See the full guide on my Substack over here.

A Cool Girl’s Guide to New Orleans

New Orleans isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. A little haunted, a little glamorous, and full of flavor. It’s where jazz hums through the streets and candlelit corners whisper secrets from another time. If you’re heading to the city and want to do it the cool-girl way, here’s your guide.

Where to Stay
Hotel Peter & Paul – Think: restored church-turned-boutique hotel with dreamy tile, velvet curtains, and the kind of bathtub you’ll want to live in. Hauntingly chic.

The Barnett Hotel – Stylish and central with access to spots like Seaworthy and Peacock Room. The former Ace Hotel New Orleans, with a new name.

The Pelham Hotel – Vintage charm, moody corners, and perfectly placed for French Quarter wandering. A good affordable option with a central location.

Explore / What to Do

Wander the Garden District mansions – Home to 19th-century Greek Revival and Victorian mansions, this neighborhood offers a glimpse into old-money New Orleans, framed by moss-draped oaks and ornate wrought iron. Spend a few hours walking around here and dreaming of these homes. A few highlights and favorites include: The Elms Mansion, Buckner Mansion (aka the American Horror Story: Coven house), and the Carroll-Crawford House.

Ride the St. Charles Streetcar – Operating since 1835, it’s the oldest continuously running streetcar in the world. Cruise past grand homes and get the ‘jazzy pass’ to hop on and off all day or week. Take it to the Garden District so you can hop off and wander through the stunning neighborhoods.

continued on substack…

See the full guide on my Substack over here.

The post New Orleans Travel Guide appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Just a few hours from LA, Joshua Tree is the perfect California road trip weekend destination. Dotted with the iconic namesake Joshua trees, this unique reels you in with rugged rock formations, wide open spaces of untouched wilderness, and a celestial night sky. Joshua Tree offers the perfect playground for anyone from rock climbers, hikers exploring its winding trails, and those wanting to explore and get outside. Here are a few fun things to do on your next trip to Joshua Tree.

1. Grab Coffee at Mas o Menos

Start your day with a latte or cold brew at Mas o Menos, one of Joshua Tree’s best coffee spots. It’s got desert-minimalist decor, strong coffee, and a great selection of natural wine and small bites if you’re feeling snacky. The outdoor patio is the perfect place to sit, sip, and hang.

2. Check Out The Beauty Bubble Salon & Museum

This funky and fabulous little museum is part retro beauty parlor, part quirky collection of vintage hair tools and memorabilia. The Beauty Bubble is equal parts kitsch and charm, and it’s one of the most photogenic spots in town.

3. Visit the World Famous Crochet Museum

Housed inside a converted lime green photo booth, this tiny roadside stop is filled with colorful, hand-crocheted creations. It’s weird in the best way, and a must-see for anyone who loves offbeat art.

4. Explore the Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum

This open-air art museum is filled with large-scale sculptures made from salvaged materials. The late artist Noah Purifoy turned discarded objects into profound works of art that blend into the desert landscape. It’s eerie, inspiring, and one of the most unique outdoor galleries you’ll ever visit.

5. Check Out Pioneertown

Originally built as a movie set in the 1940s, Pioneertown is now a real-life Western town with a quirky main street, complete with saloons, old storefronts, and even live reenactments on weekends. Don’t forget to grab some photos in front of the old jail or the Pioneertown Motel sign.

6. Wander Through Desert Christ Park

Tucked away in nearby Yucca Valley, Desert Christ Park is a serene, slightly surreal collection of white statues set against the desert backdrop. It’s quiet, peaceful, and has an almost mystical vibe.

7. Go on a Hike in Joshua Tree National Park

You can’t visit Joshua Tree without exploring the national park. Whether you’re doing a full-day hike or just a scenic drive, the landscape is breathtaking. Try the Hidden Valley Trail, Barker Dam, or Ryan Mountain for incredible views and classic Joshua Tree boulders.

8. Catch Live Music at Pappy & Harriet’s

Located in Pioneertown, Pappy & Harriet’s is legendary for its desert-chic vibe, hearty food, and live music. Everyone from Paul McCartney to indie bands on the rise have played here. Even if you don’t catch a show, it’s worth it for the ambiance and a drink under the stars.

9. See Skull Rock

One of the park’s most iconic natural landmarks, Skull Rock is a giant boulder that looks exactly like… a skull. You can pull off the road and walk right up to it—it’s an easy stop that’s great for photos and a quick leg stretch.

10. Eat Tacos at Red Dog Saloon

Wrap up your day with tacos and margaritas at Red Dog Saloon, a local favorite in Pioneertown. The vibes are fun, the decor is vintage western with a twist, and the patio is a great spot for golden hour.

Joshua Tree is one of those places that feeds your soul—whether you’re in it for the art, the hikes, or the dusty desert charm. Each corner has something unexpected, and the slower pace lets you soak it all in. Bookmark this list for your next high desert escape!

PIN FOR LATER

The post 10 Fun Things to Do in Joshua Tree, California appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

If you’re heading to California’s Central Coast and looking for a place that feels both design-forward and deeply relaxing, White Water in Cambria is a dreamy stay. Nestled right along Moonstone Beach, this boutique hotel blends modern Scandinavian style with cozy coastal charm.

The rooms are beautifully curated—think natural textures, calming tones, and thoughtful details like local ceramics, soft robes, and cozy blankets. Our room had a fireplace and ocean views, which made for the perfect slow mornings with coffee and sunrise walks just steps away.

One of my favorite parts? The breakfast basket delivered each morning, filled with local pastries, mimosas and coffee. After breakfast, we rode bikes from the hotel and rode along the street by the beach, then relaxed by the fire pit in the evening with a cocktail in hand.

It’s the kind of place that feels like a true escape—quiet, peaceful, and perfectly in tune with the natural beauty around it. Whether you’re celebrating something special like we were or just craving a change of pace, Cambria is the sleepy kind of stay you won’t want to leave.

See more of my travel guides here.

xx Erika

PIN FOR LATER

The post Staying at Whitewater in Cambria appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Sparrows Lodge: A Historic Hotel Tucked Away in Palm Springs

Palm Springs has always known how to keep secret hidden gems, and if you wander far enough down East Palm Canyon Drive, past the mid-century houses that flaunt their glamour in geometric defiance, you’ll find Sparrows Lodge tucked behind bougainvillea bushes.

The hotel was built in 1952, but back then, it was Castle’s Red Barn, a name that told you exactly what it was—simple, unpretentious, utilitarian. It belonged to Don Castle, a man who’s face flickered across MGM Hollywood movies in the 1940s. When he wasn’t in the movies, he came here to this barn in the desert.

After his time it opened as a hotel, but the barn wasn’t for everyone. You needed a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) card just to step inside. Stars like Lucille Ball and Clark Gable swirled their drinks here, far from the prying eyes of Hollywood gossip columns.

In 2013, it was renamed Sparrows Lodge. The barn was rebuilt in a way that felt deliberate, as though its weathered beams and stone floors had always known they were destined to hold stories. The new owners leaned into its simplicity. There is no television here. There are no phones. You can hear your thoughts in a place like this, and maybe that’s the point. There is a kind of hush in the desert air, a deliberate quiet that only comes from a place designed to be still.

They left the bones of Don Castle’s dream intact: the barn doors still open wide, the pool still catches the desert light, and the whispers of Hollywood linger in the air if you know how to listen. But now it’s a place for everyone. That’s the magic of this place. It holds the past without clinging to it.

PIN FOR LATER

The post A Palm Springs Getaway at Sparrows Lodge appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

When we were in Kyoto we had to stop by Le Labo’s newest store–a traditional Machiya fully restored to perfection. In Kyoto’s Shimokorikicho, Nakagyo-ku neighbourhood the traditional Japanese Townhouse blends wabi-sabi with the art of slow perfumery. The building, which dates back to 1879 and was once a sake brewery, is an ode to Japanese heritage and craftsmanship.

The are so many stunning elements like Japanese reclaimed wood, traditional notebooks, flowing noren curtains, and stunningly worn walls. Head to the back of the machiya to the onsite café tucked in the house’s original garden and order a matcha. You can sit and sip it in the dreamy, peaceful zen garden. It’s a peaceful retreat with a fountain, statues, and native plants.

Le Labo Kyoto Machiya is at 604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho, 2-206. 10am to 7pm.

The post Inside Le Labo’s Kyoto Machiya appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

1. Cafe Telegrama

737 N Western Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90029

Located in the heart of Melrose Hill, Cafe Telegrama brings an artisanal touch to your daily coffee fix. This spacious cafe has a French feel with a casual setting and great lattes. The outdoor space is a great place to enjoy a sunny day, or opt for the indoor area to lounge inside.

2. Pantry by Madhappy

8906 Melrose Ave, West Hollywood, CA 90069

This cute café is tucked inside of Madhappy West Hollywood. Pantry serves coffee, tea, and pastries in a cute colorful space with lots of sunshine. The store design and layout is stunning, overall the vibe is great. The built-in blue sofa is a gorgeous touch. I love how creative and super cool this space is. A must stop if you’re in the WeHo area.

3. Cafe Nido

2810 Hyperion Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Tucked away in a leafy corner of Silverlake, Cafe Nido is a true hidden gem, perfect for coffee lovers looking to escape the bustle of LA. The name “Nido” (Spanish for “nest”) is reflected in its cozy and welcoming atmosphere, with lush greenery, airy outdoor seating, and cozy vibe that make it feel like a home away from home. You’ll find a cute truck full of books to read, and lots of outdoor seating. It’s a spot that invites you to linger, whether you’re catching up with friends or reading a book in a beautiful, serene space.

Save this Post on Pinterest

The post 3 Cute LA Coffee Shops appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

While we were in Kyoto I was really looking forward to having a If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s streets, head to Wife&Husband. This reservation-only cafe has two options: order inside the cute antique-filled cafe, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along the serene banks of the river. I did both! The picnic was so lovely, you can order all of the items you need for a picnic: stools, a table, a carafe of coffee. Then, you head to the river and enjoy your coffee and the views. Inside, you can order the most delicious honey toast and cheese cake with your coffee. Definitely high on my list of places to go in Kyoto!

Wife & Husband

Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan

The shop is owned by a wife and husband (hence the name) that make all of the coffee themselves together each day. The inside of the cafe is full of gorgeous antiques. It reminded me so much of my grandmas house, and all of the antiques she would collect. Just the cutest little cafe! Check out the tiny piano. Adorable! We ordered the cheesecake and honey toast, and they were both delicious.

Want to have a picnic? Book a reservation here. And be sure to check out the rest of my travel guides here.

xoxo Erika

The post A Coffee Picnic in Kyoto appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Japanese coffee culture is vibrant and diverse. Check out these 8 must-visit coffee spots in Kyoto for your coffee fix in Kyoto. From cozy cafes perfect for a quick caffeine fix to laid-back lounges ideal for spending a leisurely afternoon, each spot offers its own distinct ambiance and flavor.

We often spent our mornings exploring the sights, and then wandered to the coffee shops after. Most places would not open until 10 AM, which was challenging when you’re a “I need coffee now” type of gal in the morning. I’m big on having a coffee before your coffee, so I would stock up on canned coffees at 7-Eleven the night before to sip on while we got ready that morning. We planned our days by neighborhood so that by they time we needed a break we could head into the local neighborhood coffee shop. Kyoto is such a beautiful city and all of these cafes look like cute little oasis’ tucked in unexpected streets. Here are a few favorite coffee shops in Kyoto.

1. Weekenders Coffee Tominokoji

Address: 604-8064 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Honeyanocho, 560 ??

One of the few coffee shops that are open early, this was easily one of my faves. This cute little coffee shop is tucked behind a parking lot with a gorgeous minimalist building. It’s located in a traditional Japanese house, and is stunning and peaceful. I ordered a coffee tonic and we soaked up the tranquility of the space. Soft natural light filtered through traditional Japanese trees, casting a warm glow over the serene surroundings. I was in awe.

2. Wife & Husband

Address: 106-6 Koyamashimouchikawaracho, Kita Ward, Kyoto, 603-8132, Japan

If you want to break away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto’s streets, head to Wife&Husband. This reservation-only cafe has two options: order inside the cute antique-filled cafe, or enjoy a leisurely picnic along the serene banks of the river. I did both! The picnic so lovely, you can order all of the items you need for a picnic: stools, a table, a carafe of coffee. Then, you head to the river and enjoy your coffee and the views. Inside, you can order the most delicious honey toast and cheese cake with your coffee. Definitely high on my list of places to go in Kyoto!

3. % ARABICA Kyoto Arashiyama

Address: 3-47 Sagatenryuji Susukinobabacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8385, Japan

If you head out of the main part of the city to the Bamboo Forest, you’ll likely want to stop for coffee beforehand. Tucked away in the northeast side of Kyoto by the popular bamboo forrest there’s an %Arabica coffee shop on the river. There is always a long line here, but it’s worth the wait. You can enjoy your coffee by the flowing river then head to the forest. I love the views you get from the coffee shop! Best views I’ve ever had from a coffee shop.

4. Walden Woods Kyoto

Address: 508-1 Sakaecho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8194, Japan

Bathed in whitewash, this cute cafe is tucked away down an unexpected street in Kyoto. You order your food and drinks downstairs, then head upstairs with your coffee in a large tranquil space. With little touches of wood detail and a tree in the center, it nods to Walden’s time spent in the woods, except covered in all white. Don’t forget to order the soft serve, it’s delicious!

5. Kyoto Coffee/Nittodo

Address: 385-5 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, ??????, ???, Kyoto 605-0827, Japan

In the Gion district everyone was in the massive line for %Arabica, but once we went a bit further up the road the line at Kyoto Coffee was empty. We had the loveliest coffee here, and if you get your coffee “for here” you can go to their secret upstairs spot to drink it in a gorgeous Scandinavian-style gallery space with a secret view of Yasaka Pagoda. We got both of the cheesecakes they had that day (berry and matcha, yum) and ate them upstairs with our coffee. There’s also an adorable shop Nittodo downstairs that I bought so many goodies from. I got a cute notebook, Moonstar shoes, chopstick holders, and a cute Kinto tumbler. There were so many well curated things in the shop!

6. LE LABO KYOTO MACHIYA

Address: Japan, ?604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho

Tucked in the back of a dreamy new Le Labo shop, there’s a little coffee shop where you can get a coffee or matcha and enjoy the meticulously preserved Machiya dating back to 1879. I don’t think you can shop with your drink, but you can sit in the garden in the back and enjoy.

7. Goodman Roaster Kyoto

Address:?600-8442 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Yadacho, 115-2

A cute coffee shop that’s open relatively early and has great coffee. A great cozy spot to relax, stay a while and have a coffee.

8. Stumptown Coffee Roasters in the Ace Hotel

Address: Japan, ?604-8185 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Kurumayacho, 245-2 ???????? 1?

When we stayed at the Ace Hotel we were so excited to see they had a Stumptown dowstairs that we could pop into in the mornings. They had great pastries, and a cute area to drink your coffee in.

Hope you love these shops on your next trip! For more travel guides, check out my guides here. xoxo Erika

Save this Post on Pinterest

The post 8 Coffee Shops Not to Miss in Kyoto appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

When booking our hotels for our Japan trip I discovered the Hotel Noum in Osaka and immediately decided to stay there. This boutique hotel is an off the beaten path hotel alongside the Okawa river. I liked the idea of being a bit removed from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, so this hotel was the perfect choice. You know I’m a sucker for good design and I loved this entire space. The arched door way, the plant-filled lobby, and the limewash walls were all swoon-worthy.

The Breakfast at Hotel Noum

We booked the room with a river view, and loved seeing the views of the riverbank from our balcony. Each morning we had breakfast downstairs at the hotel and it was lovely. We sampled the Western-style breakfast menu each morning, from eggs Benedict’s to delicious Camembert omelettes. The serene ambiance of the hotel’s dining area provided the perfect start to our days, setting the tone for our Osaka adventures.

During our stay, we took advantage of the hotel’s convenient location to explore the surrounding neighborhood. We strolled along the riverside, discovered charming cafes, quaint boutiques, and temples tucked away amongst the bustling cityscape. Each evening after spending the day in the busy city, we returned to the tranquility of the hotel, unwinding in the comfort of our elegant room overlooking the gentle flow of the river.

I loved the cute slippers and robes they leave for you in the room. It was one of my favorite hotels on this trip. Staying at Hotel Noum was the perfect way to ease into being in the city with a blend of luxury, tranquility, and authentic Japanese charm. If you’re seeking a serene retreat away from the hustle and bustle of Osaka, the hotel is an oasis of calm amidst the vibrant energy of Japan’s second-largest city.

For more Japan travel guides, check out my Japan posts here.

xoxo Erika

The post Staying at Hotel Noum in Osaka appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.

Just got back from Japan, and let me tell you, it was a whirlwind of magic and inspiration! From the tranquil beauty of Kyoto to the bustling streets of Tokyo, I couldn’t stop snapping pics—I’ve got over 3,000 of them! Now, I’m excited to share my top 10 photos with you, hoping they’ll spark that wanderlust and maybe even inspire you to plan your own trip to Japan.

Oh, and heads up: over the next few weeks, I’ll be dishing out some handy guides and tips for anyone thinking about traveling to Japan. If there’s anything specific you wanna know or any topic you’re dying to hear about, just drop a comment below! Your input will totally shape what I cover next, so don’t be shy. Get ready for a whole lot of Japan coming your way!

Save this post for later on Pinterest

For more travel posts, check out my travel section here. xoxo Erika

The post 10 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Japan appeared first on Erika Carlock Blog.