Earlier this year, my husband and I took a four-week road trip from Indianapolis to Florida! We chased the sun, stayed in beautiful hotels and thoroughly enjoyed our time together. This was during my husband’s fourth year of medical school and we truly enjoyed creating memories we’ll cherish forever.
View our Road Trip IG Guide.
📍Stop 1: Lexington, KY
Hotel: The Origin Hotel Lexington
Photographer: @madisonreneephotography_
We stayed at The Origin for one quick night but it was such a memorable hotel! We ate dinner at 33 Staves Lexington, which is located in the hotel and the food was delicious! 10/10 for food, aesthetics, and everything about this hotel.
📍Stop 2: Alpharetta, GA
Hotel: EVEN Hotel Alpharetta – Avalon
EVEN Hotel Alpharetta was perfect for our one night stop in Georgia! This hotel emphasizes wellness and healthy living (there is exercise equipment in each room)! It was the perfect place for a morning stretch before our long drive to our next location.
📍Stop 3: Destin, FL
Hotel: Hilton Sandestin
Photographer: @shoreshooters
Our two-night stay was filled with beautiful views, lots of spa visits, and yummy meals on site. Hilton Sandestin is the perfect balance between resort and office. They have included perks like complimentary gym access and parking, access to on-site laundry facilities, pool and beach access, and more!
📍Stop 4: Tampa, FL
Hotel: JW Marriott Tampa
Photographer: @kellymeetsworld
JW Marriott is the definition of luxury travel! Every detail of this hotel is luxurious and stunning. Our one night stay didn’t do justice to this beautiful hotel or city so we will definitely be back! The chef even made us a special vegetarian/gluten free dish to get started at SIX, the rooftop restaurant at the JW!
📍Stop 5: Naples, FL
Hotel: Inn on Fifth Naples
This luxurious boutique hotel is located right in the heart of downtown Naples and we loved walking the streets of 5th Avenue South. We loved our club level suite, balcony views, dining at VERGINA Rooftop & rooftop heated pools / jacuzzi! This hotel definitely has all the boutique VIP room and balcony goals!
📍Stop 6: Ft Myers, FL
Hotel: Luminary Hotel
Photographer: @sabiprocacci
We thoroughly enjoyed a delicious special dinner and breakfast at Luminary Hotel, putt putting at Popstroke, fresh juice at Sun Harvest Citrus, a luxury nail affair at @paintftmyers & the art festival! This hotel was super chic and honestly had one of the best bathrooms we’ve seen at a hotel!
📍Stop 7: Key West, FL
Hotel: 24 North Hotel
Key West was so beautiful and 24 North was located in the central location. Don’t recommend the hotel because the room quality didn’t match our expectations but we enjoyed the blue & clear water at Fort Zachary beach and soaked in all the sunshine Key West had to offer! Definitely recommend Cuban Coffee Queen Downtown and check out the Southernmost Point Buoy.
📍Stop 8: Duck Key, FL
Hotel: Hawks Cay Resort
This resort was such a dream, it felt like we were transported to the Bahamas! Hawks Cay had heated pools which was amazing for me because I don’t enjoy cold water. We also got to experience Sole Water Sports and they took us to a beautiful sunny sand bar in the ocean. This resort has it all. A sanctuary villa, pools/lagoon, Coral Cay, Dolphin Connection, restaurants & the best peaceful family friendly ambiance!
📍Stop 9: Miami Beach, FL
Hotel: Kimpton Angler’s Hotel South Beach
Hotel: Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel
Photographer: @purezealphotography
Miami definitely grew on us and we enjoyed our 5-night stay at this beautiful hotel. The location of this hotel is great, it is right next to the beach and so close to many restaurants! Make sure to check out their huge rooftop pool too!
Food recommendations: Love Naked Taco, Greenstreet Cafe, Tasca De España, Seawell Seafood, Monty’s Good Burger, and yummy ice cream at Dasher & Crank. Other recommendations: Wynwood Walls & Art District, Miami Design District, Vizcaya Gardens, and biking to south point pier.
📍Stop 10: Orlando, FL
Hotel: Four Seasons Orlando
Photographer: @styledbykrystalandrea
Makeup: @everafterbeaut
Four Seasons Orlando was the definition of magic and luxury! We thoroughly enjoyed the Disney vibes, delicious food, accommodating staff, tranquillity spa, lazy river, heated pools, never-ending palm trees, and our spacious room. Our one night was not enough and we definitely recommend fully exploring the hotel!
📍Stop 11: Savannah, GA
Hotel: Mansion on Forsyth Park
Photographer: @margaretelizabethphoto
If you are looking for Bridgerton vibes at your stay, look no further, this hotel has it all! Mansion on Forsyth Parth is a classic brick mansion with moody decor, turn down bath service, and a unique room! We enjoyed our magical tea time where all my tea party dreams came true. Our bike ride to the river walk & historic district gave us a true glimpse of the beautiful city.
📍Stop 12: Raleigh, NC
Hotel: The Origin Hotel Raleigh
Photographer: @betts_photography
The Origin Raleigh was the last stop on our road-trip and we were welcomed with the nicest welcome package! Definitely recommend the restaurant Good Day Good Night – there were so many vegetarian, gluten-free, and non-alcoholic options! It was the perfect ending to our three-week road trip.
JOURNEY WITH DRISH 