Ballyfin Demesne

Although we have been to Europe several times, we have not yet been able to make it to Ireland. It seems like every time we plan a European vacation one of us suggests it but we ultimately decide that we will wait until next time. Well, at least that was until I stumbled upon the majestic Ballyfin Demesne...

Tuscan Dreams

After almost three years to the day we will be returning to Italy, this time for our honeymoon! While we have sincerely loved every region of Italy that we've visited, Tuscany has a very special place in our hearts. During our five days in the countryside we said countless times how romantic it was, and how perfect it would be for a honeymoon. 

Amsterdam Travel Guide

We recently spent three days in Amsterdam, and although the weather was gloomy and I was recovering from a terrible stomach virus that I caught on our last night in Paris, we had the most amazing time and are already dreaming about when we will be able to return. For those of you who haven't been or are planning a trip {I'm envious!} I've pulled together some of my recommendations for where to stay, what to see, and of course - what to eat!

Our Honeymoon Plans Part II: Lake Como

Though we have spent several weeks in Italy, we have never been able to make it far enough north to visit Lake Como. The pristine lake has long been a favorite European holiday destination and has been featured in films such as Casino Royal, advertising campaigns, novels, and regularly by the media {thanks in part to George Clooney owning a famous villa there}. Over the years I have daydreamed about visiting {as evidenced by this blog post}, and in the back of my mind I kept telling myself to wait, and maybe, just maybe, we could go for our honeymoon. I'm absolutely thrilled to say we will be doing just that, and will be spending three days on Italy's most beautiful lake.

Travel :: Paris, France

Ryan and I spent a few days in Paris over the holiday season, and it was pure magic. It was my fourth time to the City of Light and every time I return I seem to fall more and more in love with the city. We stayed at the beautiful Grand Hotel Du Palais Royal and, having already been to most of the popular tourist destinations on other trips, we didn't feel pressured to try to fit everything into our four days.

Amsterdam

Our three days in Amsterdam were grey, misty, and wonderful. Even in cloudy weather the city absolutely shines. Our hotel was ideally located on one of the most beautiful canals surrounded by quaint shops, restaurants, and bars. We would literally spend the entire day from dawn to dusk just wandering the picturesque canals, stopping into antique stores, and admiring the architecture. Our last day we rented bikes {a must} and visited the stunning Rijksmuseum, then took a boat cruise down the canals to admire the illuminated art installations of the Amsterdam Light Festival. The city was incredibly accessible and welcoming, within about an hour we were already talking about how we could easily imagine ourselves living there.

The Hoxton, Amsterdam

If you follow me on Instagram you probably already know that we recently traveled to Paris and Amsterdam over the New Year. It was a spontaneous trip which I think could actually be the best kind! I had about a month to plan everything from our flights to our transportation to our accommodations, which was surprisingly a lot easier than I had excepted {one of the many perks of traveling in the “off season}. 

Travel :: Mallorca, Spain

On this cold and rainy Friday I'm dreaming about the golden sun and sea breeze of Mallorca, Spain. My perfect trip? Start by visiting the design mecca that is the Hotel Cort in the beautiful Balearic capital of Palma De Mallorca. Be sure to check out the 13th-century Santa María Cathedral—a sea-side Gothic architectural feat commonly called La Seu—and Avenida Jaume III for fantastic shopping, restaurants, and bars. Then head north to the stunning mountain town of Deia to the Belmond La Residencia which offers sweeping views of the countryside, private art classes with local artists, and guided walks through the property's olive and citrus groves. Can't you almost smell the salty air?

Travel Guide :: Val D'Orcia, Tuscany

There aren't many places that have captivated me more than the Val D'Orcia region of Tuscany.  Perhaps it's the fact that the rolling hillsides dotted with dancing cypress trees, grape vines, and clear blue skies make you feel like you've just stepped into an Impressionist painting.  Maybe it's the fact that some of the best wine in the world is just steps away from nearly everywhere you are.  It could be the pasta.  Or the incredibly kind people.  But whatever it is, I absolutely fell in love with this region and dream about the day I will return.

Travel Guide :: The Cinque Terre

I have a confession to make.  I'm going through a serious case of FOMO.  My mom and stepdad just left for a three week trip to Italy, one of my best friends is currently jet-setting in the Greek Isles, and two of my other friends are hopping through Europe.  As much as I love social media sometimes it does make you feel like everyone is off on fabulous adventures but you.  

Travel :: London, England

My first visit to London could not have been more perfect.  I stayed with a dear friend, Ashley, whose Westminster flat was less than a block away from Parliament and the River Thames.  While she worked I explored the Tate Britain and the stunning Natural History Museum, did my Christmas shopping at Harrods, marveled at the beautiful row houses {I felt like I was on the set of 'Oliver Twist!'}, and wandered along the Thames through Holiday Markets, past funky street art, by colorful storefronts, and finally across the Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral.  Together we headed to the West End to see Jersey Boys, shopped at Camden Market, took an evening boat ride down the River Thames, explored the boutiques and galleries of Shoreditch, ate our way through Borough Market, had high tea at the Harrods Tea Room, and spent our evenings catching up with bottles of wine.  I absolutely loved the city's vibrant energy, fascinating history, and unique mix of tradition and modernity, and can't wait to visit Ashley again!

Travel :: Vienna, Austria

Vienna, Austria's Imperial City, was the third stop on my solo trip through Europe.  The architecture was stunning and the history was fascinating.  I loved spending a day at the Hofburg and a day at the Schönbrunn Palace, learning about the lives and legacies of the Hapsburgs.  The coffee houses were unlike any I had seen before, my absolute favorite being the ridiculously beautiful Demel {Starbucks will never be the same}.  I dined at by far the best vegetarian restaurant I have ever visited...Tian.  The food was out of this world delicious and the ambiance was just as outstanding.  If you are ever in Vienna and are looking for something other than the traditional Wiener Schnitzel I could not recommend it enough.  Oh, and I have to mention that I saw some of the most unbelievable sunsets in Vienna.  I don't know if it was just coincidence but every night the vanilla skies were more unbelievable than the last!

Travel :: Russia

Happy Monday friends!  I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.  I finally found time to read {"The Fault in Our Stars" and "The Interestings"}, went to the Indianapolis Winter Beer Fest, and may or may not have watched the Puppy Bowl instead of the Superbowl...don't judge :)

Perhaps it's because the Sochi Winter Olympics start this week, but today I have been daydreaming of a snow-covered trip to Russia.  I'd love to see Red Square, the beautiful Catherine's Palace, St. Basil's Cathedral, the ballet at Mikhailovsky Theater, wander through snow covered forests, and visit a tea house {or two}.  Don't these images make you feel like you could just close your eyes and step back in Tolstoy's 19th century Russia?  So beautiful...

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European Christmas Markets

I love to travel.  It fuels my spirit and quenches my thirst for excitement, challenge, and personal growth.  Last year I spent over a month traveling across Europe on my own {a life-changing experience} and flew back to the United States two days before Thanksgiving.  I was definitely ready to come home and see my friends, family, and Ryan {he met me at the airport with a big bouquet of flowers...awww}, however, my one regret was that I was not able to stay through December to visit some of the world-famous European Christmas Markets.  It is definitely a bucket list experience for me and I think would be the perfect way to ring in the holiday season.  I have rounded up five Christmas Markets that I think would be especially amazing below:

Innsbruck, Austria: I have only taken the train through this beautiful Alpine town, but seeing it just for those few moments was enough to make me want more.  Nestled in the mountains and covered with snow, Innsbruck is the perfect place for winter sports enthusiasts.  Skiing by day and drinking mulled wine while wandering the quaint Christmas Markets at night?  Sign me up!

Prague, Czech Republic: Another European gem I have not yet visited is Prague.  This beautiful city is home to some of the most impressive Christmas Markets in Europe.  Streets and squares house brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional gifts such as glassware, ornaments, scarves, dolls, and wooden toys alongside local cuisine including pastries, meats, and beer {of course}.  Plus, the city is a cultural center filled with amazing architecture, museums, and art.  I think Prague would be wonderful any time of the year, but at Christmas?  So romantic! 

Amsterdam, the Netherlands: Amsterdam, with it's beautiful canals, vibrant culture, and intricate architecture, is the perfect destination for a week-long winter getaway.  Its long, dark nights are lit up with twinkling lights and over a dozen Christmas Markets.  But, I think what makes Amsterdam the most special is that in the winter the frozen canals turn the entire city into a skating rink!  Can you imagine, ice skating to work?

Vienna, Austria: I visited this glorious royal city last year {see photos here} and was there just days before the Christmas Markets began {I actually was able to see them setting up the huge market and tree at the Schonbrunn Palace..so gorgeous}.  This city is absolutely stunning, and I can only imagine how much more beautiful it would be covered with Christmas lights and a fresh coat of snow.  Plus, you can see the world-famous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, visit the Hofburg and Schonbrunn Palaces, and eat Apple Strudel at Demel.  Simply magic.

Munich, Germany: Perhaps the country most famous for Christmas Markets, this German market {whose roots go back to the 14th century} is held in Munich's beautiful city center.  Sellers offer traditional Bavarian Christmas Gifts such as gingerbread and glassware from the Black Forest.  Each day there are holiday concerts taking place on the balcony of the town hall, creating a wonderful ambiance for shoppers.  I can almost smell the roasted chestnuts...

More holiday travel inspiration: Christmas in New York // Lapland, Findland

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