Tag: architecture
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Celebrating America 250 : Places, History, Cultures & People
There are certain places that make you pause and think about what a country is made of. And lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the places that help tell the story of America. In a previous post, I wrote about national park sites and historic places that reflect the layered history of the country—places…
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Power, Faith, & History – Prague Castle {Czech Republic}
We had intentionally set aside a large portion of a day to visit Prague Castle, knowing it wasn’t something to rush through. Calling it simply a “castle” hardly does it justice. What rises above the city is an immense complex — a place where centuries of history have layered themselves one upon another, shaping not…
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Wandering Prague- Lesser Town, Old Town & Iconic Views {Czech Republic}
After our few days in Italy, we took a quick hop over to the Czech Republic for a few days in Prague. The city had long been on my travel wishlist, especially during the Christmas season, when its markets are often called some of the most magical in Europe. But once we arrived, it quickly…
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Markets, Olympics, & Rooftops-Christmas in Milan {Italy}
After spending a few days around Rome and Vatican City, we made a quick stop in Milan. We arrived with no real expectations and no must-see list in hand. Beyond its reputation as a fashion capital, we honestly didn’t know much about what the city held in store for us. In truth, the main reason…
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Experiencing Christmas, Holy Doors & A Jubilee Year {Vatican City}
Our visit to Rome and Vatican City happened to fall during an especially unique time. When we arrived, the Christmas tree was already standing tall in St. Peter’s Square, and workers were putting the finishing touches on the nativity scene beside it. We watched as Christmas market stalls slowly appeared along the sweeping colonnades, transforming…
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History & Art in the Eternal City-Roaming In Rome {Italy}
Our European Christmas vacation began in the Eternal City of Rome. I’ll admit—Rome had never been on my travel bingo card. I’ve always felt a little intimidated by it: the layers of history, the art, the empire, the sheer magnitude of the city itself. Even though I love learning about those things, Rome felt unapproachable…
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Fairy Tales & Alpine Coasters in Oberammergau {Germany}
You may remember our visit to Mittenwald a few days earlier. After a sudden bout of heat exhaustion sent us ducking into a small grocery store for air conditioning and water, we ended up talking with a lovely couple for over an hour. What began as a necessary break became one of those unexpected travel…
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Painted Houses, Mountain Views, Violins, & Masks- A Day in Mittenwald {Germany}
We have a soft spot for small towns and places just off the main tourist trail, and Mittenwald fits that description perfectly. Our day there was filled with all of our favorite things — wandering through a museum, lingering in a bakery, and heading out onto mountain trails. Of course, it wouldn’t be one of…
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3 days in Innsbruck: Exploring Mountains, Palaces, & City Streets {Austria}
Discover the best of Innsbruck with this 3-day itinerary featuring colorful Old Town streets, breathtaking Alpine views, historic landmarks, and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
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Perfect Views & Family Bones-Exploring Hallstatt {Austria}
For as long as I can remember, my mental picture of Austria has been shaped by two places: Salzburg and Hallstatt. Salzburg, of course, came from the hundreds of times I watched The Sound of Music. But Hallstatt entered my imagination later — through guidebooks, travel magazines, and glossy pages filled with impossibly perfect photographs.…