Safe Tri-State Vacation Ideas

Travel right now looks different for everyone, but that does not mean you can not do it safely. I decided to head out with sidekick/child Ralph and travel an hour and half to both Columbus, Ohio and Louisville, Kentucky.  Check out these Eat, Play and Stay Ideas - and how to do it safely!

Columbus

Stay: The Moxy Hotel

This is a super cute and chic hotel located in The Short North district of Columbus. They have a whole strip of shops, restaurants and hotels. What I loved about The Moxy is, it of course is pet friendly! Ralph was able to enjoy his stay just as much as me. 

Safety Precautions: 
-When I arrived, the front desk had a plastic shield separating the guest and service representative 
-The elevator only is for one guest/party at a time
-There were signs about social distancing and staying 6 feet apart throughout the entire hotel
-Hand sanitizers were also around the hotel
-House keeping only comes after your stay, you can call the front desk if you need something but to keep the spread down - house keeping doesn't enter your room daily

I would definitely recommend The Moxy to anyone who wants a short staycation in Columbus. The view was absolutely beautiful and it was in walking distance of everything you needed! Leah and her staff were great - make sure you tell her I sent you!

Eat: The Royce

I mean, just look at these pictures! The Royce is located in Polaris Mall. This is also a black owned business - which you don't see any/many of in Polaris Mall. 

For dinner I had the deviled eggs, wedge salad, mac n cheese, short rib and cinnamon pull bread. Everything was delicious and the service was great! Make sure you visit The Royce when you stay in Columbus. They have outdoor and indoor seating - depending on your comfortability or even to-go. Digital menus are also available via the phone to limit touch.

Play: Polaris Fashion Place

What's a getaway without a little retail therapy?! Polaris Fashion Place in Columbus, Ohio is the perfect place to shop and safely! I felt very comfortable shopping in some of my favorite stores including Saks - in which the have a lot of safety and health measures in place.

Safety Precautions: 

• To enter the mall you are required to wear a mask or face covering
• Hand sanitizer stations are at all the entrances as well as by the escalators - there was actually a pretty cool foot dispenser one so you don't even have to use your hands.
• Certain stores have pickup or curbside options as well, if you don't even want to get out of your car
• Social distancing is implentement in all stores and restaurants 

Make sure you stop by Polaris Fashion Place and check out all the great ways they are keeping everyone safe! 

Before you Go...Brunch

I found this cute breakfast spot right near my hotel that was dog friendly outside, couldn't leave Ralph behind! Northstar cafe had up dividers between tables ensuring social distancing - a great way to start the morning. 

Louisville

Stay: The Galt House Hotel

The Galt House is located in downtown Louisville, right near the water. The view from my room was so nice and peaceful. This hotel is also pet friendly, so Ralph was able to come with me here as well. 

Rooms range from standard to suites. I was able to check out a suite and it was really nice! This would be a perfect option for a family to stay in. What I also liked was parking was right under the hotel - it made it easy and convenient to get to the hotel lobby.

At check in - The Galt House had social distancing in place as well as hand sanitizers at all the check in stations, with the staff wearing masks. 

Another perk about this hotel is you don't have to travel far for food, there were two restaurant options you could choose from. I talk about mine, below. Make sure you check out The Galt House next time you travel to Louisville. 

Play: The Bluegrass Outlets

Have you ever been to the Outlets of Bluegrass?

Personally, I think this outlet is one of Kentucky's best kept secrets. This outdoor outlet mall is the perfect choice for safe distancing shopping. They have some of your favorite shops like H&M, Coach, Express, Gucci and more. 

I also loved that this outlet is pet friendly! Ralph was able to come and walk around with me. They even had a really nice dog park where Ralph could walk around and enjoy his time as well, safely! Depending on the store he was allowed to come inside with me, so just be sure to check first before you go what stores allow pets inside. 

Safety Precautions: 

• The outlet does require you to wear a mask or face covering, even its outdoor/indoor mall
• Hand sanitizer stations are at all the entrances 
• The stores each have their own requirements, when I entered the Gucci store they took my temperature. 
• Social distancing is implentement in all stores and restaurants 

Want to win a $250 Gift Card to The Outlets of Bluegrass? Make sure to follow @morganangeliqueowens, @bluegrassoutlets and comment on this blog post. 

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Eat: Swizzle

This restaurant is located next/inside The Galt House and let me tell you, baby it was everything. Swizzle, "is a retro-style supper club for the modern diner. Hearkening back to a time when patrons could enjoy an enticing supper, fine cocktails, and good company whenever they wanted, Swizzle serves up prime steaks, sustainable seafood, local produce, and head-spinning cocktails – all surrounded by the best river and city views in Louisville. Swizzle boasts twin revolving floors, an open concept kitchen, and an expansive bar."

This is a super cute place to go with a significant other or a fun girls night (when we can). The food was absolutely amazing! I had the shrimp cocktail with green tomato cocktail sauce, filet, spinach salad, asparagus, mac n cheese and duck fat potatoes - whew! The service was amazing, the view was outstanding - I can't say enough about this place.

Safety Precautions: 

• I loved that they took my temperature at the door
• You had to wear your mask except for at the table
• They had hand sanitizer at the door and on the table 

If you do go out of town, please be sure to stay safe as well as others around you. I was sure to keep my distance when I got back into town and monitor my health. It's important to still have fun and live your life but we want to make sure we do it the safe and healthy way!

​Would you travel to these places?