Tennessee draws visitors for myriad reasons: music, food, nature, civil rights history and art (yes, art). And if you’re heading this way and love a good free road trip activity, you may be looking for the best mural cities in Tennessee. As a bona-fide mural chaser, traveler and a public art nonprofit president, I’m here to be your guide. After all, I want you to see the very best art my home state has to offer!
“Art of Harmony” mural by Ty Christian; beauty image mural in Tullahoma by Sophi Odling
My husband and I have been seeking out cities with great public art—think: Cincinnati, Austin, Lisbon, Oklahoma City, Portland—for more than two decades. And for seven years now, we’ve also been helping develop the face of public art in rural parts of Tennessee through our nonprofit work. Murals drive tourism, and they have the domino effect of attracting visitors, who then spend money at local businesses. It’s a win-win for everyone.
If you’re traveling to the Volunteer State and want to go on your own public art road trip, I’ve got some ideas for you. Starting from west to east, here are the best mural cities in Tennessee and what to see while you’re there.
Memphis, Tennessee
If you want the true pulse of Tennessee, start in Memphis. This city is the home to blues, jazz, gospel and a whole host of creatives during their thing. From Beale Street to the Mississippi River, Overton Park to Broad Avenue, Memphis has so many nooks and crannies to explore and murals to unearth. I have a full guide to the best murals in Memphis here, as well as other guides to planning a weekend in Memphis.
Memphis murals by Damon Lamarreed and Pugs Atomz, Dustin Spagnola, Qwynto, Alive Paint and Siphne A. Sylve, Sarah Painter and Cosby Hayes
The story of Waverly’s art scene is the result of one local entrepreneur’s love for train graffiti. He wondered, if given legal permission to paint, what these artists could be capable of if they weren’t trespassing or vandalizing. So he started the Walls Art Park in Waverly to allow creatives the space to do just that. The Walls Art Park first opened in 2018 with 14 walls scattered among three wooded acres; a year later, Klein added two acres, which allowed for even more walls once trees were cleared and trails added. Today, the park spans 80+ paintable surfaces, and Klein has plans to expand into the adjoining 10 acres with camping areas and other forms of three-dimensional art like sculptures and wood carving. Waverly is also home to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch and Johnsonville State Historic Park.
When it comes to sheer volume, Nashville’s murals are unmatched. Corporations like the Tennessee Titans have seen the value of public art, and several neighborhoods like the Nations have developed policies where new developments must sponsor art installations as a gift to the community. Some names to watch out for include local muralists Cymone Wilder, Mobe, Folek, Kim Radford and Whitney Herrington, as well as international names like Beau Stanton and Guido van Helton, who designed the famed Silo mural. And yes, there’s even a Kelsey Montague wings mural, much as I hate to even mention it. If you’re coming to Music City, the art scene is very spread out, so I made this mural guide to Nashville, which I update frequently, to make your experience a bit more seamless.
Nashville murals by Sarah Painter and Cymone Wilder, Jason Woodside, Thomas Halloran, Sentrock
Manchester is where we first started our public art nonprofit—much to the chagrin of some of the older folks in town—and we were able to make an immediate impact by transforming the entrance to the downtown Manchester square almost overnight. In the years to come, we added pieces throughout the Manchester greenway, as well as one at exit 110 at Foothills Craft to raise awareness of suicide prevention. This mural happens to be on the way to Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park for those who are coming down to visit Manchester’s lovely state park and waterfalls.
Manchester murals by Tara Aversa, Matt Willey, Sarah Painter and Cosby Hayes, Ivan Roque
Tullahoma is where I was born and raised and the place I chose to come back to as an adult. It’s also a town that is plagued by a state highway and a rail line running right through its core, disturbing the walkability of the downtown—but one that draws so many visitors thanks to the presence of Arnold Air Force Base, George Dickel (dba as Cascade Hollow Distilling Co.) and Jack Daniel’s Distillery. So we decided to make it our personal project by focusing on driving people to various downtown Tullahoma businesses with the draw of public murals. We have 18 murals in Tullahoma and counting, and for as long as we live here (and there are walls to paint), it will continue to be a passion of ours. If you’re coming to Coffee County, you can use this map to see all the murals in Tullahoma and Manchester.
Tullahoma murals by Kris Kanaly, Ty Christian, Nathan Brown, JUURI, Mobe, Daria Hammond
A decade ago, Chattanooga’s art scene wouldn’t have made my list for best murals in Tennessee—too much art by committee, too little allowance for creative liberties—but the city has seen a serious renaissance in recent years. The addition of local artists like Nathan Brown making a splash with full-blown, block-long murals has made the Scenic City one I love driving through to look for new murals. Chattanooga, in general, is a great town to visit, with neighborhoods like St. Elmo and Northshore some of my favorites.
There aren’t enough powerful adjectives to describe just how much I love the town of Sweetwater. Four years ago, I only knew it by name, then we were awarded a National Endowment for the Arts grant to do an original piece in a town that had ties to the suffrage movement. Sweetwater was the unanimous pick. What we found in the coming months—and later, the years—was a town that supports its small businesses, one that is devoted to the visitor experience, and a city staff who truly cares about its community. Today, Sweetwater is well on its way to 10 murals in town thanks to the visionaries in charge, and we couldn’t be happier to be a part of that. But there’s plenty more to do beyond murals, too: There’s the Lost Sea Adventure, Tsali Notch Vineyard, Sweetwater Valley Farm and the sweetest Smokies-adjacent town Tellico Plains just down the road.
Sweetwater murals by Jenny Ustick, Kim Radford, Megan Lingerfelt, Whitney Herrington
Where to stay in Sweetwater: Remedies Inn right on Main Street
Knoxville, Tennessee
If I had to name the artiest town in Tennessee, I would respond with Knoxville, no contest. Large university towns often pump out some of the most creative endeavors, and UT’s The School of Art has helped pave the careers of many notable alumni like designer/illustrator Paris Woodhull, who has her own downtown storefront. But what I love most about Knoxville’s artistic fabric is the mindful placemaking: the ever-changing murals of Strong Alley, the inspiring sculptures in Krutch Park, the brand-new Knox Walls. If every city approached creativity the way Knoxville does, the world would be in great shape.
Knoxville murals by Megan Lingerfelt and Curtis Glover, Paris Woodhull
We’ve installed many more murals in small towns that could eventually earn a spot on this best mural cities in Tennessee list with the addition of more original pieces in the future (and absolutely no wings). Here’s a map of all of our DMA installations throughout the state.
The Greek island of Andros has a charming and authentic atmosphere, a world away from the busier Cyclades islands nearby, such as Mykonos and Santorini. Read on for our travel guide, with all the best things to do in Andros; where to eat, recommended hotels and practical tips on how to get around if you want to go car-free. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy the many beaches, go hiking on well marked trails and swim under waterfalls in a hidden river valley.
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An Introduction to Andros
Andros became wealthy in the 19th and 20th century, when many families owned merchant ships and the island prospered from maritime trade. Local men were employed as sailors and sea captains, returning from their voyages to build beautiful houses with their earnings.
You’ll see signs of this wealth in the attractive “sea captain’s” houses of the island capital Chora, and the sophisticated museums and galleries founded by wealthy shipping families.
The atmosphere here is laid back, with a culture that’s unspoiled by mass tourism. But you can find excellent restaurants, luxury hotels and stylish places like the Kourtesis winery that will appeal to the discerning independent traveller.
Chora Andros Greece
Why visit Andros?
Each Greek island has its individual character, but you’ll probably enjoy Andros if:
you enjoy a quiet and relaxing holiday.
you’re interested in discovering authentic Greek island life, rather than glitz and glamour.
you enjoy hiking, beaches and nature.
your idea of nightlife is a relaxing meal in the town square or a nightcap overlooking the sea.
you’re happy to travel by ferry from Athens or neighbouring islands since there is no airport.
you want an island that makes an easy add-on to Athens, since it’s just 2 hours by ferry.
The main places to stay in Andros
Most visitors will stay in one of the four main towns and resorts – you can check out our full list of recommended hotels in Andros later in the article.
Gavrio – the main ferry port on Andros, with shops and restaurants that cater for ferry passengers. Since Andros has no airport, it’s likely you will pass through Gavrio, but most visitors choose to stay elsewhere, since there’s no beach.
Chora Andros Greece
Chora – as the island’s picturesque capital and original harbour, much of the island’s former wealth was concentrated here. There are beaches on both sides of the town, plenty of accommodation, restaurants and a few museums. This is the best place to stay if you visit in shoulder season, since more places are open all year round.
Batsi – a popular holiday resort with a broad beach, small marina and plenty of holiday accommodation and restaurants. This is where holiday companies are likely to send you, and in high season the beach here is more protected from the Meltemi winds, although Batsi is quieter in low season.
Korthi – the quietest of the holiday resorts, especially in low season when not much is open. It’s further to get to from the ferry, requiring a drive on winding roads, and has a sleepy, relaxed atmosphere. This where the locals go to get away from it all!
The Meltemi winds
During July and August, Andros and neighbouring Tinos are known for the Meltemi winds that blow from the north. Although we did not experience them on our visit in September, they can be quite strong in summer, affecting the sandy beaches, making the sea rough and boat trips difficult.
Since the north of the island is more affected, on windy days it may be better to head to the more protected beaches on the south side of Andros, or stay by your hotel pool.
Chora Andros Greece
Things to do in Andros
With no airport, Andros is popular with independent travellers from Europe and the USA. It’s also a well known weekend destination for Greeks coming from Athens, which is only 2 hours away by ferry.
The main things to do in Andros include hiking and outdoor activities, swimming on the many beaches, visiting some of the island’s museums and enjoying the charming and authentic atmosphere of Chora.
Chora Andros Greece
Chora
As the island capital of Andros, Chora is centre of the island’s cultural life. The name ‘Chora’ literally means country, and is commonly used on Greek islands to denote the main town.
Since most of the old town is pedestrianised, it’s a charming place to visit and a good place to base yourself on Andros. The town’s car park is on the edge of the pedestrianised area, but it can get crowded in summer.
Wander through the old town, with its cobbled lanes and charming churches, admiring the neo-classical sea captain’s houses.
Head down to the furthest end of town to the Square of the Unknown soldier. The large statue located there commemorates all the sailors who sailed from Andros and never returned.
From this spot you can also see the ruins on a small island of the 13th century Venetian fortress. It’s possible in calm weather to cross the stone arch and climb up to the fortress for some nice photos. However the bridge is somewhat precarious, so I wouldn’t do it without a local guide. From here you can also see the Tourlitis lighthouse perched on a rock.
Venetian fort Andros Chora Greece
Swim from either of the two beaches that lie on either side of the high ground on which Chora is built. Paraporti beach is backed by dunes for a wilder feel, while Neimporio offers several cafes and sunbeds for hire. When the sea is calm, you can also swim off the rocks in the old town.
Chora is a good place to explore the food of Andros, with plenty of delis and bakeries selling local specialties and numerous excellent restaurants.
Most of the museums in Andros are located in Chora. Be sure to visit the Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art, Archaeological Museum of Andros and the Petros and Marika Kydonieos Foundation. There are a few others that weren’t open when we visited such as the Maritime Museum, Digital Museum and the folk museum inside the Paradise Hotel.
More things to do if you are based in Chora
If you are interested in some fun excursions to the river pools for swimming, wineries, monasteries or boat trips to less accessible beaches, call in at Explore Andros, who have their offices in the Fresco cafe in Chora.
It’s easy to use Chora as a base for hiking in Andros, and this is where we stayed. There are numerous trails that lead out from the town, or you can get a taxi to the furthest point of the trail and hike back into Chora.
View of Paraporti beach from Chora – Andros Greece
Batsi
This popular resort town (written in Greek as Mpatsi) is spread around a protected bay with broad sandy beach. Even if you are not staying here, Batsi is worth visiting for the day.
There’s a large car park in the centre of town behind the beach, and a one way system on the roads. You’ll enter the town from the north side of the bay and exit at the south side.
Walk along the seafront promenade to the marina area, noticing some of the older style sea captain’s houses from the mid 19th century.
Relax or swim on the main beach, where there are sun beds and a beach bar in front of the Chryssi Akti Hotel. At the north end of the bay, there’s the smaller Kolona beach, with a beach bar, which we preferred. Being on the south side of the island, Batsi offers one of the more protected beaches when the Meltemi winds are blowing.
Batsi Andros Greece
Chill out in one of the cafes or restaurants that overlook the marina. For dinner, both Stamatis Taverna and Oti Kalo have good reputations.
Just south of Batsi is the Archaeological Museum of Paleopolis. This contains the findings from the island’s original capital of Paleopolis. There’s a path (Route 9a) from here down to the sea where the ancient town dating back to the 6th century BC was located. Some remains of the Paleopolis port are visible under the sea.
There are some hiking trails that lead out from Batsi – Route 11a over the Petalo mountain ridge and into the Arni valley, Route 11 that skirts high ground above the coast and Route 16a to the Agios Petros monastery.
Batsi Andros Greece
Korthi
This is the quietest of the main seaside towns on Andros, although quite a few people live in the more rural area behind it. You can park along the seafront promenade. Things to do in Korthi include:
Korthi Andros Greece
Walk along the seafront promenade and explore the more sheltered pedestrianised lanes that lie one block behind.
Enjoy an excellent lunch at the best restaurant in town, Sea Satin Nino, which is owned by a well known local chef and is open all year round.
Sea Satin Nino Korthi Andros Greece
Swim on the beach that lies on the south end of the promenade. Due to the sweeping bay and bowl of mountains enclosing it, this is one of the more protected beaches on a windy day.
Hike over the headland at the north end of the bay to one of the most famous beaches, Grias To Pidima.
On the drive between Chora and Korthi, you might like to park the car and walk around the pretty hillside village of Kochylos, which is set above Korthi.
Korthi Andros Greece
Hiking in Andros
Andros is unusual on the Greek islands in offering some great opportunities for hiking. Traditional kalderimia or mule paths between villages, have been restored and signposted by a group of volunteers through the Andros Routes organisation.
Hiking in Andros Greece – Syneti to Chora
The landscape of Andros is relatively mountainous with elevations of up to 1000 metres. Springs and rivers tumble down the hillside to the sea, creating walking routes with beautiful views, green wooded valleys and sheltered beaches for swimming.
Apikia – Hiking in Andros Greece
There are a total of 240km easy to follow hiking trails, with maps available of all the hiking routes. Andros offers walking for every level of fitness, from easy circular routes and scenic day hikes, to a 100km long distance trail that crosses the island.
Stone bridge Achla River – Hiking in Andros Greece
In spring and autumn, the warm sunny days make Andros the ideal place for an active holiday. Read about all the hiking we did in Andros in my detailed article – there’s also a 7 day hiking itinerary that you can follow.
There are many lovely beaches in Andros, although in my opinion they are not the most accessible, compared to other Greek islands I’ve visited. Many require a hire car, with access via narrow, rocky and winding roads and with limited parking spots when you arrive.
If you are not used to driving on the Greece islands (which can be a little hair-raising) you might want to either take a boat trip to visit the northern beaches, or else enjoy the beaches that are within easy distance of the main towns like Chora, Batsi and Korthi.
If you are hiring a car with the intention of visiting as many beaches as possible, you should consider hiring a four wheel drive vehicle. This will make it much easier to access the beaches on dirt roads, also you may not be insured if you take a normal hire car on the dirt roads.
Paraporti beach – Hiking in Andros Greece
Beaches near Chora
Paraporti Beach – a broad sandy beach just below Chora backed by a nature reserve and dunes.
Neimporio Beach – located on the other side of Chora, this beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. It’s backed by a range of cafes and holiday accommodation, with sun beds for hire.
Gialia Beach – Piso Gialio Beach – if you hike or drive over the headland from Neimporio you’ll reach Gialia beach, with clear turquoise water. There’s a seafood restaurant here that runs sea kayak tours. Just over the rise is Piso Gialio beach, with a beach bar in summer.
Gialia Beach Andros Greece Photo
Syneti Beach – we visited this lovely cove below the village of Syneti on one of our hikes. There’s a small parking area at the beach, or get a taxi to drop you off here, have a swim and then hike back to Chora.
Syneti beach – Hiking in Andros Greece
Beaches near Korthi
Milos Beach – this is the main beach of Korthi and is located at the southern end of town. At the other end before the marina is another small beach area called Limanaki and beyond the marina an area called Vintsi beach.
Vintsi beach Korthi Andros Greece
Grias To Pidima – The stone pillar rising from the sea gives it the name that translates as “Old Lady’s Jump”, since the pillar is supposed to resemble an old woman who jumped from a cliff to escape from the Ottomans.
You can hike over the headland from Korthi to get there. It’s also possible to drive on a narrow stony track from Korthi, but we found it a bit scary since the road is quite rough with only a few passing places.
Grias To Pidima beach Andros Greece
Beaches near Batsi
Batsi beach – the main beach of Batsi stretches the whole length of the bay, with shallow water. There are sunbeds and a beach bar in front of the Chryssi Akti Hotel.
Batsi beach Andros Greece
Kolona Beach – we preferred this smaller cove to the main beach at Batsi. You can easily walk from Batsi or there’s a parking area. This beach has a bar with a few spots of natural shade provided by the rocks.
Kolona Beach Batsi Andros Greece
Beaches near Gavrio
Agios Petros, Kypri, Golden Sand – These beaches are located between Batsi and Gavri and are among the most accessible on Andros, since they are on a flat stretch of coastline right beside the main road.
Kypri beach has a watersports centre operating in summer, with windsurfing, SUP, waterski and wakeboarding. The buses to Gavrio also pass by these beaches, so you can ask the driver to drop you off here.
Beaches in the north of Andros
Achla beach – This is a lovely sandy beach that can be visited on a boat trip from Chora. It’s a long drive from anywhere, with the final section on a winding dirt road. You could park by the Agios Nikolaos Monastery and hike there and back (1 hour each way) on Andros Route 6.
In the north east of the island are a number of sandy coves, such as Zorkos, Vitali and Lefka, that are reached by mountain roads from Gavrio or Batsi. As they face north they will receive the full force of any Meltemi winds in summer, so are best visited on calmer days.
Monasteries in Andros
Like the neighbouring island of Tinos, Andros has several centuries old monasteries that may be visited. It’s popular among the Greeks to organise pilgrimage trips on both islands. We noticed some large coach parties on the ferry who were clearly pilgrims, often older ladies dressed in black or sober colours.
A few tips for visiting monasteries in Greece
It’s respectful to wear clothes that cover your legs and shoulders for both men and women. For tourists, some monasteries provide wraps at the entrance, or you could carry a light wrap to cover your legs if wearing shorts. Other monasteries may not let you in unless you are correctly dressed.
While monasteries are generally free, it’s normal to make a small donation or to pay a euro or two for a candle that you then light in the church. The monks may offer you a traditional loukoumi sweet at the end of the visit.
Be cautious about taking photos within the walls of the monastery. In particular it’s not normally allowed to take photos within the monastery’s chapel, where the most valuable icons and treasures are kept. If in doubt, check with your guide or a monk what is permitted.
We visited a couple of monasteries during our visit to Andros, although there are several around the island.
Panachrantou Monastery in Andros Greece
Panachrantou Monastery
Panachrantou is located on the mountain above Chora and the road up to it is narrow and winding. We took a taxi up from Chora (glad we didn’t have to drive ourselves), then hiked down along Andros Route 1.
Panachrantou is one of the largest monasteries on Andros and has been well restored. The battlements give it the air of a castle and you can walk onto the terrace for amazing views towards Chora.
This monastery is said to have been founded in the 1st century after two monks saw lights shining from a cave and found a beautiful icon of the Virgin Mary. We were shown around by a friendly monk after he had swept the courtyard and chased away the peacocks, then he unlocked the chapel to let us look at the icons inside.
Panachrantou Monastery in Andros Greece
Agios Nikolaos Monastery
We visited this monastery as part of our river trekking excursion with Explore Andros, as we left the car outside the monastery before continuing along hiking route 6. At the entrance, wraps were available for visitors and a lady opened the church to show us the beautiful icons with silver lamps hanging from the ceiling.
By tradition the monastery is thought to have been built in the 8th century and is renowned for a miraculous icon that streams tears of fragrant myrrh.
Agios Nikolaos monastery – Hiking in Andros Greece
Other Andros monasteries that we didn’t get a chance to visit include Santa Marina Andros monastery near Apikia and Zoodochos Pigi monastery between Batsi and Gavrio.
Mountain villages of Andros
One of the charms of Andros is that it has areas of up to 1000 metres, with villages on the higher slopes offering a “mountain village” atmosphere more typical of northern Greece. It’s from these higher slopes that water springs, feeding irrigation channels, streams and rivers that flow to the sea.
Spring at Menites – Hiking in Andros Greece
Menites
The best known of the traditional villages, with a couple of pleasant cafes to rest in the shade. It’s famous for the pure springs that are channelled through lion heads into a stone trough, so fill up your water bottle here.
We walked to Menites on the Route 1 hiking trail. You can also park on the road into the village and walk a circular trail around the village, where you can see the irrigation channels and streams.
Stenies
On arriving at Stenies, leave you car in the small parking area opposite the taverna. Then you can walk around the village on traditional stone paths and steps to admire the older houses. Look out for the original village laundry that is fed by a spring.
Stenies Andros Greece
Apikia
We had a look around this village near Chora before hiking back on Route 2. There’s a beautiful marble fountain with lion’s head for the Sarizia spring, renowned for its pure water that is bottled nearby.
The small seasonal restaurant has a terrace overlooking the valley below. You can also make a short walk from the village on Route 2a to see the Pythara waterfalls and pools nearby.
Apikia – Village in Andros Greece
Foros Caves
We very much enjoyed our visit to the Foros Caves, located not far from Chora. Parking by the road, we walked 300m up the hill to the cave’s entrance, where one of the volunteer guides was waiting at the cave entrance.
Foros Caves Andros Greece
We were provided with a helmet and flashlight, with all backpacks being left at the cave entrance. Descending the metal staircase, we entered a chamber full of stalactites and stalagmites. The tour took us through several named chambers, while the guide pointed out different rock formations and told us more about the cave.
There were times when we had to stoop quite low to avoid bumping our heads on the hanging rocks. It was an interesting visit and one that could be combined with some hiking on Andros Routes 18 / 18a.
Tours take place every hour in high season but it’s recommended to ring ahead and book, especially in low season.
River pools and waterfalls in Andros
One of our favourite moments of the holiday was the excursion to the Gerolimni waterfall that we booked through Explore Andros. We parked at the Agios Nikolaos Monastery and walked down to the Achla river along hiking route 6. After a while the marked trail diverged and the guide took us further along the river picking our way over boulders and tree trunks.
Gerolimni waterfall – Achla river – Hiking in Andros Greece
Half an hour later we found the natural swimming pool, fed by icy water from the spring at Vourkoti mountain village. The water was cold enough to take your breathe away, but we really enjoyed a refreshing swim there, before returning via the same route.
Gerolimni waterfall – Achla river – Hiking in Andros Greece
Pytharas Waterfalls
For a more accessible waterfall visit, you can visit the Pytharas waterfalls, which are on a marked trail from Apikia village. There are lots of shallow pools among the rocks, but none seemed deep enough to swim.
The flow of water over the rocks was down to a trickle when we visited in October, but I imagine there would be much more water gushing down in the springtime.
Pytharas waterfall – Hiking in Andros Greece
Culture and museums in Andros
Most of the cultural institutions of Andros are located in the capital of Chora, which has a theatre and seasonal outdoor cinema.
Museums in Chora
Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art – sister to the museum in Athens and world class in terms of the building and exhibitions. We visited the temporary exhibition of the work of the photographer Martine Franck in the museum’s New Wing.
But we didn’t manage to see the original part of the museum that houses the work of Andros sculpture Michalis Tombros, so not sure if it was closed or we just missed it.
Goulandris Museum of Contemporary Art Andros Greece
Archaeological Museum of Andros – another museum that is much bigger than it appears from the outside, with archaeological finds from Andros. There are statues and tombstones from Roman and Byzantine times, and useful background on some of the excavated settlements of Andros.
A highlight is the well preserved “Hermes of Andros” statue, found in the island’s ancient capital of Paleopolis.
Archaeological Museum of Andros Chora Greece
Petros and Marika Kydonieos Foundation, Chora – easy to miss as you drive into Chora, but worth popping in, this gallery holds free art and cultural exhibitions.
Petros and Marika Kydonieos Foundation, Chora Andros Greece
Maritime Museum of Andros – this museum is in the oldest part of Chora by the Square of the unknown sailor, with exhibitions relating to the seafaring traditions of Andros. Unfortunately it was closed for renovations when we were there, with no indications of when it might reopen.
Other museums in Andros
Olive Oil Museum at Ano Pitrofos – An old olive oil mill that has been made into a museum showing how the oil is produced. Unfortunately when we visited in September, the museum had closed for the season.
Agadaki Estate and Botanical Garden – we passed this tranquil botanical garden on our hike from Apikia to Chora, as it’s just a short walk from the village. The lovely grounds are planted with olive trees, native trees and aromatic plants.
In the restored farmhouse is an exhibition about the projects to preserve Andros’s unique habitats and alder forests. Downstairs is a small folk museum with old farming tools on display.
Agadaki Estate Botanical Garden – Hiking in Andros Greece
Local food
In Andros you’ll find all the favourite Greek dishes, but here are a few island specialities.
Fourtalia – also known as Andros omelette and served in traditional cafes. This thick tortilla style omelette includes potatoes and slices of the local pork sausage.
Fourtalia omlette Andros Greece
Fish and seafood – there’s plentiful seafood in the restaurants on Andros, especially those that are near the sea. In Chora, we loved the seafood at Ta Binelikia and Nona’s near Neimporio beach, both of which have terraces overlooking the sea.
The freshest locally caught fish are generally displayed whole on ice and sold by weight, so check with the waiter what’s available that day.
Seafood in Andros Greece
Another traditional Andros dish that we saw on restaurant menus was “Rooster in wine sauce”, the Greek equivalent of Coq au Vin.
Traditional sweets in Andros
There are a few local sweets that are traditional for Andros and can be found in the specialist shops in Chora.
One of the best known is Zaris Patisserie, which has a lovely shop beside the road as you drive out of Chora, or there are several traditional patisseries on the main street in Chora.
Sweets in Andros Greece
Amygdalota – an almond paste like marzipan, that’s made into a ball and dusted with icing sugar.
Kaltsounia – made from walnuts and honey in a sticky ball that’s dusted with icing sugar
Pastitsakia – a small round cookie like a macaron made from almonds and egg whites.
Sweet spoon – local fruit such as orange peel, sour cherries or walnuts that have been preserved in sugar syrup. They are served on a small spoon and would traditionally be offered with Greek coffee when guests visit your house.
Wineries in Andros
The Kourtesis wine estate is located in the hills above Chora, close to the village of Stenies. This boutique winery has beautifully restored old stone buildings, where tastings and events are held overlooking the vineyard. Local Cycladic grape varieties are used to make the organic wines, which you can also try in local restaurants.
Kourtesis wine estate Andros Greece
We had a lovely tasting in the vaulted room next to the winery, accompanied by local cheese, charcuterie and the estate’s own olive oil. The Kourtesis Winery can be visited by appointment, so call or email ahead to request a wine tasting and estate tour.
Alternatively, you can take one of the wine tasting tours arranged by Explore Andros, that provide transport and include a visit to the nearby waterfalls.
Kourtesis wine estate Andros Greece
Anyone with a detailed interest in the wines of Andros should contact Explore Andros to arrange a bespoke tour, since there are other wineries in Andros to visit, such as the Stratis vineyards.
Restaurants in Andros
We stayed in Chora where there’s a wide range of excellent restaurants, and tried a few other places while we were driving around the island.
Fresco Chora Andros Greece
Restaurants in Chora
Fresco – a cafe with a healthy theme, for juices, smoothies, salads and brunch. The owners also run the Explore Andros tour company so you can arrange your excursions, transfers and car hire here too.
Ta Skalakia – a charming traditional taverna where you can eat home cooked dishes outside on “The Steps” that give it the name. Be sure to look at the interior that’s full of vintage memorabilia.
Ta Binelikia – an excellent and well priced seafood restaurant near Neimporio beach, with a terrace overlooking the sea.
Endochora – an upscale restaurant serving modern Greek and Mediterranean cuisine with stylish interiors.
Ta Skalakia Chora Andros Greece
Restaurants in Batsi
We only had coffee here and didn’t get a chance to try any of the restaurants, but the ones we heard most recommended were Stamatis Taverna and Oti Kalo.
Restaurants in Korthi
We had an excellent lunch with professional service on the terrace of Sea Satin Nino, where the chef – owner has a good reputation locally. It’s set one block back from the seafront and is open all year round, with stylish interiors.
Sea Satin Nino Korthi Andros Greece
Where to stay in Andros
Recommended hotels in Chora
Anemomiloi Andros Boutique Hotel (we stayed here) – a stylish boutique hotel with swimming pool on the edge of Chora town. They offer a good breakfast but there’s also a small kitchenette in the rooms.
The hotel is attractively designed with different level rooms overlooking a central courtyard or countryside views. The family who own the hotel also run Explore Andros.
Archontiko Eleni (we stayed here) – this small hotel in a neo-classical townhouse, is a good value option with elegant traditional style. It offers breakfast and is well located by the main square, a short walk from all the restaurants and shops.
With only 8 rooms the hotel feels like staying in someone’s rather grand home. This is a good option if you visit in low season, as it’s open year round and has a more cosy feel than some other places.
Castel Abaso Boutique Apartments – a stylish self catering option in the oldest part of Chora, with 3 separate apartments, two of which have private roof terraces. This part of Chora is entirely pedestrianised and quiet at night, so it’s a good option for those who don’t have a hire car.
These apartments are popular with couples, families or small groups who want to have a bit more space, while being a few steps away from the restaurants and amenities of Chora.
In Batsi, we recommend Hotel Chryssi Akti, which is well located in the centre of the town opposite the beach, but there’s a wide range of accommodation in Batsi. If you don’t mind being a little bit outside Batsi, the Aneroussa Beach Hotel is a lovely hotel set on the cliffs with a private beach just below.
In Korthi there are only a few studio or apartment options – check out the accommodation in Korthi here. Gavrio also has a limited range of accommodation, since it is the island’s main ferry port – check out accommodation in Gavrio here.
Getting around Andros
Most advice about Andros seems to be to hire a car to get around. However these days I’m trying to travel more sustainably, so I decided to explore the options for getting around without a car first.
If you are planning to go car-free on Andros for some or all of the time, I’d recommend basing yourself in Chora, the picturesque island capital. Not only does Chora have 2 beaches and a wide choice of shops and restaurants, but also the best transport links.
By Bus
The KTEL public buses in Andros are designed mainly to take people to the ferry, running between the towns of Batsi, Chora, Korthi and Gavrio port. There are a couple of buses a day on each route, timed to arrive / leave Gavrio around the ferry arrivals. In high season (May – September) the buses are more frequent.
So if you want to use the buses for sightseeing, you could take a bus in the morning and return on the afternoon bus. For example, it could be possible to to do a day trip from Batsi to Chora, Chora to Batsi or Chora to Korthi.
Buses are not ideal for taking you to the beaches, as most aren’t on a bus route, unless you are prepared to do a bit of additional hiking. It’s also an option to take the bus one way and use a taxi to return.
Despite all these limitations, the bus fares are affordable (€3-4) and it’s worth checking the KTEL Andros bus timetable to see what’s possible. If relying on the bus, you might want to check timings at the nearest bus station or stop, as we found there were sometimes variations to the published timetable.
By Taxi
If you don’t want to drive, taxis are another good option, especially if you can take a taxi one way and use the bus or hike the return journey. For instance we took taxis from Chora to the furthest point of a hiking trails, then hiked back into Chora.
Based on our experience, these taxi rides of 15-30 minutes normally cost €20-30. There seemed to be agreed fares on popular routes, rather than a meter being used. So you can ask the taxi driver what the fare will be in advance.
In Andros there are taxi ranks in Chora (near the bus station), Batsi (near the harbour) and Gavrio (by the port). We are not sure if there is an official taxi rank in Korthi, but in any case most bars, restaurants or hotels can call you a taxi.
Hiring a car
Most of the hire car companies are based in Gavrio Port. As you’ll almost certainly arrive by ferry, it makes sense to pick up your hire car at Gavrio Port and return it there as you depart Andros. We recommend searching on Rental Cars to see what’s available.
Search with Gavrio Port, Andros as your pick up location and look for car hire that’s located close to the port. As always, check the reviews and scores before booking, rather than just going for the cheapest option.
If you prefer a more personal service, or want to use a car for only part of your stay, we can recommend Explore Andros who we hired our car from, which was brought to our hotel.
Transfers to / from Gavrio port
On arrival in Andros by ferry at Gavrio Port, you may want to arrange a taxi transfer from the port to either Batsi (15 mins) or Chora (45-60 mins), depending on where you are staying. These are often minivan taxis, large enough for groups or families and we booked ours through Explore Andros.
When reserving accommodation, your hotel will often offer to book a transfer for you. But if you arrive without any pre-booked transfer, there are also taxis at the taxi rank in Gavrio port.
Alternatively, the KTEL public buses (see above) run from Gavrio port to Batsi, Chora and Korthi and are timed to leave soon after the ferry’s arrival.
Getting around on foot
Andros is particularly known for the Andros Routes hiking trails, which cover many parts of the island.
Of the 2 weeks I spent on Andros, one week was spent hiking and we did not use a hire car for this week. Instead, we used a mixture of taxis, day tours and lifts to get us to the start of each day’s walk, then hiked back to Chora along the well signposted trails.
Even if you just want to do a couple of days hiking and relax for the rest of the time, you probably don’t need a car for these hiking days. There are a few shorter circular routes, but most of the longer and more scenic hiking routes are one way.
Andros Chora Greece
Guided Tours in Andros
If you don’t have a hire car, another excellent option for visiting many of the cultural or difficult to access places in Andros, is by booking a guided day tour. We booked a couple of tours through Explore Andros, which were excellent.
Best of Andros full day tour – a taste of the island highlights, starting in Chora, with waterfalls, a monastery and visits to a pretty mountain village.
Andros wine tasting – visit to the Kourtesis winery and nearby Pythara waterfalls – Half day tour
River trekking – along the Achla valley with swimming under the Gerolimni waterfall * highly recommended*
Monasteries of Andros – half day tour – visiting three different monasteries in Andros
Luxury boat tour – from Chora to the northern beaches of Andros, which will save you a long tiring drive.
How to get to Andros
Ferry to Andros
There’s no airport on Andros, so most visitors fly into Athens or Mykonos airports, then take the ferry. Ferries run from the Athens port of Rafina to Andros and then on to neighbouring Tinos and Mykonos.
They return from Mykonos by the same route, stopping at Tinos, Andros and then Rafina.
Ferry at Gavrio Port Andros Greece
Ferries run several times a day from Rafina port near Athens, with Fast Ferries or Golden Star Ferries and the journey time is 2 hours. There’s also a slightly more expensive Seajets ferry from Rafina to Andros which takes 1 hour 10 mins.
From Mykonos, the ferry time is 2 hours 25 mins. When we travelled the one way ferry ticket from Rafina to Andros was from €25 per person for a foot passenger.
Where to buy ferry tickets for Andros
Although you can buy ferry tickets at the port, we found it easier to book online in advance using a service like Ferryscanner. You’ll receive a ticket with bar code by email so that you can go straight on board the ferry. Check the ferry fares, timetables and book your ferry here.
Ferry at Gavrio Port Andros Greece
How to get to Rafina port
To reach Rafina from Athens Airport, you can take a taxi (30 mins) or a regular KTEL Attikis bus (30 mins) – find the timetable here. The airport bus stop is opposite the Sofitel Hotel, leaving the arrivals hall by Exit 3.
Ferry at Gavrio Port Andros Greece
To reach Rafina port from central Athens you have a few options.
Option 1: take the KTEL Attikis bus from Nomismatokopio Station in Athens to Rafina (60 mins).
Option 2: take Line 3 of the Athens Metro to Athens airport and from there take the bus or a taxi to Rafina.
Option 3: the most expensive option, but economic if there is a group of you, is to arrange a taxi from any point in Central Athens to Rafina (60 mins).
Ferry at Gavrio Port Andros Greece
Read Next
Want to see more of Andros? Check out my article about Hiking in Andros on the scenic Andros Routes hiking trails.
More places to visit in Greece
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Most of this trip was self-funded but some of the experiences and accommodation were kindly provided by Explore Andros.
Rüdesheim, a charming town nestled along the banks of the mighty Rhine River, beckons travelers with its irresistible blend of history, natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Here in this idyllic Rhine Valley gem, you’ll find a place where cobblestone streets wind through centuries-old half-timbered buildings, where vine-covered hillsides create a stunning backdrop, and where the aroma of traditional German cuisine fills the air. Join me as we explore the best things to do in Rüdesheim, and discover why this enchanting town is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone seeking an authentic German experience.
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17 Amazing Things to Do in Rudesheim | What to do in Rüdesheim Germany
Like Cochem, Rudesheim is a charming place that’s often overlooked by tourists and it should definitely be on your list. It’s an easy day trip or boat trip from Frankfurt, Kaiserslautern, or Cochem. There are a lot of things to see and do in this charming town filled with half-timbered houses, from Christmas markets to Rudsheimer Kaffee, this small town is a great town to visit. This town is known for its wine but isn’t just known for wine lovers.
1. Explore the Drosselgasse
Our journey begins on the cobblestone streets of the 15th Century Drosselgasse, the heart and soul of Rüdesheim. This bustling alleyway is lined with colorful half-timbered buildings, cozy wine taverns, and shops selling souvenirs and local crafts. It is one of the most famous narrow streets in the area.
Take your time to wander through the Drosselgasse, soak in the lively atmosphere, and maybe even sample a glass of the region’s renowned Riesling wine. The Drosselgasse truly comes alive during the annual wine festival, so if you’re lucky enough to visit during this time, you’re in for a treat!
2. Check out the Clock tower on the Die Drosselgasse
As you stroll through the charming streets of Rüdesheim, you’ll quickly come across Die Drosselgasse. This picturesque alleyway is nothing short of a time capsule, lined with colorful half-timbered buildings adorned with flower boxes and charming outdoor seating.
The clock tower is a symbol of the town’s playful and welcoming spirit. It’s one of the most missed and interesting things to do in Rudesheim. On the hour, every hour, it comes to life with music and animated figurines that dance, play beautiful bells, and entertain onlookers. It’s a fun and unexpected surprise as you explore this lively alleyway.
3. Taste Rudesheimer Coffee
One of my favorite things to do in Rudesheim was trying their coffee, it’s an experience of it’s own.
Rüdesheim Coffee, a delightful treat that’s as much a part of the town’s charm as its picturesque streets and vineyards. Imagine this: a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee, laced with a generous portion of Asbach Uralt brandy, and topped with a dollop of sweet, freshly whipped cream. It’s not just a drink; it’s an experience, and it’s a must-try when you visit Rüdesheim.
You can savor this unique local specialty in many of the town’s cozy cafes and taverns, but one of the most famous places to enjoy it is at the Asbach Visitor Center. Here, you can not only indulge in a cup of Rüdesheim Coffee but also learn about the history of Asbach Uralt brandy, which has been crafted in the region for generations.
4. Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet
Step back in time at Siegfried’s Mechanical Music Cabinet, a unique museum that celebrates the beauty of mechanical music. It’s like stepping into a magical world of intricate music boxes, self-playing instruments, and vintage jukeboxes.
As you explore this hidden gem, you’ll be amazed by the craftsmanship of these historic musical devices. Don’t forget to catch one of the live demonstrations—they’re a real treat for the ears and the soul.
5. Wine Tasting in Rüdesheim’s Vineyards
If you’re a wine enthusiast like me, you’re in for a treat in Rüdesheim. The town and its surroundings are famous for their vineyards, and there’s no better way to experience this than through a wine tasting.
Head to one of the local wineries or wine bars, and savor some of the finest Riesling wines in the world. Many places offer guided tours where you can learn about the winemaking process and taste the different varieties produced in the region. This is one of the most popular things to do in Rudesheim.
6. Ride the Rudesheimer Seilbahn or Cable Car Ride to Niederwald Monument
Things to do in Rudesheim | Niederwald Monument
For panoramic views of the Rhine Valley that will leave you in awe, hop on the Rüdesheim cable car. This scenic ride takes you to the Niederwalddenkmal monument on the top of the hill, perched high above the town.
As you ascend, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas of the Rhine River, vineyards, and the charming town below. Once you reach the monument, take a moment to appreciate the stunning views and the impressive statue that commemorates the founding of the German Empire in the late 19th century.
7. Explore Ruine Rossel
To reach Ruine Rossel, begin your journey from Rüdesheim. You can follow well-marked hiking trails that lead you through vineyards and forested paths or follow the path after reaching the top via Seilbahn. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and carry some water.
Once you arrive at Ruine Rossel, you’ll be greeted by the captivating sight of ancient castle remnants. The castle dates back to the 13th century or the Middle Ages and was once a formidable fortress. Explore the stone walls, towers, and courtyards as you imagine the history that unfolded within these walls.
8. Visit the Magic Cave
This is a corridor enclosed by walls, adorned with enchanting glass stones that shimmer with a touch of magic. It’s known to be a magical place to visit and
9. Check out the Deer Enclosure at Wildpark Niederwald
Things to do in Rudesheim | Deer Enclosure at Wildpark Niederwald
This is such an awesome route that I highly suggest anyone who only has a day to spend here to check it out. As you continue walking on the path past the Niederwald Monument and you’ll explore some more castles and things within the area, you’ll stumble upon the Wildpark Niederwald on the way to the next cable car down the hill into Assmannhausen.
You can purchase some deer feed and feed them by hand. It’s a great place to take some kids and the deers are eager to come up close to you.
10. Take the Assmannshausen Chairlift
Descending on the chairlift from the heights of Rüdesheim to the charming town of Assmannshausen is like embarking on a journey through a living postcard. As you glide down, the lush vineyards, dense forests, and the sparkling Rhine River unfold before your eyes. The gentle swaying of the chairlift and the breathtaking panoramic views create a sense of tranquility and awe. It’s a remarkable experience that connects you with the natural beauty of the Rhine Valley, making the descent to Assmannshausen an unforgettable adventure in this picturesque corner of Germany.
11. Rheinstein Castle
Things to do in Rudesheim | Rheinstein Castle
After the deer park and as you head down the hill in the cable car, you can easily take the ferry to the castle which is included in the ticket. It’s technically not in Rudehseim am Rhein, but close enough to the surrounding area that you should make the stop. As you approach Rheinstein Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll be captivated by its fairy-tale appearance. The castle’s well-preserved architecture and romantic setting make it a favorite among visitors seeking a taste of medieval Germany.
Once inside, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through its historic halls, courtyards, and gardens. The castle’s interior is a treasure trove of medieval artifacts, including weaponry, armor, and period furnishings. Be sure to explore the Knights’ Hall, where you can imagine the feasts and gatherings that once took place within these ancient stone walls.
12. Cruise the Rhine River
To truly appreciate the beauty of the Rhine Valley, consider taking a leisurely the Rhine cruise. The boat tours provide a different perspective of the stunning landscapes, including medieval castles, terraced vineyards, and charming villages. Rhine river cruises are quite famous in this area where you can see beautiful villages and scenery.
As you sail along the river, keep an eye out for the famous Loreley Rock and the legendary Loreley Maiden. It’s a relaxing and scenic experience that will leave you with lasting memories.
13. Explore Ehrenfels Castle Ruins
History buffs, get ready for a captivating journey through time at the Ehrenfels Castle ruins. This medieval fortress, perched on a hill overlooking the Rhine, offers a glimpse into the past and incredible views of the river.
As you walk among the ancient stones and remnants of this once-mighty castle, you can’t help but feel transported to a different era. The history and stories that surround these ruins are simply fascinating.
14. Take a Stroll Through the Vineyard Trails
For those who enjoy a good hike and want to experience Rüdesheim’s natural beauty up close, the vineyard trails are a must-do activity. The Rhine Valley’s terraced vineyards create a stunning backdrop for your adventure.
The Rheinsteig trail is one of the most popular routes, offering a mix of forested paths, vineyards, and scenic overlooks. It’s a great way to connect with nature and take in the serene landscapes of the region.
15. Enjoy a Traditional German Meal
No visit to Germany is complete without savoring some delicious local cuisine, and Rüdesheim won’t disappoint. Head to one of the town’s cozy restaurants or taverns and indulge in traditional German dishes like schnitzel, sausages, and sauerkraut.
And of course, don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of the local Riesling wine. Prost!
16. Shop for Souvenirs
Before you leave Rüdesheim, be sure to shop at some souvenir shops and pick up local souvenirs to remember your wonderful adventure. The town is filled with charming shops selling everything from handmade crafts to local wines and spirits.
You’ll find unique treasures that make for great gifts or mementos of your time in this enchanting town.
17. Brömserburg Castle
The Brömserburg Castle, a historic gem located in Rüdesheim, Germany, offers a captivating glimpse into the town’s rich history. This medieval castle, dating back to the 11th century, stands as a testament to centuries of Rhine Valley heritage. As you explore its ancient stone walls, towers, and courtyards, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, imagining the lives of knights and nobles who once inhabited this fortress. Today, the Brömserburg Castle houses the Rheingau Wine Museum, where you can delve into the fascinating world of winemaking, sample regional wines, and discover the intricate art of viticulture. With its historical significance and cultural treasures, a visit to Brömserburg Castle promises an enriching experience for history enthusiasts and wine aficionados alike.
18. Attend a Christmas Market (If You’re Visiting in December)
If your visit coincides with the holiday season, you’re in for a magical experience. Rüdesheim hosts a beautiful Christmas market that transforms the town into a winter wonderland.
Stroll through the festive stalls, sip on mulled wine, and sample delicious seasonal treats. It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit! It’s also one of the best places to check out Christmas markets.
NOTE: The medieval torture museum is permanently closed and no longer a site to visit in Rudesheim am Rhein.
19. Eat a Chimney Cake!
These traditional cakes originate from Hungary and are a typical delicacy. They have a crispy outside and hollow inside. They are covered in cinnamon sugar, and sprinkles, and sometimes filled with ice cream. These are perfect when they freshly come out of the oven and resemble a chimney when the steam comes up from the center. You’ll see this chimney cake shop right down the Drosselgasse.
How to get to Rudesheim
Getting to Rüdesheim is a straightforward journey, and I’m here to guide you through it. Whether you’re arriving by plane, train, or car, I’ve got you covered.
By Train
The easiest way is to take the train. If you’re already in Germany or in a nearby European country, traveling by train is a convenient option. Rüdesheim is well-connected by the German railway system (Deutsche Bahn). You can take a train to either Rüdesheim am Rhein station or Rüdesheim (Rhein) KD station, depending on your final destination within the town.
From Frankfurt: Take the regional train (S-Bahn) S8 or S9 from the airport to Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (the main train station). From there, you can catch a train to Rüdesheim. The journey takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, and you’ll likely need to change trains in Wiesbaden or Koblenz.
By Car
I highly recommend renting with Discover Cars to save money – make sure to reserve in advance to guarantee an automatic vehicle if you do not know how to drive a manual (stick shift). Driving to Rüdesheim is a fantastic option if you want to explore the surrounding Rhine Valley at your own pace. From Frankfurt, take the A66 and then the B42 highway, following the signs to Rüdesheim am Rhein. It’s a scenic drive, and you’ll have the flexibility to stop and explore charming villages along the way.
From Frankfurt: If you prefer the flexibility of driving, you can rent a car at Frankfurt Airport and take the A66 and then the B42 highway to Rüdesheim. The drive typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Another unique way to arrive in Rüdesheim is by taking a Rhine River cruise. Many river cruise companies offer stops in Rüdesheim as part of their itineraries. If you choose this option, you’ll disembark at the town’s picturesque riverfront, ready to start your adventure.
No matter which mode of transportation you choose, Rüdesheim’s warm welcome and enchanting atmosphere will be waiting for you upon your arrival.
Why should you visit Rudesheim
This small town has a lot to offer and should not be missed. Many people go to the larger cities and skip out on the beauty of these small towns. Rudesheim is famous for a variety of things like its wine, coffee, and castles which is why you should visit.
There are a lot more things to do there than you would think, especially if you follow my tricks to visit this beautiful town.
Best Time to Travel to Rudesheim
The best time to travel to Rüdesheim largely depends on your preferences and the type of experience you seek.
Spring (March to May) offers mild weather, blooming landscapes, and fewer crowds, making it perfect for leisurely exploration and vineyard visits.
Summer months (June to August) is the peak tourist season when Rüdesheim comes alive with festivals, river cruises, and warm, sunny weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Early autumn (September to November) is a delightful time when vineyards display vibrant autumn colors, and you can participate in wine-related events with fewer visitors.
Winter (December to February) transforms Rüdesheim into a magical wonderland with its enchanting Christmas market, making it a cozy and festive option for those who don’t mind colder weather.
Ultimately, the best time depends on your preferences, whether you seek vibrant festivals, serene landscapes, or holiday charm in this charming Rhine Valley town.
Tours to Rudesheim and in Rudesheim
If you want to make the most of seeing all the things to do in Rudesheim, a tour might be the option for you. There are a couple of options for tours or trips you can take in Rudesheim. There is a day tour and guided tour from Frankfurt that allows you to travel through the Rhein valley by boat. This boat cruise is one that is highly recommended and you can travel through Niederwalddenkmal, Assmannshausen, and Sank Goarshausen. There is also an option for walking wine-tasting tour in Assmannshausen as well!
If you aren’t traveling from Frankfurt, then I highly recommend purchasing these tickets and following the romantic route or romantic tour. It only costs about 11-22 euros per person and includes transportation as well.
In conclusion, there are many things to do in Rudesheim. Rüdesheim is a hidden gem in the heart of the Rhine Valley, offering a perfect blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring its charming streets, sipping on Riesling wine, or taking in the breathtaking views from the cable car, this town has something for every traveler.
Map of Rudesheim
Rudesheim Romantic Tour Map
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Every September brings with it a number of festivals in Tennessee, and one of my absolute favorites is Pilgrimage Music Festival in the charming town of Franklin. While other music festivals in Tennessee like Bonnaroo and CMA Fest are in the camp of “you’ve got to go at least once,” Pilgrimage is one I would return to every year if I could make it work. Here’s why.
The post was last updated in September 2024.
The origins of Pilgrimage
Franklin resident and Better than Ezra frontman Kevin Griffin wanted to create something in Franklin that embodied the region’s musical roots while also showing off its pastoral farmland. As it turns out, a century-old horse farm, the Park at Harlinsdale Farm—which is now owned by the City of Franklin and boasts a dog park, fishing pond, soft track and equestrian trails—was the ideal spot to launch such an undertaking.
It’s also located directly across from the Factory at Franklin, a mixed-use facility in an old hosiery that has gotten a serious upgrade over the years, as has Pilgrimage itself. The first year I attended back in 2015, there were maybe 8,000 attendees. The busiest Pilgrimage I ever attended was when Justin Timberlake was headlining, and it was quite a scene with at least four time the attendance numbers.
But the beauty of this laid-back event is that while you can see A-list acts like Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile on the main stage, you’ll see great talent no matter the time slot or size of the stage. I’ve seen everyone from Lucie Silvas and Brothers Osborne to Keith Urban and Lauren Daigle at Pilgrimage.
In the 10th anniversary of Pilgrimage Festival this year, headliners include Hozier, Dave Matthews Band, Noah Kahan, and needtobreathe with plenty of other country, rock, pop, bluegrass and Americana acts scheduled across the six stages over the two days.
Where to stay in Franklin for Pilgrimage Festival
Harlinsdale Farm, the host venue of Pilgrimage, is conveniently located a straight one-mile shot from downtown Franklin. Downtown Franklin is also the home of the Harpeth Hotel, a gem of a property that’s walkable to not only Pilgrimage but everything in the historic heart of the city. If you can’t get a room at the Harpeth, here are some other places to stay near the farm:
What to expect at Pilgrimage Music Festival
The festival is extremely chill and just plain easy compared to bigger music festivals like Bonnaroo, and at this stage in my festival-going career, I prefer the more manageable festivals, particularly if I’m just committing to going for the day. The grandma in me loves, too, that this festival ends promptly at 10pm each night thanks to a local noise ordinance.
Parking for Pilgrimage
Parking for any festival can be a headache, but I’ve had a lot of success parking in downtown Franklin for free (or cheap) and walking the 15 minutes to the Pilgrimage site. There are cops directing traffic everywhere, and it’s very pedestrian-friendly to walk from downtown Franklin to the farm. The are also, of course, paid lots closer to the festival grounds. Here’s Pilgrimage’s official parking map:
If you’re driving in, I could not plan on coming via Liberty Pike during prime festival arrival hours (11am to 7pm). Instead, I’d try to sneaky-foot into Franklin a back way and park downtown, then walk. For those staying close enough to the farm, you can bike to the venue. There is both bike parking and a bike valet on site at Pilgrimage.
The Pilgrimage vibes
While sure, you’re always going to get your fashion influencers wearing their cowgirl best, this festival takes place in late September, which we locals begrudgingly call second summer here in Tennessee. It’s usually hot hot HOT, and you’ll want to layer up in quick-drying material to fight the heat during the day then stave off the incoming cool at night.
Bring an umbrella, plenty of sunscreen, and either lawn chairs or a blanket to sit on. Local food and drink also feature prominently at this Franklin festival, so be sure and peruse the food vendors and drink offerings.
The VIP experience
We’ve been to Pilgrimage as media, general admission and VIP. Obviously, if you get the chance to go VIP, take it—you’ll get special access directly in front of the stage, not to mention access to food vendors and sponsor tents like George Dickel, as well as the possibility of running into some of your favorite talent. One thing to note, though, is while drinks used to be free with a VIP pass, you now have to pay for them outside of the daily happy hour where VIPs can enjoy comped cocktails, so you’ll have to decide whether the VIP pass is worth it for you.
What other questions do you have about Pilgrimage Festival for me? Are you going this year? Have you been in the past? Do you love it as much as we do?
For more tips on planning a trip to Franklin, start here:
As I continue my quest to travel on credit card points, my list of personal best travel credit cards is constantly evolving. I’m big on the suite of American Express cards as I get so much value out of them—the AmEx Platinum is my go-to with the Gold a close second—though the Chase Sapphire Reserve is always a top contender, too.
This post was last updated October 2024. This site is part of an affiliate sales network and receives compensation for sending traffic to partner sites. This compensation may impact how and where links appear on this site. This site does not include all financial companies or all available financial offers.
In the past two years, we used points on two vacations to Europe to cover our flights and rental cars, plus three weeks in Thailand and Qatar, as well as trips to Tucson and Hawaii on points. And our miles continue to mount: We booked an upcoming trip to Australia in business class on points, and I’ve accumulated an additional 500,000 or so simply paying for everyday items, insurance, subscriptions and taxes.
Note: The below information pertains to American travelers, as credit card rewards are specific to the country of residence. If you live in Canada, check out this guide to best credit cards for Canadians.
With that said, here are the travel credit cards I currently use, which I update every few months—and how and when I use each. I highly recommend cards with no foreign transaction fees, which includes all of the below cards, if you plan to travel internationally. And if you decide to sign up for one, please use my included referral link so I also get bonus points along with yours!
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is what I consider the gateway card to travel points earning. It’s under the Chase Ultimate Rewards flexible points system—which is key because it means you can spend those points on so many different airlines, hotels or car rental companies—and it’s also got a low annual fee, making it easy to justify for those who are looking for the best travel credit card for their needs (and possibly their first). You can also combine Chase points across products if you hold multiple cards.
Benefits of the Chase Sapphire Preferred include:
$50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more
5X per $1 on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
2x per $1 on other travel purchases
3X per $1 on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out
3X per $1 on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs)
3x per $1 on select streaming services
Annual fee: $95
And with the Chase Sapphire Reserve, you get additional benefits like:
A $300 travel statement credit reimbursements each anniversary year
Discounts on DoorDash with free DashPass subscription
One statement credit of up to $100 every four years for Global Entry, TSA PreCheck, or NEXUS
Access to the Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
Complimentary membership to Priority Pass lounges (access to 1,300+ lounges in 500 cities worldwide)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred is a great intro card for anyone who wants to get in this game and test the waters without committing to a high annual fee. For years, it was the only travel credit card I had until I eventually product-changed and got the Chase Sapphire Reserve instead.
Note: You can only hold one Sapphire product at a time, so you can’t get this one if you’re applying for the Preferred, but it’s worth investigating if you’re someone who travels a lot. In the credit card universe, you’ll hear what is referred to as the 5/24 rule often. That simply means that in Chase’s mind, you can only apply to and receive five credit cards (from any company) in a 24-month period.
The 5/24 rule is important to keep in mind because if you do decide to play the points game, you will want to make sure you always hover somewhere under that number, meaning that you keep a detailed spreadsheet of any credit cards you hold, as well as when you opened them. If you are close to hitting 5/24, you’ll want to consider going for other cards like American Express while your credit card history with Chase cools off.
Southwest Priority Card
If you fly Southwest regularly, this is the best travel credit card for you. Why? Well, if you earn 135,000 points, you get Southwest Companion Pass status, meaning a plus one will fly for free with you for the rest of the calendar year in which you earned it in addition to the following year. What does this mean? You should plan on hitting your sign-up bonus in January and not a minute before!
Benefits of the Southwest Priority Card include:
10,000 Companion Pass points every year
3X per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases
2X per $1 spent on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming
$75 Southwest annual travel credit
Annual fee: $99
Current sign-up bonus: 85,000 points for personal card, or you could go for the Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card for 80,000
While the Southwest cards are Chase products, you earn miles directly deposited to your Rapid Rewards account instead of Ultimate Rewards in the Chase ecosystem. To earn Companion Pass on credit cards alone, you’ll need to open one Southwest card—I recommend the Performance Business to start—and then wait 30 days and open a personal card like the Plus, Premier or Priority. Here’s the best strategy to do this.
This is the gold standard card for those who travel often and well. It’s not for the frugal traveler, as the annual fee is high, but the American Express Platinum is worth it for many, myself included. That said, you absolutely have to go into the benefits section of your dashboard and enable everything to make the fee worth it.
Benefits of the AmEx Platinum include:
$200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings
$240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
$155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card® to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month.
$200 Airline Fee Credit
$200 Uber Cash
$189 CLEAR® Plus Credit
A $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 year period for TSA PreCheck® application fee for a 5-year plan only when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required
Other benefits include an annual $300 Equinox or SoulCycle credit and 5x points on flights or travel booked through AmEx. So far, not including my sign-up bonus, my annual benefits for the AmEx Platinum exceed $1,100, and that’s not including the cash value of being Gold with both Hilton and Marriott and also lounge access. I’ve also found a lot of value in having the The Business Platinum Card® from American Express as a supplementary card.
This card has similar perks to the Chase Sapphire Reserve at a lower fee—plus advance ticket access to things like bowl games and concerts (it did not, however, help me get Taylor Swift tickets). That said, the Cap One Venture X does offer 2x on all purchases, so if you open it, this is a great everyday spend card for categories where you may not receive regular bonuses (think: hardware stores, pet stores, medical bills). If the network of Capital One lounges expands in the future, this one might get a higher spot on my list in the future. There’s also the Capital One Venture, which is a lower fee of $95 with similar perks.
10x on hotels and cars booked through Capital One Travel
5x on flights booked through Capital One Travel
2x on all other purchases
Unlimited access to Capital One Lounges
Complimentary access to Priority Pass lounges
Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck
Receive a $300 travel credit annually for bookings through Capital One Travel
These are other credit cards that I use for everyday purchases, particularly for software (AmEx Biz Platinum), subscriptions (the Inks), as well as groceries (the AmEx Gold):
If you haven’t already considered business cards, they’re a great way to rack up points without paying much at all in annual fees (even if you don’t have an established business yet and are just a freelancer!).
Note: You can have multiple Inks, even of the exact same card, which you can’t do for other popular credit cards like the Chase Sapphires. Here are a few nuggets to keep in mind as you figure out the best travel credit card for your needs:
Having multiple cards alone will not hurt your credit
Contrary to popular belief, holding multiple credit cards will not damage your credit score if you do it right, including not having too many credit inquiries (or hard pulls) in a set amount of time as well as paying off your balance in full every statement cycle so you don’t find yourself paying interest. I repeat: You should only play this game if you have good credit already and can pay off your credit cards monthly. Free travel is awesome, but there’s nothing worth getting into credit card debt over!
Use all the benefits and offers
Many cards like the AmEx Platinum and the Chase Sapphire Reserve have very high annual fees. One way to justify it? Take advantage of every benefit and offer and activate them upon activating your card. For the AmEx card alone, I get $1200 a year back in bonuses and other perks, not counting my lounge access. Don’t get the cards solely for the points; get them if you plan to use all the perks—and also check regularly for the monthly offers and quarterly bonuses that you can activate via your credit card dashboard.
Many cards offer insurance, so use it
The majority of these best travel credit cards I’ve featured include some form of trip delay or cancellation and baggage insurance, meaning if something happens and you find yourself needing a hotel at an airport in a pinch, you’ll likely be able to get reimbursed. Likewise, they often include both primary rental car insurance and cell insurance, so if you book your trips with these cards and something goes wrong, you can file a claim for reimbursement.
The best way to accrue points you can actually use are to play within both Chase Ultimate Rewards (UR) and American Express Membership Rewards (MR). UR points transfer 1:1 to so many different airlines including Delta, Southwest, Air Canada, British Airways and United, though often I simply use them by booking flights through the Ultimate Rewards portal (always cross-check awards availability via the airline’s website first to make sure you’re not spending more points than needed). MR also have a good roster of transfer partners, which include Delta, Qantas, Virgin, and Singapore Air and Hilton and Marriott on the hotels side.
Don’t cancel cards, product change them instead
One way to build up a great credit score is by having a long history of credit, which includes cards you’ve had open for years (my lengthiest streak is 17 years!). When adding new cards to your roster, it’s often best to keep the old ones—when it makes sense—and just carry a balance of $0. So, for example, even if you decide to change from a Chase Sapphire Preferred to a Reserve, rather than canceling the Preferred outright, you’ll want to call Chase and PC (product change) it to one of the no-fee Freedom cards instead.
That said, at times you may have to cancel a card if you plan to reopen it for a new bonus—the rule is usually that you can’t receive a sign-up bonus for the same card within either 24 or 48 months—which I’m finding myself doing this week to take advantage of getting the Companion Pass through my Southwest credit cards points.
Co-branded cards often aren’t worth it
Co-branded cards like a Sephora or Delta credit card are typically not worth using a credit card slot on. If you’re more of a casual flier with no loyalty to one airline over another, it’s generally smarter to get a Chase Sapphire Reserve or AmEx Platinum that is in one of the flexible point ecosystems (meaning you can transfer your points to many different partners).
Southwest cards for the Companion Pass status is an exception to the rule or if you are a frequent flier who stays loyal to one airline. If you’re more of a casual takes-a-few-trips-a-year kind of traveler, you’ll want to start your points journey in the Chase or AmEx ecosystems.
Transfer monthly payments to meet a new SUB
Every time I get a new credit card, I transfer over any recurring payments like my phone or our insurance, which help me quickly meet a sign-up bonus (SUB). It’s an easy way to capitalize on money I’m already spending by earning points I can use toward travel. And while you can’t pay a mortgage on a credit card, you can pay pretty much everything else including income tax and property tax. Get those points for big payments you’re already making!
The value of points depends on what you spend them on
No matter what credit card you use, the value of individual points will depend on if you spend them on gift cards, online shopping or travel. I find that travel usually yields a higher point value, and you often can get even more out of each point by transferring them to travel partners (assuming a 1:1 transfer rate). You can also take advantage of bonus periods when your credit card, for example, offers 5x points on gas or pay-yourself-back bonuses. Just paying attention to these small details can bank you a good stockpile of points in no time.
What’s your favorite travel credit card?
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
Jess and I are lucky enough to travel a lot, with our travels taking us to all sorts of locations and venues around the world. Whilst most of our travels don’t require us to wear formal clothing, there are sometimes occasions where we do need to dress up a bit. So I have been on the hunt for a travel-friendly suit.
I wanted a travel suit for visiting venues with a dress code, such as a fancy restaurant, opera night, or a formal cruise night. Also for those times when we just want to dress up for a special occasion such as for a birthday dinner, Christmas party, or perhaps for a formal afternoon tea experience in Paris.
I also give talks and workshops at travel and photography conferences and often wear either a sports jacket or full suit for some of those events.
We also have other events we attend, such as weddings, holiday parties, charity fundraisers, and funerals, where a suit is often required or expected. Sometimes these events are at home, but sometimes they require travel so having a suit that can travel well to a destination wedding or out-of-state funeral is nice.
What all that means is that from time to time I find myself needing a suit. Of course, when I had a job in the corporate world I had a number of suits. However, most of these weren’t suits designed for travel and required some maintenance to keep them looking sharp and wrinkle-free.
For me, a travel suit has to be something that is going to stand up well to the rigors of travel. We often travel for weeks at a time and the suit needs to survive being packed away for lengthy periods as I don’t tend to wear it all that often. I don’t want to have to worry about wrinkles in the fabric when I unpack it, it just needs to come out of the bag and go on me looking smart.
I’d also prefer it doesn’t take up too much room in my bag if possible, given that I’m not likely to be wearing it that often.
I also want a travel suit that works for most occasions, including those outside of travel, such as events and event photography. And one that will work across most types of destinations and climates. For instance an events or wedding photographer is generally expected to wear a suit to look professional and blend in with the guests.
My initial search for a travel suit started back in 2020. Over the last several years, I’ve actually spent quite a bit of time trying to find the perfect travel suit. Today I have three travel suits in different colors and have tested several others along the way.
So, without further ado, let me help you find the perfect travel suit for you, based on my experiences to date! Whether you’re looking for a good suit for business travel, preparing for a destination wedding, or you just find yourself needing to look more formal when you travel, I hope this guide helps you!
What to Look for in a Travel Suit
Before I recommend specific suits, I want to share some ideas of what to actually look for in a travel suit. This will help explain why I chose the suits I did, but will also help you pick the right suit for you, even if it’s not one I recommend.
Perhaps the two most important aspects of how a suit is going to look and wear are the type of material it is made of and the cut/fit of the suit.
For a travel suit wrinkle resistance, weight, and ease of care are also often very important. But there are a lot of other things to consider as well when choosing a travel-friendly suit, including price, color, pockets, and other features.
Let’s look at each of these.
Material
The choice of material the suit is made from is going to make a big difference when it comes to how well a suit works for travel. It’s also going to make a big difference when it comes to the price of the suit. Some materials travel a lot better than others. The main options you have are as follows.
Wool – Wool is a great natural fabric and generally considered to be the best fabric overall for a suit. It is breathable, good for various weathers, and looks refined. There are even specific wools which are woven to be more wrinkle resistant. There are a lot of wool types and names used for wool fabrics used in suits including twill, merino wool, cashmere, tweed, worsted, and flannel.
Polyester and Polyester Blends – Polyester suits are generally going to be your most budget-friendly option and most polyester suit fabrics tend to be very wrinkle resistant. Polyester also tends to be an easier care option, and some polyester options are even machine washable. The main downside to polyester is that is not a natural material and might not be as breathable as a natural fibre. It also typically doesn’t look or feel as high-end as a wool suit from up close.
Linen – Linen suits have a timeless elegance and can be an option for warm and hot weather destinations. It’s a lightweight and breathable fabric but one that wrinkles easily and is generally harder to care for and it can stain more easily. So linen suits can be a good option for some people but you have to be OK with wrinkles and a more casual look.
Cotton – Cotton is another natural and breathable fabric, like linen, that is often used in suits. Cotton can be a comfortable and affordable options, but its downsides are that it tends to have a more casual look, doesn’t drape as well, and some cotton fabrics can wrinkle easily. However, you can normally iron cotton very easily to get rid of wrinkles. Summer suits will often be made of a seersucker fabric.
Other fabric options like silks, velvet, nylon, etc. are not that common as suit materials. They are generally best avoided as a good travel suit fabric in our opinion.
Of course, you’ll also see a lot of blended fabrics out there being used for suits as well such as wool/polyester blends, linen/cotton blends, wool/silk blends etc. I would check to see which fabric is making up what percentage of the fabric and consider the pros/cons of each.
For example, some suits might use a majority of wool for the breathability, but also include a small amount of polyester blend to add stretch.
Overall, we believe the overall best material option for most people is wool, and specifically a high twist wool weave which will naturally resist wrinkles. This wool weaving process is done at the mill where the suit fabric is produced, and results in a fabric that is naturally wrinkle resistant. A good example of suits that use this type of specialty wool are the Traveller suits by Suitsupply.
For those on a small budget, polyester is probably your best bet. You can also consider polyester/wool blends which can give you a wool suit at a smaller price point with the benefits of both wool and polyester.
A great budget pick that I’ve tested is the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit which you can often find on sale for under $200 for both the blazer and matching suit pants!
For those wanting a machine washable suit, you’ll want to consider a harder wearing polyester suit. Most suits, even most polyester ones, are not designed to be machine washed so you specifically need to look for a brand that makes suits that are designed to be machine washed.
One brand I can personally recommend is the Gramercy suit collection by Bluffworks as these suits can be machine washed and even tumble dried on low heat!
Those looking for a more casual summer look who don’t mind wrinkles, we think linen is a great option. For instance in destinations like Italy and Greece, you see a lot of linen in the summers and it’s a great option for those types of settings.
Cotton is probably my least favorite of the above as a travel suit material. However, I do have a green blazer I got in Italy that is 100% cotton that I love. I wear it when I want to look put together but not too formal.
Color
Color is obviously a personal choice when it comes to a travel suit. We’d suggest picking a color that you like and one that will work in a number of situations. You also want to consider your skin tone/complexion and types of climates you will be wearing it in.
You may also want to pick a suit that will coordinate with any accessories you already have that you want to wear, such as shoes, shirts, and ties.
Navy, closely followed by medium grey and charcoal grey, are generally regarded as the most versatile suit colors. You can see this image matrix for a brief guide. These colors are suitable for a range of events and match well with most shoe, belt, and shirt colors.
A royal blue suit can also be a good option if you want something a bit more modern than a classic navy color. Brown and tan suits can also work and are versatile but are generally less popular than navy or grey suits.
If you are planning to use your suit strictly for more formal occasions (e.g., formal weddings, funerals, charity balls), then you might consider a black suit. However, these can look too formal for some settings and are less versatile.
Also, it should be noted that if you attend a lot of black-tie events (where a tuxedo/dinner jacket and bow tie are expected), it probably makes more sense to get a black tuxedo instead to work for those events and a dark suit in another color (such as navy or charcoal gray) for less formal events.
Other colors, such as tans, medium shades of blue, greens, creams, khaki, burgundy, etc. are also widely available but are going to be less versatile and may not work with all skin tones.
However, they may still be a good choice depending on where you want to wear it and your complexion. For instance, khaki, cream, and pastel suits tend to look better on those with darker skin.
If you are looking at linen suits, these often come in natural shades of creams and tan as well as pastel colors which are well-suited for warmer climates and that type of material. Cotton suits also tend to come in a wider variation of colors and patterns than wool ones.
While a solid color is the most versatile choice and is going to be the most timeless, you can also go with a suit with a pattern for a bolder look and to better fit your personal style.
Classic men’s suit patterns include pinstripes, checks, gingham, plaids, herringbone, and houndstooth. If you opt for a patterned suit, choosing a classic color like navy or gray can help keep it being more versatile.
If you are only purchasing one suit and don’t currently own a suit, I would generally recommend choosing a solid navy or grey suit. Generally, I travel with either a navy or gray suit. These will generally work for a pretty wide range of events from interviews and conferences to weddings and formal nights out. They also generally look good on most people.
Of course, the final decision is up to your needs and your own personal sense of style.
Cut/Fit
There are a lot of suit styles, cuts, and variations out there and looking at all the options can be a bit overwhelming, especially if this is your first suit. You’ll find lots of options regarding how the jacket buttons, linings, lapel sizes, various types of cuts, pocket shapes, button types, linings, venting, paddings, and much more.
If you are purchasing a travel suit, then you are likely buying a suit that you want to last for a long time and which you might not be wearing too often. So, you will want a suit style that is going to last for a long time and isn’t going to become dated in a few years.
For instance, imagine the 1920’s pinstripe double-breasted suits we often now associate with American gangsters and bootleggers from that era, or the disco inspired 1970s leisure suits. These are not exactly timeless designs.
As such, we’d recommend choosing a more timeless and conservative style that will likely stay in fashion, rather than anything that might be popular now but fall out of vogue in the coming years.
The key decisions you will have to make will include whether or not you want a single- or double-breasted suit, the number of buttons on the suit jacket, the size and style of the suit lapels, whether or not the pants are pleated, and whether the suit is slim, classic, or looser fitting.
Again, these are all personal decisions. However, for a timeless look we’d recommend:
single breasted jacket (although double breasted is also popular if you prefer that look)
a 2-button jacket (or three roll two, just don’t button the top button!)
a jacket lapel width that matches your body width (generally, thinner people look better with a thinner lapel, and heavier people with a wider lapel)
lapels with a notch in
choose matching pants in a classic suit trousers style such as one with a mid rise, straight or tapered legs, flat front or single pleat, plain hem, belt loops, and 2 back pockets.
a tailored/slim or classic/regular fit (a tailored or slim fit is more fitted to body whereas a classic fit is looser and more relaxed)
Whether or not you opt for slim/tailored or regular/classic fit will depend on your body shape and personal style. It’s really important that you feel comfortable and confident in your suit, so choose the style that works best for you.
Just be sure to read details of each suit’s fit as different suit brands don’t always mean the same thing when using fit terms (slim/tailored/classic/regular/relaxed/loose) to describe their suit fits.
For the suit pants, if you are buy the suit as a set you often don’t have too many choices unless you choose to customize them. But generally you just want to get a classic pair of dress pants that matches your jacket in the exact same fabric that doesn’t have any features that could really date it quickly (e.g., skinny leg, really wide legs, flared bottoms, wide cuffs/turn-ups).
When you are wearing the suit and the jacket is buttoned, it should not be creasing or pulling anywhere. Areas to check include the shoulder, chest, waist and upper back area. It should also fit well to your body shape and not have excess fabric.
If you are trying a suit on in store, then make sure to look at it in a mirror from all angles. Bring along a friend/partner or ask a store associate for advice about how well it fits.
If you purchase online or by catalog, then be sure to do the same at home and ask someone else to give you advice. Minor alterations in length and fit can be made by a tailor and are generally not too expensive, but you want the overall shape, fit, and features to be there. For more information, this is an excellent guide to how a suit should fit.
There are a few factors that affect how heavy a suit is, and these also affect how the suit performs in different climates.
First, and perhaps most importantly, the actual fabric a suit is made from will dictate how heavy the suit is.
Fabric weight is measured in grams per square metre (gsm), with lower numbers reflecting a lighter suit and heavier numbers reflecting a heavier suit.
A lightweight suit will generally be made of fabric which varies from around 150gsm to 290gsm. A midweight suit will fall between 290gsm and 360gsm. A heavyweight suit will be anything over 360gsm. These numbers aren’t fixed of course, but can be helpful as a general rule of thumb.
The fabric weight directly affects the warmth of the suit. The lighter the suit fabric, the more suitable it will be for warm weather. Conversely, a heavier fabric will provide more warmth, good for cold climates.
Naturally, the fabric weight also directly affects how heavy the suit actually is. A heavier fabric will result in a heavier suit, giving you more to carry around. If you pack light, this is definitely something to consider.
Other factors also affect the overall weight of the suit. The suit’s canvassing, lining, and padding, if it has any, can also increase the weight of the suit. A suit jacket often has both canvasing and lining. and it may also have padding in the shoulders.
If you have a choice in the amount of canvasing (a layer of material attached to inside of jacket that gives it shape) and/or lining (thinner layer of cloth that touches your body and can be used in both jackets and/or pants) for your suit, your choice will depend on how much structure you want, the climate where you plan to wear it, and how formal or casual you want your suit to be.
More canvassing and lining is best for more formal jackets, jackets worn in cooler climates, and when you want more structure. Unlined jackets are best for those wanting a lighter jacket, more casual jacket, and warmer climates. The amount of canvasing and lining can vary a lot from completely unlined to full lined. If you are not sure, there are also partial and half lined options.
For a travel suit, we’d recommend something on the lighter end of the spectrum, which will be both easier to pack and carry, and also offer versatility in a number of climates. If it is cooler, you can always wear an undershirt if necessary or opt for a more medium-weight suit. My personal preference is definitely towards less lining and padding.
Suit lining comparison
Size Inclusivity
While most suit brands do offer a wide range of suit sizes, these won’t work for everyone. While travel suits can pretty easily be sized down or made shorter by a tailor, those who need larger or longer suits may have more difficulty finding well-fitting suit options.
However, there are still a lot of options. For example, brands like Suitsupply offer sizes from XXS to XXXXL and offer regular, long, and short sizing.
You also have the option to customize the size and fit of their suits and you can give them your exact measurements. Even budget-friendly brands like Haggar offer big and tall sizes in many of their suits.
Versatility
When choosing a suit for travel, you will want to consider how versatile it is going to be. The versatility is going to come from many of the factors we’ve already discussed including style, color, and fabric weight, as well as how well it pairs with other clothing and accessories in your wardrobe.
Things to think about include:
Can you wear the suit pieces individually as well as together? Would you wear the blazer jacket with different pants for a more casual look for example? Would the pants also work well with a dress shirt to wear for work or business functions or church events?
Will the suit work for you in different situations and events? Would you wear it to a wedding, conference, holiday party, funeral, cruise, business meeting, fancy dinner, baptism, etc. Think about events you’ve been to over the past few years or have coming up, how many of them could it work for?
Does the travel suit work in multiple destinations and climates? Does it work in both cold and hot climates? Would you wear it humid as well as dry destinations? Would it fit in equally well in the places you tend to travel in the USA, Europe, Asia, etc?
Does the suit work well with other wardrobe pieces you already have? You are likely to wear a suit more often if it goes with different colored shoes, belts, bags, shirts, ties, etc.
Generally, the more versatile the suit you choose, the more useful it will be and the more opportunities you will have to wear it.
For instance, consider that you are planning a trip to southern Italy, and you choose a nice cream linen suit for your summer travels there. It can be a great option for an Italian summer trip. However, that same suit isn’t likely going to be as well suited for a business meeting in London, a fjords cruise formal night, or a New York City formal wedding.
Now if you have very different circumstances where you plan to wear a suit, you might consider budgeting for two suits that will cover all scenarios. For instance, one darker and more formal suit and one lighter and more casual suit.
Overall, pick the most versatile suit you can. I feel it is worth spending a bit more on a more versatile suit option that you can wear more often compared to a lower cost suit that is less versatile and you don’t wear so much
Wrinkle Resistance
We’d argue that one of the key criteria to look for when choosing a travel suit is how resistant it is to wrinkles and creases. Travel is going create a lot more potential for wrinkles in a suit compared to having it hanging in a closet at home. This is the case even if the suit is in a suit carrier.
Ideally you want a suit which is going to be resistant to wrinkles and creases, and this all comes down to the material the suit is made from.
Good materials which include wrinkle resistance include high twist open weave wool, as well as some synthetic materials such as a polyester blend.
Most travel-oriented suits should make it clear that they are wrinkle resistant in the suit description but do dig into the claims to see what exactly it is about the suit that validates these claims. Check reviews from customers and see if they report issues with creases or wrinkles. If your suit arrives in the mail wrinkled, that is a bad sign.
Now if you are going for a suit made of linen or cotton, then you’ll likely have to live with some wrinkles and creases. Just be sure to know if it can be ironed as needed.
Care
Travel can be tough on a suit, and you are likely going to need to get it cleaned from time to time. So, when purchasing a suit, you will want to check to see how easy it is to clean.
Can it be machine washed? Tumble dried? Ironed? Hand washed? Does it have a stain repellant? Is it dry clean only?
If these features are important features for you, then be sure to carefully check care instructions prior to any purchase.
In our experience the majority of suits are going to be dry-clean only. This is an additional expense to consider in your budget when purchasing a suit. While you’ll likely get a number of wears out of a suit and be able to just spot clean, eventually it will need a full clean.
That said, there are quite a few travel suits on the market which can be machine washed, hand-washed, machine dried, and even ironed. For lots of travelers, an easy care option is a great plus. If you are looking for this, we recommend checking out suits by Bluffworks, Ministry of Supply, and this suit by Haggar.
Even a lot of “dry clean only suits” can be hand washed and air dried if done gently and with care. My wife, Jess, is pretty good at successfully hand washing and air drying all kinds of “dry clean” only materials to save money on dry cleaning (and to avoid the chemical treatments). But do take into account it is always a risk to ignore the suit’s care recommendations.
Based on our experience, even if you have an easy care travel suit that can be machine washed and everything, you still want to treat it gently to keep it looking it best and extending its life. I would only machine wash when needed, use gentle and delicate cycles, and use low heat or air dry.
Pockets
Most suits will have a number of pockets in both the suit jacket and suit pants, and there is normally a choice in pocket style.
Honestly, this is a personal preference. The main thing is ensuring there are sufficient pockets for your needs. If you are planning on wearing a travel suit to the airport for example, a suit with pockets that zip or that can comfortably handle things like a passport might be useful when going through check in and security.
However, if you usually only wear a suit once you are in destination at an event, then the number and style of pockets may not be as important to you. Just think about what you normally like to carry with you when wearing a suit.
If you like a suit with lots of pockets, then I’d recommend checking out the Bluffworks Gramercy suit, which has 18 pockets between the jacket and pants.
Price is going to be a key deciding factor when it comes to choosing a travel suit. I would say that a good travel suit that should last the test of time will probably run you between $500 and $850 (approximately £400 to £650).
However, you can definitely pick up a more budget oriented travel suit for about $200. It might not have all the features or look quite as nice, but it will serve it’s purpose. A well fitting and tailored inexpensive suit can still look really good.
Another option if you are on a really small budget is to check out secondhand and vintage suits. If you can can score a suit of your size, or slightly larger, you can get it tailored as needed for a better fit or to update it a bit.
You can also, of course, spend much more on a suit with custom tailored wool suits often running in the $1,500 to $6,000 range.
However, I’d say most people would probably find the sweet spot of $500 to $850 will get them a good quality suit that will fulfill all their needs and last a good long time.
Recommended Travel Suits
We’re now going to go through our recommended suits for travel. First, I’ll cover the suits I personally own and travel with, which I decided upon after doing a lot of research and trying on a lot of suits.
I’ll share my picks for overall best wool travel suit, my favorite easy care travel suit, and my favorite suit for those with a small budget.
I’ll share my experiences of those suits first. Then, I’ll cover some other popular options that you might want to consider as well.
My recommendation for a wool travel suit is to choose one from the Suitsupply Traveller Suit collection. Suitsupply is a Dutch menswear fashion brand founded in 2000. The brand is best known for its use of high quality Italian fabric suits sold at a much lower price that those of designer brands using similar fabrics.
The Traveller suits are all made of 4-ply Italian wool midweight fabric and come in both tailored and classic/relaxed fits with both single and double breasted jacket options. The suits can be purchase as a suit set, or you can purchase the jacket and trousers separately. It is available in several colors.
The secret ingredient to the Suitsupply Traveller suit is the material it’s made from. Their suits are made from a specialty 4-ply Italian wool which they call “Traveller Wool”. This is a high twist wool, which is a specific way of weaving wool yarn that results in it being naturally crease resistant as well as light and breathable. They are designed for all season wear in all types of climates.
Suitsupply Traveller Suit in Navy
You can actually customize most of the suits on the Suitsupply website to use this wool if you prefer a different suit style. However, for this review I’m focusing on the standard Suitsupply Traveller suit style.
It is worth noting that Suitsupply have changed their wool yarn supplier over time. The suit I purchased in 2021 has wool made by the Lanificio F. Lli Cerruti mill, and which was branded as iTravel wool. The suit I purchased in 2024 has wool made by the Lanificio Rogna wool mill.
Both of these wool mills are long established and reputable Italian wool mills, and the fabric produced by both mills for the suits is a high twist open weave wool which is specifically designed to stand up well to the rigors of travel.The look and feel of the wool between the two suits is very similar to my eye.
Let’s look at the other details of this suit. Beyond the wool used, there are a couple of other key standard features of this suit that make it more travel friendly.
First, the main body of the jacket is unlined, which means, as the name suggests, that there is no lining on the inside part of the jacket between the wool and you. The exception is the sleeves which are lined.
If you are used to a fully lined suit this may look and feel a bit odd at first, but by leaving the majority of the suit unlined you cut down on some of the weight and it’s also easier to fold. An unlined suit is also cooler, making it more suitable for warmer climates, giving the suit more versatility.
That said, if you prefer a fully lined or half lined suit, that is available as a custom option.
The jacket suit also has a half-canvas construction, rather than a full canvas construction. This ensures the jacket keeps its form around your chest, whilst being lighter than a full canvas construction. Note that this is the default, and you can customize the suit to be either a full canvas or even no canvas (unconstructed) if you prefer.
In terms of the trousers, by default they come half lined (although this changed between my first suit and my second suit, with my first purchase being fully unlined). Again, you can choose to customize the pants to be fully lined, half lined or unlined if you prefer.
I actually own two Suitsupply Traveller suits, and they are my go-to travel suits. I purchased my first one in 2021 in navy blue, and my second one in 2024 in black. Specifically, I chose the Navy Havana suit in 2021, and the Black Havana Tailored Fit Suit in 2024.
The navy suit I actually purchased in store in their London store when I was living in the UK. I was able to try it on, buy it off the rack, and have the pants trimmed all in that same afternoon at the store. I didn’t get any customization done other than hemming the pants which were a little too long.
I have really loved that navy suit, and when I decided I needed a more formal black suit, I decided I wanted to get the same Havana suit in black. I decided to just order these online as I knew my sizes and the fit, and would just take it to a local tailor to get the pants hemmed as it is a simple and cheap alteration.
The design and material of the Suitsupply Traveller suit has changed slightly over the period between my purchases, and like everything in life, the cost has also gone up a bit.
For my second Suitsupply suit I purchased the jacket as the standard option without making any changes. Compared to my navy jacket, there are some slight differences in lapel width and the blazer came with a a 3 roll 2 button design, rather than the two button design in the original. However, these are pretty minor changes and I like both jackets pretty equally.
For the black suit pants, I did customize these. I chose to change the closure type, do a flat front, and just do a plain hem on these. The Traveller pants came as half lined in the upper part as standard and I kept that which I think is nice for more formal black pants.
Both suits have been wonderful travel suits. They are very comfortable and have stood up to weeks of being packed away at the bottom of my suitcase (or carried in the free included suit carrier bag), coming out wrinkle free and ready to go every time. I have worn them to nice dinners, conferences, business talks, afternoon teas, cruise formal nights, weddings, and more.
Overall, I have very much enjoyed my Suitsupply Traveller suits which I plan to keep wearing for years to come. I also appreciate how much they can be customized if you choose. Just note that you’ll save money if you stick to the standard features.
There are a lot of pros of the Suitsupply Traveller suit including the pure Italian wool fabric, breathability, high quality construction, four season weight, modern style, included suit carrier bag, ability to customize, and a decent price point for a pure wool suit. Some cons are that it is dry clean only and that if you want to customize it, it can really increase the price.
If you are interested and this is your first suit, I would recommend that you visit a Suitsupply store to try the suits on and get the fit and look right. You can of course still order online and customize the suits if you prefer (I did this for my second Suitsupply purchase with good results), but I think for a first time purchase an in-store visit is well worth it if there is a store near you.
Suitsupply have physical stores in Europe, Asia and the Americas, with around 150 locations to choose from. You can also purchase and customize all their suits online. You can see the full Suitsupply Traveller range here. They can also ship to most locations worldwide.
The Bluffworks Gramercy Suit is another travel suit I own and is my top recommendation if you want an easy care suit option (machine washable) and/or you want a suit with a lot of pockets. It’s also a good option if you don’t want a wool suit for any reason such as allergies.
Bluffworks has been around since 2012 and the main factor that sets it apart from almost all the other companies out there selling travel suits is that their brand is focused on travel-friendly clothing.
Bluffworks Gramercy Suit in Gotham Grey
I have found their Bluffwork Gramercy suit to be an excellent travel suit and the suit has a number of features that make it stand out from the crowd.
First, Bluffworks makes these suits out of a polyester material they call Gramercy. This is a material that they spent a long time developing to ensure it looks as close to wool as possible. I have to say that they have done a great job—the suit doesn’t have any of the shine you might associate with a polyester suit, and I think most people wouldn’t be able to tell it wasn’t wool.
However, you do still get the benefits of polyester, meaning its lightweight, quick-drying, and breathable.
Even more impressive though is that the suit is fully machine washable. You can even tumble dry it on low heat, and if you really need to, iron it. However, Bluffworks say that the suit shouldn’t need ironing as the material is wrinkle and crease resistant. This has certainly been my experience with it and I haven’t needed to iron it yet.
The other feature that sets it apart is the amount of pockets and storage in this suit. The jacket and trousers between them have 18 pockets (!), which is far more than a regular suit.
Some of these pockets are cleverly hidden, others are zippered, and there’s even one designed for your travel documents. One downside of a suit is often a lack of pockets, but the Bluffworks Gramercy has you covered on that front. This definitely makes it much more travel-friendly and the zipped and hidden pockets add some extra security.
The suit jacket is partially lined (the sleeves are unlined), so it isn’t quite a light and breathable as an unlined suit jacket (all those pockets have to go somewhere after all). So for the hottest climates this is something to think about, although it wears easily and certainly doesn’t feel heavy in the way that a more traditional lined wool suit does.
While there aren’t many colors available, they have the most poplar and recommended ones, including navy, grey, and black. I have the Bluffworks Gramercy suit in Gotham Grey, and I think it looks great. It is honestly pretty hard to tell it’s not wool, and the feel is amazing. I love all the pockets it has, and I have found it’s still comfortable in warmer climates.
Bluffworks also make a range of other travel-friendly clothes (including women’s clothing), all of which are designed to be packable, wrinkle resistant, odor resistant, and easy to care for. The Gramercy suit is their original travel suit but they also have the Presidio travel suit which has a slightly more modern and simpler look with a fully lined jacket.
I also have a Bluffworks Lenox dress shirt. A dress shirt is pretty much an essential item to wear under a suit (unless you’re a tech CEO or something), and I have found that the Bluffworks Lenox also performs really well, standing up to the rigors of travel and looking good as it does.
I think it’s a great looking dress shirt. It offers full stretch, a soft feel, is fully machine washable, and is really comfortable to wear. It has quickly become my favorite dress shirt.
I can highly recommend the Bluffworks range of clothes, they look good, are easy to care for, and won’t break the bank.
Bluffworks is based in the U.S. but ships internationally. Currently, their clothing is only sold online from their website, and you can explore their full range online here.
If you are on a small budget and the Suitsupply and Bluffworks suits above are a bit out of your price range right now, I recommend checking out the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit. This is a polyester travel suit that offers a very good value for those with not a lot of money to spend. You can normally get the full suit for less than $200!
I purchased the Haggar Men’s Travel Performance suit in the color Dark Heather Grey to compare it to the more expensive suits I owned, to see how it stood up. I already owned a few pairs of Haggar’s regular travel pants which I’ve always found to be very comfortable.
If you live in the USA, you are probably familiar with the brand as its been around since 1926 and continues to be a popular brand, particularly for men’s pants and suits.
Haggar Travel Performance suit in Dark Heather Grey
Overall, I found this travel-friendly suit to be very comfortable and easy to wear. I really liked how light it was, thanks to the moisture wicking polyester construction. It is lined, but it is still lightweight.
The flexible fit waistband and stretch fabric in the suit itself also made it very comfortable to wear. It is also very resistant to wrinkles and wasn’t wrinkled from shipping or when thrown in my luggage or car.
It comes in a wide variety of colors and sizes, including some short and tall size options. The jacket is fully lined and has some padding around shoulders for a more structured look. It is 100% polyester and it is dry clean only.
This suit has a lot of pros, including its low cost, fast delivery options, range of colors and sizes, and light and comfortable fit. The main downsides are that it doesn’t have the more refined look and detailing as my other suits and isn’t designed to be machine washable. However, I feel it is a very good value at the price point and I think if I got this slightly altered, it would make it look a bit more polished.
Note that Haggar makes a wide range of suits, including an easy care machine washable suit, which you might also consider as another travel suit option. This one might be a particularly good option for those who want to be able to throw it in the washing machine.
You can buy it online (including from Amazon), the brand’s website, or buy from U.S. department stores selling the Haggar brand. You can find their clothing in stores such as Kohl’s, Macy’s, and JCPenney although I purchased mine on Amazon as I couldn’t find them available in the stores we visited.
Note that Haggar doesn’t sell their clothing directly outside the U.S. as far as we are aware. If you live outside the USA and are looking for a similar option in your own country, I’d head to your local department store and see what suits they sell off the rack at the lower price points.
More Travel Suit Options
There are a great many suit manufacturers on the market, and many of them make a suit which is either specifically designed for travel, or happens to have qualities which make it good for travel.
Here are some options that we recommend you look into if our recommendations above don’t quite fit what you are looking for, or you’d just rather have some more options!
Suits are available at a wide range of budgets and in various styles and materials, so you should be able to find something that works for you.
Another travel suit to consider is the Velocity Suit from Ministry of Supply. This is constructed from their Velocity material, which is a blend of 61% polyester, 33% viscose, and 6% elastane. It’s designed to look and feel as much like wool as possible, while offering the benefits of the blended material.
The blend means the suit offers both stretch and wrinkle resistance, and it’s also machine washable and you can put it in the drier.
You can even cool iron it if you want, although Ministry of Supply says that if the suit does have any wrinkles your body temperature will be enough to even them out. Which is pretty neat. The suit jacket is partially lined.
It’s worth noting that Ministry of Supply also makes a suit called Kinetic, which is unlined and even lighter. However it doesn’t look quite as formal, with a three button design and higher lapel. If that works for you, then it is definitely worth considering as well.
If you don’t like wearing suits because you feel they are too restrictive, then the Sene Studio FlexTech suit might be for you. This suit is made with Sene Studio’s FlexTech material, which is a four-way stretch polyester which is designed to be super flexible. That means that you can move freely in the suit and not feel restricted.
There’s lot more to like about the suit. First, it’s going to be tailor made for you, which is quite a benefit especially at this price point.
The way this works is that when you go through the purchase process you will answer a series of questions about your body shape, size and weight, and FlexTech will create the suit specifically for you. If after all that it doesn’t fit, they will remake it or let you return it anyway, which isn’t always the case with a custom suit.
Now this isn’t quite as detailed as the customization on something like the Suitsupply suits, where you can specify detailed measurements for all sorts of the suit parts, but it is a step above your average suit, and is definitely appreciated at this price point.
In terms of other features, this suit can be machine washed in cold weater, but isn’t suitable for a tumble dryer as it needs to be air dried. It also can’t be dry cleaned or ironed. As it’s polyester it will dry pretty quickly, but obviously not as quickly as something that can be machine dried.
Overall, this is definitely a good option for a travel suit to consider if you want the flexibility of stretch fabric.
This suit is made from wool woven by the notable Italian weavers Ermenegildo Zegna and is notable for its crease and wrinkle resistance. It’s dry-clean only, as is to be expected with a wool suit.
The suit is lined, but you can customize it to be half lined or unlined if you prefer. You can also customize a great many more aspects of the suit, from pocket style to lapel size, although of course many customizations do add extra cost.
It’s worth noting that as well as making material for other suit manufacturers to use, Ermenegildo Zegna also make their own suits. So you can purchase a suit directly from Zegna, but just be aware the prices are significantly higher.
Brooks Brothers are a well known suit retailer with a wide range of suits to choose from. They also have a travel-oriented range of suits, known as the Explorer Collection.
These are made from a 98% wool 2% polyester blend. The wool is a lightweight wool made by the Vitale Barberis Canonico mill, which is blended with polyester. This material gives you the best of both worlds—the quality feel and performance of wool, with the benefit of a comfortable stretch fit with wrinkle resistance from the polyester.
The suits have a half canvas construction, meaning they are more lightweight than Brooks Brothers’ traditional full construction suits, allowing for a lighter suit that is easier to pack.
As they are a majority wool construction, these suits are dry-clean only. There’s also not a lot of customization available, but the price is reasonable for a wool suit.
Charles Tyrwhitt is based in the UK and was my go-to brand for shirts when I lived and worked in London. They also make a range of suits, including their Ultimate Performance Suit.
This is made from a superfine 100% 4-ply merino wool with natural stretch. It’s also crease resistant. The jacket is half canvas and lined while the pants are half lined. There aren’t any customizations available but it’s a reasonable price for a wool suit.
Armani and other Designer Brands
If you have a bigger budget, then you can dive into the world of designer and bespoke suits. Armani is probably one of the best known suit designer brands and you can’t really go wrong with a well-tailored Georgio Armani Italian-made suit.
Other well known designer brands, many of which offer custom options, include Tom Ford, Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli, Brooks Brothers, and Brioni. Just note you’ll need to do your own research on which ones are going to be best for travel as most brands don’t specifically label any of their suits as travel friendly.
For a bespoke suit, you can head to NYC, Saville Row in London, or Milan where there are lots of tailor shops offering bespoke suits made to order. Here you can design the perfect travel suit of your dreams with almost unlimited options.
However, if you are looking for a travel suit, you may find that paying a lot more for a suit doesn’t necessarily deliver a lot of added benefits other than the name brand. For instance, in a 2011 blind test conducted by the Wall Street Journal, the reviewers found “little difference in quality” between a $614 Suitsupply suit and a $3,600 Armani option.
Additional Items for a Travel Suit
The suit is going to be the main thing you wear, but you are going to need a few more things to complete the look. Depending on your style and level of formality, these might include a dress shirt, tie, tie bar, belt, dress socks, cuff links, and shoes.
There are also a few other accessories you might consider to make your travel packing easier.
Wrinkle-resistant Dress Shirt
You need to wear something under your suit, and the majority of the time for a more formal occasion that is likely to be a dress shirt.
Ideally you are going to want a dress shirt that travels as well as the suit. After all, having a beautiful wrinkle free suit isn’t any good if you pair it with a crinkled shirt!
Of course, most shirts are a lot easier to iron than most suits, but since an iron isn’t always available then a shirt which features wrinkle resistance is a good option.
I have a number of no iron cotton dress shirts which I purchased from a major UK retailer (John Lewis Non Iron Twill Slim Fit Single Cuff Shirt), which work well. You can buy these kinds of shirts at about any department store.
But my favorite dress shirt at the moment is the Bluffworks Lenox dress shirt which I think looks great and performs really well. In terms of color, white is generally an easy color that pairs well with most suits, but this is a personal preference thing of course.
Comfortable Dress Shoes
Obviously, you are going to need to wear something on your feet, and the standard choice for many occasions is going to be a pair of dress shoes. However, dress shoes can be somewhat impractical to travel with as they take up a fair bit of space for something you might not plan to wear that much.
So what you want are a pair of dress shoes that look the part, but are comfortable and versatile enough to wear all day. This is especially the case if you are hoping to only travel with one pair of shoes.
My current personal favorite dress shoes for travel which look formal are my pair of Amberjack Originals. I also have a pair of Timberland shoes which look a bit less formal but work as dress shoes in a pinch.
Amberjack make a range of leather dress shoes which are designed to look just like a formal dress shoe, but with all the comfort and performance of a sneaker. They are incredibly comfortable, and I highly recommend them. Timberland are also obviously a well known brand, and I appreciate how comfortable their shoes are for all day wear.
In terms of style and color, there are a great many dress shoe styles to choose from. The main colors for dress shoes are black, brown and burgundy. It’s important to choose a shoe color which matches your suit. As a general rule, the following applies:
Black shoes match black, grey/charcoal and navy suits
Brown shoes match grey/charcoal, navy, brown and white suits
Burgundy shoes match grey/charcoal, navy and brown suits
As I recommend navy or grey as a suit color, with black as a backup, then I’d say black shoes are going to be the most versatile, followed by brown. Both are a solid choice though.
Many travel suits, especially those made with man-made materials, are specifically designed so you can essentially stuff them into your regular luggage and by the miracle of technology they’ll come out the other end looking like they were just pressed.
That said, you may prefer to treat them with a bit more care, in which case a good garment bag might be a good idea. This is also a good option if luggage space is less of an issue, such as when you are traveling by road.
Personally I quite like the basic lightweight garment bag that came with my Suitsupply travel suit, although its only really capable of holding my suit and a dress shirt. I also have a larger more padded garment bag like this that works well for road trips.
We highly recommend traveling with packing cubes to help you improve how well organized your luggage is. Rather than a bundle of clothes that you have to dig through to find the item you want, packing cubes allow you to sort and organize your packed items for easy retrieval.
If you don’t have a garment bag, a packing cube can also be a good place to put your travel suit and shirt. This can stay in your bag until you need it.
There are a great many packing cubes on the market, which offer different features. We’d recommend getting packing cubes with a compression feature to improve space, but basic packing cubes like these will work too. It’s also a good idea to get a set of different sizes.
One thing to note with packing cubes is that whilst they help a lot with organization, they do take up more space as the cube itself takes up a bit of room. So you might want to practice packing with them prior to a trip to ensure everything fits nicely.
Tips for Buying a Travel Suit
I’m going to cover a few tips to help you buy a travel suit, to helpfully make the process smoother for you.
Measure Properly
If you are able to visit a physical suit store location or tailor, then this is going to be the easiest way to get properly measured.
If you do go to a physical store, make sure to bring along your dress shirt and dress shoes that you plan to wear with the suit so you can get the fit just right. In my experience, a good suit store will be able to provide you with these items if you don’t have them, but if you do have them I recommend bringing them.
If you can’t visit a physical store, then check the website of the suit you are purchasing. They should have detailed instructions on how to measure yourself for their suit. Take your time and get this right to avoid having to make a return.
It’s also important to note that different manufacturers might use different sizing systems, so don’t take measurements you made on one site and apply them to another site, always measure again following each suit manufacturers specific instructions.
Also be sure to take international differences in measurements and systems in mind if ordering a suit from a country based outside of your own. For example you don’t want to mix up inches with centimeters in providing your measurements!
Trying suits in a Suitsupply store
Check the Returns Policy
If you are buying a suit in person or online, you will want to check what their returns policy is. When buying in person this should be less of an issue as you should be able to get the fit right in store. However, even so, you might change your mind after the fact or decide you want a different color.
If you are purchasing online, you absolutely want to be sure there is a robust and easy returns policy in place so you can return your suit if the fit isn’t quite right, or if it’s not what you expected.
If the suit has any customization, you will want to check if this changes the return policy. Sometimes a custom-made item might not be returnable, which would definitely be an issue if it didn’t fit!
Opt for Something Timeless
If you’re like me, you might not wear a suit that often, or need a travel specific suit that often. So you want to buy a suit that is going to last a long time. In this case you will want to pick a style that is going to last the test of time.
Generally, a solid color like navy, grey or black is going to stay fashionable. Patterns and other color options can come and go in fashion, and what may be popular now might look dated in a couple of years.
Similarly, a classic single-breasted jacket, 2 button jacket with a regular lapel is unlikely to go out of style. Sticking to tailored and classic fits and the most timeless features will help keep your suit from looking dated in the future.
Understand the Power and Limitations of Alterations
Unless you get your suit custom made to your measurements, there is a decent chance your suit could fit a bit better with some small alterations. Getting your suit tailored to you will really make a suit look nicer, more modern, and more expensive.
Even a cheap suit is going to look much better if it fits your body properly and the great thing is that most alterations are fairly inexpensive.
It is good to know what kind of alteration are fairly easy for a tailor or seamstress to make and those that are difficult or not recommended. Generally you want to make sure the overall fit and style, particularly of the jacket, is good as you typically don’t want to be adjusting front jacket buttons, shoulder width, padding, pockets, or overall shape or structure.
But things that are typically easy to change are adjusting the length of jacket sleeve and pant legs, changing the hem of your pants, taking in or letting out the waist of your pants, tapering pant legs, adding/removing cuffs to your pants, and adding/changing buttons to the jacket sleeves. Other changes may also be possible depending on the structure of your suit.
If you are buying a suit off the rack or online and are between the standard sizes, you always want to size up a size. For example if you are a 31 in pants and the only options are a 30 or a 32, always go for the 32 length. You can always make the pant legs shorter but there is a limit to how much you can make them longer depending on amount of excess fabric at the hem.
Just note that while sizing up is always a better option than buying a suit that is too small, I would not recommend buying a suit that is more than 2 sizes too big. Once you get too big, the suit is just not likely to fit you well overall without some major adjustments. You would be better off paying more for a suit in the correct size even if it costs a bit more (the adjustments to a really ill fitting suit can be costly and results may not be great).
Budget for Alterations
You should add a small amount of your suit budget to tailoring as chances are you will need at least a minor alteration unless you are lucky to fit a standard size or get it made to measure.
For example, my Suitsupply suit pants came in a fixed length and I needed to get the adjusted to be a bit shorter. With the first pair I bought, I did that in store and they did it for me for a modest fee. With the second pair, I took them to a local alternations store. I think in both cases this alteration cost between $15 to $20.
Depending on the alteration, you should expect each change to cost between $10 and $30 (£8 – £25). So if you want to for instance taper the legs of your suit pants and also take in the waist, I’d budget about $40 (£30).
But you can also call your local tailor or seamstress to get your local prices before you bring in your suit, and this can also help you shop around for the best price. Just be sure to read reviews first so you don’t end up with shoddy work!
Tailoring a suit isn’t always necessary, but it can often help get the fit just right, especially with an off the rack suit. So just bear in mind that this might be an additional cost on top of your suit budget to take into account.
Further Reading
That summarizes our guide to the best travel suit for men! Hopefully you found it useful.
We also have a number of other relevant posts that we think you will find useful for travel planning.
When it’s that time of year, Heidelberg Christmas Market should be on your list for an enchanting holiday experience like no other. Nestled in the heart of a historic city, this market weaves a festive tapestry with Christmas trees against the backdrop of a stunning castle and charming old town. The Christmas market season in Germany is one that should not be missed.
Heidelberg Christmas Market | In front of
Its collection of unique markets, each with its own charm during the holiday season, offers a delightful array of handcrafted treasures and culinary delights, from intricate ornaments to mouthwatering Bratwurst and heartwarming Glühwein. Skating on the ice rink at Karlsplatz adds an extra layer of fun and a festive atmosphere, and the warm hospitality of Heidelberg’s locals makes you feel like part of the holiday celebrations.
With twinkling lights, carolers, food stalls, and the scent of roasting chestnuts, Heidelberg Christmas Market envelops you in the holiday spirit and Christmas season, creating magical memories that will stay with you long after the season has passed.
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Heidelberg Christmas Market
Wooden Advent Calendar
Heidelberg is located in southwest Germany not too far from Frankfurt. It boasts a rich and storied history that stretches back over 800 years. Its roots can be traced to Roman times, but it truly rose to prominence in the 14th century when Heidelberg University, one of Europe’s oldest, was founded.
The city’s majestic castle, perched on a hill overlooking the town, has witnessed centuries of political intrigue and cultural evolution. Heidelberg also played a pivotal role in the development of the printing press, thanks to Johannes Gutenberg’s association with the city. Today, Heidelberg retains its medieval charm, with cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and a vibrant cultural scene that invites visitors to step back in time and explore its fascinating history
One of the German Christmas traditions is to visit these festive market stalls or winter markets. Visiting Christmas markets in Germany is an experience that will warm your heart and create lasting memories. These markets are a delightful blend of tradition, festive spirit, and pure enchantment.
Every corner is filled with holiday magic, from the twinkling lights and charming stalls to the delicious aroma of Bratwurst and Glühwein. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions, discover unique handcrafted gifts, and savor mouthwatering seasonal treats.
Heidelberg is a small Christmas market compared to Cologne Christmas Markets. Heidelberg’s Christmas Market is one of my favorites to visit because there are so many areas to see and of course, it’s a special city to my heart – one of the first German towns I experienced when I moved to Germany.
From the Christmas Markets in Heidelberg, you’ll get to experience the romantic castle backdrop in the distance. You’ll get to experience the beautiful Christmas decorations, local holiday cuisine, hanging star lights you can easily send back home, gifts, and so much more.
German Christmas markets, the warm and welcoming atmosphere invites you to share in the joy of the season with locals and fellow travelers alike. Whether you’re strolling through a historic town square or enjoying the backdrop of a medieval castle, Germany’s Christmas markets are a celebration of togetherness, nostalgia, and the true spirit of the holidays.
So, if you’re seeking a winter adventure that’s both heartwarming and unforgettable, visiting Christmas markets in Germany is an absolute must.
Heidelberg Christmas Market Dates, hours, Location, and parking (2023)
Before embarking on your festive journey, it’s essential to know when and where the magic happens.
Date Information: The Christmas markets of Heidelberg in 2023 are set to open their doors from November 27th to December 22nd to follow the advent season. The markets will no longer be open after 22th. The ice-skating rink is open until the 7th of January.
Hours: Daily from 11am – 9pm.
Locations: You’ll find these delightful markets scattered across the city, creating a winter wonderland that’s impossible to resist. Universitätsplatz, Marktplatz, Kornmarkt, Karlsplatz, Anatomiegarten, and Bismarckplatz are where you will find the many Christmas Markets in Heidelberg.
Where to Park:
What to Expect at Heidelberg Christmas Markets
The Heidelberg Christmas Markets aren’t just one market; they are a collection of enchanting spots throughout the city. Here’s a quick rundown of the main ones:
Universitätsplatz: This market exudes a fairytale-like atmosphere. The twinkling lights and charming stalls make it perfect for strolling and enjoying a warm mug of Glühwein (mulled wine).
Marktplatz: The heart of the city transforms into a festive paradise. You’ll find artisan crafts, delicious treats, and the magnificent Christmas tree here.
Kornmarkt Winterwäldchen (Winter Forest): Venture into a magical winter forest where you can explore unique gifts and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit.
Karlsplatz (+ Ice Rink): Lace up your skates and glide on the ice rink at Karlsplatz. It’s a fun activity for all ages and adds to the festive charm.
Other Christmas Markets in Heidelberg: While these are the main markets, keep an eye out for smaller, hidden gems scattered throughout the city.
Why Visit the Heidelberg Christmas Markets?
The Heidelberg Christmas Markets are not just about shopping and indulging in delicious food (though that’s a big part of it). It’s an experience that warms your heart and soul. The twinkling lights, the aroma of roasting chestnuts, and the joyous atmosphere will leave you enchanted.
In comparison to Christmas Markets in Strasbourg, Cologne, Bamburg, Nuremberg, Berlin or any of the other largest markets in Europe, Christmas markets in Heidelberg are quite small. However, what I dislike about those Christmas markets is how large they are. It can almost be too crowded to really enjoy yourself.
What makes the small town of Heidelberg and their Christmas markets the perfect place in my opinion are their local town feel and being able to truly walk around and enjoy yourself. This gives more of an authentic christmas market feel because you’ll see families, friends, and neighbors all chatting with each other. Even in our small town in Germany – much smaller than Heidelberg, at our small markets we see people connecting like what the holiday season does.
Most Christmas Markets in Germany can be quiet during the day and much more busy during the evenings or night when people are off of work.
What to Eat at a German Christmas Market
Now, onto the delightful part – food! Don’t leave without trying these German Christmas market treats:
Bratwurst: Savor the deliciousness of a traditional German sausage.
Flammkuchen: Think of it as a German-style pizza, thin and delicious.
Stollen: A traditional Christmas fruitcake.
Feuerzangenbowle: A flaming mulled wine spectacle.
Gluwein – Hot wine that helps keep you warm and is filled with spices
Cinnamon Stars
Chocolates and Fruit Covered in Chocolate
Be sure to read this guide on German Christmas Market Food to get the full breakdown of everything to try at a local German Christmas Market.
What to buy at Heidelberg Christmas Market
Moravian Stars at Heidelberg Christmas Market
There are a few things you can buy at the Christmas markets in Heidelberg, these are the most popular items you can find at a traditional Germany Christmas Market.
Visit Heidelberg Castle – The main attraction to Heidelberg. You can easily take the funicular railway up to the top of the hill to get a lovely view of Heidelberg.
World’s largest wine barrel – At the castle, you can check out the world’s largest wine barrel.
Tour the oldest university – Heidelberg University is the oldest university in Germany dating back to 1386.
Tips for Visiting the Heidelberg Christmas Markets
To make the most of your visit, here are some handy tips:
Dress Warm: It can get chilly, so bundle up. I suggest a puffy winter jacket with thick sweaters and long sleeves. Lots of layers.
Bring Cash: Bring cash as not all stalls accept cards. Germany is a cash-heavy country and you’ll also need coins for the bathrooms as well.
Plan Ahead: Take a look at the market map to make the most of your visit.
Visit in the evenings: To truly get the Christmas market feel with lights – you’ll want to visit at night.
FAQs About the Christmas Markets in Heidelberg
We’ve got you covered with answers to your burning questions for visiting Heidelberg Christmas Market:
Will the Heidelberg Christmas markets be open in 2023?
Yes, they’ll be open from November 27th to December 22nd.
How much time is needed at the markets?
Plan for at least a few hours to fully enjoy the festive spirit. Although, you can easily visit the Christmas Markets in Heidelberg in one day, however, some markets have certain events for certain days. After living here for 2 years, you’ll realize most Christmas markets in Germany start to sell similar or the same things – however the atmosphere and decorations are all different.
What’s the best way to get around Heidelberg?
Walking or cycling is the best way to explore the city and its markets. You can easily take public transportation as well especially if you are traveling from other cities. However, Heidelberg is a pretty walkable city.
What else is there to do in Heidelberg?
There are many things to do in Heidelberg beyond just the Christmas markets like Heidelberg castle.
Is there a Christmas market at Heidelberg Castle?
While there isn’t a market at the castle, the castle itself is a must-visit attraction during the holidays.
What other Christmas markets are near Heidelberg?
Check out the Mannheim Christmas Market or the Speyer Christmas Market for more festive fun. If you want to take further trips, I suggest Cochem and Rudesheim Christmas Markets as well, they are smaller towns but are quite beautiful and easy to do as a day trip via car.
When we left California in 2011, it was primarily due to wanting more space, wanting to own property. Plus, we longed for a more comfortable—not to mention, cheaper—way of life. The following year, we found our dream home: an 1800s beauty, built along a railroad in Tennessee in 1899. For a San Francisco native and his new bride, it was the perfect home with which to get their Chip and Joanna on, though I had no idea then just what a Queen Anne renovation entailed.
Here is the Victorian in Manchester, Tennessee when we first saw her in 2012.
When we bought the house, it had sat vacant for three years, yet the bones were good, and it needed no electrical or plumbing upgrades, which was clutch for us. I don’t think we would have considered buying it were that not the case. It did, however, need just about everything else done to it—and plenty of cosmetic improvements we opted to do along the way. Let’s just say, I know my way around a tool or two now.
We thought we’d be here forever, but the concept of “forever” changes from your 20s to your 30s to your 40s; one day, we were both just ready for a change. We were done living in a house that would forever be a fixer-upper so long as we inhabited it because it would never actually be “complete” in our mind; ready to be in a space that was not conducive to modern living (closets—what are those?). We both wanted a house that was more well-suited for both living and working in the way that a pair of entrepreneurs who work out of their home need.
And we found it: The Cedar House, a single-level midcentury modern beauty that could be both our home and office at once (and is also a fixer, for what it’s worth). Since we never want to part with the Vic, we got to work readying the Queen Anne to be a commercial rental; the result, let’s just say, is a more comfortable house than we ever lived in!
Freshly-painted Victorian, after we moved out in 2019.
And since so many of you followed our Victorian renovation on social media and the blog over the years, I felt I owed it to you to show the before and afters, as well as detail everything we did since we bought her in 2012.
About the Victorian
First of all, let’s lay her out, shall we? Her square footage is right around 2,700 with an unfinished attic on the third floor that spans nearly the full footprint of the house and a quarter basement; Thank God for these storage options, as we had no garage or carport and closet space was extremely limited.
She sits on a sloped corner lot of about 0.4 acres. She was built in 1899 in Manchester, Tennessee and, for years, was owned by the Reynolds family. So many people over the years have stopped by while we were working to tell us all about how their grandmother or aunt or best friend’s mom once lived here when she was a boarding house. I have no idea when the last time this home was inhabited prior to us moving in fall 2012, but it had been years, if not a decade.
And her state reflected that transient nature she was accustomed to prior to being occupied by my restless husband. Each room had a keyed lock on the door for private rental, and the interior—while fairly untouched from a restoration standpoint—was just that … untouched. And, therefore, neglected. For perspective, these are all photos from our home inspection back in 2012 when each room was a different color of a Fruit Loop.
The house was listed as a six bedroom, two bathroom, but we only used three rooms as bedrooms. Downstairs, we had a large living room connected to the dining room that doubled as an office; a small mud room that led down to a quarter basement; a guest room that connected to the Florida room; a kitchen and a small bathroom with shower. Upstairs was the master bedroom, the guest room we dubbed the “Lemon Room,” the largest of the bedrooms, which was SVV’s office, and the larger of the two bathrooms that was, oddly, not connected to any of the bedrooms.
And here are a few inside peeks at what she looked like after we moved out in 2019. Pretty dramatic difference, no? It’s crazy what a little paint and some TLC can do to a house that’s over 120 years old.
The Victorian also has a wraparound porch on the front and a concrete area out back that had an awning we ripped out and planned to eventually put a pergola over. Who knows, maybe we still will in the future?
The Exterior
Before we even moved in, we had Satisfaction Windows come out and measure to replace all 66 of the original windows in a custom Queen Anne style. We kept the old ones—still have them in the basement we’re saving for a rain day (or, uh, craft project)—but they were old, flimsy and leaking, and the new ones still channeled the original style while being much more energy-efficient. In fact, even in the coldest months, this house was less than $250 to heat. It was surprisingly warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Replacing these windows was one of our bigger line items for the house, especially upfront, but we had taken out a construction loan and it was so, so worth it.
Exterior Progress + After: 2014 vs. 2019
It wasn’t long after we moved in that our roof started leaking. The worst part? It was nearly impossible to get someone to call us back due to the slope of our house. A friend finally found us a crew to replace it quickly, and while the flashing installation required the demolition of entire sections of the original wood, the roof itself has lasted and will for a very long time.
After we’d been in the house a year or two, we started tearing the siding off to replace it back with new wood. Since we lived next door to a builder supply company, we were able to get all the siding material there and keep it stored in their warehouse as long as we needed.
Little did we know “as long as we needed” would be three years. No exaggeration, that’s how long the house sat just half-covered by the old siding, with plastic wrap keeping water out of the uncovered spots. This was not intentional, but we had two sets of “carpenters” completely ghost halfway through the job—lesson learned, don’t pay until the job is completed and vet every single person that comes to work for you—and try as we might, we couldn’t find any legit construction company in the area to tackle wood siding; they all only do vinyl or brick. With a mix of cedar shake shingles and cypress siding, it was more than all of the contractors we begged to do the work wanted to tackle.
Finally, when we were getting desperate, we found a company out of Murfreesboro who charged us just under $10,000 to finish the job. More than we wanted to pay, but it was worth it—and they wound up going out of business the next month, so I’m glad they finished it before that happened!
Exterior Progress + After: 2014 vs. 2019
During that same timeframe, some friends came out to help us paint the front porch, and before they did, we replaced a lot of the rotting wood and spires. We also painted a haint blue on the porch ceiling and floor to ward off the evil spirits and mosquitoes (and OK, because it looks cool). We used Ohio Haint Blue, which any paint store should be able to mix up for you. We started out using all Benjamin Moore paint, then quickly switched over to Sherwin-Williams because it was more convenient and they have great customer service—plus, SVV has a contractor account there, which if you’re in the business of renovating houses, you should definitely ask for—but it’s all personal preference.
Plus, you know my plant-loving husband did some landscaping ninjary on this corner lot! He planted wisteria, kiwi, blueberries, lavender, sage, lemongrass, hops, blackberries and assorted herbs, which are for the most part still growing strong and slowly enveloping the house in draped greenery and edible goodness.
We also enclosed the lot with a picket fence that we built ourselves after a few years of funeral home goers traipsing right through our land and demolishing SVV’s careful landscaping efforts. That was another saga in itself; after the former ill-informed codes director tried to stop us with a variance, then realized there was nothing in the codes book that could prevent a fence, he set us back an entire year before we could complete the project. Ohhhh, small-town politics.
And after the fence was painted, we went ahead and painted the entire exterior of the house, which we’d do all over again three years later after the primer failed. Fun!
Exterior expenditures:
Windows: $16,000
Roof: $8,000
Siding: $18,000
Paint: $2,500
Landscaping: $2,000
Lift rental: $2,000
Fence: $3,500
Custom finial: $800
Miscellaneous: $1,000
Throughout the Home
In addition to the windows, we also installed light-filtering cellular shades from JustBlinds throughout the house—with blackout cellular shades for my bedroom—something we’ve also done in Myrtle and now the Cedar House. They’re affordable, aesthetically-pleasing and ran us around $2,000 for the entire house (pro tip: wait until they have a sale, which is often). SVV hates window treatments, and we’ll agree to disagree on that, but with the house being on the town square and surrounded by a building supply company with workers always coming and going, we needed some form of privacy.
Lemon Room Before + After: 2012 vs. 2019
We scraped the majority of ceilings throughout the house to remove the ugly, orange peel-style popcorn texture that was likely a bad decision made in the 80’s. If you’re ever thinking of doing popcorn, STOP RIGHT THERE. But if you inherit a popcorn mess as we did, definitely consider sanding, patching and painting the ceilings white—our go-to color for ceilings is Sherwin-Williams contractor grade flat white straight out of the can— as it can make the most dramatic impact in any room. You can see what the ceiling throughout the house looked like here via our living room, which was one of the few rooms we never did get to.
Living Room Before + After: 2012 vs. 2019
Many of the doors had original hardware and transoms. We removed the unnecessary doors and stored them in the basement, then put them all back on before our tenants moved in, so each office could have its own privacy. SVV stained them all to remove pollen, mold and dirt, and they look as new as a 121-year-old door can look! We also had to replace a few of the knobs so they had locks on them, but kept all original details when possible.
And while Fruit Loops is, indeed, an attractive palette of wall colors, we took a fresh coat of white paint to every surface. We used Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee color formula for every single room except the mudroom and upstairs bathroom, both of which we painted Grey Owl by Benjamin Moore. Swiss Coffee is the most widely-used formulation for #basic and clean neutral colors. It gives you an opportunity to add pops of color, which is a requirement for where I reside.
Stairwell Before + After: 2012 vs. 2019
The Upstairs Bedrooms
The day we closed on the Vic and got the keys in August 2012, the first thing we did right before the sun set was go upstairs and rip out the ugly carpet covering the floors in both bedrooms. Then, we had Gary Parnham, a local flooring professional, come and refinish the floor in the Lemon Room as it had been painted red. The master bedroom had no flooring beneath, so we asked Gary to lay tulip poplar that will age over time to match the rest of the house, since that’s the original species of wood used for the upstairs.
Both bedrooms had fireplaces that were crumbling, so we demo’d them both and added subway tile from a tile company out of Nashville.
The Upstairs Bathroom
This bathroom got a full-on gut job, and come to think of it, I never blogged about the final renovation. Here’s the skinny: We ripped out the linoleum floor. SVV relocated the plumbing. We busted up the porcelain that held the tub into place. And we reconfigured the whole thing by moving the clawfoot tub to the other side of the room.
We saved the tub and painted it safety yellow, then installed a dreamy hex tile from Stone Source throughout the floor. With slanted walls that mirrored the roof line, it was really tricky finding furniture that would fit in here; however, we finally found some vintage pieces of Broyhill Brasilia off of Craigslist, then modified a mirror to make it work. We also replaced the toilet, as we did in the downstairs bathroom.
Master Bathroom Before + After: 2012 vs. 2017
The Kitchen
Sadly, we never really touched this beast as we cook far too much and never saved up the $40,000 or so it would take to completely gut the kitchen. Instead, we added a bright color of paint on the walls, installed LED countertop lights, custom-designed a center island a local woodworker then built for us and later removed all the cabinet doors to open it up a bit. I disliked the kitchen so much, I don’t even have any updated photos of it. You can see that the only downstairs bathroom is positioned behind the kitchen, which apparently is how they did things back in ye olden days, but I’m definitely happy to be back in a normal house with an en-suite master bath these days!
The Florida Room
Toward the end of our time at the Victorian, we started taking sledgehammers to things. One of the first sections SVV yanked out and sealed up was the unnecessary door between the downstairs bedroom and the Florida room. He then built a wall atop it, and you couldn’t even tell there had ever been a door frame there. This wound up giving our renters far more flexibility with how they use the space (last we saw, they installed a second fridge and are using it as more kitchen space).
We also never replaced the windows in the Florida room because we had always planned on creating a breakfast nook and possibly sealing them up. As such, one of the window sills was completely rotted. After we moved out, we busted out that entire window and wall and SVV covered it with siding that matches the rest of the house.
Several people asked why we didn’t put the window back, but there was no need. This window looked out onto the chimney, and it’s actually brighter than it was before now that it’s covered with a fresh coat of white paint to reflect all the other light back into the space.
The Downstairs Bedroom
This is the room SVV slept in for the past few years (don’t judge, he snores loudly), and it was outfitted with twin beds for when our cousins’ kids came to stay or we had large groups of friends that weren’t coupled up but were OK with sharing a room.
Downstairs Bedroom Before + After: 2012 vs. 2019
We didn’t do much to it other than sealing up the aforementioned doorway, as well as sealing the top of a closet entrance that had once been covered by stained glass. This room was always in pretty good shape and has the best mantle in the entire house; also, the only one of our six fireplaces that still has the original tile.
So what does it cost to renovate an 1800s Victorian house?
I’ve been asked before what it costs to renovate an old house like this, and that’s so subjective. Plus, we didn’t exactly tally every trip to Home Depot or Lowe’s over the past decade. Not to mention, we didn’t have to do some of the bigger items—like plumbing and electrical—and much of the labor was the two of us, meaning we saved a lot there, so what we spent isn’t realistic unless you’re a skilled DIYer who can tackle almost anything, as my talented husband is.
I’d confidently say the total cost of these renovations exceeded six figures, but this was done over the course of seven years, and the original price we paid for the home was only $139,000 to begin with. We initially took out a $50,000 construction loan, which we paid off when we refinanced our house a couple years later, and then used cash and credit cards for the remaining renovations.
And, of course, there are ongoing costs associated with being a landlord. We’re constantly dropping by to fix something here, patch something there, and we also are getting ready to paint her again this year, as well as hopefully install gutters so the paint doesn’t fail once more.
That said, property value in Manchester is low, so we definitely spent more than we could get from selling this house, which is why we always intended to turn it into a rental. In a rural area, it doesn’t make sense to renovate a Queen Anne like this so extensively unless you plan on it being your forever home (or your business), but I’m happy with the way it all worked out: We got seven glorious years in this beauty, and now she has lovely inhabitants who appreciate her as much as we do.
Any questions about renovating a Queen Anne Victorian? Feel free to ask below!
For more DIY tips and home renovation guides, check out these posts:
In fact, eating is one of my favorite activities, and also one of my favorite aspects of traveling.
Food is such an integral part of so many cultures that to skip out on meals when you travel is to miss out on a part of the travel experience.
I’m always disappointed when I meet travelers who cook all their meals in a hostel kitchen or spend so much of their time just getting food at grocery stores.
I mean, don’t get me wrong, grocery stores and markets teach you a lot about a place. And you don’t need to eat out for every meal.
But why come to Italy to cook pasta in your hostel? Or skip a sushi dinner in Japan or paella in Spain?
Of course, eating out all the time is expensive. Imagine if you ate out every day while at home — your food budget would be astronomical! And, when you are traveling long term (or just on a tight budget), you have to think about making your money last.
Additionally, many people have dietary concerns that prevent them from fully embracing new foods. And many travelers are vegan or vegetarian, as well, which might impact their options.
To make sure I can eat out without breaking the bank, I have had to learn how to balance eating 99% of my meals out while still finding a way to save money. Here’s how to eat out on a budget while you travel the world:
1. Follow the Five Block Rule
I live by what I call The Five Block Rule. I don’t eat within five blocks of a major tourist attraction or area. I simply walk in any direction and search for a place to eat when I hit five blocks. There’s an invisible line at this area: tourists don’t go past it. All of a sudden you notice that the crowds are gone, and that’s when you want to start looking.
Sure, you might find a good meal in a tourist area, but you’ll find a better, cheaper meal outside it. Go where the menus aren’t in multiple languages. Go to those little tiny hole in the wall places that you are unsure about. The meal might not knock your socks off each time but it will be a memorable and more local experience.
2. Use Local Knowledge
If you are unsure of where to eat (and don’t like the idea of randomly wandering into restaurants), try apps where locals post reviews. I use them often to find recommendations for food in the cities and towns I visit. You can also ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel or taxi drivers, who tend to eat at cheaper food stalls. They will have good recommendations. After all, local workers aren’t going to eat in the tourist area!
My two favorite apps are Yelp and The Fork. For vegan and vegetarian recommendations, check out Happy Cow.
3. Ask The Right Question
Be sure to ask locals the question, “Where do you eat?” not “Where should I eat?” If you ask people the second question, most people will think to send you to the popular restaurants tourists visit because that will be what comes to mind. They’ll think, “Hmmm where do visitors go eat? What’s popular in town?”
However, by asking where they eat, you will get recommendations for more local restaurants because they will tell you all the hole in the wall spots they eat at on a day-to-day basis. Small word change, much better results.
4. Eat Street Food
In most places around the world (and especially in Asia), the streets are lined with little food stalls and areas where food is cooked openly on the street. You grab a plate, sit down in a little plastic chair, and enjoy a delicious meal. Street food is some of the best food in the world. Meals at street stalls and vendors cost just a few dollars (if that) most of the time and are a great way to really experience the local cuisine.
While in Sweden, I lived off these types of vendors. In Amsterdam, FEBO and their croquettes kept my stomach full. In Costa Rica, the empanada seller filled me up for a dollar and I bought local food from vendors at markets for mere pennies in Madagascar.
Many places, like Thailand and Vietnam, for example, wouldn’t be the same if the street food disappeared. (And yes, it’s safe. The locals wouldn’t eat it otherwise.)
5. Eat Fast Food (Sometimes)
Fast food isn’t the best food, but it is another option if you want a cheap meal in inexpensive parts of the world. For as little as $5 USD (more in expensive countries like Norway, home of the $13 Whopper), you can get a filling (and hugely caloric) meal.
Sure, it’s not the greatest food, and I am going to skip the philosophical debate about traveling around the world only to eat McDonald’s to say that it’s cheap and just another way to help you rein in your spending.
6. Stick to Local Ingredients
When you’ve been traveling for a while, it’s only normal to crave a taste of home every now and then. That means that sure, sometimes I get sick of Greek food when I’ve been traveling there for a bit. Other times, I can’t eat any more Thai food and just want a burger. And that’s OK.
However, non-local food is almost always more expensive than local cuisine. For example, in Vietnam, a bowl of pho is less than a dollar, but a burger is about three times as much (or more!). Try to stick to the local cuisine as much as possible and also try to avoid any food that is imported as that will increase the price of your meal too!
7. Find the Lunch Specials
Many restaurants, especially in Europe, offer lunch specials, where items on the dinner menu are offered at a huge discount. You can get an amazing afternoon meal for a fraction of the cost you’d pay for the same meal in the evening.
I usually tend to eat my “nice” meal during lunch, because lunch specials and plates of the day are about 30–40% off what I might pay at dinner. The options will usually be more limited, but the savings more than justify it.
Sadly, there is no one website where you can find all the restaurants in the world that offer lunch specials. They vary from city to city and region to region. What you can do other than wander aimlessly around the city in hopes of finding a place (though I have done that) is to ask the tourist office or the staff at your hostel/hotel if they know where to find lunch specials. They are usually very aware of what places have specials.
8. Bring a Refillable Water Bottle
As you walk around and sightsee, you need to stay hydrated. But buying a bottle of water every day is not only environmentally wasteful, it also makes foolish budget travel sense. Carry a refillable bottle of water (with a filter) with you instead and just use the tap water. I suggest a Lifestraw bottle. It ensures your water is always clean and safe — even if the tap water isn’t.
9. Cook 50% of Your Meals
I don’t cook a lot on the road as I don’t like hostel kitchens. They never have everything I need, and I hate traveling with a portable kitchen so I can have all the ingredients I want. Yet when I am in one place for a while (or if I’m Couchsurfing), I cook a few meals.
Cooking is one of the best ways to keep your travel costs down, and supermarkets are also great places to go see what the local people eat. The only place where cooking your own meals isn’t the most economical option is Asia, where street food is usually cheaper.
As I mentioned, I’ll often go out for a nicer meal at lunch when I can find a good deal. That will usually mean for dinner I’ll be cooking my own food. That way, I’ll still get to try the local cuisine but I’ll also get to keep my budget intact. Double win!
10. Have a Picnic
Another good option is to picnic. This is something I do a lot for lunch if I’m somewhere where the weather is nice. I usually head to a local food market, pick up a bunch of food, and go picnic in the park. Not only am I saving money (sandwiches aren’t expensive), but it affords me a good chance to watch the locals scurry about their daily lives.
If you’re staying at a hostel, this is a great ice-breaker for meeting new people. Just invite everyone along to join you and you’ll be making new friends in no time!
11. Use Tourism Cards
Most people think of tourist cards like the iAmsterdam card or the Oslo Pass as just a way to save money on transportation and attractions. But these cards also offer discounts at many restaurants. Typically, discounts are around 15–25%, but sometimes lunch specials can be up to 50% off.
Visit the local tourism office when you arrive and ask what food discounts are included. Chances are you’ll be able to save even more money if you just take the time to learn about the tourism pass. It’s a worthwhile investment!
12. Get Free Breakfast
If you can find hostels or hotels that include breakfast, you’ve already eliminated the cost of one meal. Plus, if you have a huge breakfast that fills you up for most of the day then you don’t need to eat as many meals out. Moreover, many hostels around the world also offer free dinners, free coffee and tea, and other food-related perks. Search them out to save money and lower your food costs.
13. Eat Where the Students Do
Where there are universities, there are students, and since students are usually broke, that means there are likely cheap places to eat nearby. Check Google Maps for local post-secondary institutions and see what you can find in the nearby area. Many bars in the area will likely have cheap drinks and happy hours too, so you can save even more.
Additionally, use Google to search for places. Type in “Student friendly restaurants in [X]” to get lots of suggestions on where to eat. You can also ask your hotel/hostel for information too.
14. Use Supermarket Deals
In many countries, supermarkets offer lunchtime specials for workers in the surrounding areas. These usually entail fresh sandwiches or some soup or salads. Additionally, many supermarkets also discount food that expires soon, including bread, baked goods, meat, and produce. For example, pre-made meals in Japan are often 50% off right before the grocery store closes because they can’t keep it overnight. Tight food laws in Scandinavia also mean that food that has “expired” is discounted too. (And, since food, especially imported meats, are so expensive in those countries, most locals buy the “expired” food).
Buy groceries in the evening and you can likely find yourself some discounted (but still totally safe and edible) food.
***
I love a nice restaurant. I don’t mind paying money for a good meal with a nice glass of wine. But doing that EVERY meal is simply too expensive.
But, by using the tips above, I can afford to keep my costs down while still being able to afford a quality meal every so often.
And that’s what is really important — finding the right balance.
Because if you can manage to balance eating great food with saving money, both your wallet and your stomach will thank you.
How to Travel the World on $75 a Day
My New York Times best-selling book to travel will teach you how to master the art of travel so that you’ll get off save money, always find deals, and have a deeper travel experience. It’s your A to Z planning guide that the BBC called the “bible for budget travelers.”
Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars is a budget-friendly international car rental website. No matter where you’re headed, they’ll be able to find the best — and cheapest — rental for your trip!
Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.
Ready to Book Your Trip? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use when I travel. They are the best in class and you can’t go wrong using them on your trip.
If there’s anything as 2024 as this, it’s taken me a full month after the year concluded to finish this post. But I didn’t want to skip it for the first time in 17 years, as the past year was remarkable in so many ways.
2024 was wild and weird and wonderful. I was not overly present on this blog for many reasons, mainly because life has thrown so many work changes into our life that have catapulted us to next level of busy. (Don’t you hate people complaining they’re busy?)(So do I.)(But here’s the truth.)
2024 in travel
We still traveled a whole lot in 2024 even if my airline accounts didn’t show it. Just days after ushering in a new year, we flew to Charleston, S.C. for a military ceremony celebrating SVV’s former roommate taking command of a NOAA ship. Since my brother-in-law’s family lives there, we also got to spend some quality time with them.
When we got home, I caught a terrible case of pneumonia and recovered just in time to leave on our annual winter sabbatical, this time to Thailand with four days in Qatar on the front end. Due to our increasing focus on tourism marketing, we try to plan all of our trips in the winter when tourism is in a lull. That typically means, we vacation in January or February, then come back refreshed for a busy and full work year.
I have so many tips for planning a trip to Thailand, and hopefully one day soon I’ll have time to sit down and bang them all out. We were lucky to have government friends based in Bangkok, so we headquartered our trip from their apartment, then did some island-hopping, too.
After returning from Asia, our work travel ramped up. We’ve been on contract with the state for the past two years, and we’ve gotten to see a lot of Tennessee as a result. Much of our travel in 2024 was by car, and I’m definitely glad I upgraded my vehicle a couple years back!
Tennessee tourism work aside, Mom and I took the kids to Blue Ridge, Georgia for a long weekend over their Spring Break, then I flew to Bismarck to keynote a marketing meeting.
We went to Memphis a few times, in March, April and July, to visit my cousins and also found ourselves in Sweetwater for a mural project. And we can’t forget one of the biggest events of the year: We flew to Austin for the eclipse and to see our besties!
My other international trip for the year was with my mom to Paris in May to attend Roland-Garros, our second of the four tennis Grand Slam events and first overseas tourney. It rained on us nonstop for 10 days, but we had a blast—and bonus: We got to see Taylor while there (my fourth Eras show, but I digress!).
For SVV’s 50th birthday—and just because we like to spend time together—my family met up with my cousins in Fort Morgan, Alabama for a full week of beach fun. We’re usually 30A people, but the crowds and the fact that SVV and I fell in love with Dauphin Island a few years back drove us west along the coast, and it was a blast.
Tell me he looks 50!? No flippin’ way.
When we got back, we went to Murray, Kentucky for a weekend, the first of three trips we’d make in succession to our northern neighbor. We finished the summer with a week in South Carolina at my friend Kelly’s family’s home in Lake Keowee and the Smoky Mountains only days before the area was devastated by Hurricane Helene.
In the fall, I spoke at a pair of Tennessee conferences, TNHTA’s Governor’s Conference on Hospitality & Tourism in Chattanooga and Rural Tourism Conference in Union City, and we took my niece Charlotte and nephew Mac on their first trip to Dollywood—and to their first UT game on the same weekend. A good Florida beating is best experienced in person at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville if I do say so myself!
I was back up in Kentucky for a night in Louisville with my cousin’s daughter McKayla in November to see Taylor Swift (yes, again) up in Indy, then SVV and I returned a few weeks later for me to speak at the Kentucky Travel Industry Association’s annual conference in Covington.
In November, my sister and I also celebrated my mom’s 75th birthday with a mid-week getaway to Cloudland in Georgia. We spent the entire holiday season at home, a nice respite after a year spent on the road, but hardly a restful one as we were in full holiday mode with Christmas shoots and school picture day and Breakfast with Santa and so much more.
2024 in work
We are more embedded in the tourism world than ever, and I’m truly grateful to every editor, every tourism board and every government official who hires us for gigs. It’s some of the most fulfilling work we’ve ever done (not to mention, a whole lot of fun!).
Though in 2024, I wrote several stories for Washington Post, Southern Living, Marriott Bonvoy, Preferred Travel and various other outlets, I have scaled back on my freelance writing because, to be frank, the pay for traditional media these days is peanuts compared to when I started over 20 years ago. And as an almost 42-year-old businesswoman, the one thing I’m not going to do is backpedal—though that said, I still have editors I adore who I am willing to do almost anything for if they ask. You know who you are!
We’ve found a whole lot of joy doing photography contracts and content marketing for tourism boards. Several of those who we have worked with regularly include cities in our own region like Bell Buckle, and being able to help tell their story on a continuous basis has been priceless.
In continuing with Work I Never Thought I’d Do—I legit hated a stage and an audience just 15 years ago—I keynoted a couple meetings, spoke at three conferences and hosted two marketing workshops. What an honor to get to speak a session at the Tennessee’s and Kentucky’s governors conferences, as well as the rural tourism conference which was in my home state this year.
In 2025, I already have four conferences booked as a speaker (including one keynote)—two in February, one in June and one in July—and I hope that’s just the beginning.
2024 in photography
Well I’ve studied photography since college, I could have never predicted what the last five years have brought, and that’s more than 100 standalone shoots a year that have absolutely nothing to do with tourism. Family shoots, children portraits, heritage photography, volume photography, corporate headshots, Breakfast with Santa—I’ve learned and done it all.
This year, I also did the school photos for four different preschools, which was a whole other skill set we have learned (and are still mastering), but what a fun new challenge—and it added another 125 kids to my 2024 photo subjects.
2024 in blogging
Blogging has changed dramatically since I started this blog in 2007. In 2024, I favored updating some of my most popular posts regularly over new content. Whereas in the pioneering day of blogging, we would get a wild hair, bang out a post and push it live without a second thought, publishing a new blog post in 2024 (or now, 2025) takes days from the research and the writing to the photo editing and the coding.
And secondly, Google’s ever-changing algorithm has decimated the careers of bloggers and creators across the board. If you don’t understand how search engines are prioritizing AI content over actual fact-checked content that has been thoughtfully researched, written and compiled by an individual, my friend Amanda has a great primer on the topic of Google and AI killing blogs here.
That means the post your favorite bloggers are spending days fact checking and producing may be pushed to the second or third page or even further back if they are never seen. That doesn’t exactly incentivize a lot of us to compete anymore. That said, if you want to be a good steward of original content and support your favorite creators, hopscotch right over the Google AI results and click through to an actual post the next time you’re searching, will you?
The good news is that, affiliate links aside, we have always been ad-free, so we have never relied on Google to pay our bills. On the same token, since this site is free content and not necessarily monetized, it is not always prioritized as it may be were the tables turned.
This time last year, I stopped publishing my monthly highlights posts due to time constraints, but also because after dropping MailChimp when they made it unattainable for small businesses to keep up, I have yet to find a newsletter service that sends out my posts in full. That means when I do write a new post, I also have to write a newsletter, format it and push it out to the thousands of people who subscribe. All of that is just a lot when blogging is not my main revenue stream, but more something I love and can’t always prioritize.
As always, I love posting my travels here and I will continue to as time allows. I have so many trips like Australia, Thailand, Iceland, and Hawaii I spent months planning and perfecting the itinerary that I truly want to share. When that will happen? Your guess is as good as mine.
2024 in entrepreneurship
Two years ago, we bought our latest commercial investment. We initially tried out a co-working space, but in Tullahoma, it simply wasn’t financially feasible for us to continue operating it as such.
So last summer, we regrouped and rebranded, and at the beginning of September, opened our CoSalon which were full in a matter of weeks. After owning the building for 18 months, it was so nice seeing the space brim with stylists and entrepreneurs. An added bonus is I now have a place to go for my hair, facials and Botox all under one roof!
2024 in public art
As the economy continues to waffle, several federal agencies have taken hits in the past years when it comes to funding, and the arts is no different. For our public art nonprofit, many of our projects exist entirely due to grant funding, and there were simply not as much funding available last year. As such, we declined several opportunities and only completed two mural projects: in Sweetwater and Palmer, the first funded by the city and the second by the state arts commission.
“Allegory of Hope” by Britt Flood Palmer, Tennessee
We also had one of our favorite artists, Whitney Herrington, come down and paint a mural inside CoSalon, which was a treat!
We’ve got some fun projects up our sleeves for 2025 though, so stay tuned! Many grants we were awarded for this fiscal year will be implemented this spring, plus we applied for operational funding for the first time, which would give us many opportunities to gift art to rural communities that need some love and color.
2024 at home
I still love the Cedar House as much as the day we bought it six years ago, even more so now. While we didn’t complete any major projects this year, we’ve slowly been tweaking away and making this house a home, including hanging more original art, some of which is our own.
I love adding to the framework of this beautiful piece of property, and I hope SVV lets me stay here many, many years! The Victorian is the only home I lived in for longer than 18 months as an adult, but I have absolutely no itch to change our situation or to build out a new space as I have in the past, just to continue to improve the one in which we live.
Our animals are doing great: Ella (our pup) is 14.5, the first of our Cat Distribution System rewards Whiskey and Rye are 5, and our baby girl Molly is 2.5. They keep us busy and constantly cleaning up fluids in our home (ha), but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
2024: The Greatest Hits
Days traveled: 115
Countries visited: 5, including 2 new ones
States visited: 11
Miles put on my Expedition: 30,000
Tennessee counties covered: 63
Business class flights taken: 4
Taylor Swift shows attended: 2, making that 4 total for the Eras tour
Books read/listened to: 52
Photos snapped: 30,000+
As always, thanks so much for being here! If you’re looking for travel inspiration, I’ve got 17 years’ worth of posts you can sift through by location here.
