After spending 2 days in the ancient cave city of Matera (read about this in part 1, which covers the first few days of our Puglia trip), we headed south to explore the quiet hilltop towns and coastal landscapes of Italy’s heel. While Matera is all about history and atmosphere, Puglia is about slowing down: swimming in turquoise grottos, wandering…
Read the PostA few years ago, I spent a week town-hopping through Puglia and fell in love with how undiscovered this corner of Italy still felt. When planning my return to Southern Italy, I knew I wanted to start with a bucket list stay in one of Matera’s ancient cave dwellings. This two-part guide shares my complete week in Southern Italy —…
Read the PostAthens is a unique blend of opposites: ancient marble structures lie among busy residential streets, while century-old family tavernas sit steps away from tourist-trap restaurants. Most travelers to Athens end up basing themselves in Plaka or Monastiraki for convenience, but these neighborhoods are fairly overrun by businesses catering solely to tourists. After multiple trips to Athens, and some learning experiences…
Read the PostOver the last few years of living in New England, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience New England’s fall foliage in a number of different ways. It’s my favorite time of year here; the mornings are crisp but the days are still warm, the leaves are changing color by the day, and everyone is outdoors with a sweater and warm…
Read the PostWhy Choose Lourmarin as Your Provence Home Base Nestled in the heart of the Luberon region, Lourmarin stands out as one of the most charming villages in Provence. This picturesque town, officially recognized as one of the “Plus Beaux Villages de France” (Most Beautiful Villages of France), has the perfect blend of authenticity and convenience that makes it an ideal…
Read the PostOne of the most authentic ways to experience Provence is through its markets. These colorful gatherings are not just places to shop, they’re cultural institutions that have been at the heart of Provençal life for centuries. From the scent of freshly baked bread and lavender to the vibrant displays of local produce and handcrafted goods, French markets are the ultimate…
Read the PostNaxos is the largest of the Cycladic islands, and one of its most underrated. With nearby Paros getting a lot of recent attention, and neighboring Mykonos and Santorini making for easy ferry transfers, Naxos is a great pick if you’re looking for a quieter, more authentic Greek island experience. Think: wide golden beaches, charming villages in the hills, ancient ruins…
Read the PostAt the end of last month we took a short trip to Charleston, a city I’ve been wanting to explore for years. I’ve heard great things about the restaurant scene and nearby sights, and living in New England makes this a fairly easy weekend getaway. So naturally, I was excited to eat my way through the city. I had a…
Read the PostWhen planning a trip to Greece, Athens is often seen as just a necessary stopover or the place you land before heading to the islands. But after spending time there on multiple trips, I’ve come to appreciate it as more than just a layover. Athens is complex: chaotic, beautiful, rough around the edges, and layered with history that feels present…
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