Gotta Getaway: Sweden

Travel

It has been far too long since my passport has gotten a workout (my jaunt to Italy with Franciacorta a couple years back was the last time I did international travel), so I’m thrilled to report that in five short days I’ll be departing for a week’s stay in Sweden! It’s a bit of an impromptu trip and get this – kid free – so I’m dashing around trying to figure out how to prepare to travel internationally just as woman – rather than a mom – for the first time in years.

My primary destination is Gothenburg, Sweden’s second largest city, and from what I can gather it’s a bit like Melbourne is to Sydney – the smaller, artsier, hipster, cool little sibling. I cannot wait to explore.

Right now I’m spinning between how to pack, how to plan the itinerary, where to eat dinner (and breakfast and lunch and snack and cocktails), what other cities I might visit (hello Copenhagen). It’s all very exciting but a touch overwhelming. I’m out of practice at this!

Biggest thing on my to do list at the moment is to wardrobe plan. Does anyone else try on a certain persona when they travel? Since I spend many a day in yoga pants, holed up in my home office, I’m really excited to put some extra effort into my style on this trip. When I head to a tropical destinations, I often find myself craving color, off the shoulder tops and all things fringe – aka a far cry from my usual monochromatic uniform. But traveling when it’s still cold is always a challenge. And it’s definitely going to be quite chilly in Gothenburg.

For this trip I’m feeling a more urban vibe. Think chunky knits under teddy bear duster coats, a belt bag worn cross body, even dad sneakers! All the trends, I’m doing it people. Because it’s time I have a little fun with fashion – but I still have to cram all these cold weather pieces into one suitcase. That’s always a challenge. I’ll be sharing my outfit plan on Insta-Stories this week – I’m going to want your input.

While the biggest part of my exploration is going to focus on design shopping (think all the best Scandi design has to offer like Rum21, Artilleriet Interiors and Alvhem), I may be equally excited to eat my way through Gothenburg. I’m so excited to partake in the Swedish tradition of fika, the afternoon break for coffee and something sweet. There’s also supposed to be amazing seafood, being on the North Sea and all. But then I’ve heard there is really good international cuisine. Is six meals a day too many? Anyone with recs, please please please send them my way!

It’s going to be quite the fun little adventure – and I can’t wait to share it all with you. Be sure to follow along on Instagram.

For now, here are some of my international travel essentials. If you have pieces you love to travel with (especially for long flights!) please add to my list in comments below.

SHOP THIS STORY

all-white dad sneakers

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charcoal hydra eyemask

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hyaluronic serum

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images via suitcase mag / urban pixxels / ckanani / style me mos / figtny /

You Gotta Stay Here: Baixa House in Lisbon, Portugal

Gotta Getaway

They say that travel cures your wanderlust. Not for me! Once I start traveling, I don’t to stop. Case in point; though I’m currently soaking up all the sun and surf I can get in Maui (more on Stories if you want deet on my trip), I now desperately want to book my next trip to Portugal. It’s actually been on my travel wishlist for quite some time now, but after my fave roving reporter Megan McCarty returned with rave reviews and stunning photos, now I’m really read to hop another plane. Maybe Thanksgiving in Portugal would be nice! I’m not a huge turkey fan anyway. Anywho, keep reading to discover the place to stay in Lisbon.

Seems like everyone is going to Portugal these days.

And for good reason. The wine is cheap, the beaches are wow-worthy and don’t even get me started on the pastel de nata.

Despite Portugal, and capital city Lisbon in particular, being the locale du jour lately, there’s still a welcome grit to the country. Old women leer from above, their elbows hanging out of their second, third, fourth story apartments – the original neighborhood watch committee. Laundry, strung from windows, waves in the wind. The hills are steep and the cobblestone streets are not for the faint-of-rolling-an-ankle.

To feel like a local in the beautiful, buzzing city, book a stay at Baixa House. It’s not quite a hotel, but not an Airbnb either. It’s more than a bed and breakfast and definitely more than enough to convince you to pack up your life and live in Lisbon forever.

So what is it? Baixa House is a block of 13 full-service apartment rentals in the center of Lisbon’s historic Baixa (downtown) district, tucked between the Alfama and Chiado neighborhoods. It’s a home far, far away from home – a home in which someone else makes your bed. A full kitchen? Check. Laundry? Yep. Daily cleanings? The best. Fresh bread is hung on your apartment door each morning, while the fridge is stocked daily with breakfast goodies such as fresh squeezed juice, cheese, butter, yogurt and jam.

Like most things in life, it’s all about the details: fresh cut flowers brightening each room, fado music in the stereo system, a kitchen stocked with all the essentials. The gracious and knowledgeable staff go so above and way beyond to make you feel at home too. It feels like you’re visiting a friend’s place, a friend who has a beautiful, sun-soaked apartment and who is happy to call that restaurant you’re considering and who sneaks in during the day to wash your dishes. They know hospitality at Baixa House, which begins before you even arrive, with key tips on how to get a cab from the airport. (Note: nab one at the arrivals entrance, not the departures exit. There’s no line and the drivers tend to be more friendly.) Or if you’re arriving by car, Baixa House will advise you on the closest and most secure parking spots.

So what’s the story behind this wonderful place, so unassuming with no signage, no lobby? Take it back to the 18th century; the five-story Pombalino building was constructed in 1775 after an earthquake devastated much of Lisbon. What is now Baixa House is owned by landscape architect Jesus Moraime, who carefully restored the building to conserve as much history as possible. You’ll see this from floor (wide, wooden planks) to ceiling (beautiful original beams) and everything in between (doors, windows, tiles).

Each unit is named after a garden in the city, and includes a photograph of the garden by Moraime, while the decor is so distinctly Portuguese, since Moraime spent years scouring area flea markets for furnishings that were just right. And they are just right, from the vintage furniture to custom rugs and green cabbage crockery, all locally sourced. It feels like home. Well done, Baixa House. You’re a beauty.

What a place, what a city, what a country. Now, when can I move in?

For all of Megan’s adventures, CLICK HERE.

photography c/o Baxia House and by megan mccarty

Where to Escape Once the Cold Weather Returns

Gotta Getaway

Today we have a travel installment from our sometimes roving reporter, sometimes relationship expert, always amazing contributor Megan McCarty. She recently took a trip to Phoenix – not a spot on the tippy top of my wanderlust wishlist, but her stay is giving me desert wishes and pool-day dreams. As we wave so long to summer, I’m going to take this guide and pack it away for safe keeping! I highly recommend you do too.

Phoenix, admittedly, was never very high on my Must Visit list. I figured I’d get there someday, probably in the dismal winter months when I’m willing to hop on a plane just to see the sun again. Well, someday came, right as my vitamin D levels were dropping dangerously low, and I’m so glad it did.

What I knew of Phoenix – the heat, the snowbirds, the golf – and what I now know of Phoenix – the design, food and art scene – combine to make for a perfect quick trip for the style-minded. (You, me.) So pack your swimsuit, wide-brimmed hat and not much else for a fall/winter/spring getaway of any kind.

Summertime? Forget about it. Leave desert summers to the professionals.

WHERE TO STAY
Hotel Valley Ho
…is about as historic as buildings in the western end of the new world get. Its mid-century art deco decor gives off a Palms Springs vibe – minus the pretension. The suite I stayed in featured a full kitchen, a balcony with mountains views and a bathroom that was bigger than apartments I’ve lived in. No Arizona stay is complete without lounging by a pool, and Hotel Valley Ho has two pools for two moods: the quiet and relaxing one and the not-so-quiet one with a bar and DJ. Your choice.

The Camby
If glitz and glam is more your hotel speed, stay at The Camby, located near the hubbub of downtown Phoenix. It’s cheeky art, sleek furniture and jewel tones add an air of elegance without taking itself too seriously. Be sure to look up, down and all around – the art is everywhere, including on the ceiling of your room. A rooftop pool doesn’t hurt the cool factor either.

Mountain Shadows
Can we talk about that pool view? What else is there to say? Oh, I suppose something about how Mountain Shadows, originally built at the foot of Camelback Mountain in 1959 and then rebuilt to all its modern glory in 2017, is a sleek, modern retreat. The neighboring mountains make for a shield against the rest of the world – the to dos, the emails, the anything that isn’t that pool – but a quick 10-minute drive will put you back into the buzz of the city.

WHERE TO GO
Agritopia
At first glance, Agritopia is a modern-day, environmentally conscious version of Pleasantville, a tight-knit community with an urban garden at the center of it all. At second glance, it’s still that, but so much more. Built in Gilbert, a half-hour drive outside of Phoenix, Agritopia is a planned community surrounding 11 acres of urban farmland, with Barnone – a one-stop shop with a brewery, letterpress shop, florist, you name it – at the heart of the neighborhood. My favorite stop was Garage-East, where we indulged in a wine tasting and gossip session with an amiable bartender over various Arizona vinos and a charcuterie board. If possible, take home a few cans of Garage-East’s Breakfast Wine, a delightful house-made concoction of wine white mixed with seasonal juices.

Desert Botanical Gardens
I somehow end up at botanical gardens in nearly every city I visit, and this one tops the list. Weave in and out of the 140 acres of cacti to get a sense of what survives and thrives in desperate desert conditions. The textures, the colors, the height and volume – it’s all glorious. Feeling small next to nature is one of life’s greatest kick-in-the-ass, and Desert Botanical Garden gave me that feeling on a whole new level. Go.

Taliesin West
I could talk about Frank Lloyd Wright all day – did you know his son invented Lincoln Logs? – and visiting Taliesin West, Frank’s winter home (the warm-weather counterpart to his home, Taliesin, in Spring Green, Wisconsin) and the main campus of the School of Architecture at Taliesin, hasn’t done me any favors. Now I’ll never shut up about Frank! There’s a hushness at Taliesin West, knowing big, bold things have happened there, as if you don’t want to tempt the fates by speaking a titch too loud. Though rumor has it old Hollywood greats spoke a titch too loud at Taliesin West, during wild parties Frank hosted. The compress and release from one room to the next feel like little Frank hugs. See, he’s not the strict, rigid Old Man Architecture you thought he was.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK
Breakfast  Start your day right at the Phoenix Public Market, where they host an open air market every Saturday and healthy, farmer-sourced fare inside the rest of the week. Plot your day over a cup of coffee, veggie-packed quinoa bowl and a house-made Pop-Tart, for good sugary measure, like I did. You could also satiate your coffee need at Press Coffee Roasters or Cartel Coffee Lab, both cool, caffeinated spots with locations throughout the Phoenix area.

Lunch
The Henry has a little bit of everything. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Coffee shop, seated restaurant and event space. It’s where you’d want to shoot off emails early morning, grab lunch mid-afternoon and belly up to the bar come happy hour. Its industrial components are brought down to earth with dad’s chic office decor. Think textured walls, horse paintings and a lush mix of hunter green and navy blue.

What happens when a chef, an artist and a restauranteur join forces? Taco Chelo, that’s what. In the cool arts district of downtown Phoenix, chef Suny Santana, artist Gennaro Garcia and restaurateur Aaron Chamberlin recently opened the taqueria that gives equal attention to the menu as it does the interior design, making for the ultimate eating experience. (Especially when you add a margarita to the mix.)

Dinner
Life motto: if Oprah loves it, I love it. And if Rachael Ray, Andrew Zimmern, Bon Appetit and Vogue all love Pizzeria Bianco too, even better. Getting a table at the tiny 42-seat restaurant may require some patience, but it’s worth the wait. While there stroll around Heritage Square, the oldest remaining residential block in Phoenix.

Hey Postino, how about adding 100 more locations across the U.S., eh? I’ve been thinking about their cozy patio and bruschettas ever since visiting. High fives to the Highland location for their wall of matchbooks (love), engaging server and letting me laugh a little too loud on the patio. I’ll be back ASAP.

And did you catch that Apartment 34 has been nominated for a Domino Magazine 2018 Design Blog Award – for best Lifestyle Blog! To say I was thoroughly shocked by this news is quite the understatement. It’s kinda like a Christmas, birthday and 10-year blog anniversary present all rolled into one.

But the final winner of each category is up to you. All winners will be determined by popular vote. You can vote for your favorites one time per day from NOW through Sunday, September 23. After the people have spoken, the 2018 class will be celebrated at a party at Hotel Zachary in Chicago, courtesy of the sponsor of the award, Tribute Portfolio Hotels, and each winner will receive a feature profile on Domino. No biggie.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

For more city guides, CLICK HERE.

Wanderlust Wednesday: Puglia, Italy

Gotta Getaway

For the last Wednesday before summer’s (unofficial) conclusion, I thought I’d bring back the spot that sits on the tippy top of my travel wish list: Puglia. Tucked on the heel of Italy’s boot, this area combines the best of both worlds – all things Italian with beach life! I’m so enamored with this amazing destination that I’m officially planning a trip to Puglia – for the whole family – so if you’ve been or have tips, share them with me, I beg of you! For now, drool over this amazing space – that you can actually call home for a week or two.

You may think that once August concludes, travel season is basically over, but I beg to differ. September is actually a perfect time to make a European escape. The crowds have dwindled, the temperatures have cooled. In Europe, most locals are back from their vacations which means more authentic rather than tourist soaked cultural flavor. Plus, who doesn’t want to extend summer just a touch longer. Especially it it means that you could go stay in this gorgeous Italian home for a week.

This home takes vacation rental to the next level. Called Angiulli Piccolo, the building is a restored 18th Century Masseria – an ancient fortified farmhouses found only in the Italian state of Puglia. The complex sits among olive groves and prickly pear cactus with views of vineyards stretching toward the horizon. While the northern parts of Italy have typically gotten all the attention, in Puglia you can enjoy rustic Italian charm along with 500 miles of coastline. Apparently Meryl Streep now owns a house here and JT married Jessica Biel here in 2010. If it’s good enough for Justin, then it’s good enough for me.

But back to this gorgeous house. The architecture alone – limestone floors and cathedral ceilings are a wow factor. It’s been opened up with french doors and transoms to offer gorgeous natural light and views of the stunning surroundings. The furnishings on the other hand are understated and sparse. Mid-century classics like Panton chairs are paired with antiques and flea market finds to offer simple comfort that doesn’t detract from the dramatic spaces.

The bedrooms continue the rustic charm, but offer romantic touches including canopy beds draped in gauzy fabric.

And epic views.

Yes, I’ll take my wine on the terrace please.

This bathroom reminds me of one of our most popular shoots of all time.

If you want to truly get away from it all, it feels like Masseria Angiulli Piccolo would be the perfect spot. And I certainly wouldn’t mind taking a couple of style cues from the interior design for my own house.

SHOP THE POST: panton chair / coffee table / cactus / mosquito net / french market basket / canopy bed / hat/ chandelier / white table lamp / mirror

Move over Amalfi coast. There’s a new Italian hot spot in town. You can get all the details about how to rent this Masseria right here. And don’t forget – I need all the Puglia recommendations so if you have any, please comment below!

For more the entire Wanderlust Wednesday archive, CLICK HERE

For our favorite home tours, CLICK HERE

Retail Therapy: A Beautifully Curated NYC Boutique

Travel

New York is obviously mecca for the small but mighty boutiques, but I’ve found a must-visit spot for the next time you find yourself in the Big Apple. Check out this exclusive look at the shop that is curated to perfection–the East Village boutique Still House.

We first profiled Still House in 2013, but I love their collection now just as much as I did then. It has some serious sophisticated style. This could be due to the fact that Urte Tylaite, the owner, hand picks everything that comes through their doors. Focusing on emerging artists and designers out of New York, Japan, Scandinavia and Europe, you’re sure to find a piece as unique as it is beautiful!

I love every single vignette in this store. When I see great styling, I’m always taking notes, thinking about how I might replicate an idea or two at home–it’s a good exercise – try it. It really gets the stylist wheels of the brain turning! Case in point, combining a display of your best necklaces with a fun piece of vintage art. It’s a lovely bit of functional decor.

Still House has everything from beautifully crafted jewelry to unique home decor items and that perfect little gifty for friends. I’m obsessed with any type of home office supplies and this brass geometric paper weight is calling my name. I love tacking up what inspires me on my inspiration board, whether it be a post card, magazine clipping, or small print.

The ebony stained floors in the shop are gorgeous. They’re the perfect amount of distressed. They feel so New York. But really, can we talk about the star of the show? The owner’s dog is beyond adorable and of course she matches all of the goods in the store. Now that’s what we call incredible curation.

Still House is definitely a boutique to add to the long list of shopping bests in the city. Anybody in NYC? I would love for you to snap up some Instagrams of this store and share all the pretties that I missed!!

If you’re itching much like me {I’m obsessed with this ring!} and can’t wait till your next New York visit, you can shop everything online here!

For our entire Retail Therapy archive, CLICK HERE.

images for apartment 34 c/o Still House

The 5 Coolest Coffee Shops in Copenhagen

Gotta Getaway

Copenhagen does just about everything right. Design, obviously. It’s why the city has sat atop my Wanderlust Wednesday bucket list for quite some time. (Exhibit A.) Health care, which is tax-funded, covers 100% of the population and they offer more maternity leave than you could ever imagine. Work/life balance, as inboxes are often abandoned by 5:00 p.m. Food, including the best restaurant on the entire planet. (Noma? Ever heard of it? Of course you have.) Style, with their white sneakers, cropped wide-legged trousers and an overall couldn’t-be-bothered-to-wear-makeup ease. Lifestyle, with their devotion to hygge. Each Copenhagener is said to burn, on average, 13 pounds of candle wax a year. No wonder Danes are deemed the happiest people on the planet.

So naturally, they also can brew the best damn cup of coffee you’ve ever had too. In the chicest coffee shops, with courteous baristas, tucked into historic neighborhoods. Could Copenhagen get any more charming? Doubt it.

Our favorite roving reporter Megan (have you ever checked out her love series?? seriously, you should) recently found herself in Copenhagen (why didn’t she pack me in her suitcase!) and has kindly rounded up the must-visit coffee shops for this week’s installment of Wanderlust Wednesday.

When I visit a new city I always make a point to find the local coffee shops because that is where you find the local people. You get to inject yourself into the culture – even if it’s just until the bottom of your cappuccino. Next time you find yourself in Copenhagen – as soon as possible! go! now! you won’t regret it! – start your mornings off right or wind down in the afternoon at one of these five design savvy coffee shops.

The Coffee Collective 

Go to The Coffee Collective once, chances are you’ll end up there, oh, let’s say another 15 times before begrudgingly being dragged back to the airport. Walking into one of their five locations (+ a roastery – which I’m obessed with) is like popping over to an old friend’s house, if, say, your old friend went to a prestigious design school.

The locations are warm, comforting, inviting, sophisticated – how many adjectives do you need?  I particularly felt at home at the Bernikow location, a quiet oasis near the hustle and beautiful bustle of Nyhavn, but if you want to grab something to go, pop by their spot in the Torvehallerne food market or on the harbor at their newest location at Broens Gadekøkken, a collaboration between Noma (!) and the Copenhagen Street Food.

To stay cool and caffeinated, try the coffee kombucha, a collaboration with Laesk. It’s made from 100% filter-batch brewed coffee and organic sugar, which is then fermented with a scoby culture. A fizzy, refreshing boost of caffeine that’ll also give you a dose of probiotics? Win/win. You can feel good about dropping some Danish krone at Coffee Collective: they visit their producers annually and pay them at least 25% above the fair trade price.

Democratic Coffee

There a buzz of energy in Democratic Coffee, and that’s only partially due to the coffee. Right in the heart of Copenhagen, on Krystalgade, Democratic Coffee is attached to one of the most democratic places of all: the library.
A mix of students, professionals and Copenhageners of all kinds passes through Democratic, looking not only for a cup of coffee – they specialize in a single origin, light roast brew – but also for one of their beloved baked goods, made in-house. They’re known for their almond croissant, but I couldn’t pass up the pain au chocolate, which are both freshly baked twice a day. From the coffee to croissants to the people watching, there’s no going wrong at Democratic.

Atelier September 

Do you think Atelier September would notice if I moved in? Just nestle into the corner of the sun-soaked spot and never leave?

Part cafe, part creative studio, part boutique, Atelier September is everything you want in a singular space. Frederik Bille Brahe operates the cafe part, where he serves a thoughtful coffee and tea selection with an edited, healthy(ish) breakfast and lunch menu. Meanwhile, in the back addition, opened in 2015, designers Jonas and Annette Trampedach feature a must-have-it-now collection of furniture, lighting, antiques and posters – including many of their own designs.

During my recent visit, over a bowl of shakshuka that roused me back to life after an overnight flight, I watched a pair of young study abroaders attempt, kinda, to write a report, two older Danish women slap their knees in laughter, folks breezing through for a mid-afternoon latte and a pair of designers put their heads together a bound-to-be beautiful project. Just another Monday mid-afternoon at Atelier September.

Breakfast and lunch is served all day, every day. We’re suckers for the comte cheese and soft-boiled egg and matcha tea, though their light roast coffee by Swedish roaster Koppi is also A+.

108 

Why, yes you can get coffee at the little sister of the world’s most renowned restaurant, Noma. There are two sides to 108: the restaurant itself, which opens at 5:00 p.m. and is an easier reservation to secure than Noma, and The Corner, where you can start your day off right with coffee and pastries, in, no big deal, a Michelin-starred restaurant.

As for that coffee, Tim Wendelboe, a world champion barista and rock star roaster in Oslo, Norway who also transformed the coffee program at Noma, is to thank. Though the presentation isn’t as pretentious as it sounds; in fact it’s one of the less expensive cups of outstanding coffee you can find in Copenhagen.

And about those pastries…

Sonny

All the cool kids go to Sonny. And for one afternoon, me too.

Supercouple Sarah Wreschner and David Andersen helm this French-inspired cafe and eatery, which combines the coolness of Paris with the coziness of Copenhagen. Think plenty of cushions, sleek marble-top tables and a streamlined menu.

If you’re all coffee’d out – though you shouldn’t be, as La Cabra Coffee Roasters and Koppi provide the beans – throw back a Sonny juice, a blend of apple, ginger, turmeric and spirulina, and down a matcha granola bowl or their be-still-my-millenial-heart avocado sandwich, with a poached egg, beetroot spread, greens and chimichurri all on rye bread.

For prime people watching, nab a spot on the outdoor bench and watch those stylish Copenhageners live their best hygge life.

Tip to take home: Democratic, Coffee Collective and 108 all sell bags of beans. Pack your suitcase with some for a sip of Copenhagen once you ease back into reality, and ship me a bag while you’re at it.

For more Wanderlust Wednesday inspiration, CLICK HERE.

images via remodelista / the coffee collective / pinterest / petite passport / design boom / megan mccarty

Retail Therapy: Your Secret Source for French Vintage

San Francisco

I’m often asked about the “secret” to finishing a room. Well, if I knew, my house might be done by now! But in all seriousness, I actually do strongly believe that the way to complete a room is with treasures. You know, the treasures that life acquires – through travels, through discovery, through happenstance. That is where your personality and a room’s personality meld into one. But this process takes time. A lot of time. As well as plane tickets to far-flung destinations to find the antiques, vintage, flea markets finds, art and artisanal craft that sets a home apart. I’m certainly not hopping a plane any time soon. Are you?

Thankfully, there are some hidden gems out there that help you inject those amazing found pieces without actually having to spend years on the hunt. That’s why I’m over the moon that one of my favorite Bay Area treasure troves, french vintage gold mine, Elsie Green, has just opened a brand new shop just north of San Francisco. And friends, this shop, she’s a beaut.

Elsie Green is stocked sky high with pieces procured on annual trips to Paris, the south of France, and I suspect highly coveted secret sources. They come back with stunning pieces of furniture, amazing vintage cookware, tableware, linens, accessories and more. So much more. A trip to Elsie Green’s original Concord,CA location is like a bit of a treasure hunt in and of itself, but the store in Sebastopol, CA is like walking through an amazing collector’s home, but at this place you get to take the spoils with you.

Would I define my style as french country? Certainly not. But I know how killer vintage Marcel Breuer chairs would look in my dining room. I know a few antique candlesticks can warm up my shelfies. And I’m all about some vintage art, as evidenced by this guy in my kitchen. Whenever I I go to Elsie Green, I always want all the things, but I also realize a single piece or two will add that one-of-kind feeling my home – and that’s exactly what I’m going for.

So if you find yourself in the Bay Area, I strongly recommend you get thyself to 6770 McKinley Street in Sebastopol, California. Just plan to give yourself plenty of time to oogle all the pretty. For everyone else, Elsie Green has a beautiful website too. These are just a few of the pieces I’d gladly take home with me!

For our entire Retail Therapy archive, CLICK HERE.

images by kendra smoot & elsie green c/o elsie green

Wanderlust Wednesday: Top 5 Best Places to Stay in Wine Country

Gotta Getaway

Now that we’ve rounded the corner past Memorial Day, I can already feel my feet start to get the summer itch. You know what I’m talking about. The desire to go somewhere. Anywhere! While visions of tropical destinations and far-flung locations often dance in my head, I’m lucky that there are so many amazing travel destinations a stone’s throw from San Francisco. It is probably my favorite thing about living in the Bay Area (sorry Seattle – I still love you too). After a recent day trip to Sonoma, (did you see the gorgeousness on Instagram – I think I have to do a full recap for you on the blog – would you like that?) I’ve got serious wine country cravings. Thankfully, I already have at least one trip to wine country on the books this summer and I’m hoping to squeeze a weekend or two more in my happy place.

While it can be hard to pick an absolute favorite wine country locale, I thought I’d recap some of the best places I’ve visited through the years.

NAPA

Meadowood Napa Valley: Tucked into a canyon off the Silverado Trail, Meadowood Napa Valley is a hidden oasis. Under 100 guest rooms (many, including the one in which we stayed, are actually individual cabins) are tucked among 250 tree-covered acres. We stayed in a Treeline Suite. The room featured a fireplace, soaking tub, private decks and of course heavenly hotel beds. What is it about hotel beds – I usually hate a soft bed but when I sink into a plush feather-filled bed when I’m on vacation, wild horses have to drag me back out again. That’s a long-winded way of saying I found the whole hotel room very comfortable and highly recommend this destination to anyone looking for a little luxury – wine country style.

Solage Resort & Spa: If you love a slightly more modern look, then you’ll love Solage and their gorgeous spa. Its bathhouse has a clean, white minimal look. Rock pathways are lined with lavender and the mineral pool is surrounded by cabanas you can rent for the day. The spa has also recently partnered with green skincare line True Botanicals and offers a True Botanicals facial. I’ve been dying to try one!

Indian Springs: If you want to get a historic taste of wine country, head to Indian Springs Resort. Nestled in the charming little town of Calistoga, and built atop a 150-year old hot spring, this place feels simultaneously old school but also offer everything you want from a modern-day escape. Recently renovated, the 17-acre resort now offers a variety of guest rooms from cottages and bungalows to more traditional, though newly designed hotel rooms. The accommodations aren’t over the top, but totally comfortable. But the real stars of the show are the four thermal geysers that produce rich mineral water and a deposit of pure volcanic ash also runs through the property. The waters supply their Olympic-sized mineral pool and combined with the ash, create the special mud for their famous mud baths. The bathhouse is a one of a kind experience you should not miss. If you’re looking for a quick weekend away, this is probably the first thing I would go.

SONOMA

Farmhouse Inn: With only 25 rooms you’re going to get very personalized service. And of course, I swooned over the design. The rooms put the perfect modern spin on cottage chic. They feature soaking tubs, many of which open up onto patios with indoor/outdoor fireplaces. You’re given custom-made bath salts, sugar scrubs and homemade soaps at reception so you can make your own mini in-room spa kit. I don’t think I’ve bathed so much in one weekend. But I did drag myself back out of the room to give the Farmhouse Inn spa a test run. Set up in the Inn’s “barn,” I was equally impressed by the spa’s design. It was less modern zen and more country / rustic but I loved the vibe. It felt cozy and familiar. I’m also a sucker for any space that’s all white!

And of course there are always new spots popping up in Napa and Sonoma and I’m always looking for my next destination. First up on my must-try list is below.

Autocamp: Set in a stunning native Redwood forest about an hour and a half from San Francisco, AutoCamp is the perfect spot for outdoor lovers who may not love roughing it (me, me, me). AutoCamp offers a “camping” experience that blends beautiful design and luxury with nature. You can choose between your own private Airstream trailer complete with a bathroom, bed & shower (yas!) or select a glamping tent that shares communal facilities. Each campsite is equipped with its own cooking stove and some have firepits. You are in the woods so hiking, mountain biking and exploring the Russian River are at your fingertips. But there’s also amazing wine all around. So it’s kinda the best of both worlds. I’ve stalked many a friend on Instagram who has given AutoCamp a test run and rave, saying its both gorgeous and kid-friendly.

Now, this isn’t a complete retrospective on where to stay in wine country. There are many a resort and of course tons of amazing rental houses out there too. I fully expect you to be reciprocal in your advice. Wineries, rental homes, hotels – I want to know it all because testing out new amazing spots is pretty much my job. So please comment away! Would you like a post on my favorite wineries too?!

Need more summer travel inspiration? CLICK HERE.

images via apartment 34 / glitter guide / hannah merrit

Delicious Spaces: Høst in Copenhagen

Gotta Getaway

It’s been a little while since we’ve had an installment of Delicious Spaces. Are you liking this series? I kind of see it as my 2018 version of Tasty Tuesday. But as I was perusing the interwebs to satisfy both my wanderlust (I haven’t left the country in over a year. that is NOT ok. Universe do you hear me?!) and my constant desire for pretty images last night, I stumbled upon Høst, a unique restaurant space in Copenhagen.

As a design enthusiast, it is incredibly embarrassing that I’ve never been to Copenhagen. It’s probably on the tippy top of my bucket list right now. Especially when I see that places like Høst exist. The restaurant was designed by my faves, Norm Architects and features many pieces from my favorite line, Menu. I love the really paired back, rustic look. It has a very Diane Keaton, The House that Pinterest Built vibe (have you seen that book yet?! It’s gorge. I’m obsessed). This space actually also reminds me of this San Francisco restaurant that I profiled a few years back.

The ceilings in this space are killing me. From the rustic wood clad ceiling and then that amazing arched concrete area? Swoon. While there is no adornment or even art, it’s not needed. There’s so much texture with the mix of materials – both rough and smooth woods, brick and concrete. The touches of greenery soften the industrial edge. I’m drooling.

Høst’s food sounds equally stunning. Høst means harvest in Danish and the menu focuses on local Nordic ingredients and seasonal greens. Dishes include things like Porcini Bouillon with pickled Black Trumpet-mushrooms, wild garlic and veal cheeks and Sea buckthorn sorbet with honey and chamomile flower. I’m not even sure what that is, but it sounds amazing. I think I’m ready to a hop on a plane. How about you?

For all of our restaurant profiles, CLICK HERE!

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