I showed up to De Dames in the morning already a little curious because I had seen it pop up a few times on Google, and I could tell right away why people talk about it. The whole place is colorful, open, and set up around a courtyard, so you’re basically sitting in this mix of indoor and outdoor space.
If you’re building out your list, this is an easy one to add—I break it down more in my 10 Best Things to Do in Curaçao (what I’d do again).
We grabbed a table and immediately noticed how much was going on visually. There’s color everywhere, different seating areas, and it has that slightly artsy look. It felt relaxed, but still put together enough that I actually wanted to sit and enjoy my breakfast instead of rushing through it.
Some tables get more sun than others. It can get warm depending on where you sit. Just something to pay attention to when you’re picking your spot.
I ordered the fruity French toast and didn’t even hesitate on that (sweets first, always). It came out exactly how I wanted it—fresh, a little sweet, and not overly heavy.
Brad ordered pancakes, bacon, hashbrowns, and a fresh juice so we had a mix of everything, which ended up being the right move here. Everything balanced out well and nothing felt like a throwaway side.
Save this for later on Pinterest so you don’t forget it.
I worked my way through everything on the table and kept going back to the French toast the most. The pancakes were solid, the bacon and hashbrowns helped balance out the sweeter stuff, and the juice was fresh and delicious.
The food did what it needed to do. It tasted good, portions were normal, and I left full, but it didn’t stand out the same way some other spots did. I kept thinking about meals I had at Number Ten and Hofi Cas Cora, and those stuck with me more.
If you’re comparing breakfast spots, Best Breakfast in Curaçao breaks down how these all stack up.
I made a reservation before going, and we walked right in without waiting, which I always appreciate when I have a full day planned and don’t want to waste time standing around for a table. There weren’t too many people there when we went though, so you could probably get away without one.
The crowd was a mix of locals and tourists, which I usually take as a good sign.
I looked at the bill after ordering everything and it felt pretty reasonable for Curaçao, especially for a sit-down breakfast in a setting like this. It didn’t feel overpriced for what we got.
I thought about where this fits on the island after leaving, and I wouldn’t drive across Curaçao just to eat here. If I was staying on the west side, I’d stay closer to that area instead.
If you’re already nearby or heading this direction, it makes sense to stop here. Renting a car makes this easier and helps you move around without relying on anything else.
I walked out thinking De Dames Curaçao is a really solid breakfast with a fun setup and good food. I’d come back if I was nearby and wanted something relaxed in a colorful setting.
If I only had time for one breakfast, I’d probably go somewhere else on my list first. But if you’re in the area and want something a little different visually, this still stacks (pancake pun ha) up.
Before planning your days, I’d also look at Where to Stay in Curaçao (Best Areas + Hotels) so you’re not driving back and forth more than you need to.
Haywood Smokehouse is the BBQ spot that ruins you for every other BBQ spot. Lean brisket so tender it doesn’t need the fat, fried pork ribs you won’t find anywhere else, and don’t sleep on the banana pudding for dessert.
Save this before your next Waynesville or Dillsboro trip 🍖🔥
Booked this Bryson City yurt for the ‘ber months and it’s already my top fall pick this year. 🍂
The Junaluska Yurt sleeps six but feels more like a stylish cabin than a yurt, two real queen bedrooms with actual doors, a full kitchen, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. Check-in is just a door code texted to your phone, no lobby, no waiting.
The real win is outside: wraparound porch, private fire pit, free firewood, a gas grill, and Smoky Mountain sunsets that stop you mid-sentence, picture all of that with October color on the ridgeline. Heads up, the last stretch in is a gravel road, so skip the low-profile rental, and there’s no restaurant onsite, you’re minutes from Bryson City, Dillsboro, and Sylva for dinner.
Two to three nights is the sweet spot. (We actually stayed in the dead of winter and it was still stunning, fall just takes it up a notch.) Full review linked in bio.
Italian food felt like the last thing I expected to find in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains... until I sat down at Ilda in Sylva.🍝
They call it Italian-Appalachian, and that’s not just a tagline. Homemade pasta, craft cocktails, local ingredients pulled straight from the mountains around it, this is the kind of meal that makes you forget you’re two hours from the nearest city. It’s cozy, it’s a little upscale, and it is not a walk-in kind of place, call ahead, because tables go fast on weekends.
It’s not cheap, and it’s not trying to be. But if you’re already making the trip out to Sylva, this is the one reservation worth planning your day around.
Full write-up, including what to order, link in bio.
Booked my fall cabin before September even started, and I’m not sorry about it. 🍂
These are the stays that make you actually want the cold to hurry up fireplaces, mountain views, the kind of porch you don’t leave. Not every one of these is going to fit every trip, but if a cozy fall getaway is on your radar, this is the roundup to start with.
One of my favorite travel seasons is almost here, and I have zero chill about it. 🍁✈️
There’s just something about fall trips cooler air, apple orchards, that first flannel of the season, food that actually makes sense with the weather again. I’m already mentally packing for it before September even starts.
If fall is your favorite time to travel too, tell me where you’re headed... I’m taking notes for the list.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
