Dave Levine

If you’re headed to Paris and looking for memorable—and reasonably priced—dining, I highly recommend spending time in the Montorgueil–Les Halles neighborhood, straddling the 1st and 2nd arrondissements on the Right Bank. This area centers around Rue Montorgueil, a vibrant, pedestrian-only street lined with boulangeries, cheese shops, cafés, and traditional brasseries. What we especially loved about this neighborhood is that it feels authentically Parisian and refreshingly local—bustling with energy but far less touristy than many other central areas. It’s a great place to wander, shop for picnic supplies, or linger over a meal. Rue Montorgueil is a lively hub where greengrocers, specialty food shops, bars, restaurants, and stylish boutiques all come together. With more café terraces per square meter than almost anywhere else in Paris, it’s the perfect place to soak up the city’s energy. In the early morning, the buzz of delivery trucks and busy shopkeepers evokes the charm of old Paris. Just off the main street, the lanes are lined with a vibrant mix of new restaurants, cocktail bars, and bohemian shops.

Vienna may be a city of grand palaces and classical music, but for many visitors, it's Empress Elisabeth—known to the world as "Sisi"—who leaves the most lasting impression. Her story is one of glittering beauty and deep sorrow, a life caught between royal duty and a restless, independent spirit. In this visit, we set out to trace her footsteps across the city—from imperial apartments and secret retreats to marble memorials and haunting tombs. Along the way, we discovered why Sisi continues to captivate, more than a century after her tragic death.

Although we’ve wandered through many corners of France, Alsace remained something of an enigma. Its wines come from grapes we rarely see elsewhere, its cuisine is a fascinating fusion of French richness and German heartiness, and its half-timbered villages feel more like storybook Germany than Southern France. We long ago gave up on the idea of massive cruises, and even most river cruises felt too scripted—crowds trailing behind a guide waving a flag. But small-ship cruising? That’s a different story. From a 38-passenger yacht along Croatia’s coastline to a private barge charter through Languedoc, we’ve discovered that the magic lies in intimacy and access. Our most recent adventure? A six-night journey aboard the 22-passenger canal barge Jeanine, gliding gently through the soul of Alsace.

While we’ve explored many regions and cities throughout France, Strasbourg and the Alsace-Lorraine region had long remained on our “to-do” list—until we chose to experience it through a weeklong canal barge trip (more on that in a future report!). The cruise began and ended in Strasbourg, and although the itinerary included a guided day in the city, we decided to arrive early and explore on our own. We’re so glad we did. Strasbourg stands out among French cities with its distinct blend of Franco-German culture; exceptional Alsatian wines; and a compact, walkable city center filled with canals, half-timbered houses, and a breathtaking cathedral. We recommend spending at least two days to take full advantage of the city’s charm—and its excellent dining scene. We focused our visit on the historic heart of the city, especially the adjoining neighborhoods of Grande-Île and La Petite France. Grande-Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Strasbourg Cathedral and several fascinating museums housed in the nearby Palais Rohan. La Petite France—often called the “Venice of France”—charms with its winding canals, covered bridges, and waterside restaurants set against the backdrop of beautifully preserved half-timbered buildings. With limited time, we didn’t explore the city’s more modern quarters, including the area that hosts the European Parliament and other EU institutions, but they remain on our list for next time.

Tucked into the Blue Ridge Mountains just 20 minutes east of Asheville, Black Mountain, NC has long been treasured for its walkable downtown, artsy spirit and stunning natural surroundings. While Hurricane Helene brought significant challenges to the area, this resilient small town has made an incredible recovery. Today, Black Mountain is fully open for business, welcoming visitors with open arms. We have personally supported and experienced this recovery — after all, Black Mountain is also our home! Recently named "North Carolina’s Most Charming Small Town" by AFAR Magazine, and featured in Southern Living’s list of Charming Mountain Towns in North Carolina, Black Mountain is gaining well-deserved recognition as one of the best mountain destinations in the South. It's a place where creativity flourishes, nature is always close by and community pride shines through in every locally-owned shop and restaurant. Whether you're looking for a full-day escape from Asheville or planning a full weekend getaway, Black Mountain delivers a perfect balance of small-town charm, outdoor adventure and memorable experiences.

Cruising has its fans — but for many travelers, the mega-ship experience just doesn’t appeal. Between the crowds, limited time in port and that "floating hotel" vibe, it can feel more like a theme park than an adventure.

Others are concerned about the environmental impact, overtourism in small coastal towns or simply prefer a slower, more immersive way to explore. And let’s be honest: not everyone wants to vacation with 3,000 strangers, stand in buffet lines or be herded on and off shore tenders and tour buses with a lanyard around their neck.

If that sounds familiar, you’ll be glad to know there are fantastic alternatives. One of my favorites? A small-ship cruise (think yacht, not ocean liner) along the stunning coast of Croatia. Just 38 guests, no crowds and a front-row seat to charming harbors, hidden coves and medieval villages — plus plenty of time to linger, swim and truly explore.

Travel should feel personal, not packaged. Let’s plan something that fits you.

Since Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence captivated readers, the region has become a favorite for its medieval hilltop villages, world-class wine country and vibrant markets. This itinerary is centered in Avignon — easily accessible via high-speed TGV trains from Paris — and features day trips into the countryside for antique hunting, wine tasting and visits to charming spots highlighted in Mayle’s beloved books and film adaptations.

The French Riviera and Provence offer a spectacular culinary experience, blending fresh Mediterranean flavors with rich French traditions. This region was also home to Julia Child during her time in France, where she collaborated on her iconic Art of French Cooking. A week spent in her former home allows you to step into her culinary world. Shop for local ingredients at vibrant markets, cook in her still-intact kitchen and savor authentic French dishes. Surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of Provence, you’ll explore the same landscape that inspired Julia’s love for food and cooking.