Category: Season 5

Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 098 | Boozy Blondes Happy Hour: Charleston, SC & Clayton, GA

The Boozy Blondes

Listen here! Watch here!! (Yes, watch on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel!)

After three weeks apart, the Boozy Blondes were long overdue for a proper catch-up. Both Chrissy and Molly had visited some Boozy Blondes Podcast-worthy spots, so they decided to host their own virtual Happy Hour and invite their listeners along!

The conversation spanned two very different vibes: off-season wine country in North Georgia and festive cocktail magic in Charleston. Speaking of wine country, the DOE is red wine. Both girls enjoyed a glass (or two) during their chat, and the proof is shown in their purple-stained teeth! Commonly referred to as “wich-mouth” by the blondes, you can check out what they mean on YouTube. This episode was recorded and now lives on the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel for you to enjoy!

While most people don’t immediately associate North Georgia with wine country, that might be their first mistake. Tucked into the scenic mountains near Clayton and Sky Valley is a surprisingly impressive wine scene — complete with microclimates, European varietals, and boutique tasting rooms!

One of Chrissy’s standout stops was Tiger Mountain Vineyards, a boutique winery nestled in, you guessed it, Tiger, Georgia.

Established in 1995, Tiger Mountain was the first vineyard in Georgia to successfully establish European grape varieties — a move that continues to pay off in award-winning wines. And for Florida girls used to muscadine-heavy blends, discovering structured, balanced European-style wines in the North Georgia mountains feels like uncovering a secret.

Chrissy was surprised to find the former tasting space a storage area while a beautifully renovated outbuilding houses the main tasting area and event venue. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the vines and mountains, creating a dreamy backdrop. Chrissy ordered a bottle of Cab Franc and enjoyed charcuterie and vineyard views upstairs. Downstairs, there’s a covered patio, a stage for live music, and heaters for year-round sipping. Tiger Mountain Vineyards is also home to the Red Barn Café, cellar tours and barrel tastings, and harvest events where guests can stomp grapes! There is also a fully renovated vacation rental home on the property that is ideal for weddings, girls’ trips, or bachelorette weekends.

Chrissy’s next standout spot is Old Know Beverage Company in downtown Clayton, Georgia. Chrissy swears this micro-distillery and cocktail lounge is exactly what the mountain town was missing. Founded in 2021 by Mary Catherine Matheny and Ryan Warner Wood, Old Know distills all of its own spirits using botanicals sourced from local farmers. Standout drinks included the Green Wood Punch (gin-based), Han’s Island (bourbon-based), Golden Hour (gin-based), and Mister Brightside (rye-based).

But perhaps even better than the cocktails is the vibe and décor inside – it was Chrissy’s dream space! Vintage meets botanical meets big-city cocktail bar.

When a longtime favorite restaurant in Clayton closed its original location, Chrissy was really sad. She looked forward to meals there when she visited each year. But turns out, it wasn’t gone; just relocated and reimagined.

Now operating as Fortify Pizza & Burger Bar, the concept combines wood-fired pizza, burgers, craft beer, sports bar, and a hidden rum bar inside! The Road Town Rum Bar feels like stepping out of the mountains and into the British Virgin Islands. Umbrella drinks, colorful tiki menus, and tropical vibes tucked behind a casual sports setting create an unexpectedly fun contrast.

Chrissy ordered a wood-fired forrest mushroom pizza with rosemary oil, truffle oil, fresh herbs, and vegan mozzarella cheese, and she couldn’t resist ordering a fun drink from the tiki menu!

Meanwhile, down in Charleston, South Carolina, Molly was soaking in holiday magic. She stayed at The Charleston Place, which in addition to being beautiful boujee, delivered full festive energy — Christmas trees, elaborate train displays, and snowfall each night! The Thoroughbred Club inside the hotel set the mood with piano and cello music, delicious old-fashioneds, and classic Southern elegance.

Molly spent her time in Charleston eating and drinking through the town and had a few standout spots she mentions. The first is Well Hung Vineyards, serving up wine flights, craft cocktails, and delicious food! Seasonal drinks like “Winter in Jalisco” (tequila-based) and festive hot toddies paired beautifully with shareable plates.

Since it was Christmastime, Prohibition had a holiday pop-up bar takeover called Sippin’ Santa. It was spectacular! The girls love the holiday pop-up at their hometown bar, Forgotten Tonic (listen to their interview with owner John Moore in Episode 004), and they agree it’s fun to see how other pop-ups illustrate a Christmas theme.

She really enjoyed By The Way, a cozy neighborhood bar with fantastic drinks and impressive food options! She enjoyed an espresso martini and wine paired with truffle deviled eggs and a crab grilled cheese sandwich!

Miller’s All Day was recommended for breakfast and Molly sadly passed on the espresso martini flight that morning. She did enjoy a rosemary poinsettia, and Boozy Bro Rainer loved his bacon-infused bourbon Bloody Mary! Molly vows to return with Chrissy to tackle the espresso martini flight!

Frannie & The Fox was another great spot for both food and drinks. The Ranch Water comes in a mini Pellegrino bottle! You can find this bar in the Emeline Hotel.

Molly’s gluttonous adventure ended at Circa 1886, located in the original carriage house of the historic Wentworth Mansion. Molly ordered the tasting menu with a wine pairing, and although she didn’t love all the wine options, she loved a new glass with each dish! She highly recommends Circa 1886 if you want an elevated dining experience.

One thing is for sure – the Boozy Blondes lived up to their name on their respective time apart! They are now armed with a list of places to enjoy with each other! So stay tuned – it’s only the beginning of Season 5, so who knows where the girls will end up next!

Be sure to subscribe to the Boozy Blondes YouTube Channel to see all the photos and videos from this episode. Make sure to follow the girls on Instagram too. If you have recommendations in Charleston or Clayton, leave them in the comments below!

6-Pack To Go, Season 5

Episode 097 | 6-Pack To-Go Series: Favorite Northeast Florida Breweries with Field Drinker Tanya Nash

The Boozy Blondes

Welcome back, lushes! It’s time to fill our 6-packs once again, and this episode is all about celebrating the best breweries in Northeast Florida — as ranked by the girls’ very own Boozy Blondes Field Drinker, Tanya.

As a seasoned beer explorer who’s visited breweries all over the country, Tanya knows her way around a tap list. The Boozy Blondes challenged her to narrow it down to their home turf and rank her Top 6 Northeast Florida Breweries.

If Tanya sounds familiar, that’s because she first joined the podcast back in Season 2, Episode 040 (listen here), and the girls were thrilled to have her back to fill a 6-pack. But also, Molly and Chrissy filled their own 6-pack, and Tanya judged.

The girls met at Legacy Ale Works and enjoyed a variety of beers from their local Jacksonville brewery. Molly had the Pineapple Express Milkshake IPA, Chrissy sipped on The Front Porch American Stout, and Tanya enjoyed one of Legacy’s flagship beers, Hibbity Dibbity IPA.

Tanya divided the area of northeast Florida into three regions: north, middle and south. She consulted with her husband (also a craft beer drinking connoisseur), and they just couldn’t narrow it down to six. So Tanya brought two roadies with her, aka honorable mentions. Here is her list:

SOUTH

  1. Legacy Ale Works | Tanya has been enjoying the beers at Legacy since its inception, and she loves the growth she’s seen there over the years. Retired Navy officers currently own the brewery, and offer events, family days, and have grown to operate a full kitchen!
  2. Old Coast Ales | A Boozy Blondes’ fave! Old Coast is right next door to Osprey Tacos and who doesn’t love tacos and beer? This brewery started with just 10 gallons in a garage and has grown into a St. Augustine staple. And you can hear more about Old Coast in Episode 003 in the St. Augustine Breweries Pub Crawl episode (listen here). Her favorite combo is the Salt Run (gose) with the Cuban tacos at Osprey.

MIDDLE

  1. Ink Factory Brewing | It’s a coffee shop and brewery! You can hear more about Ink Factory in Episode 050 Jax Ale Trail Volume 3 (listen here). Tanya loves the sours. And shout out to Hard Pressed Burgers parked outside and the Ink Factory swag!
  2. Wicked Barley | “Naughty Ales for Noble Souls” Fun fact: you can paddle up to the brewery! They are home to a dog-friendly beer garden and event space. Tanya loves Blood Drive, a blood orange IPA. Wicked Barley also offers a full menu, including Sunday Brunch, complete with a mimosa flight. And they serve mead!

NORTH

  1. First Love Brewing | Located in the Fernandina Beach area, Tanya literally stumbled upon this brewery driving around that area of town one day. They have a large beer selection and rotate taps every three weeks or so. The owner has tons of official boozy education…which poses the question, why did the Boozy Blondes not go to school for brewing?! Tanya says don’t miss their pizza! She loves the hot honey pepperoni pizza.
  2. Mocama Brewing Company | Tanya loves that their beer is available in Publix, so if she can’t get to the tap room, she can stop by her neighborhood store and enjoy some at home anytime she wants! Prosim Pilsner is one of her faves, and she loves that four friends own this brewery.

As noted before, Tanya brought two roadies along for the ride since narrowing it down to just six proved to be an almost impossible task! Her honorable mentions are Aardwolf Brewing Company and Grace Note Brewing.

The girls present their 6-pack to Tanya and earned a solid B+. They filled their 6-pack with:

  1. Old Coast Ales
  2. Dog Rose Brewing Company
  3. Fishweir Brewing Company
  4. Azalea City Brewing Company
  5. Southern Swells Brewing Company
  6. Green Room Brewing

Definitely listen to this episode if you want a down and dirty description of some of the best breweries Northeast Florida has to offer! The Boozy Blondes are so thankful for their friend, and drinker in the field, for researching her faves and providing you lushes a great resources for checking out the beer scene in the Boozy Blondes’ home base.

Do you have a favorite brewery that missed the list? Leave a comment below and maybe the blondes can make a visit on a future episode! Cheers!

Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 096 | Italy: Venice

The Boozy Blondes

Venice isn’t just a destination—it’s an experience. A floating city of winding canals, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old history, Venice feels frozen in time in the best possible way. In this episode of The Boozy Blondes Abroad, the girls take listeners along on one of their most memorable trips yet: a Venetian adventure filled with Prosecco, planning spreadsheets, spritzes to-go, and a vow renewal inside a 16th‑century palace. And speaking of Prosecco, that is the Drink of the Episode (or “DOE” as the girls say).

The Boozy Blondes stand by it: Venice is worth the hype! Founded in the 5th century and traveled only by foot or boat, Venice’s preservation is unmatched. Narrow alleyways lead to quiet neighborhoods, bustling piazzas open up unexpectedly, and nearly every turn reveals a view that feels cinematic. It’s romantic, chaotic, overwhelming, and magical all at once, especially when experienced with a large group and a well-stocked Prosecco supply.

For the Boozy Blondes, this trip wasn’t just about sightseeing. It marked a major life milestone: Chrissy was celebrating her 20th wedding anniversary and vow renewal, which Molly officiated, hosted inside a jaw-dropping Venetian palace – which also doubled as the Boozy Blondes’ residence for their time in Venice. Red carpets leading to the canal, priceless art lining the walls, dramatic staircases, and strict house rules from Chrissy (no red wine allowed) made it feel less like a rental and more like living inside a museum.

Chrissy found this magical gem through Truly Venice Apartments. The pros? Privacy, incredible views, a central home base, quality time together, and the ability to stock the kitchen and play bartender. The cons? Lugging suitcases up endless stairs, navigating trash pickup schedules, limited air conditioning in historic spaces, and the constant fear of breaking something priceless. #WorthIt

For travelers considering hosting an event in Venice, the Boozy Blondes recommend focusing on budget and timing. Prices are high year‑round, but shoulder season can help with both cost and crowds. And a key tip: avoid using the word “wedding” unless you want to watch prices skyrocket. Hotels, private venues, and event planners like Love Gracefully are all solid options depending on your priorities.

Whether you are there to celebrate a special event or just take a vacation, Venice may be small, but its food and bar scene is mighty. With restaurants and bars often seating just a handful of tables, planning ahead is essential—especially with a group of eleven, which was the number of people in the Boozy Blondes squad.

Highlights included:

  • Retro Wine Bar – A Boozy Blondes favorite, known for expertly crafted cocktails, generous portions, and a cozy, vinyl‑lounge vibe that feels like a stylish living room.
  • Al Giardinetto da Severino – A relaxed courtyard dinner with great wine, espresso martinis, and an atmosphere perfect for lingering.
  • Spritz Bianco – The group favorite after learning about it on a food and wine tour (hear all about this tour in an upcoming episode!). Made with white wine or sparkling wine, soda water, and a white bitter liqueur or dry vermouth, it became the official drink of the trip.

Pro tip from the blondes: Venice is a city made for strolling with a drink in hand. Yes, open containers are allowed!

If there’s one thing the Boozy Blondes believe in, it’s planning hard so you can relax harder. This trip came with a 40‑page itinerary, spreadsheets, index cards, and color‑coded schedules. It sounds extra, but it worked. Coordinating so many people with so many places to see and so many eats and drinks, this planning helped keep everyone organized and prepared so vacation was relaxed!

But just as important as planning was building in downtime. A designated free day allowed Molly to explore hidden gems like the Scala Contarini del Bovolo and the Secret Itineraries Tour of Doge’s Palace, while Chrissy stayed back, made cocktails, and soaked up palace views from the balcony. Venice rewards both curiosity and rest.

The girls also discuss Venice transportation in this episode because if you don’t pre-plan, Venice is a monster to navigate, especially upon arrival and departure.

Top takeaways:

  • Consider flying into larger hubs like Milan or Rome, then taking a train to Venice.
  • If flying directly into Venice, splurge on a private water taxi for arrival. It’s expensive—but unforgettable. The girls recommend Consorzio Motoscafi Venezia.
  • Public water taxis are affordable but crowded and not ideal for those prone to seasickness.
  • Walking is often faster than you think – just allow enough time.
  • Train travel out of Venice requires serious planning, especially with luggage. Private water taxis to the train station are worth it.
  • Book guaranteed trains when possible, especially during strike season.
  • Always carry coins; train station restrooms aren’t free.

Some of Venice’s best moments happen away from the main tourist sites. The Boozy Blondes recommend:

  • Visiting lesser‑known churches
  • Wandering around to find quieter streets and local vibes
  • Taking evening passeggiatas after dinner
  • Exploring nearby islands like Murano, Burano, and Lido

The girls also talk about the importance of making dining reservations – especially if you are traveling with a larger group. Restaurants are small and fill quickly. Also, remember dinner will take a long time – embrace it. Food is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.

If you listened to Episode 085 | Italy: Roman Angels & Demons Pub Crawl (listen here), you’d know the girls have a favorite souvenir – tattoos! Venice was no different. Most of the group opted to bring home this (permanent) souvenir, and the Boozy Blondes highly recommend Underskin Studio in Venice. Roberto and Lorenzo took care of the group, and everyone had the best time at the studio. Remember if you plan to get a tattoo on your trip, plan it towards the end of your vacation and remember to bring aftercare!

Between vow renewals, palace living, spritzes, train chaos, tattoos, and unforgettable laughs, Venice left its mark on the Boozy Blondes. It was proof that thoughtful planning, the right travel companions, and a little lot of Prosecco can turn a trip into a once‑in‑a‑lifetime experience.

Venice may challenge you—but it rewards you even more. And for the Boozy Blondes, it will always be a city worth returning to. If you’re planning a trip, reach out to the girls to help you plan, give recommendations or help you plan! Message them on Instagram or email them! Saluti!

Season 5, Travel - Where to Drink

Episode 095 | St Augustine Annual Nights of Pints

The Boozy Blondes

If you love travel, festive pub crawls, the holiday season, drinking for a cause, and craft beer, this episode is for you! The Boozy Blondes introduce you to one of St. Augustine’s best holiday traditions: Nights of Pints. Think of it as the cooler, boozier cousin to the city’s famous Nights of Lights — same glowing historic streets, same festive energy, but with significantly more beer involved.

The DOE is surprisingly not beer, but mimosas! The girls recorded this episode the day after their nights of pints adventure, so they kept the party going the next morning, and also, bubbles were needed to celebrate the start of Season 5!

So Nights of Pints. Each year from late November through early January, America’s oldest city transforms into a romantic, European‑feeling holiday destination, wrapped in more than three million white lights. Balconies glow, palm trees sparkle, and centuries‑old stone buildings feel straight out of a Christmas village. Now add a craft beer scavenger hunt to that picture, and you’ve got Nights of Pints.

During Nights of Pints, the historic district becomes a walkable craft beer playground. Participating breweries and bars (which vary year to year) offer special brews, seasonal releases, and exclusive taps. All you have to do is purchase a Nights of Pints pass at one of the participating locations, grab your punch card, and start sipping.

The cost for 2025 is $40.00. Your pass includes a commemorative t‑shirt and a free pint at each participating brewery. From there, it’s a boozy choose‑your‑own‑adventure. You can knock it all out in one ambitious day, or pace yourself and spread the fun across multiple outings. The girls love that it’s as relaxed or as boozy as you want to make it.

What makes Nights of Pints special is the vibe. This isn’t a chaotic beer festival where you’re shouting over loud music and trying not to lose your friends. It’s calm, cozy, and social. You’ll see locals and visitors mingling, hopping from brewery to brewery, and soaking in the holiday magic without the shoulder‑to‑shoulder crowds.

And because you’re not limited to only punch‑card stops, you can easily pop into a restaurant for food, grab a glass of wine, or detour somewhere that catches your eye.

The girls share some tips to make the most of this festive event.

  1. Book a hotel in or near the historic district. Nothing kills the vibe faster than realizing you still have to drive after your third drink. St. Augustine is meant for wandering.
  2. Start early…like brunch early. Beat the crowds, and if possible, visit on a weekday. Weekends get busier the closer you get to Christmas.
  3. Make reservations. Restaurants are small and popular this time of year. If you do end up waiting, always have a roadie plan. (An airplane bottle of bourbon + hot tea = instant hot toddy.) But just remember, St. Augustine has strict open container laws, so roadie at your own risk!
  4. Drink with a view! Rooftops, patios, and anywhere you can admire the lights while holding a glass are always worth it.
  5. Skip the trolleys. Slow strolling through glowing streets with live music in the background is peak vacation energy…and lets you pivot to oysters, dessert, or another round whenever the mood strikes.

The girls wanted to experience Nights of Pints without the hassle of rideshares, traffic, or logistics, so they booked the St. Augustine Beer Bus. Game‑changer!!

It felt like a guided excursion that was fun, intentional, and slightly irresponsible in the best way. The girls brought snacks and roadies on the bus and hit multiple breweries in one day with the Boozy Bros and Chrissy’s original party people: her parents. The blondes also interviewed Beer Bus / St. Augustine Brewery Tours founder, Amanda Reed.

Their stops included all four Nights of Pints breweries and one bonus brewery:

Bootleggers
Bootleggers
Hornski’s
Dog Rose
Dog Rose
Ink & Barley
Ink & Barley
Ink & Barley
Bog

If you’re traveling with a group or just want a seamless, stress‑free bar crawl, a private or small‑group tour like this is absolutely worth it. Tune in to the episode to learn more about Amanda and St. Augustine Brewery Tours.

Nights of Pints runs alongside Nights of Lights and continues through January 11, 2026. If you’re reading this before then, there’s still time to experience it this season! But if not, don’t worry. It’s an annual event, so add it to your calendar for next year starting in late November.

Even outside of Nights of Pints, St. Augustine’s craft beer scene is reason enough to visit. The Boozy Blondes have multiple episodes featuring St. Augustine and its craft beer scene, so give them a listen! One of their first episodes (Episode 003 | St. Augustine Pub Pedal – listen here) covers many of the St. Augustine breweries. And Episode 062 | STA Brewer’s Fest + Behind the Booze Interview with Courtney Murr (listen here) highlights the annual St. Augustine Craft Brewers Festival, which is another must-see for craft beer lovers!

Between these episodes, the historic streets, great food, and endless bars, you might find yourself Googling “how to move to St. Augustine.” And if you’ve punched your Nights of Pints card, share a picture with the Boozy Blondes through Instagram or via email! Cheers!