Three Ways to Ease Your Fears About Making a Move

With low inventory in many markets throughout the country, many homeowners are afraid to sell their homes because they’re concerned that they may not be able to find a new one.

This can be a real problem, but if you are seeking to sell—whether to upgrade or find a new neighborhood—there are a few ways to combat the low inventory.

1. Look to buy first

In most markets it is a real mistake to put your home up for sale before you start looking for your new property.

Identify the geographic area where you are interested in buying. Even if you don't see anything on Zillow, it doesn't mean you can't or won't find the right home.

2. Think outside the box

Be proactive! Keep in mind that there are probably many people like you who want to make a move but are afraid as well. Have your real estate agent send a letter to the neighborhoods in the geographic areas where you want to live. The letter should be heartfelt and personal while announcing that you are ready to buy a home in that neighborhood. You could find a home to buy that may not even be currently listed or for sale.

3. Protect yourself legally

Each state varies in how the purchase process is conducted. Talk to your real estate professional about adding a clause in the purchase contract for the home you are selling that will enable you to not sell the home if you cannot find a suitable home to buy.

How Your Daily Drive Time Can Factor into Your Mortgage

It’s easy to overlook some of the things that can affect your budget and purchasing power when you’re considering a home, and one of the biggest factors that buyers overlook is the cost of their daily commute.

We’ve all heard that real estate is all about “location, location, location,” and properties in more desirable locations typically come with a higher price tag than similar properties that aren’t in a hot neighborhood.

Yet the overall cost of living for choosing one location over another might be negligible when you factor in the commuting costs that are required—gas, vehicle maintenance, insurance—if you purchase a home that is significantly further from your workplace. If your mortgage is $200 less per month, but you’re spending an extra $200 in commuting costs, are you really saving money?

Commuting costs aren’t just about the disposable income left in your bank account, either. It can even affect how much money you can borrow. If you’re a long-distance commuter, a loan officer may factor your travel costs into your debt-to-income ratio.

Aside from how commuting affects your purchasing power or disposable income, there’s also the question of how it affects your quality of life—no one wants to spend hours a week just getting to and from work.

The real estate market varies greatly from location to location, so the best way to get a complete picture of your purchasing power—and all the factors that go into your home budget—is to speak to a trusted real estate professional. 

Five Things That Make Us Happy With Our Homes

According to a survey conducted by houzz.com, here are five things that consistently make people happy with their homes.

1. Big windows and comfortable furniture: Nearly 75 percent of respondents listed these two items as major difference-makers. It’s a no-brainer—people like lots of light and a good place to relax.

2. A big-screen TV: This is more likely to be a key feature for men than women. 40 percent of men said having a big-screen TV makes them happy with their homes, compared to just 17 percent of women.

3. Overall design and layout: 87 percent of the 6,000 people surveyed said the design of the home is a major contributor to overall happiness. If you’re unhappy with your home and there’s a project you’ve been wanting to tackle, get to it!

4. Home cookin’: 39 percent of respondents said the scent of good cooking or baking made them happiest. Clearly, it helps to have a capable chef around the house!

5. Keep it tidy: 72 percent of homeowners said they’re happiest when their houses are clean and well-organized. If you want to be happier with your home, try having a place for everything, and put everything in its place.

 

Once a Bookworm, Always a Bookworm

Reading has always been one of my favorite hobbies. Since childhood, I have been in love with books. I was that kid who would stay up late in bed with a flashlight reading. When I was home sick from school, I didn't want a stack of my favorite movies to watch. I wanted a stack of books from the library to lay in bed and read. 

As the years passed, my love of books never changed. To this day, if you leave me in a bookstore unsupervised, I could get lost in there for hours. The only thing that has changed is time. Often demanding school schedules and work schedules would make it difficult to find time to read, and even those nights spent reading before bed were short lived as I would soon crash from a long day. 

Although many of us, myself included, have had a lot to complain about this year, there are still so many things for which I am grateful. One of those things is having an abundance of time to read and read and read some more. Since mid-March, I have been able to read 30 books. Some were new, some had been on my to-read list for years, and some were old favorites when I was needing an escape back to a world I already knew and loved. 

Most recently, I finished reading The Guest List by Lucy Foley. It's a book that hit my radar after seeing it mentioned on Reese's Book Club's Instagram. I'll admit that, for me, it started out slow and took a while to get into it. I think this was mostly due to it being a book with multiple POVs making it difficult to follow exactly who is who and keep track of the progressing storyline. However, as I started to get a handle on each character, the pace picked up along with the intensity. Although I found some elements of the book predictable, it still hit me with some unexpected twists and turns. Overall, The Guest List is a fun, quick read that is perfect for a relaxing weekend at the beach.

As for the rest of the books I have read over the last few months, I actually keep track of everything I read on Goodreads because I am that nerdy, and I also think it's a wonderful place to keep track of books I want to read and what my friends are reading. Everything I have read since mid-March:

Failure is Not an Option by Gene Kranz

The Justice Game by Randy Singer

The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher

Year Zero by Rob Reid

Seriously...I'm Kidding by Ellen DeGeneres

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith

The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino

Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Lethal White by Robert Galbraith

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Five Presidents: My Extraordinary Journey with Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Ford by Clint Hill

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

The Boyfriend Project by Farrah Rochon

Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis

Lifeguard by James Patterson

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

The Girl Who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling

The Guest List by Lucy Foley

Yes, the last few months have been rough and stressful, but I am grateful for the silver linings during this time such as reenergizing my reading time to full power. I have finally started to make a dent in my To Read List (although it has grown too) and for that I am thankful. When things start to return more to normal, whenever that may be, it is my goal to stay on top of reading and not letting it fall to the wayside like it has in the past.

What about you? Do you enjoy reading as much as I do? What's your favorite book you've read so far this year? If not, what is your silver lining during this global pandemic? Comment below, and as always, thanks for reading!

Which Features are Young Buyers Looking for in a Home?

With historically low interest rates, the market is hot this summer, and it's a great time to sell because inventory is low and there is an abundance of home buyers home shopping right now. Millennials are the second-largest segment of home buyers, ranking behind only baby boomers, according to the National Association of Realtors. Here are five features that tend to entice millennials who are looking to buy.

An up-to-date kitchen and bath

Younger buyers often have limited funds for renovations, so it’s important that they have functional and inviting bathroom and kitchen spaces from the very start.

An open floor plan

Having a formal dining room isn’t of particular importance to millennials, in fact, many prefer open spaces with no separation between kitchen, living room, and dining room. An open concept makes it easier to entertain everyone at once.

An office

More and more jobs are offering work-from-home options, and there are also plenty of freelancers and telecommuters among millennials. A dedicated space for getting some work done can be a key attraction.

Friendly location

With gas prices rising, many millennials prefer walking, biking, or public transit for their commutes. A great location is key.

Energy savings

Millennials are often more conscious of energy conservation and efficiency. Energy-efficient appliances, energy-efficient windows, and quality insulation can make a huge difference.

Phrases to Avoid When You're Buying a Home

Sometimes you need to keep a poker face when you’re buying a home. It’s not in your best interest to be totally candid with the seller and listing agent when you’re considering a home. Here  are a few things that are better left unsaid:

“This is at the top end of our budget”: Don’t let the listing agent know that a home is at the top of your budget. You want to keep all the bargaining chips you can, and letting the seller know your budget can hurt you when it comes time to negotiate.

“I hate the paint”: Or furniture. Or cabinets. Or any of the decor. No matter how hideous the wallpaper in the kitchen is, take care not to insult the seller’s taste. If they’re considering multiple offers, you don’t want to be the buyer that offended the seller!

“We can’t wait to renovate”: Customization is one of the big perks of homeownership, but it’s best to keep your renovation plans quiet for the moment. The seller may have a lot of memories in the home, and may not appreciate your plans to immediately tear down some walls.

History of Honeymoon Island

One of the top attractions in Dunedin, Florida is Honeymoon Island State Park. Located only a short drive from the city life of Tampa, it's a popular spot for locals and tourists. The over four miles of beach and a three-mile nature trail offer a multitude of activities for a day spent on the island. 

Like so many things in Dunedin, Honeymoon Island has a long and fascinating history. Originally known as Hog Island, its first known settler is Henry Scharrer who made the island his homestead in the late 1800s. Henry lived on Hog Island with his wife, Catherine, who died in April 1902, and his daughter, Myrtle, who traveled by rowboat to and from Dunedin each day in order to attend school. 

In 1921, a hurricane split Hog Island into two and created what is known today as Hurricane Pass. The land owned by Henry was on the land which would later be known as Caladesi Island. The other half was, at the time, being used as a hog farm. Eventually, the land was purchased by Clinton M. Washburn in 1938, who tried to sell the land a year later but couldn't. After joking that the island would be the perfect location for a honeymoon to a Life magazine editor, the story hit the newswire and soon people were requesting to do just that, eventually leading to its current name, Honeymoon Island.

By the end of 1940, fifty huts were built on Honeymoon Island along with a recreation hall, bathhouse, water tower, landing pier, sewer system, and a chapel. The island had an airstrip for couples to arrive by plane; however, most visitors were brought to the island by a cabin cruiser named Seabiscuit. 

After the end of World War II, storms destroyed the huts on the island, and in 1956, Washburn sold Honeymoon Island to Arthur Vining Davis. Then in 1974, the State of Florida purchased 113 acres, took six more years to purchase the remaining parcels of land, and on December 7, 1981, the area was named Honeymoon Island State Recreation Area. In October 1982, Honeymoon Island State Park opened.

Thanks to the Dunedin Causeway which celebrated its grand opening on December 13, 1964, visitors to Honeymoon Island were no longer limited to only arriving by boat. Over the years, the Dunedin Causeway have seen changes with the addition of landscaping which provides a scenic drive to the island for a day at the beach.

Each day Honeymoon Island provides waves, sand, sunshine, nature, and breathtaking sunsets to its visitors. It is no wonder that it is loved by Dunedin residents and attracts visitors from around the world. 

It's Great Time to Buy, so You May Be Wondering Which Down Payment Strategy is Right for You?

If you have been following the real estate market, you have probably heard that interest rates are low making now a great time to buy. You may be seriously considering starting a home search and take advantage of the low rates. However, it's possible you are concerned about having enough of a down payment.

You’ve most likely heard the rule: Save for a 20-percent down payment before you buy a home. The logic behind saving 20 percent is solid, as it shows that you have the financial discipline and stability to save for a long-term goal. It also helps you get favorable rates from lenders.

But there can actually be financial benefits to putting down a small down payment—as low as three percent—rather than parting with so much cash up front, even if you have the money available.

THE DOWNSIDE

The downsides of a small down payment are pretty well known. You’ll have to pay Private Mortgage Insurance for years, and the lower your down payment, the more you’ll pay. You’ll also be offered a lesser loan amount than borrowers who have a 20-percent down payment, which will eliminate some homes from your search.

THE UPSIDE

The national average for home appreciation is about five percent. The appreciation is independent from your home payment, so whether you put down 20 percent or three percent, the increase in equity is the same. If you’re looking at your home as an investment, putting down a smaller amount can lead to a higher return on investment, while also leaving more of your savings free for home repairs, upgrades, or other investment opportunities.

THE HAPPY MEDIUM

Of course, your home payment options aren’t binary. Most borrowers can find some common ground between the security of a traditional 20 percent and an investment-focused, small down payment. Your trusted real estate professional can provide some answers as you explore your financing options.

Fun Ways to Celebrate the 4th of July at Home

This year has presented a lot of unique challenges, and all of us have needed to adapt to a new normal. With social distancing, mandatory masks, and many typical events cancelled this year, our 4th of July festivities are bound to be a lot different this year. Despite the changes, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate this weekend and stay safe.

1. Stream a Virtual Fireworks Show - Check out websites like YouTube for fireworks shows of the past to stream on your TV, or if you are able, set up a screen outside.

2. Make It a Patriotic Movie Night - Grab some popcorn and watch a patriotic film like "Independence Day", "Top Gun," and "1776", or stream "Hamilton" now available on Disney+.

3. Organize a Socially Distanced Parade - Put together a small march through your neighborhood with a patriotic theme, and you can make it more festive with decorated bikes, strollers, and wagons.

4. Bake and Enjoy Red, White, and Blue Treats - Bake some cupcakes and cookies, and have fun decorating them with patriotic colored icing and sprinkles.

5. Have a Good Old Fashioned Cookout - Grilling and celebrating the 4th of July tend to go hand in hand. Grill up some hot dogs and hamburgers with all your favorite fixings and sides for a great at home celebration.

6. Throw a Backyard Water Party - Enjoy a day of fun and games in the pool, or if you don't have a pool, pull out the sprinklers and hose for a fun-filled day that avoids the crowds at the beach.

7. Don't Forget to Dress Festively - Dress head to toe in red, white, and blue, and maybe spend some time crafting and making your own patriotic accessories. Add an extra dose of fun with some face painting and fake tattoos.

8. Check Out What Socially Distancing Activities Your Town is Hosting - Although most traditional celebrations have been cancelled, many towns are still hosting a few activities. Head to your local government's Facebook page or website for more info. 

Create an Evacuation Plan for Your Pets

An evacuation plan is a necessity for every home, especially if you live in an area where fires, earthquakes, hurricanes, flooding, and other disasters are a possibility. Many homeowners create evacuation plans for their homes and practice them with their kids, but far fewer have considered one for their pets. Take these steps to add your pets to your evacuation plan.

Assign pet evacuation to an adult. Everyone should know how to act during an evacuation, and that includes assigning one parent or adult to the pets. This allows the other parent and the children to focus on their part of the evacuation plan, so there’s no confusion during a high-stress moment when time is of the essence.

Keep evacuation maps and pet carriers readily accessible. If you need to evacuate, you should know exactly where every important item is. If you pets require carriers, keep them in a place that you can access easily.

Practice your plan. Include your pets in your home evacuation drills. It’ll help you see how they will respond and make changes to your plan if necessary. Getting your dog out of a window may not be as simple as you think!

Be prepared in case you get separated from your pets. No matter how much you drill your evacuation plan, it’s possible that a dog or cat will run off while you’re focusing on keeping your family safe. A microchip or a GPS-compatible tag can help you find your pets once it’s safe to return to the area.

Happy Motivation Monday! 10 Quotes to Start Your Week

It's Monday... Time to MOTIVATE and make DREAMS and GOALS happen! Let's GO!

 

When you can't control what's happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond to what's happening. That's where your power is.

You can never cross the ocean unless you have courage to lose sight of the shore.

You're not meant to do what is easy. You're meant to challenge yourself. ~ Justin Timberlake

Challenges are what make life interesting. Overcoming them is what makes them meaningful.

If you can dream it, you can do it. ~ Walt Disney

Stop letting people who do so little for you control so much of your mind, feelings and emotions. ~ Will Smith

It takes ten times as long to put yourself back together as it does to fall apart. ~ Mockingjay

Breathe in. Breathe out. Move on. ~ Jimmy Buffett

If you want to feel rich, just count all the gifts you have that money can't buy.

Five Tips for Reducing Clutter

It doesn’t take much time to go from a perfectly organized room to a cluttered, chaotic mess. Papers pile up on surfaces, coats and bags end up on furniture, shoe boxes and shopping bags get stuffed in the first place you can find. But if you’re proactive, you can avoid the common clutter traps. Here are five ideas for reducing clutter:

 1. Have a place for the things you bring into the house each day: Do what you can do create an easy place to put your outerwear, mail, keys, phone, and the other things you bring home each day. Coat racks, mail holders, and a catch-all basket give you an easy, consistent place to put your everyday items.

 2. Get a basket for once-worn clothes: There are some clothing items that may not need to be washed or put away immediately after one use, like sweaters or denim. These items often end up on the bedroom floor. Instead, put them in a specific basket for items that aren’t yet ready for the laundry room.

 3. Keep kitchen tools off the counter: It’s really easy to let items pile up on the kitchen counters, and all that clutter can be frustrating when it’s time to make a meal. To reduce clutter, use wall racks to keep cooking utensils off the counter.

 4. Designate a no-clutter zone: This one’s simple. Simply choose an important surface or space (like a coffee table), clear it of clutter, and focus on keeping that one area totally organized.

 5. Keep the dining room table set: Not only is a set table pleasant to the eye, but it also makes it nearly impossible for the table to gather clutter. Thanks to the plates and silverware, there’s no room for your junk mail.

Dunedin's Best of 2020

Dunedin, Florida is located on the Florida's Gulf Coast. It is home to stunning sandy beaches, the Dunedin Blue Jays, spring training for the Toronto Blue Jays, and numerous outstanding restaurants, shops, and locations. 

In the May/June 2020 issue of Tampa Bay Magazine, readers voted for their "best of" favorites. Over 25 businesses, restaurants, and locations throughout Dunedin appeared in this year's list providing additional reasons why if you haven't yet, a visit to Dunedin must be on your to do list, and with all that it has to offer, if you are considering a Florida move, Dunedin should definitely be on your list of possible home shopping locations. 

Best Art Center Dining - Palm Café, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Art Classes - Dunedin Fine Art Center, 1143 Michigan Blvd, Dunedin

Best Bagels - Dunedin Bagels and Deli, 716 Main St, Dunedin

Best Bakery - The Scone Age Bakery and Cafe, 332 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Boat Ride - Caladesi Island Ferry, leaves from the west end of Dunedin Causeway

Best Bookstore - Back in the Day Books, 355 Main St, Dunedin

Best Breakfast - Our Place, 1617 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cajun Food - Happy's Bayou Bites, 431 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin

Best Casual Seafood - Old Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market, 51 Main St, Dunedin

Best Chinese Cuisine - Ha Long Bay, 2192 Main St, Dunedin

Best Cookies - Kookie Krums, 513 Main St, Dunedin

Best Dry Cleaners - Dunedin's Dry Cleaners, 304 Monroe St, Dunedin

Best Florida-Style Cuisine - Hog Island Fish Camp, 900 Broadway, Dunedin

Best Gastro Pub - Clear Sky Draught Haus, 680 Main St, Dunedin

Best Gourmet Pizza - Pan y Vino Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar, 369 Main St, Dunedin

Best Grouper Sandwich - Frenchy's Outpost Bar & Grill, 466 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin

Best History Museum - Dunedin History Museum, 349 Main St, Dunedin

Best Homestyle Italian Dining - Julian's Little Italy, 916-A Patricia Ave, Dunedin

Best Ice Cream - Strachan's Homemade Ice Cream, 310 Main St, Dunedin

Best Leather Repair - J&M Shoe Repair, 1107 Main St, Dunedin

Best Mexican Restaurant - Casa Tina, 365 Main St, Dunedin

Best Outdoor Dining - The Terrace Café at Bon Appétit, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Restaurant on the Pinellas Trail - Cafe Alfresco, 344 Main St, Dunedin

Best Sandwiches - Marguerite's Cafe and Catering, 405 Plaza Dr, Dunedin

Best Waterfront Restaurant - Bon Appétit Restaurant, 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin

Best Wedding Venue - Historic Andrews Memorial Chapel, 1899 San Mateo Drive, Dunedin

Best Wieners - Hot Dogs on Main, 505 Main St, Dunedin

As Tampa Bay Magazine's Best of 2020 shows, Dunedin offers a wide variety of locations that are loved by many throughout Tampa Bay. Come to Dunedin, fall in love! 

Make sure to pick up the May/June 2020 Issue of Tampa Bay Magazine to learn more about all the winners in Dunedin and see the complete list with all of the fabulous winners throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

Stay Motivated! It's a New Month, New Week, New Day

Happy June! As we stride into a new month, one thing that probably rings true for all of us is that 2020 has not been an easy year. The last couple months have been bumpy to say the least. There have been a lot of ups and downs, laughter and tears, persevering and thoughts of quitting. Each and every day whether I hit a breaking point or not, I strive to be grateful again and again for the big and the small. 

As I have said before, when I am feeling down and hopeless, I reach for one of my many books of quotes. Within a few simple sentences, I know I will find the motivation to pick myself back up and keep going. Things are tough right now, but don't stop being grateful, holding onto the things that motivate you to put one foot in front of the other, and never forget no matter how bad it seems there is always some good in the world worth fighting for. 

All you have to do is be yourself and live the story that no one else can live -- the story of your own unique life. Be proud. Be confident. And, most of all, be happy.

To learn, you have to listen. To improve, you have to try. - Thomas Jefferson

Don't think too much. You'll create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all. - Disney's Mulan

Here's the secret, kids. None of us can vow to be perfect. In the end, all we can do is promise to love each other with everything we got. - How I Met Your Mother

A good life is when you smile often, dream big, laugh a lot, and realize how blessed you are for what you have.

Take a chance. You never know what might happen.

Living with a broken heart is hard, but it can never doom you to be a broken person.

We must all make the choice between what is right and what is easy. - Albus Dumbledore

You haven't lost your ability to do good things with life, even if it never loses its ability to do bad things to you.

5 Negotiating Tactics That Can Kill a Sale

Negotiation is a subtle art in real estate, but skilled negotiators can usually find some common ground that satisfies all parties. On the other hand, using the wrong negotiation tactics can sink a deal pretty quickly. Here are some negotiation tactics buyers (and real estate professionals) should avoid:

Lowball offers: Going far below market value when you make an offer damages your credibility as a buyer and can be insulting to the seller. The seller has a range in mind that they’ll accept, and if you’re not even approaching the low end of that range, they won’t even consider the offer.

Incremental negotiations: Don’t continue to go back to the seller with small increases in your offer ($1,000 or less). The constant back-and-forth can grow tiresome and lead the seller to consider other opportunities.

“Take it or leave it”: Try not to draw a line in the sand with your initial offer. The seller can get defensive and consider other offers if you immediately show that you’re unwilling to budge. Even if it’s true, don’t make a show of it.

Nitpicking after inspection: Obviously if inspection reveals a major issue, it should be factored into the final sale price. But insisting on a lower price for every minor repair can put negotiations in a stalemate.

Asking for more, more, more: Some buyers will request that the sellers throw in add-ons like furniture or appliances that weren’t included in the listing. Try to avoid giving the seller a reason to build up resentment and think that you’re being greedy.

Meet Dunedin's Sister City - Stirling, Scotland

The city of Dunedin, Florida was named by two Scotsman, J.O. Douglas and James Somerville, and the name comes from Dùn Èideann, which is the Scottish Gaelic name for Edinburgh. The city continues to maintain and embrace its Scottish roots with the Dunedin Highland Games, the City of Dunedin Pipe Band, and as sister city to Stirling, Scotland.

Last year, I spent my birthday in Stirling, Scotland. Located about an hour from Edinburgh, Stirling is rich with history, was voted the safest city in the United Kingdom in 2017, and is considered one of the most affordable cities to live in the UK. It's renowned as the Gateway to the Highlands, and a recommended stop along the way.

Major battles during the Wars of Scottish Independence took place at Stirling Bridge, and fans of the 1995 movie, Braveheart, will recall the Battle of Stirling Bridge as the "Hold" scene. Today visitors to Stirling can visit the National Wallace Monument, a tower sitting on the shoulder of Abbey Crag, a hilltop which overlooks Stirling.

Many travelers, like myself, venture to Stirling to tour Stirling Castle, one of the largest and most important castles in Scotland. Sitting atop Castle Hill, it is easily spotted when driving into the city.

Prior to exploring Stirling Castle, we walked a little into Old Town to see a little of the city and for a quick breakfast. A short walk through this area and you are quickly surrounded by centuries of history. It is hard not to wonder about the past story of every building you stroll past.

Once inside Stirling Castle, prepare to spend hours exploring every inch of the castle grounds. Even knowing it was one of the largest castles in the country, I was still amazed by the fact that every turn delivered more and more to explore.

As you walk around, you will find throughout that there are walls and hills you can climb atop to be treated to some breathtaking views of Stirling and the surrounding area... even on a cloudy day. Some of those hills can get a little steep and slippery when wet (and let's face it, it's Scotland so rain is almost a given), so I recommend wearing hiking boots or something similar with great traction. I happened to have my hiking boots on because we were planning to drive the hour to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and I am so glad I did. One of my favorite experiences at Stirling Castle was standing in the middle of a large hill and being treated to 360 degrees of amazing sights.

Besides climbing hills and staircases to the top of walls, be prepared for descending steps and crawling through some smaller spaces during your exploration of the castle. If you are like me and want to see every corner of a castle, make sure to follow every path and turn, and you are certain to discover some intriguing and often quiet area that others missed. Additionally, there were at least eight sieges of Stirling Castle, and damage from these can still be spotted on walls.

Of course, you will also find yourself in the Royal Apartments, the Chapel Royal, and the Great Hall (make sure to have your royal moment sitting on the throne). Throughout these areas you will spot Scotland's national animal, the unicorn.

It was a memorable visit full of exploration and history to the sister city of my current home. If you ever find yourself in Scotland be sure to include Stirling Castle on your Must See List. You will not be disappointed.