With the return to school underway, summertime crowds in tourist hotspots begin to fade. The weather starts to cool, which means it’s the perfect time to plan your next adventure. Deep in the heart of Italy’s famed Tuscany region is a paradise for art lovers, history buffs and food aficionados.
When the autumn air feels crisper, the days begin to shorten and the leaves turn brilliant shades of gold before fluttering to the ground, I’m always reminded of the harvest season.
Sometimes you just need to wait for the oppressive heat of the summer to fade away before you can truly enjoy some of Europe’s best locations. With a family in tow, avoiding the heat can be even more important, especially with little ones.
Austria invokes images of sophisticated elegance and quiet refinement. Often seen as an extension of Germany, Austria is more like a genteel cousin with its history, culture and identity.
Autumn is our favorite time of year in Deutschland. The seasonal specialties in restaurants around town are to die for; trees turn from green to gold to burgundy; and beer and wine flow freely at lively festivals nearly every weekend.
London’s got Buckingham Palace, Paris can claim Versailles and Saint Petersburg has its Winter Palace. The German state of Baden-Württemberg has a no less stunning entrant in the palace sweeps: the Residenzschloss Ludwigsburg, or Ludwigsburg Palace.
Contemplating your upcoming Black Forest holiday, certain images inevitably spring to mind. Hikes through dense pine forests and past thundering waterfalls. Buying a cuckoo clock from the very craftsman who carved the piece. Feasting on a certain luscious and creamy cherry-chocolate cake.
Named one of the happiest places to live in the U.K., Inverness is situated on the northern coast of Scotland and is the capital and largest city of the Scottish Highlands.
The spectacular Swiss city of Geneva is a combination of Alpine beauty and bustling metropolitan life. Located on the southern shores of Lac Léman (Lake Geneva) in the southwest corner of Switzerland near the French border, it is the second-largest city in the country.
Shopping and eating are some of my favorite pastimes when visiting big cities. Whether you want to find unique souvenirs for loved ones back in the States or nosh on some delicious local eats, street markets are some of the best and most authentic spots to hit up.
The incredibly scenic Amalfi Coast of southern Italy is nothing short of astounding. The sparkling blue seawater paired with quaint villages and delicious food lures visitors from all over the world. For the perfect beach experience, visit Spiaggia Grande in Positano.
Northern Ireland is as beautiful as it is complicated. As its name implies, the country is perched on the northern edge of Ireland. With the Republic of Ireland to the south, the city of Derry (Londonderry) shares a tumultuous past with both nations.
There’s no denying Venice’s beauty. With more than 150 canals snaking their way through the heart of the main island of Venice, it’s easy to get lost wandering over bridges and along the waterways. However, the Veneto district is comprised of more than 120 small islands.
Home brewing has always been a hobby for Dave and Daniela Bruce of Fox River Brewery. Though this “hobby” has gotten a bit bigger—the menu lists more than 35 different beers and has become a whole family affair—the brewery still feels like a hobby.
Sometimes you just need to get away for a while—forget about the laundry and let the grass grow a bit higher—just take a break. If you’re looking for a fun diversion, Metz, France, is the perfect destination to relax and satisfy many of the things that are not on your “to do” list.
