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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!


The Ultimate Guide to Apple Cider: History, Styles, & Global Traditions
Cider is more than a seasonal sip - it’s a drink with a story that stretches across centuries and continents. From ancient orchards in Normandy and monastic presses in England to colonial New England farmsteads and today’s craft cider bars, this fermented apple drink has always been a reflection of place, tradition, and innovation. Sweet or dry, still or sparkling, cider tells the tale of apples in a glass - one that’s rooted in history, shaped by culture, and endlessly versa
12 min read


Apple Picking in New England: Orchards, History, Recipes, & Cider
Discover New England apple picking this fall! Explore orchards by state, apple history and recipes, plus cider traditions from sweet to hard cider. A guide to the flavors of autumn.
5 min read


Autumn Escapes: Coastal New England Weekend Getaways
These coastal small towns in New England offer unforgettable views, incredible food, and rich history. Whether you’re photographing Motif Number 1 in Rockport, strolling the Marginal Way, or admiring the Cliff Walk in Newport, each destination promises a memorable end-of-summer trip. From weekend trips in New England to longer coastal escapes, the region’s charm never fades. Pack your bags, hit the road, and let coastal New England’s beauty greet the autumn season in style.
4 min read


York, Maine: Coastal Adventures - A New England Escape
There’s something timeless about summer on the coast of Maine, especially in York. Known for its beaches, historic charm, and some of the best seafood in Maine, this town has been drawing travelers for generations.
5 min read


The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Scallops: Easy Recipes for Every Kitchen
Scallops are the sweet gems of the sea - delicate, versatile, and surprisingly simple to cook at home. Whether you’re pan-searing them to golden perfection and tossing them into a pasta or salad for a savory treat, this guide will show you how to transform scallops into restaurant-quality dishes in your own kitchen.
4 min read


Tides of Flavor: A New England Seafood Guide
New England’s seafood story isn’t just about eating - it’s about identity. Fishing towns depend on seasonal runs, local families pass down chowder recipes, and small harbors come alive in summer when the docks fill with lobster traps and scallop boats. To eat local seafood here is to taste the sea as generations have known it - honest, briny, and fresh.
19 min read
Our features below provide curated travel recommendations,
culinary highlights, cultural immersion, itineraries & walking tours.
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Road trips through Coastal New England.
Sharing our favorite Coastal Towns in Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island.

Magical Merida
A curated list of authentic Mexican restaurants from our recent visit to Yucatan! Enjoy delicious food while exploring cultural connections!

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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!

From Vikings to Modern Art
A magical museum tour!
Oslo has an abundance of museums celebrating their Nordic culture, art and history. All easily accessible and thoughtfully curated. Visit www.thiscafelife.com for more.
Happy Travels!
Oslo has an abundance of museums celebrating their Nordic culture, art and history. All easily accessible and thoughtfully curated. Visit www.thiscafelife.com for more.
Happy Travels!

Santa Fe Weekend: Adobe Dreams & Red Chile Scenes.
Bringing our favorites your way; restaurants, museums, galleries, shopping.

Providence, Rhode Island
Providence is known for its vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences and attractions.
Unique attractions, food & beverage favorites, shopping, day trips, and more.
Unique attractions, food & beverage favorites, shopping, day trips, and more.
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