There’s something magical about Puglia that feels different from the rest of Italy. Maybe it’s the slower pace, the olive groves stretching endlessly into the distance, or the way each town seems to have its own distinct personality. During our three-week honeymoon through Italy with our toddler, Puglia became one of the most memorable parts of the trip. From whitewashed hill towns to Baroque cities and fairytale villages filled with Trulli houses, every stop gave us a new favorite moment.
There’s something special about finding a hotel that feels both stylish and comfortable for the whole family, and our stay at Kimpton Hotel Vintage Portland checked every box. Located right in the heart of downtown Portland, the hotel made it easy to explore the city while giving us a cozy place to recharge at the end of the day. The hotel’s wine-inspired theme adds so much personality throughout the property, from the artwork and décor to the creatively named guest rooms. One of our favorite touches was the evening wine tasting hour, which we happily took full advantage of during our stay.
There’s something magical about the Amalfi Coast — the winding cliffside roads, pastel-colored villages stacked above the sea, and the scent of lemons floating through the air. During our honeymoon trip through Italy, my husband, toddler, and I spent several days exploring this unforgettable stretch of coastline while staying in an Airbnb rental in La Scala. Having a rental car gave us the freedom to explore at our own pace, and each town we visited offered a completely different experience. From quiet hidden corners to bustling beachside energy and chic boutiques, Positano, Atrani, and Amalfi each left their mark on our trip.
Our two-night stay at Donna Carmela near Catania was one of the highlights of our honeymoon through Italy. After taking the ferry from Calabria to Sicily with our rental car, we made the scenic drive to the hotel, already excited for a few days of relaxation. As part of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, Donna Carmela felt like the perfect blend of luxury and tranquility, and traveling with our toddler made it feel even more special to have such a peaceful and beautiful place to stay.
Our spontaneous 2-day trip to Santa Fe with my husband and toddler turned out to be the perfect little getaway to a city that had been on my bucket list for years. Known for its rich history, adobe architecture, and thriving art scene, Santa Fe completely charmed us with its creative energy and laid-back Southwestern vibe. From exploring Canyon Road’s art galleries and unique boutiques to finally visiting the iconic Georgia O’Keeffe Museum, every part of the trip felt inspiring — and the incredible food made it even better.
Our time in Sicily came toward the end of our three-week honeymoon trip through Italy with our toddler, and it ended up being one of the most memorable stops of the entire trip. We took a ferry from Calabria to Sicily with our rental car and drove to our beautiful boutique hotel, Donna Carmela, just outside of Catania. Since we only had one full day to explore, we decided to spend it in Taormina, and I’m so glad we did. The entire town felt like something straight out of a postcard, with its hilltop views, charming streets, and classic Sicilian atmosphere.
Santa Fe is a great town for wandering. Between the adobe architecture, endless art galleries, thoughtfully curated boutiques, and incredible food, every corner of the city felt inspiring in its own way. We spent most of our time slowly exploring local shops, discovering beautiful art, and stumbling upon places that made us want to stay a little longer. Here are a few of the spots that stood out most during our trip.
During our fall honeymoon trip through Italy, we spent two unforgettable nights at Tenuta Negroamaro in the heart of Puglia. Arriving during the off-season meant we had the entire property almost completely to ourselves, which somehow made the experience feel even more intimate and magical. Rainy skies settled over the countryside during our stay, but instead of taking away from the experience, the weather wrapped everything in a quiet, cozy charm. Between the warm hospitality, thoughtful boutique hotel touches, and the stunning interiors designed by a London-based interior designer, it quickly became one of the most memorable stays of our trip.
Santa Fe has a way of pulling you in. Between the adobe architecture, vibrant art scene, and endless sunshine, it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down and savor everything, especially the food. On a recent two-day trip, my husband, our toddler, and I made it a point to find spots that were not only delicious but also welcoming and full of charm. We ended up discovering five places that felt just right. Cute, memorable, and perfect for a little family adventure.
It’s been such a full, beautiful, and honestly busy season for our family. Andrew and I got married last September, then one month later headed off on a three-week honeymoon through Italy, which still feels like a dream. We came home, celebrated Sage turning two in January, and then jumped straight into our move to Colorado in March. It’s been one milestone after another, and for a while it felt like we were just trying to keep up. But now that we’re finally settled, everything feels calmer and more intentional—and it gave us the space to ask ourselves what we wanted next for our family.
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