THIS CAFE LIFE

Travel Ideas

Need a trip idea? Whether you're a beach bum, adventure junkie, or fan of the weekend getaway:

yes, we have some ideas & itineraries for you!

Maps

Articles

Building a Thoughtful Culinary Library

The Chef’s Library from This Café Life is an ever-evolving collection of chef-recommended cookbooks — volumes that shaped how we cook, taste, and live. From The Silver Palate to Home Desserts and French Bistro Cooking, each review reflects the craft, history, and personal stories that define a thoughtful culinary library.

4 min read

Cape Cod Getaways: From Woods Hole to Provincetown

Cape Cod is a timeless New England escape — lighthouses, sandy beaches, cranberry bogs, and harbors lined with fishing boats. But visit in autumn and the Cape reveals a whole new personality: crisp air, colorful foliage, bustling farm stands, and small-town festivals. This guide takes you from Falmouth & Woods Hole at the Upper Cape to Hyannis, Chatham, Truro, and Provincetown, with stops for farmers’ markets, cranberry bogs, fall celebrations, and biking trails along the way

6 min read

Under the Elms & By the Sea: The Wonder of Castine, Maine

Castine is the kind of place you visit - and never forget. It's such a classic, authentic New England community with a relaxed cadence, and natural beauty.

4 min read

The Art of the Power Bowl

There’s an art to eating well during a busy week — and it begins with how you prepare. The Art of the Power Bowl is a chef’s guide to meal prep made beautiful: thoughtful cooking that balances flavor, texture, and nutrition in every bite.

19 min read

A Coastal Maine Getaway to Ogunquit

Some places never lose their pull — for me, that’s Ogunquit. My family spent summers at Meadowmere Resort, always in the red building, and dinner next door at Jonathan’s was non-negotiable. The trip always included Barnacle Billy’s in Perkins Cove for lobster, chowder, and rum punch.

4 min read

Small Works, Big Spirit — An Artful Weekend in Providence

There’s a particular kind of magic in Providence when the leaves turn: brick sidewalks, quiet galleries, and the sense that creativity hums through our little city. It’s the perfect season to plan a weekend around on of my favorite annual shows: the Little Pictures Show & Sale at the Providence Art Club

2 min read

2 3 4 5

Our features below provide curated travel recommendations,

culinary highlights, cultural immersion, itineraries & walking tours.

INSTAGRAM POSTS

Link here to our Instagram page

Nantucket Revisited

72 Hours in Lisbon

There’s something undeniably magnetic about Lisbon. It has a way of making you feel both at home and transported all at once. What makes Lisbon special isn't just the sights - it’s the pace. Life moves a little slower here. People linger. Strangers smile. The city is approachable, affordable, and endlessly photogenic. Even getting a bit lost becomes part of the adventure.
.
Lisbon spans seven hills, and where there's a hill, there's a view! It is a city built from a mosaic of unique neighborhoods & districts, each with its own distinct personality, history, and vibe. Instead of feeling like one big uniform city, Lisbon’s charm comes from how these diverse areas weave together to create a rich, layered experience.
.
Lisbon isn’t a place to rush through -it’s a city to feel. It’s for long walks, lingering dinners, spontaneous music, and unexpected views. Whether you’re here for the history, the food, the people, or the mood, Lisbon invites you to slow down and stay a while.
.

Chiado Calling

Culture, Coffee & Cobbled Streets - Chiado is where Lisbon’s charm comes alive - an elegant neighborhood that hums with creativity, history, and style. From iconic cafés like A Brasileira to tucked-away bookstores, avant-garde galleries, and the faded grandeur of old theaters, Chiado blends old-world sophistication with a modern, artistic edge. Chiado calls to both the curious and the nostalgic.

Azuléjos Tiles

A significant aspect of Portuguese culture and artistry, these traditional ceramic tiles have a rich history dating back centuries, and they've become emblematic of Portugal's art & architectural landscape. The word "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "az-zulayj," which means "polished stone." Introduced to Portugal by the Moors in the 15th century, azulejos quickly became a popular form of decoration. Initially, they were mainly used to adorn the walls of churches, palaces, and noble houses.

Azulejos aren't just decorative; they also serve functional purposes, like regulating temperature and providing insulation. Over time, Portuguese artisans developed distinctive styles and techniques, blending Moorish influences with indigenous designs, as well as incorporating elements from other cultures encountered through Portugal's extensive maritime explorations.

Look for them next time you're in Portugal!