Better Living

07/03/2026

🎆 July 4th at Merriweather Lakehouse 🎆

We had the most incredible Independence Day celebration at Merriweather Lakehouse Hotel in 2024 and we cannot wait to go back this weekend for America's 250th!

If you're still planning, this is the place to be — but move fast!

🏨 Check into your lake view room with a balcony and an expansive view of Lake Kittamaqundi.

🌅 July 4th kicks off with a festive grill-out on the lakefront lawn. Juicy burgers, hot dogs, refreshing drinks, and the best party atmosphere all right on the water!

🍖 For dinner, head to Lāk Columbia for a mouthwatering BBQ buffet. This year's menu: Beef Brisket, BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings, Shrimp Salad on Croissant, Grilled Sweet Corn, Cherry Pie Tart, Strawberry Cheesecake Bars and more! The buffet is fully booked but check OpenTable for cancellations. Worth it!

✨ But the real magic happens at sunset. The fireworks show is right across the lake and absolutely breathtaking. Experience it from multiple vantage points:

🎇 The rooftop pool deck with cocktails in hand
🎇 The Lāk Columbia patio, while enjoying the BBQ buffet
🎇 Your own lakefront balcony

The reflections on the lake, the booming sounds, the colorful explosions filling the sky. Hands down one of the best fireworks shows we have ever seen.

☕ Next morning wrap up at Osprey Café for coffee or breakfast at Lak. The perfect sendoff.

This year the hotel is also offering a Rooftop Escape Package with an overnight stay, exclusive Eagle Watch rooftop access for two, elevated bites, breakfast, and late checkout. Only 20 available so don't wait!

The Reserved Fireworks Patio is sold out for 2026, so if that's on your list, plan early for next year!

Free lawn festivities with music, lawn games, and The Dangerous Summer performing live at 7 PM are open to everyone!

👉 Book your stay at Merriweather Lakehouse for July 4th now. Don't miss out, it fills up fast!

👉 TAP OUR LINK for our full blog post on the event!

06/10/2026

✨ FOODIE STAYCATION : OUR HOTEL AT ARUNDEL PRESERVE REVIEW ✨

Less than 2 hours from Philly, we found the perfect mid-Atlantic getaway that checks every box: a gorgeous newly renovated suite, incredible dining, great cocktails, and a nature preserve right outside the window.

From the moment we arrived at The Hotel at Arundel Preserve the experience was seamless.

Pre-check-in by email, parking sorted before we even got there, robes and premium Illy coffee waiting in the room. The two-room suite had everything we needed and then some, including a soaking tub.

There's a heated indoor pool, gym, and two onsite restaurants.

The food here is not an afterthought. Dining at Grillfire Arundel and Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila-Bar is the real reason to book this trip.

George Martin's Grillfire serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and does all three exceptionally well. The Honey Miso Salmon and Mafalde Bolognese are two of the best dishes we've had this year. Our server Xavier told us not to leave without trying the cheesecake. He was right. Incredible.

Then there's Añejo Rose Cantina & Tequila Bar. Dining here is a whole vibe. Over 200 tequilas, fresh margaritas, cold Negra Modelo on tap, and a menu that moves between authentic Mexican dishes and bold creative fusions. The Carne Asada was the most flavorful and tender steak we have ever had. We are not exaggerating. The Korean Short Rib tacos were so good we ordered them twice.

Best part? Keep the margaritas flowing and just take the elevator back to your room.

The hotel is also pet friendly, close to Maryland LIVE! Casino and Arundel Mills Mall, and offers a complimentary shuttle. Plus a Park and Stay package if you're flying out of BWI.

You don't need a flight to feel like you got away. 🌿

TAP OUR LINK in comments for the full review, every dish worth ordering, and everything you need to plan your stay!

06/09/2026

06/01/2026

Heading to the shore is the default summer trip, but this year the thought of crowded boardwalks and beach traffic had me less than enthusiastic. Instead, I headed to Peddler's Village in the rolling countryside of Bucks County, PA and found my summer paradise.

🔗 TAP OUR LINK for the full summer guide!

This colonial 18th-century style village with 60+ shops, an inn, 8 restaurants, and a restored 1922 carousel is transformed all summer long with Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip, a free display of giant sand sculptures celebrating America's 250th birthday. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking their summer vacation here July 24-26! 🎅🏖️

We spent a few days exploring every corner of Peddler's Village and honestly, there's nowhere else like it. Incredible food, a cozy cocktail lounge with live music, one-of-a-kind shops, and a luxurious stay at Golden Plough Inn right in the middle of it all.

The food scene is seriously next level. Al Pastor Tacos and Carne Asada at Buttonwood Grill, the most incredible Shrimp & Grits and Lobster Dumplings at Earl's New American, perfectly crafted cocktails and live music at Red Fox Lounge, and 60+ years of tradition at C**k 'n Bull where the French Onion Soup and steaks never disappoint. Don't sleep on Hart's Tavern either. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Italian Roast Pork are both outstanding. Oh, and w**e slushies at Nissley Vineyards.

In between meals, shop locally-owned boutiques like Greenology (build your own terrarium!), What's in a Name, Ice Imports, and so many more hidden gems you'll want to spend the whole weekend here.
Summer events are non-stop: Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash on July 4, Santa's Summer Holiday July 24-26, murder mystery dinners, Tunes at Noon every Friday, and the Peach Festival in August.

Just 60 minutes from Philadelphia and named the #2 shopping center in America by USA TODAY. You don't need a beach for the perfect summer escape.

06/01/2026

Heading to the shore is the default summer trip, but this year the thought of crowded boardwalks and beach traffic had me less than enthusiastic. Instead, I headed to Peddler's Village in the rolling countryside of Bucks County, PA and found my summer paradise.

🔗 TAP OUR LINK for the full summer guide!

This colonial 18th-century style village with 60+ shops, an inn, 8 restaurants, and a restored 1922 carousel is transformed all summer long with Sights in Sand: An American Road Trip, a free display of giant sand sculptures celebrating America's 250th birthday. Plus, Santa and Mrs. Claus are taking their summer vacation here July 24-26! 🎅🏖️

We spent a few days exploring every corner of Peddler's Village and honestly, there's nowhere else like it. Incredible food, a cozy cocktail lounge with live music, one-of-a-kind shops, and a luxurious stay at Golden Plough Inn right in the middle of it all.

The food scene is seriously next level. Al Pastor Tacos and Carne Asada at Buttonwood Grill, the most incredible Shrimp & Grits and Lobster Dumplings at Earl's New American, perfectly crafted cocktails and live music at Red Fox Lounge, and 60+ years of tradition at C**k 'n Bull where the French Onion Soup and steaks never disappoint. Don't sleep on Hart's Tavern either. The Nashville Chicken Sandwich and Italian Roast Pork are both outstanding. Oh, and w**e slushies at Nissley Vineyards.

In between meals, shop locally-owned boutiques like Greenology (build your own terrarium!), What's in a Name, Ice Imports, and so many more hidden gems you'll want to spend the whole weekend here.

Summer events are non-stop: Red, White & Blueberries BBQ Bash on July 4, Santa's Summer Holiday July 24-26, murder mystery dinners, Tunes at Noon every Friday, and the Peach Festival in August.

Just 60 minutes from Philadelphia and named the #2 shopping center in America by USA TODAY. You don't need a beach for the perfect summer escape.

05/18/2026

🌸 SPRINGTIME AT BRAMPTON 1860! 🌸

Less than 2 hours from Philly on Maryland's Eastern Shore, we just wrapped up five of the most unhurried, restorative nights we've had in years.

Brampton 1860 in Chestertown, MD is a 35-acre historic estate where spring arrives like a full production. Tulips, peonies, chives blooming in the herb garden, redbuds and dogwoods at peak, and that golden late-afternoon light over the meadow that keeps you outside longer than you planned.

🏡 We split our stay between Mulberry Cottage and the Fairy Hill Suite in the 1860 Manor House. The cottage has a Japanese soaking tub on the private screened porch, a wood-burning fireplace, and a porch swing made for morning coffee. The manor suite has a dramatic stone fireplace, two levels, and access to the common spaces that make it feel like the whole house is yours.

🍳 Chef Carol's breakfast menu changes every single day. We had avocado toast with poached eggs and smoked salmon, lemon French toast with blackberries, fresh waffles, and Abelskivers (Danish pancake puffs!). Plus the Poinsettia cocktail at breakfast, now available year-round by popular demand.

🦐 On our last night we ordered the Seafood Steam Pot. Crab, shrimp, mussels, and clams on the outdoor patio. We stayed out there long after the pot was empty.

🐱 Squeaky was with us every single night. Klondike, a true gentleman of leisure, made his appearances on his own schedule. The chickens were completely unbothered by everything, as chickens should be.

🔥 Firepit evenings. Sunset trail walks. Scrabble in the library with cookies and tea. Complimentary w**e and snacks at social hour every afternoon at 4pm. Shopping trips to historic Chestertown, which is literally four minutes away. Day trips to Rock Hall for local dining and exploring, and even a beach afternoon at Ferry Park with Chesapeake Bay views and the bridge in the distance.

Spring on the Eastern Shore is something special and Brampton is the perfect home base for all of it.

TAP OUR LINK to read the full spring guide and start planning your stay!

03/27/2026

We stopped buying water at the store 3 months ago and honestly cannot imagine going back.

delivers all your favorite water brands, plus dispensers, straight to your door.

Here's what we get on delivery day - One 5-gallon Pure Life purified jug for our dispenser, two cases of Mountain Valley spring water, and zero grocery store runs.

We're three deliveries in and they've been on time, correct, and left on our porch.

The dispenser changes everything! It's a bottom-load hot & cold cooler. The jug goes in the bottom right side up! No hoisting a jug overhead, no awkward flip, no splash. Just connect it and slide in. Done in 30 seconds. It also pours instant hot water on tap. Tea, instant coffee, oatmeal - all on demand. LOVE the blue light for nighttime pours too.

The purified water tastes noticeably cleaner than what we were buying at the store. We use it for everything including coffee and tea, and yes it makes a difference.

The spring water is a different experience entirely. Natural spring water from the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, bottled since 1871.
We put them on the dinner table and guests ask about those gorgeous green glass bottles every single time.

Something worth knowing. If you're choosing between spring and purified water. Purified water is always consistent because the filtration removes everything. Spring water has natural minerals, which is where the flavor comes from, but it can vary slightly since it comes from a living underground source. That's not a flaw, it's just what spring water is.

Our tip: serve Mountain Valley as cold as possible. Cold temperature suppresses mineral variation and brings out the cleanest, crispest flavor. That's why premium restaurants always serve still mineral water ice cold.

We did a full, honest review on the blog of Primo Delivery. The dispenser setup, what to know before you sign up, and an exclusive 50% off your first order through our link.

TAP OUR LINK for our review!

https://onbetterliving.com/primo-water-delivery-review/

03/21/2026

02/28/2026

✨ WEST CHESTER, PA SURPRISED US IN ALL THE BEST WAYS 🏛️

A speakeasy under our hotel, a stone doorway carved in 1799, and "the best chocolate in America."

We stayed at Hotel Indigo West Chester - Downtown in the heart of it all and never needed the car. The lobby sets the tone, but downstairs at Room 109 Speakeasy is where things get magical. A Smoked Old Fashioned arrives in a cloud of smoke and the Eagle Hotel mural from 1803 makes the room feel like another era.

The food scene here overdelivers. Limoncello West Chester serves Pescatore Fra Diavolo piled high with lobster, mussels, clams, and shrimp - and a Limoncello Cake worth every bite. 🍋 West Chester Seafood Kitchen brought Spicy Salmon over Crispy Rice with tobiko and Seared Scallops with mushroom orecchiette that hit perfectly on a cold February night.

Breakfast at Market Street Grill because those hashbrowns have a reputation for a reason ☕ A spontaneous stop at La Tartine for beef shawarma and house hot sauce. A visit to Turks Head Wines where a skylit warehouse with a tree growing through the center was unforgettable. 🍷 Sedona Taphouse has hundreds of b**rs on tap, a made-from-scratch menu, and the best happy hour in town. Get the cheesecake!

Definitely begin your visit at The Chester County Welcome Center inside Chester County's Brandyw**e Valley. Free hot cocoa + snacks, and a custom digital itinerary set the tone. And don’t skip Chester County History Center - We spent nearly 2 hours exploring exhibits on 300+ years of local life, industry, and architecture.

Shopping was just as fun. Vintage finds at Malena's curated home goods at Pine & Quill and classic style at Kaly Clothing. Cold b**r while flipping records at Hop Fidelity rounded out the afternoon. 🛍️

With 65+ restaurants and Downtown West Chester, PA energy packed into walkable blocks, winter might actually be the best time to visit. ❄️

🔥 TAP OUR LINK our see comments for the complete winter itinerary with everything we did, ate, and loved.

02/26/2026

Discover the 5 most romantic hotels in Maryland. Private cottages, waterfront suites, and intimate luxury on the Eastern Shore await!