The Milk Parlour - Portrush, UK

How do you keep a kid compliant? Bribery. Shameless and undisguised bribery in the form of gelato.  

Big girl is super-good as we walk the streets of Portrush, shopping here, looking there. Her reward is a cup of Salted Caramel Brownie ice cream, complete with chubby chunks of the baked stuff. It looked real good, but I wouldn't know - she sure as heck wasn't sharing. 

Anne’s Cafe - Portrush, UK

I’ve never had such good food from such an unappealing menu. All basics, all boring, but they make boring good. 

Everything here has such pure flavors, like this rock of a plain Scone that leaves the clean taste of fresh flour to linger. I've never seen the kiddos eat anything so feverishly fast. 

The Breakfast Wrap is the most delightful burrito, wrapping eggs and the meats of the Ulster fry inside a large tortilla. The beans are a bonus. 

Is it me or does the beef taste more like beef? A Cheeseburger is just a cheeseburger, but this patty is just so good, and the soft, fluffy roll ties it all together.

We didn’t realize how much they were gouging us up at the causeway. The portions here are bigger, the quality better than comparable, for literally less than half the cost. I don't know what it is about this sweet little cafe with its nondescript decor and platefuls of familiar food, but its charm is undeniable. I'm sure there's similar or better food throughout the town, but I'd 100% come here again. 

Northern Ireland 7/29 - Day 5

Our last day at the causeway has us itching to explore. 

We start with a Dunluce Castle drive-by with not enough time to stop. 

We opt instead for a leisurely walk through the pretty little seaside town of Portrush, with its scenic harbor and pretty little townhouses overlooking the shore.

I am hell-bent on seeing something touristy, and the Dark Hedges scratch that itch. 

It starts with a stroll past Gracehill House, an elegant structure that withstands the test of time. It retains its Stuart family glamour by serving as a venue for weddings and other fancy occasions. 

Now we make our way up the King's Road. 

The trees are so beautiful, holding against wind and rain, staunch and strong despite the weather damage they've sustained over the years. 

It is the most beautiful stroll along a pedestrian-only road, photo dump below.