It was a time of pandemic, a time of war, and a time of uncertainty amongst those who valued bodily autonomy and followed fiscal markets. But it was not from a Dickens novel from yesteryear. It was in the Summer of 2022. There was so much chaos that in many ways we became accustomed to it. It faded into the background as a white noise playlist on Spotify. Sometimes you needed an escape from it. There were so many false dawns the last 2 years, that it became painfully obvious there wasn’t going to be a perfect time to travel internationally around the corner. So instead of biding our time, we followed the old axiom of “carpe diem.”
For a milestone birthday, we decided to explore Porto & the Duoro Valley for our first international trip in nearly 3 years. Fortuitous for us, the timing of our trip coincided with the Sao Joao festival in Porto! Despite being Portugal’s second largest city, Porto blends the old and the new well with a UNESCO worthy historic downtown along with Michelin level dining. And it’s strategic location at the mouth of the mighty Duoro river makes it the perfect starting point to explore the gorgeous and award-winning vineyards further upstream in the Duoro Valley. We would recommend at least 36 hours (1.5 days) in the city of Porto and at least an additional 24 hours (1 day) for the Duoro Valley itself. To be honest, we covered a massive amount of ground on this trip. But when you are fortunate enough to travel kid-less for a few days (the grandparents were watching our toddler), you better take advantage of that window. As a side note, we really enjoyed the beautiful vineyards and the meandering roads of the Duoro Valley so much that we wouldn’t have minded an extra day there to be honest. If you are headed to either Porto or the Duoro Valley, we are certain something in this post will appeal to you and perhaps make it onto your itinerary. So come explore with us.
The secret about Nashville has been out. In fact, Nashville has been having a moment for so long it is almost surprising Andy Cohen does not have a Southern Charm series based on the Tennessee capital. A variety of factors have accelerated the dynamo that is Nashville - a culturally relevant music metropolis; a world class cuisine that is expanding in breadth from classic Southern cuisine to innovative New American and to an ever growing list of international chefs calling Nashville home; its evolution into the ultimate bachelorette party destination; and major infrastructure improvements over the past few years in airport, hotels, and hosting venues drawing droves of musicians, artists, and tourists from across the country and globe. Inevitably, the constant burnishing of light onto Nashville drew new citizens and dreamers to the “Music City” or “Nashvegas”. As Nashville has matured and real estate pricing has inevitably soared, some creative (artists, chefs, mixologists, and restauranteurs) types have ventured into the East Nashville neighborhood. Although we are no longer at the beginning of East Nashville’s rise, one could surmise a Churchill-ian aphorism: “. . . it is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” A decade from now East Nashville will undergo a total metamorphosis from its current state. But if you want to see a Williamsburg (NYC) or Inman Park (Atlanta) at their genesis, then East Nashville is worth a quick visit while you are exploring greater Nashville. Here are some of our recommendations to eat and drink at when you stop by East Nashville (or greater Nashville for that matter).
If the Hudson Valley conjures a bygone era in American History of important Revolutionary War battles, an important transit hub of steamboats and rail between New England, New York City, Montreal, and the Great Lakes in the 19th century, and a beleaguered recent past beset by demographic and economic challenges in the late 20th century you wouldn’t be mistaken. But as the saying “Everything Old is New Again” goes, the Hudson Valley is having a rebirth bolstered by a variety of cultural moments and economic realities. With creative artists and NYC families increasingly priced out of the Big Apple, adventurous chefs seeking to be closer to the source of the farm-to-table revolution, and a growing emphasis among urban millennials and families seeking to unplug and find occasional refuge in pastoral pursuits, the broader Hudson Valley (which encompasses the region north of New York City to the state Capital of Albany) has experienced a renaissance as of late.
As a personal update, we had our daughter (first child) in December of 2019. We were fortunate that both Baby and Mom were both doing well. By early February 2020, our travel itch resurfaced and needed to be scratched. Thanks to the support of loving grandparents who were excited to take care of Baby for one night without us, we were ready for a quick parents getaway. With the invaluable advice of countless friends, we decided to do a quick trip away from Baby for a night; however, one that was within reasonable driving distance of home (that way we could quickly come back, if needed). We chose Beacon, NY given its location along the southern Hudson Valley (shorter driving distance from the greater NYC metropolitan area) as well as its plethora of activities for a 24 hour jaunt even in the heart of winter. We really enjoyed our introduction to the Hudson Valley at Beacon and would definitely come back in the warmer months to pursue more outdoor activities and explore further north.
On hindsight, we were very fortunate to have even taken this trek as within a few weeks of this trip, COVID-19 began its relentless advance into the NY/NJ/CT area and America as a whole. While the world is continuing to be and has indelibly been changed by COVID-19, one day we hope we will all feel secure enough to travel again. When that time comes, we will all tread lightly. And if your road leads you to Beacon, NY, we hope these recommendations make that excursion a little better. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the families who have lost loved ones as well as all the health care workers, first responders, and supply chain workers who work tirelessly to keep us healthy, safe, and nourished.
The Berkshires are not an exact location that you can simply enter into your GPS. They encompass the totality of rural western Massachusetts as New England mingles with the Hudson Valley of New York. They also represent a feeling of escape. A century ago, they were a popular spot for the gilded urbanites of Boston and New York to decamp; a pastoral Newport if you will. Nowadays, the Berkshires offer a different freedom. A chance for those same urban denizens of the northeast corridor to temporarily give up their ersatz connections to constant connectivity and hyperproductivity and seek out a bucolic and verdant holiday to recharge with friends and family and let the mind meander. A fuel for introspection and creativity, the area has been a residence to famed authors Herman Melville and Elizabeth Kolbert, artists such as Norman Rockwell, and even tempting Hollywood glitterati such as composer John Williams and Meryl Streep to buying vacation homes. While peak season in the Berkshires is the summer, we went with some friends in late March as a spring getaway from New York post-vaccination. Read below for our recommendations.
If someone told you there was a place in upstate New York that had Rieslings that could rival those in Germany, possesses breath-taking lakeside views, and has an amazing state park, one would think you are talking about an imaginary place such as Doggerland or Zealandia. Well the truth is the latter two places did exist, albeit now submerged after the last Ice Age. But lucky for you, New York’s wine Shangri-La still exists: The Finger Lakes Region. Despite upstate NY’s reputation for harsh winters secondary to its continental climate, the local microclimates created by the glacially created Finger Lakes themselves as well as nearby Lake Ontario allow for the Finger Lakes region to uniquely and surprisingly support viticulture. Furthermore, the region is often overlooked given the challenge in getting there; the Finger Lakes are far from major metropolitan centers and large well-connected airports. But this arduous path will reward those who complete the trek with wonderful surprises and smaller crowds. In a COVID world where air travel should be eschewed, we chose to take advantage of our vacation days to make the approximately 5 hour drive from NYC to explore the Finger Lakes in early October (when COVID positivity rates in NY were low).
For newbies, please note that the Finger Lakes are 11 vertically-oriented glacial lakes running north-south in northwestern NY. Many amazing vineyards circumferentially dot the 2 largest lakes in the region: Seneca and Cayuga Lakes. Given the large geographic area encompassed by these lakes, it is most effective to concentrate on one lake at a time to minimize driving time and maximize your ability to do as much as possible. Given the many colleges in the region (Cornell University, Ithaca College, etc.), if you are visiting the area to see friends and family, take advantage of the trip and definitely explore the region. We chose to explore Seneca Lake and below are our experiences and recommendations.
As New York was able to keep new COVID infection rates at arm’s length by late summer with assiduous use of PPE and social distancing protocols, we felt it was time to shake off the travel cobwebs albeit in soft-shoe manner. Our last trip in a world before COVID was Beacon (New York). To keep the trip as safe as possible, we decided to again explore a destination within driving distance. We chose to explore a town north of Beacon further along the Hudson River, following the route of Henry Hudson along his eponymous river. While we weren’t seeking the Northwest Passage like the famed Englishman, we were looking for a getaway from the grind with some family members. We placed our pushpin on Hudson (New York), a former manufacturing town that has been revived as a quaint tourist destination for architecture, arts, antiquing, food, and celebrating diversity. Given that we had two infants in our group, we mostly stuck to exploring the food scene, admiring the gorgeous Victorian architecture on Warren St. (and elsewhere), and relaxing. In a post-pandemic world (and without the encumbrance of infants), we would have likely pursued some local hikes and done more antiquing/art galleries. But no matter what brings you to Hudson, we hope you find some of our food recommendations helpful. So for those looking for a quick escape from the Big Apple, definitely check out Hudson as it is only 120 miles away. We list some of our favorite bites to eat below.
Along the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there lies a Shangri-La that captivates eco-tourists, history buffs, artists, writers, musicians, chefs, baristas, brewers, and dreamers donned in flannel and sporting beards. A hipster haven in the heart of Appalachia. Despite being the largest city in the western part of North Carolina, it has less than 100,000 people. But don’t let that fool you; all of that aforementioned creative genius that resides here has transformed this town into one that will easily satisfy your epicurean taste buds.
Mexico City: debunked. (a.k.a CDMX - Ciudad de Mexico; a.k.a Mexico City DF - Distrito Federal). Unfairly burdened by the stereotypes of Western media as a crime-filled megalopolis, one truly will find those tropes to be laughable after a first-hand experience in the heart of Mexico. What you will find is that the most populous city in North America (second-largest in the Western Hemisphere) is actually a world-class city that actually nurtures some of the most creative minds in the world. You can go on a true food and art bender here as the city is blessed with architectural, artistic, and culinary geniuses influenced by the cultural traditions and tapestries of Latin America, Europe, and, of course, all of its rich history from its pre-Columbian era. While tourism to the city is increasing, it is still relatively "under-the-radar"; it was what Iceland was 10 years ago. Yes the city has a few unsafe areas and some heavy traffic, but it is no different than New York City or Atlanta in that regard. We found the neighborhoods we explored to be safe and used Uber liberally. Given the false narrative that follows Mexico City, it is often eschewed by travelers for other locales in Mexico. But as much as the swanky resorts and crystal blue waters of Cancun, Tulum, and Los Cabos beckon your wanderlust, a walk through the wide avenues and green spaces of Mexico City will not only give you an unforgettable metropolitan experience in a world class city at an affordable price (compared to its contemporaries), it will shatter your preconceived notions of the city and the country itself. As a bonus, if you are an American traveler, it would be a short flight from much of the continental US without a significant time change.
We would recommend at least 3 full days in Mexico City on your maiden voyage (let’s be real, once you come here you probably will want to come back in the future). For reference, we spent 3.5 days as a family trip with our parents. While the city can be explored in any particular order based on your interests, we will continue our Mexico City itinerary series with a day exploring the Centro Historico (Historical Downtown) of Mexico City and an evening in the “we got next” neighborhood of Roma Norte. This day is a must do; it serves as the ultimate juxtaposition of Mexico City’s steeped-in-history draws colliding with its innovative and hip future. Yes, Mexico City is having a moment now. But it is without doubt that we believe Mexico City will be a travel destination heavyweight in the coming years. We are sure some day our path will lead us to a return visit to this amazing city for even more adventures (and of course fabulous eating). But as we close out our current Mexico City series, we hope our travel musings help you plan your own trip to CDMX.
Mexico City: debunked. (a.k.a CDMX - Ciudad de Mexico; a.k.a Mexico City DF - Distrito Federal). Unfairly burdened by the stereotypes of Western media as a crime-filled megalopolis, one truly will find those tropes to be laughable after a first-hand experience in the heart of Mexico. What you will find is that the most populous city in North America (second-largest in the Western Hemisphere) is actually a world-class city that actually nurtures some of the most creative minds in the world. You can go on a true food and art bender here as the city is blessed with architectural, artistic, and culinary geniuses influenced by the cultural traditions and tapestries of Latin America, Europe, and, of course, all of its rich history from its pre-Columbian era. While tourism to the city is increasing, it is still relatively "under-the-radar"; it was what Iceland was 10 years ago. Yes the city has a few unsafe areas and some heavy traffic, but it is no different than New York City or Atlanta in that regard. We found the neighborhoods we explored to be safe and used Uber liberally. Given the false narrative that follows Mexico City, it is often eschewed by travelers for other locales in Mexico. But as much as the swanky resorts and crystal blue waters of Cancun, Tulum, and Los Cabos beckon your wanderlust, a walk through the wide avenues and green spaces of Mexico City will not only give you an unforgettable metropolitan experience in a world class city at an affordable price (compared to its contemporaries), it will shatter your preconceived notions of the city and the country itself. As a bonus, if you are an American traveler, it would be a short flight from much of the continental US without a significant time change.
We would recommend at least 3 full days in Mexico City on your maiden voyage (let’s be real, once you come here you probably will want to come back in the future). For reference, we spent 3.5 days as a family trip with our parents. While the city can be explored in any particular order based on your interests, we will continue our Mexico City itinerary series with a day exploring the amazing pyramids of Teotihuacan in the Valley of Mexico and an evening in the tree-lined avenues of Mexico City’s stylish residential neighborhood - Condesa. We found breaking-up the city sightseeing with an expedition to Teotihuacan to be apt (this was our 2nd full-day in Mexico City). So if you are looking for the perfect day-trip from CDMX, read on to satisfy your archaeological cravings at the glorious Teotihuacan Pyramids with a nightcap in Condesa.
Mexico City: debunked. (a.k.a CDMX - Ciudad de Mexico; a.k.a Mexico City DF - Distrito Federal). Unfairly burdened by the stereotypes of Western media as a crime-filled megalopolis, one truly will find those tropes to be laughable after a first-hand experience in the heart of Mexico. What you will find is that the most populous city in North America (second-largest in the Western Hemisphere) is actually a world-class city that actually nurtures some of the most creative minds in the world. You can go on a true food and art bender here as the city is blessed with architectural, artistic, and culinary geniuses influenced by the cultural traditions and tapestries of Latin America, Europe, and, of course, all of its rich history from its pre-Columbian era. While tourism to the city is increasing, it is still relatively "under-the-radar"; it was what Iceland was 10 years ago. Yes the city has a few unsafe areas and some heavy traffic, but it is no different than New York City or Atlanta in that regard. We found the neighborhoods we explored to be safe and used Uber liberally. Given the false narrative that follows Mexico City, it is often eschewed by travelers for other locales in Mexico. But as much as the swanky resorts and crystal blue waters of Cancun, Tulum, and Los Cabos beckon your wanderlust, a walk through the wide avenues and green spaces of Mexico City will not only give you an unforgettable metropolitan experience in a world class city at an affordable price (compared to its contemporaries), it will shatter your preconceived notions of the city and the country itself. As a bonus, if you are an American traveler, it would be a short flight from much of the continental US without a significant time change.
We would recommend at least 3 full days in Mexico City on your maiden voyage (let’s be real, once you come here you probably will want to come back in the future). For reference, we spent 3.5 days as a family trip with our parents. While the city can be explored in any particular order based on your interests, we will start the series with 36 Hours in Polanco, one of the swankiest and upscale neighborhoods in all of Latin America. While there are high-end boutiques, luxury hotels, and a multitude of embassies here that blend with other major world cities, it also hosts some unique items for your travel checklist: some of the world's best restaurants and museums as well as its location along the doorstep of Bosque de Chapultepec (one of the largest urban parks in the world). If you are headed to CDMX, come explore Polanco with us.
Affectionately known as the "Mother City" by South Africans, Cape Town is far and away one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A cosmopolitan metropolis blessed with sublime mountainous topography overlooking beautiful sandy beaches already places Cape Town in rarefied air. Combining that with innumerable microclimates; a rich immigrant diaspora with great in-town neighborhoods; quests that range from active and daring to those that are haute and historical; scenic coastal drives; and stunning vineyards and beachtowns in its suburbs and exurbs, there are few cities that can absolutely dazzle and delight its first-time visitor or habitues like Cape Town. Given the diversity and variety of its pursuits, there is truly "something for everyone". Most people will anchor their South African sojourn with a safari (and rightfully so) with just a few days in Cape Town. Given the demands of the modern schedule, we know how hard it is to extend your trip. But we would encourage you to spend at least 3 days in Cape Town as getting here for most visitors is an arduous flight so why not squeeze as much as possible out of that trip. We were very fortunate to be able to have an extended stay in Cape Town and spent essentially 7 full days in the Western Cape / Greater Cape Town Area. Whether you are here for just a handful of days or a full week, we will outline our highlights to help you fill-in/complete your very own Cape Town Itinerary!
There are few places in the world that allow you to experience the electrifying thrill of watching an aquatic apex predator (Great White Shark) swim within a few feet of your awestruck eyes. The most reliable cage diving sites for the Great White Shark have been listed off of the coasts of South Africa, Australia, and Isla de Guadalupe (Mexico). While South Africa has various sites to spot these predators, it is the waters off of Gansbaai that have been given the moniker of the "Great White Shark capital" of the world. One of the great advantages in going Great White Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai is you do not need any prior scuba diving experience; no true diving is necessary to participate. You shouldn't miss the opportunity to get your adrenaline rush by going Great White Shark Cage Diving in Gansbaai; it is the perfect day-trip from Cape Town. There may be no better place to cross this off of your bucket-list because many of the shark documentaries you see on TV are actually filmed here given the high concentration of shark activity.
Tucked away in Central America, Belize (the country formerly referred to as the British Honduras) is a small country the size of New Jersey and the population of Tulsa, Oklahoma with the natural beauty that can hang with any country in the world. It's small size and population belies the fact that the country sits along one of the most biodiverse regions in the world (on the coast, it hosts the 2nd largest barrier reef in the world; inland, it contains an extensive subterranean cave/river system and lush, thriving jungles); it contains a treasure trove of rich Mayan history and archaeological sites; and it beguiles its visitors with some of the most eco-conscious accommodations to relax after a day spent in adventure or exploration. If you are going to Belize and spending a few days in its jungle, we hope our recommendations help complete your trip!
One of our favorite highlights in the Western Cape was a day road trip around the Cape of Good Hope, the southwestern tip of the African continent (the true southern tip is Cape Agulhas further east). For those who believe the journey is the destination itself, this is the day-trip for you. The Cape of Good Hope Drive is a tour-de-force excursion for visitors to South Africa who will be rewarded with one of the most picturesque drives in the world. Along the way, you will round the very same peninsula navigated by Portuguese explorer Bartolomeu Dias; this permanently established the first all naval route between Western Europe and South Asia/Far East. Situated just south of Cape Town, the Cape of Good Hope peninsula is filled with a treasure trove of unique flora and fauna from penguins to ostriches, gorgeous beaches, stunning seaside towns overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and False Bay populated with beach bums and millionaire mansions, and the engineering marvel that is Chapman's Peak Drive. In the post below, we will discuss some of our favorite stops (St. James Beach, Boulder's Beach, Cape of Good Hope, Hout Bay, Chapman's Peak Drive, and sunset back in Cape Town at Camp's Bay) to help create your own Cape of Good Hope Itinerary.
Whether you are an oenophile or amateur grape lover, the Cape Winelands deserve their own excursion on your South African sojourn. When pairing your wine with august mountain views, gorgeous Cape Dutch architecture, and the perfect microclimates, exploring the Cape Winelands will certainly make for some treasured memories. The centuries old wine culture was born when the Dutch East India company (which founded the South African colony) invited French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution to come settle in South Africa; some of these settlers brought their knowledge of viticulture to the new colony. Today the South African wine industry has won major international awards and recognition and can easily hold its own against Old World wine behemoths. What makes the South African Cape Winelands unique is that it mixes great wines and food, true indulgence and luxury, with an affordability and humility that is not easy to find in other famous wine regions in the world. Perhaps one of its most infamous endorsements is from Napolean Bonaparte who loved and drank barrels of South African wine when exiled in St. Helena. So come grab a glass with us and explore the majestic landscapes that may have inspired "Middle Earth" in South African born J.R.R. Tolkien's literature.
Along the southern flank of the African continent is one of the true iconic destinations in the world: South Africa. Don't let those world maps fool you, South Africa is a big country and is approximately 3x bigger than California. You will be spoiled for choice and time will be your most precious commodity. For the safari dreamers, wine lovers, beach bums, hikers, thrill-seekers, and road-trippers, South Africa has something for everyone to relish and savor. While you may not be able to do it all on one trip, in this introduction we will spotlight what really stood out to us during our painstaking research. By underscoring these items, we know you can then create a rough sketch of what you may want to do so you can make your own outline of when to go, where to explore, and how many days you may want to take. We hope this introduction whets your appetite and inspires your own search for your unique South African holiday. In upcoming posts, we will go into greater detail over many of these items including Safaris, Cape Winelands, Cape of Good Hope Drive, and Greater Cape Town Hiking/Dining/Excursions.
Nestled along the foothills of the Andes Mountains, Bariloche serves as a perfect side trip for those who have 3-4 days to spend after visiting or working in Buenos Aires. Along the northern reaches of Patagonia and positioned along the shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, Bariloche is a picturesque natural wonder with snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes perfect for easy-to-hard trekking/hiking or kayaking in the warmer months and skiing in the colder months. Given a well-developed tourist infrastructure, multitude of outdoor activities, great restaurants, and artisanal chocolateering, Bariloche is also perfect for a multi-generational jaunt in Argentina as it is easier on kids or grandparents than the more rugged parts of Patagonia (Torres del Paine, El Chalten, etc.). Given a history of immigrants from Germany, Austrian, Italy, and Switzerland from the late 19th century onwards, Bariloche often feels like a Bavarian architectural town with an Argentine twist.
Sitting in the middle of the Hawaiian island chain, Maui may serve as the Goldilocks example of the idyllic Hawaiian island to visit for the first-timer. It has breathtaking natural beauty, outdoor hiking/activities given its varied climes along Maui Upcountry shouldered by Haleakala, gorgeous beaches replete with marine life to dazzle your eyes while you snorkel or dive, and in the right season whale-watching. Maui lies somewhere in the middle of the spectrum between the more populated and developed Oahu and the rugged isolationism of Kauai.
For most American and International visitors, Honolulu (Oahu) serves as the gateway to their Hawaiian Islands Adventure. For some, Honolulu is merely the entry and exit port before going to the North Shore (Oahu) or off to the rest of the archipelago: Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, Lanai, or Molokai. For others, Honolulu will be the epicenter of their trip or they may have a few days to explore during a conference/meeting. The bulk of our Hawaii Trip was in Maui (future itinerary), but we spent 3 nights in Honolulu and we wanted to see as much as possible in Greater Honolulu / Southern Oahu. In this mini-itinerary, we focus on maximizing your time here with some amazing food, quick hikes, great beaches and snorkeling, and breathtaking vistas!
One of the quintessential experiences of traveling within the United States is to partake in an iconic road trip. Driving the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most picturesque drives in the world and in this itinerary we focus on the stretch between Los Angeles and San Francisco. It is a drive for the "unplugged" as you will see first-hand why the territory of "Alta California" was once the crown jewel of New Spain and why California has always remained a muse for dreamers, naturalists, and artists in American lore.
