Rainy Day in Bar Harbor

Despite the gorgeous sunny weather that started our week, it is rainy and chilly in Bar Harbor today. The clouds are really dramatic and it smells like October with all the fireplaces that are going around town. But we can't complain, we've been on the move exploring Acadia and the rest of the island since Sunday. More details to come, but here's a few snapshots of our week thus far.

We're off...

We are packing up the car and heading to Bar Harbor for a week, starting tomorrow. I've only been to the southern coast of Maine, so I am really excited to get farther north, explore the seaside town and hike Acadia National Park. I have also been (very patiently) saving the June/July issue of Verily Magazine for this trip and am eager to dive into the new publication.

Learn more and subscribe to Verily here.

Hey There, Seattle

Tim and I spent a few days last week visiting family in Seattle. Somehow we managed to bring the sun with us and had a few days of lovely weather to explore the city. We ran along the Puget Sound, devoured delicious cardamom pretzels at the award-winning Cafe Besalu, shopped some wonderful markets and spent much needed time with family. Thanks Seattle, for showing us a good time.

Recap: Chincoteague, VA

We spent another great Memorial Day Weekend at Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. My family grew up going there, so it's always been fun for me to go back and reminisce. The wildlife refuge and beaches along Assateague are still beautiful, and it is still home to one of my all-time favorite ice cream palors: the Island Creamery. 

RECAP: Jackson Hole, WY

In March, my husband, some friends and I traveled to Jackson Hole, WY for some spring snowboarding. This is a snapshot of our wonderful week:

1. One the best parts of visiting Jackson Hole is landing at the airport alongside the Teton Mountains. The view is spectacular.

2. Archways of elk antlers greet you outside the airport. They can also be found in the town square alongside other tasteful Western decor.

3. Katie and I spent the first sunny day walking around Teton Village.

4. We stumbled upon a pen of large horses and decided to say hello. They were perfect subjects against the mountainous backdrop.

5. We had one cloudy and one gorgeous day on the slopes. It made for some nice snow and scenic views.

6. The valley from the mountain is quite a sight. The mountain on the left is said to be Sleeping Indian Mountain as the peak resembles an Indian Chief laid to rest with a headress of trees and his arms crossed at his chest.

RECAP: Rugby, TN

For Christmas, my husband and I spent a few days visiting his parents at their home in historic Rugby, Tennessee. The town has been restored to resemble the original village that was established in 1880 by English author Thomas Hughes. Hughes' vision of Rugby was a utopian, agricultural society for those seeking a new start in America. Today, those ideals can been seen in the form of the picturesque Victorian Gothic homes and buildings. Some of the original structures that have been restored include the Christ Church Episcopal, the Rugby School and the Thomas Hughes Library. My favorite attraction, however, has always been the "Rugby Printing Works" print shop.

The print shop is not a restored structure, but was brought in from a nearby town to represent the original. It was closed for the holidays, but I got a chance to peek in the windows and wanted to share it's recent facelift.

For more on Rugby, click here.

RECAP: Mexico

For our honeymoon, my husband and I spent eight days in beautiful Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Despite a slight bout of sickness, we had a fabulous time and glorious weather. We explored the ruins of Tulum, sat on the beach, ate amazing food and shopped along Quinta Ave.

Mayan ruins at Tulum

The textiles in some of the local shops were so vibrant and eye-catching, it took everything in me to not purchase one of everything. 

Local textiles

Our hotel, El Taj, was beautiful in itself. Not only because of the views of the Carribean Sea, but I also loved the modern furniture and India-inspired decor.

View from our balcony

Modern outdoor furniture at the resort

Entryway to El Taj

In town we found some amazing food. Especially at Yaxche, our favorite Mayan restaurant that had an incredible design aesthetic (I almost stole some napkins). However it was a challenge to not eat every meal at the beach club with it's amazing views.

View from Indigo Beach Club

Between the people, the culture, and the food it was an amazing trip. I'm sure we'll be back soon enough, most likely with friends and family in tow. Hasta luego!