Baseball is back! Cardinals Opening Day is an unofficial holiday in St. Louis and filled with beloved traditions like the Budweiser Clydesdales and Hall of Famers parading around Busch Stadium. We’ve been to quite a few, but our favorite was 2006: the first game at the new stadium and our first Opening Day together. Surprises like Adam Wainwright singing the anthem in 2023 always make for a magical start to the season.
This stretch of our European journey followed the iconic Romantic Road through Bavaria, Germany – an enchanting route lined with half-timbered towns, vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and winding cobblestone streets. From sipping hefeweizen and eating pretzels in Heidelberg’s Altstadt, to staying in two incredible castles – Burg Hornberg, perched above a vineyard, and Burg Colmberg, a 1,000-year-old fortress – we dove headfirst into Old World charm. We explored storybook Rothenburg (so good, we visited twice!), walked the preserved medieval walls, and took the famous Night Watchman tour. We also experienced the Würzburg wine festival, zipped down the Autobahn at 185 km/h (115 mph), and wound through sleepy Bavarian villages all the way to the Bavarian Alps. The Germany leg ended on a high – literally – with a visit to the castles of Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau, followed by paragliding over them and canoeing on Lake Alpsee. Whether you’re after scenic drives, historical sites, or unforgettable food and wine, this Romantic Road adventure delivers charm at every stop.
While visiting New York, we made a fun stop at Panna II Garden Indian Restaurant – a colorful, quirky spot featured in Daredevil Season 2, Episode 5 during Matt and Karen’s date night. The moment you step inside, you’re surrounded by a ceiling of glowing, over-the-top lights that feel straight out of a movie set – pure magic.
Austria brought postcard-perfect charm and musical magic to our journey. We pedaled through Salzburg on a Sound of Music bike tour, stayed the night at the home of the real-life Von Trapp family, took in mountaintop views from a fortress Mozart concert, and wandered through alpine villages with stunning lakes like Hallstatt and St. Gilgen. With crystal-clear lakes, baroque architecture, hearty alpine meals, and cozy cafés tucked into historic corners, this portion of the trip was equal parts scenic and soulful. A perfect balance of nature, history, and culture in the heart of the Alps.
We’ve visited Munich twice – at the end of a Mediterranean cruise and as part of a Europe vacation in 2018. When we spent two days in Munich, we packed in a perfect mix of history, culture, and Bavarian fun. A stop at Hofbräuhaus is a must, especially during Oktoberfest. We explored the grandeur of Schloss Herrenchiemsee (on our way from St. Gilgen) and Residenz Munich, immersing ourselves in royal history. We wandered through the English Garden and marveled at the innovations in the Deutsches Museum. We wrapped up our time in Germany with a visit to Weihenstephan, the world’s oldest brewery and the maker of Scott’s favorite beer. Check out our itinerary with tips for making the most of your Munich adventure!
Dublin was the perfect finale to our Europe trip – warm, walkable, and bursting with character. We traced literary footsteps at Trinity College, explored centuries-old distilleries, and filled our nights with music in cozy pubs across Temple Bar. With stops at iconic sites like the Book of Kells, Guinness Storehouse, and Jameson Distillery, plus hidden gems like Simon’s Place and live traditional music, the city blended old-world charm with lively energy. Dublin welcomed us with stories, songs, and a whole lot of spirit.
Jamaica has a special place in our hearts – it was the dreamy “Irie” destination for our honeymoon in Runaway Bay, where we soaked up the sun, the sea, and even got to enjoy unlimited scuba diving (yah mon, for real!). We climbed Dunn’s River Falls hand-in-hand, zipped through the trees on the bobsled ride, and lived the laid-back “no problem” lifestyle from start to finish. In 2020, we couldn’t resist going back – this time to chill on Negril’s famous Seven Mile Beach, watch the cliff jumpers at Rick’s Café, and wrap things up with a quick stay in Montego Bay. From spicy jerk chicken to dirty bananas and plenty of Appleton rum, every bite and moment reminded us why Jamaica keeps calling us back.
For our 10-year wedding anniversary, we embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the paradise of Bora Bora, Moorea, and Tahiti. From the moment we arrived, the experience was nothing short of magical – starting with an unexpected upgrade to an overwater bungalow, where we fed fish through removable tables. We snorkeled alongside blacktip and lemon sharks, kayaked to private islands, and enjoyed breakfast delivered by outrigger canoe. Our anniversary night was celebrated with a romantic beachfront dinner, serenaded by a private ukulele player under the stars. From exploring Tahiti’s historic shores to watching sunsets at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, every moment was unforgettable.
We visited Ephesus (Kusadasi) and Istanbul as part of a Mediterranean cruise. Exploring the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the vibrant history of Istanbul made for an unforgettable journey through Turkey. In Ephesus, we wandered through massive Roman ruins, admired the stunning Library of Celsus and intricate terrace houses, and visited the remains of the once-grand Temple of Artemis. A stop at the House of the Virgin Mary sparked curiosity, though its authenticity seemed debatable. Our time in Istanbul was equally fascinating, packed with visits to iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace. We navigated the bustling Grand Bazaar, marveled at the eerie beauty of the Basilica Cistern, and stood in the historic Hippodrome. A lively carpet demonstration and a stop for delicious Turkish Delight rounded out our experience. From ancient ruins to vibrant city life, Turkey exceeded all expectations!
Our Mediterranean cruise ended in Athens, giving us more time to explore than other stops, and we made the most of it with a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning views. As expected, the Acropolis – featuring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea – was the highlight. One unique experience was seeing a concert at the nearly 1,900-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where Greek superstar Antonis Remos performed alongside, randomly, ‘80s crooner Michael Bolton. (His tie to Greece? Singing Go the Distance from Hercules.) Beyond the Acropolis, we loved wandering through the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the National Archaeological Museum, hiking up Philopappou Hill, and indulging in all the amazing Greek food. Staying in Monastiraki put us within walking distance of almost everything, from charming Plaka streets and scenic rooftop bars to historic landmarks. With tips on avoiding crowds, the best museums to visit, and scenic hikes to take, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Greece’s vibrant capital.