My Happy Places

We all have our happy places! You know what I mean, those destinations that we like to escape to (either literally or in our imaginations) when life feels stressful. Below are some of mine!

Watch this playlist of my happy places below:

Bern, Switzerland

The Bernese lifestyle is nothing short of enviable. In fact, Bern ranks amongst the world’s top places for quality of life. The capital of Switzerland, this city is a medieval gem that’s close to soaring alps and the famously beautiful Lauterbrunnen Valley. I’m not kidding when I say every single vista looks like it’s been painted into reality. 

That’s not what makes it my happy place though. No, there are two things that still remain with me today and give me absolute joy when I think of them. The first is the Schynige Platte Botanical Alpine Garden. Like the name suggests, it’s tucked atop a mountain about 6,500 ft above sea level and allows you to stroll through a very easy walking path to see something like two-thirds of the region’s flora. The fun part comes in getting there! From the town of Wilderswil, you’ll hop aboard a 120-year-old cog train which takes you up those 6,500ft and along the way you truly learn the true definition of “majestic.”

The second reason it’s my happy place is the gorgeous, swiftly moving Aare River. I’ve been to plenty of cities that have a river running through them, but I’ve never been to one where locals are actively enjoying the water. When it’s warm out, you’ll find everyone hopping into the river – even commuters on their way home from work. They bring a swimsuit and drybag so they can stuff their work clothes into the dry bag and commute home via the river. The whole thing made me feel like I was 15-years-old again!  

Santa Fe, New Mexico

There’s nowhere I love quite like I love Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not only does it hold a special place in my career, it’s a place I return to time and time again to rest and rejuvenate. I think at this point I’ve been back seven times! 

As one of the oldest cities in the United States, it has this really unique confluence of American, Spanish, and Native American cultures. There’s something about the weather, the culture, and the pace of life that makes it feel like a really healing experience. Not to mention the art. Art is literally everywhere, and it always has this welcoming, unpretentious vibe. Walk around town to enjoy it or check out a museum like the Capitol Art Collection. If you want to keep walking, drive out to the Aspen Vista Trail and tell the trees I say hi! Every time I come here, I walk this trail and talk to them. 

Oh, and at night, enjoy a margarita or two. They’re the best you’ll ever have! 

Hudson Valley, New York

Whenever I need a break from New York City, I go to Hudson Valley. It’s the closest I can get to the countryside from my home, and it’s the perfect antidote whenever I need a break from the hustle and bustle of one of the biggest cities in the world. 

The whole area is split into different counties, each with incredibly charming small towns. Because so many New Yorkers love coming here for an escape, it’s chock full of world class restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and all sorts of unique activities. 

Sometimes I love just going for a long walk to enjoy the fresh air and skyscraper-free outdoors. But what I really love to do is strap on a helmet, hop on my bike, and cruise one of their trails without worrying about constantly stopping for traffic lights and crossing pedestrians!

Top of the South Island, New Zealand

I mean, can a whole country be a happy place? Because if I had to pick one country, it’d be New Zealand. However, if I were to narrow down one specific area in New Zealand, I’d have to pick the Top of South Island. To me, it gives you the most bang for your buck as far as geography goes. 

In one place, you can taste sauvignon blanc through its Marlborough wine region and take a helicopter ride to see where some of the most epic scenes of The Lord of the Rings were filmed. You can also join a mailman aboard the Pelorus Mail Boat to see one of the most scenic delivery routes through Marlborough Sound while meeting some of its most secluded residents. And when it’s time for dinner? Try the greenshell mussels at Mills Bay Mussels!

Sanibel Island, Florida

There is no shortage of beaches and sunny scenes in a place like Florida, but I have a special place in my heart for beautiful Sanibel Island. Enjoy some of the best seashell collecting in the world on their sugar sand beaches and then go island hopping nearby! Cayo Costa is eight miles of pure, untouched beach full of seashells and sand dollars if you’re lucky (finding one is one of my favorite memories!). Meanwhile, Cabbage Key is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Ever since an inn was built here in 1944, not much has changed. Only a small percent is developed and no cars are allowed, which means you step back in time for an idyllic escape. Pure bliss!

County Clare, Ireland

In a country full of rolling green hills and people who are as funny as they are resilient, there’s nowhere quite like County Clare, Ireland. Start off in Limerick, which is one of the oldest and largest cities in the country. Then rent a car and head out into the county where ancient landscapes still inspire a modern way of life and where you’ll find charming towns full of thatched cottages near grand, historic castles. 

I particularly loved heading into The Burren, which will feel like you’ve landed on the moon! Instead of lush greenery, you’ll be met with miles of craggy rocks with bits of plants peeking through the cracks. While you’re there, head into Burren Perfumery, a small, family-owned perfume company where everything is done right on site in their thatched roof-cottage. Not to mention their café makes the absolute best scones I’ve ever had!

The Jersey Shore

The Jersey Shore gets a bad rap, but I maintain that if you think of it poorly, you’re not going to the right places. This whole area is full of surprises and many of my favorite places aren’t even on the beach. 

Head inland a bit and you’ll find working farms and quiet marshes including the absolutely lovely Beach Plum Farm. It feels exactly like how you’d imagine an idyllic farm would feel. Stay over in one of its cute cottages and see if you can join one of their farm-to-table dinners. Meanwhile bird watchers will love The Wetlands Institute which was specifically established to study the shore’s role in an international bird migration route.

One of the coolest places, though, has to be Asbury Park. Just imagine enjoying live music at The Stone Pony on one of the nights Bruce Springsteen decides to come and hang out!

Northern Costa Rica

People generally think of Costa Rica, and think of its beautiful beaches. Which, fair, the name does translate to “rich coast” after all! But if your idea of a happy place doesn’t involve sand, allow me to introduce you to Northern Costa Rica. 

Right at the heart of green country, this is a place full of adventure where the lush rainforests thrive, rivers flow, and where seeing incredible wildlife is common – both day and night. Walk amongst the treetops in Mistico Park, taste the sweetest pineapples at Finca Paraíso Orgánico, and feel like you’re staying in the middle of it all at hotels like Hideaway Rio Celeste. My favorite activity though? White water tubing down 4km of Río Celeste! Might’ve been two of the merriest hours I’ve ever had. 

The New Hampshire Seacoast

Last but not least, my hometown! To say the New Hampshire Seacoast is my happy place is an understatement. This is where I’m from and where my family still lives, so luckily I get to return often. It’s 19 miles of pure pure happiness and is beautiful all year round – yes, even in the dead of winter. Both Portsmouth and Dover have that historic, traditional culture many New England cities have but also have this young, diverse population that’s always innovating and making the Seacoast better and better. I could gush about this place for days! 

Those are my happy places. What about yours? Tell me about them below!