Porto: The Charms of Invicta

Posted on January 16, 2026 by Janette

Traveling north to Porto offered a chance to experience another major city with a distinct character and culture. Known as Invicta, or the “undefeated city,” Porto immediately feelt timeless. It’s historic architecture dominates the landscape, and while ongoing restoration was evident throughout the city, the efforts are serving to preserve Porto’s old-world charm.

The iconic Clerigos tower and church are impossible to miss. For a small fee, visitors can climb the 200+ steps to enjoy the sweeping views from the top. The church itself is equally impressive and deserves a visit if you have the time.

Another must-see is the Livraria Lello bookstore, often described as the most beautiful bookstore in the world. Famous for its intricate staircase, visitors line up for a glance, but only purchasing a timed ticket can get you a look inside. My advice would be to get a ticket for when they open, to be one of the first guests inside.

Bolsa Palace is also a must-see, though entry is only available with a guided tour and same-day tickets can be purchased in many languages. Operated by the local commerce association, the palace features grand spaces that are used for social gatherings including the grand staircase and richly decorated Arabian Room.

Beyond the major landmarks, the city’s seasonal Christmas markets added to the charm. I was fortunate to be in the country at the beginning of December when the markets first started popping up. The intricate ceramic facades and murals can be found on nearly every street corner, making walking around very exciting.

Easily accessible by plane or train, Porto should not be missed!

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Landing in Lisbon

Posted on January 11, 2026 by Janette

From the moment I landed, Lisbon felt like a city layered with stories. Portugal itself is remarkable, boasting the oldest defined borders in Europe, deep historical ties to the Knights Templar, and a culture shaped by centuries of exploration. It’s a place celebrated for Port wine, hand-crafted ceramics, pastries, sardines and cod, cork products, and filigree jewelry.

Excited to explore, I wasted no time purchasing my Lisboa transit and discount card, which proved invaluable over the next three days.

It’s hard to say what stood out to me most, because the city had so much to offer. The hotel was near Campo Pequeno, the old bullfighting ring, which has been turned into a mall and restaurant hub. Beyond that was the Estrela Basilica, my first introduction to the city’s many breathtaking churches.

Another highlight was Sao Roque, where wooden floors and ceilings were just as amazing as the gold-filled chapel alcoves. A stop to see the famous Pink Street was an excellent place to grab dinner and listen to conversations from people all over the world.

A showstopper for me was the Aguas Livres Aqueduct, home to the world’s longest pointed stone arch. Down the hill, at sea level, is the public square with many beautiful structures to admire, especially on a sunny day with the glistening water nearby.

One of my favorite spots in the city was the Castel de Sao Jorge, free to enter with the Lisboa card. The original structure dates to the 8th century BC, followed by centuries of additions. The views of the city below are well worth the climb (or transit) to the top. From there, it’s a scenic walk down the hill to Se de Lisboa, or the Lisbon Cathedral, also worth a visit if you have the time.

Whether you enjoy churches, parks, picturesque views, or unforgettable foods, Lisbon is an easy city to navigate and enjoy, with something for every kind of traveler.

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Do I Have a Pumpkin Problem?

Posted on November 24, 2025 by Janette

Let me first acknowledge that I do not work under “extreme decorating” principles. However, I do love pumpkin decorations, of all types, during the Fall.

Although I appreciate all pumpkin decorations, I am partial to glasswork.

Living in the Northeast US, I truly appreciate the Fall season. As soon as the weather turns the slightest bit chilly in September, my pumpkin decorations come out of storage. They stay in place until the end of November.

Of course, I have favorites, but I still like adding a few items to my collection each year. Some of my new additions for 2025 include the pumpkin wreath and pumpkin garland.

And who doesn’t love a simple blanket to snuggle under while sipping hot chocolate or pumpkin-spiced chai for the season?

I may have a pumpkin “thing”, but who can blame me? For two months of the year, I enjoy the visual reminders that I have an abundance of hygge, and there is much to be thankful for.

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Haulin’ in Hawley

Posted on November 16, 2025 by Janette

Set inside the gorgeous Pocono Mountain region of Pennsylvania is the small town of Hawley. You may ask, why you should have this town on your day-trip radar. My answer? Experiencing the Pennsylvania Rail Bike adventure!

Located at the Hawley Train Station, visitors can have a recreational adventure using electric rail bikes in tandem or quad-seat configurations. Bikes also have pedals, and guests start with all the rail bikes connected, so everyone pedals together to get through town. Once your group is away from the main roads, the guides unhook each car to space everyone out.

Keeping a safe distance, guests take in the scenery and enjoy the roughly five miles of track to the halfway point. We had the chance to hop off the bikes, stretch our legs, and use the porta-potty while the team switches the direction of the seats for the return journey. These guys were pros and took care of everything, ensuring we had a great experience.

Along the journey out and back, we saw gorgeous scenery. Although peak fall colors were in full bloom a week or two before we arrived in Hawley, we still appreciated the beautiful Fall day.

If you find yourself in the Pocono area, make a stop in Hawley, PA. It’s charming and it offers a very unique experience.

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New, New York Experiences

Posted on October 19, 2025 by Janette

I’ve been to NYC many times over the years, yet the city never fails to reveal something new. On my latest trip, I checked two long-awaited stops off my list: the New York Public Library at Bryant Park and the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center.

Bryant Park is a favorite gathering spot for locals and visitors, but it’s surprisingly easy to miss the library if you don’t wander to the other side – away from where most tour busses drop off passengers. The library’s beautiful façade and grand entrance command attention.

Upon entering, visitors can explore displays on the first floor or ascend the staircases to the upper levels.

While books are now borrowed from the modern annex across the street, the original library serves more as a museum, research center, art gallery, and photography backdrop. Ornate water fountains, intricate ceilings, and larger-than-life paintings line the rooms, offering a glimpse of life over a hundred years ago.

Don’t forget to turn around after traveling up the large staircases, as the ornate decorations and hanging lanterns are breathtaking from every angle.

Just a ten-minute walk north lies Rockefeller Plaza. I opted for the general admission ticket for the Top of the Rock, skipping the additional SKYLIFT and Beam experiences.

My ticket still provided access to three observation decks with sweeping 360-degree skyline views. The lower deck features a charming café, perfect for relaxing with a coffee, snack, and some people watching.

The Top of the Rock is a must-see, especially on a clear, sunny day!

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A New York Tradition

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Janette

In the late 1920s, a Russian refugee connected with restaurant owner Vincent Sardi in New York.

The refugee had no job and no money. However, he had something to offer in exchange for a free meal…his artistic ability. Alex Gard had a talent for sketching and offered to immortalize visitors, securing consistent work and food.

Located in the heart of the theatre district, Sardi’s is a staple for theatre-goers. Regular performers on Broadway often dine here after a show, making this restaurant a popular hangout and party location. Many A-list celebrities (who have visited the restaurant) are immortalized in caricature form after their NYC theatre experiences. Some examples are Billy Crudup, Jimmy Fallon, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.

Over the years, many celebrities have earned the honor of having a drawing. This recognition comes long after Alex Gard’s sketching career had ended. Over time, there have been some changes in technique. Older drawings are more exaggerated. Newer drawings are more like portraits. However, regardless of the era, these sketches contribute to the restaurant’s unique experience.

My advice? Make lunch reservations for 12:00 when the restaurant opens and it’s empty. You can take all the photos you like of the ground floor and the bar upstairs with no one around!

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River Gazing and Forest Bathing

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Janette

At the end of August, I felt the summer slipping away and fall creeping in. It wasn’t a problem because I love both seasons. However, there is a change in the morning and evening air. This change lets me know that the seasons are upon us.

Since we enjoyed amazingly clear, comfortable weather, I took advantage of some local scenic spots. Gorgeous skies and limited wind let me appreciate local river parks, complete with squirrels, birds, and turtles nearby.

The water is always pretty this time of year, with the summer haze gone and diminished bug irritations!

Moving inland, I participated in a Forest Bathing event where we focused on mindfulness and grounding activities. During our time in the forest, we smelled different leaves, felt the textures of bark and other materials, and identified sounds of our surroundings.

After the event, I enjoyed the views of the waterfront. Guests were fishing, kayaking, and relaxing as they gazed upon the beautiful lake.

Time spent outside and unplugged is essential to good health and should be enjoyed when the weather cooperates!

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Forged in History

Posted on August 17, 2025 by Janette

About 20 miles outside Philadelphia, along the banks of the Schuylkill River, lies Valley Forge – best known as the site of General George Washington’s winter encampment during the Revolutionary War.

Although no battles took place here, the encampment played a crucial role between the winter months of 1777 and 1778. Thousands of Continental soldiers endured freezing temperatures, limited supplies, and disease while training, strategizing, and preparing for the next phase of the fight for independence.

During this time, Washington rented a modest home to serve as his headquarters. Within its few small rooms, he and up to 25 aides worked tirelessly to strengthen supply chains, refine training methods, and develop strategies to keep the army united through the harsh winter.

Today, visitors can explore both the encampment site and Washington’s headquarters, as well as many monuments and memorials across the grounds. The National Memorial Arch is a striking landmarks – perfect for reflection and framed views of the American flag. Nearby, the Anthony Wayne Monument stands as one of several bronze tributes honoring Revolutionary leaders.

Walking the grounds of Valley Forge offers more than just a history lesson. It provides a chance to step back in time. Visitors can learn from expert guides, imagine the resilience it took to withstand bitter cold, scarce resources, and uncertainty, while carrying the weight of a nation’s future.

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Back to Italy: Herculaneum

Posted on July 6, 2025 by Janette

In 79 AD one of the deadliest volcanic eruptions in history occurred in the Campania region of Italy. Mount Vesuvius, towering over the surrounding area, exploded. The eruption incinerated much of the city of Pompeii. It buried the ruins under almost 20 feet of ash and debris. However, another city was also destroyed during that eruption.

The city of Herculaneum sits closer to Mount Vesuvius than Pompeii. While Pompeii was buried under hot ash and pumice, Herculaneum was buried under slower-falling ash and volcanic mud. It was amazing to see the difference between the two cities. Parts of the city were buried under 75 feet of debris and mud. Visitors learn that the water’s edge used to be at the boat sheds. This illustrates the immense amount of debris that was piled on top of the city. Some townspeople took refuge there and lost their lives.

Visitors can see recovered items in the museum building. These include a 2,000-year-old boat and other finds. Afterward, they can descend into the old city.

Restoration work continues and professionals were working in a few locations within the site.

Something you won’t find in Pompeii is wooden structures, which would have burned. In Herculaneum, we saw remnants of charred wooden supports and door frames in many locations.

Similar to Pompeii, Herculaneum also had fast food locations, courtyards, and beautiful streets with street signs intact.

There was a great deal to see at this location. I stopped by the trinket stands before leaving. I purchased a pair of black lava rock earrings to commemorate the visit. If you are near Naples, this is a day trip that you should not miss.

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Back to Italy: Vietri sul Mare

Posted on June 27, 2025 by Janette

Vietri sul Mare is nestled into the curve of the Amalfi Coast. It is the easternmost town on this iconic section of seafront. This charming area is about 40 minutes Southeast of Naples. You should not miss it if you find yourself in the area.

We used the area as a short stop on the way back to Naples. It was the perfect location to grab some gelato. It was also a great place to shop for ceramics! Shop after shop lined the streets, filled with vibrant ceramics of every style. Some items were large and meant for a wall or table.

Some ceramics were very small. There was something for everyone in this little town.

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