cut the humidity in the night air. I closely followed the teacher, trying to mimic her from across the circle, and feel the Carimbó music blasting across the flooded Rio Negro from the big speakers in the corner. Sweat dripped down my face, butContinue reading “Vegan in the Amazon”
A Day in the Berkshires
I lay back on my colorful blanket with my head on my little backpack full of half-eaten vegan goodies. I looked up at the stars and let Mahler wash over me. The air smelled of fresh grass and images of the sunset still danced in my mind. I had finally made it to Tanglewood!
A Few Days in Rio de Janeiro
My hammock swayed a little in the ocean breeze way up on the 11th floor balcony of my spacious Airbnb apartment. I hummed along with “The Girl from Ipanema” which played on my phone and I took another sip of coconut juice from the fresh coconut I had just purchased at Zona Sul Grocery Store.Continue reading “A Few Days in Rio de Janeiro”
Touring the Amazon Theater in Manaus
Teatro Amazonas (Amazon Theater) is first on the list of “things to do in Manaus”. I was completely taken aback that an opera house would be in the middle of the Amazon Rainforest, yet the opera lover in me was intrigued. So intrigued in fact, that I booked a hotel (Casa dos Frades) right acrossContinue reading “Touring the Amazon Theater in Manaus”
Crossing Iguazu Falls Off My Bucket List
Our Brazilian driver handed over our passports and rolled down the backseat window. The border agent looked at Chrissy and me and then back at her computer. We smiled and waited patiently, hoping we had filled out the immigration paperwork correctly the night before. Without expression she handed our documents back to the driver. SheContinue reading “Crossing Iguazu Falls Off My Bucket List”
Learning About the Maya in Northern Yucatán
“Malu-KEEN”, I said to the Maya guard at Uxmal. He repeated the “good morning” greeting in Yucatec with a smile. I had learned that 30% of people living in the Mayab (known today by many as the Yucatán Peninsula) speak one of 32 Maya languages, all derived from Yucatec. With such a high percentage, IContinue reading “Learning About the Maya in Northern Yucatán”
Vegan Fine-Dining in London – The Gautier Experience
I rang the doorbell not knowing what to expect. Little did I know then that I would be experiencing the gastronomical event of my life. I had entered a world of Michelin-Star Chef Alexis Gauthier, where the idea of fast food simply doesn’t exist. The food inside this unassuming townhouse in London’s Soho district wasContinue reading “Vegan Fine-Dining in London – The Gautier Experience”
The Surprise English Road Trip
My road trip began when I got picked up at the Lichfield Trent Valley train station by a friend of mine. All I knew at that point was that I was staying with my friend and her wife. It turned out that due to an issue with their shower in their new home, we wereContinue reading “The Surprise English Road Trip”
Three Days in Soho, London
Having traveled to over 50 countries, it was hard to believe that it took me so long to travel to merry ole’ England. After all, how could I really say that I was a well-seasoned traveler when I hadn’t even been to London?! I figured it was time to remedy this embarrassing reality. As aContinue reading “Three Days in Soho, London”
Vegan Fine Dining and the Opera – Date Night in Sarasota
It just so happened that my favorite opera, Puccini’s Tosca, was playing at the Sarasota Opera House. Chrissy bought tickets for a few weeks out to ensure that they wouldn’t be sold out. Sarasota, Florida is anywhere from 1 hour and a half hours to two hours to drive from our home in Clearwater dependingContinue reading “Vegan Fine Dining and the Opera – Date Night in Sarasota”
Florida Strawberry Festival – Plus Savory Vegan Strawberry Recipes
One of the many bonuses about living in Florida is that strawberry season is in February/March. Plant City is known throughout the Sunshine State as the place to get strawberries. I went to this small town with three goals: to buy fresh strawberries, find a cowboy hat and to try the vegan options they wouldContinue reading “Florida Strawberry Festival – Plus Savory Vegan Strawberry Recipes”
Visiting a Gun Show as a Vegan Lesbian
I grew up in a Quaker family, where I was taught that “guns are bad”. As a result, I never saw a gun growing up. None of my family members owned a gun and if my childhood friends’ parents owned any weapons, they kept them well hidden from us. Then, just out of college, IContinue reading “Visiting a Gun Show as a Vegan Lesbian”
A Year of Traveling During Covid
Traveling in 2021 involved staying up-to-date on the CDC guidelines, the government policy on arriving back to the USA and monitoring the Covid situation in other states and countries. This included staying informed about where I was allowed to visit, be it domestic or international. Despite these limitations my wanderlust took me on two FloridaContinue reading “A Year of Traveling During Covid”
My First Vegan Christmas Dinner
I celebrated my ninth veganniversary a few months ago. But, until this year I was never in charge of the Christmas meal. “Make whatever you want”, I was told. So, I began looking through various vegan recipes searching for recipes I thought I could manage, as well as recipes that would go well together. AfterContinue reading “My First Vegan Christmas Dinner”
Weekend Getaway to Melbourne Beach, Florida
I stood on the 16th floor balcony after setting my bag down. As if out of a Hollywood romance, two pelicans flew by close enough for me to see the details of their feathers. The various shades of blue sparkled just behind them, I could hear the powerful crashes of the waves and the familiarContinue reading “Weekend Getaway to Melbourne Beach, Florida”
Vegan Vixen Ventures 