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

Give The Gift of Memories | Coastal New England

Sometimes the best gift isn’t something you keep — it’s somewhere you go. New England’s coastlines are full of moments waiting to be unwrapped: quiet beaches, raw bars with ocean views, and small boutiques where you're treated like family. From Rhode Island to Maine, each coastal town offers a different rhythm — elegant, local, and grounded in place. This holiday season, choose to give the gift of time well spent, a weekend by the sea, and a few keepsakes that carry the mem

3 min read

On Top of Spaghetti | Precision, Passion, and Providence on a Plate

Few cookbooks capture the essence of a restaurant quite like On Top of Spaghetti by Johanne Killeen and the late George Germon — the duo behind Al Forno, the restaurant that not only defined a generation of dining in Providence but changed the way America thought about Italian food.

3 min read

Your Holiday, Made Easy | Sweet Endings & Seasonal Desserts

Entertaining doesn’t have to be complicated — and dessert should never feel like work. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or planning an intimate dinner, these gluten-free favorites bring comfort and sophistication to the table with minimal effort. Think rustic French classics, baked fruits, and silky custards that can all be made ahead.

2 min read

Boston Is for Weekends | Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor

Boston’s fall art season opens with one of the year’s most anticipated exhibitions — Of Light and Air: Winslow Homer in Watercolor at the Museum of Fine Arts. Nearly 50 watercolors, many unseen for half a century, return to view from November 2 through January 10, 2026.

3 min read

Your Holiday, Made Easy | Grazing & Starters

Entertaining doesn’t have to mean endless prep or complicated plating. The beauty of grazing is in its ease — casual, elegant, and perfect for guests who love to mingle. From cheese boards and charcuterie to soups and salads, this is where your holiday meal begins — and where your guests start to feel at home.

3 min read

Your Holiday, Made Easy | Seasonal Sips & Effortless Entertaining

Hosting over the holidays doesn’t have to mean overcomplicating things. A few thoughtful drinks — hot, cold, or sparkling — can set the mood and make your gatherings feel both relaxed and refined. From cozy cider mugs to espresso martinis and champagne toasts, these simple recipes and hosting tips will keep your holiday entertaining easy, elegant, and full of flavor.

3 min read

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culinary highlights, cultural immersion, itineraries & walking tours.

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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.
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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!