8 Incredible Places That Surprised Me

I’ve spent 25+ years traveling all over the world, and I still encounter places that surprise me! Whether it’s visiting somewhere smaller that’s absolutely oozing with charm (think a B-side city) or a destination where my preconceived notions were totally smashed, here are a few:

8 Places That Surprised Me

Nîmes, France

Located in the South of France, Nîmes has this very unique combination of French, Roman, and Mediterranean cultures. Once upon a time, it was the regional capital of the Roman Empire and is often cited as the most Roman city outside of Rome itself. It has some of Europe’s best preserved Roman monuments; like the Arena of Nîmes, a 2,000-year-old amphitheater that’s only 20 years older than the Colosseum in Rome. Another incredible site is the Pont du Guard, a 3-tiered Roman aqueduct that’s also a cool 2,000-years-old. Truly such mindblowing engineering to witness in person! 

I also really loved learning about its textile history at the Old Nîmes Museum. Fun fact: denim was first produced in Nîmes! (Get it – denim, de Nîmes, from Nîmes?) Levi Strauss bought the fabric for his jeans here when he found canvas was too tough! 

Even beyond the history, its Old Town, with its high end boutiques and restaurants, was such a lovely place to wander around. It’s where you’ll find that delightfully mellow Mediterranean energy amidst all the incredible Roman and French history.

Traverse City, Michigan

If you’ve never been to Lake Michigan before, let me just say… you’re missing out! I had an inkling I’d fall in love with Traverse City and northern Michigan, but nothing could prepare me for just how incredible my actual visit was. Have you ever reached the top of a sand dune and looked across a lake, wondering, “Where the heck does this thing actually end?” It’s nothing short of awe inspiring (even as you’re catching your breath!). 

The first thing I’d recommend doing is planning at least a day to explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It’s one of three of its kind with Apostle Islands in Wisconsin and Pictured Rocks in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The dunes here are massive, and there’s even a stop where it feels like you’re approaching the edge of a sandy cliff! Stop off at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center to have them help you plan your route, and be prepared to absolutely rearrange what you think lake life looks like!

While out there, stop into the very cute Glen Arbor, which has a few lovely little shops and restaurants. Make time for Cherry Republic, which is home to 275+ cherry products. The Glen Arbor location also has an ice cream bar, a wine tasting room, and a restaurant. 

There’s also the next door Leelanau Peninsula where you can drive all the way up to Mission Point Lighthouse and then make your way down through its many wineries and farms. Bring cash in case you want to stop off at a farm stand on your way! I’d also make time for Leelanau Cheese; their raclette cheese is award winning and they do these amazing spreads – perfect to pair with Cherry Republic’s cherry salsa.

Leipzig, Germany

Located in the landlocked German state of Saxony, Leipzig is one of those places that’s often overlooked by tourists. I wasn’t even sure what to expect when we planned to film here for “Places to Love.” Lo and behold, I discovered this town is brimming with history, art, music, nightlife, and more; so much so its nickname is Hypezig.

Historically, it played two pivotal roles in German history. The first is with Johan Sebastian Bach (yes, that Bach). He lived here for the last 27 years of his life and was the cantor, or musical director, at St. Thomas Church. You can even visit his burial site here. It was his contributions that led to Leipzig being known as the City of Music, and there’s what’s known as Bachfest every June full of concerts, open air events, and workshops in his honor. The last I checked, they had over 200 events with 2,000 performers across 32 venues and 10 days!

Its second pivotal role is that of bringing down the Communist dictatorship. The Leipzig Forum of Contemporary History chronicles the way peaceful prayers at St. Nicholas Church soon turned into a demonstration big enough that the East German government tried to enact a travel law which then led to the Berlin Wall being brought down overnight. 

Today, in addition to music, its art scene is best seen on display at Baumwollspinnerei. Once Europe’s largest cotton mill, it’s now the epicenter of Leipzig’s contemporary art scene. This one place is home to 14 galleries and 100 artist studios, including that of famed artist Neo Racuch. Galleries are open most days, and many artists will have open studios as well! 

Oh, and as a little bonus: it’s home to one of the oldest coffee shops in Europe – Zum Coffee Baum – and a Porsche factory that, yes, you can tour.

Tampa, Florida

I’ve been to Tampa countless times for HSN filming through the years, but even I did not realize just how cool this city could be! You mention visiting Tampa to non-locals, and chances are it’ll conjure up images of modern buildings, business conferences, and maybe something sports related. But beneath all that is a city absolutely humming with a culture (or vibes, as the kids would tell me to say!)

Start off in Ybor City, which feels like a more manageable blend of New Orleans and Miami. The Spanish and Cuban culture run deep here. This is where the very last cigar factory in the US, JC Newman Cigar Co, is located and where you can even learn to roll your own cigar. It’s also where you can step foot into actual Cuban territory – sans passport or visa. The nightlife is also palpable with tons of clubs and cigar bars lining the main street. My favorite part though? The free roamin’ chickens! They’re everywhere and well protected. You can even do a chicken yoga class.

Elsewhere in Tampa is the lovely Riverwalk, a revitalized area along the Hillsborough River where you’ll find locals running and biking as well as restaurants like Ulele or Columbia Restaurant. The Oxford Exchange is full of small businesses and cool shops like the Candle Pour, the Champagne Bar, and the Bookstore. 

Just outside of downtown you’ll get completely different experiences as well. On Sundays, catch the Thai Market at the Wat Mongkolratanaram of Florida. Go kayaking in Mobbly Bayou Preserve or unplug with a nature walk at Hillsborough River State Park. 

There’s so much more to do in Tampa, I could keep going!! I haven’t even told you about Phoebe the Flamingo statue that’ll greet you in the Tampa Airport!

Budapest, Hungary

Budapest is the kind of city that should have just as much notoriety as, say, Paris or Rome, but for some reason it still manages to fly under the radar as far as major European capitals go. This is a city where East meets West and where over a thousand years of history, art, and music collide. It’s a powerhouse of experiences that range from global to local, deeply emotional to joyous, and where you’ll find this exuberant energy that must be felt to be believed.

Start off their dining culture. I mean The New York Café alone is one of the most beautiful cafes I’ve ever encountered. Red velvet seats on balconies overlooking the main floor, frescoes adorning the walls, live music… there’s a reason it’s been in business since 1894. And for food? Nothing beats the fine dining at Stand Restaurant where they put a modern spin on traditional Hungarian dishes.

Then you’ve got what’s known as Hungarian bath culture. How many cities do you know of with thermal hot springs? Head to the Széchenyi Thermal Baths with their iconic yellow building and see how many rooms you can swim to!

And that’s just the start! 

Bratislava, Slovakia

Though Bratislava is small, it’s very cosmopolitan. Located on the Danube and an hour from Vienna, it’s the political, economic, and cultural capital of Slovakia. The city has historic influence from multiple cultures including Austrian, Bulgarian, Croatian, Czech, German, Hungarian, Jewish, and Slovakian, and was even the capital of the Kingdom of Hungary for over 200 years. It’s also the only country capital to border two countries (Austria and Hungary). Like I said, very cosmopolitan! 

Beyond the classics like its beautiful Old Town, towering castle, and cool art galleries, is the culinary culture! Seriously, some of my favorite memories of Bratislava are of all the delicious meals I had here. Slovak food is very comfort driven. Dishes are heavy but exquisite. Think venison from local farmers cooked in a caramel-cognac sauce and paired with potato-blackberry dumplings. Slow roasted pork belly with dark beer, honey, and chili, served with red cabbage. 

And for a sweet treat? Try Parené Buchty, a sweet pastry where the dough does not skimp on the butter and the filling is something sweet like jam or chocolate. It goes back to 1599.

And I haven’t even gotten into the wine and beer!

Donegal, Ireland

Donegal is a county on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, about three hours from Dublin, and is just about everything you could want from a trip to the Emerald Isle – phenomenal rugged beauty, great gastro pubs, countless artisans, and one of the most famous taverns in the world for music. Honestly, I’m surprised it’s not on more people’s itineraries!

For that rugged beauty, head to the Northern Headlands right at the very tip-top of the country. It’s virtually unexplored and feels entirely remote. If there’s one place to go to first, it’s the Slieve League. These cliffs rise almost 2,000ft above the Atlantic Ocean – twice as high as their more famous counterpart, the Cliffs of Moher.  

Another way to get outside is on horseback. Head to the Tullagh Bay Equestrian Centre and ride horses on the beach while enjoying the sea. You’ll get the most breathtaking views of Malin Head, the northernmost point of the entire island of Ireland.

For music, there’s nowhere quite like Tabhairne Leo. It’s been in the Brennan family since 1968 and is home to some singers you may know as Enya and Moya (Rest in Peace). 

As for souvenirs, look at the tweeds handwoven by Eddie Doherty, the last of Donegal’s handweavers. He takes Donegal wool and turns them into the loveliest blankets and tweed items. His shop is on Front Street in the town of Ardara. 

Valle Maggia, Switzerland

Really the whole country of Switzerland is surprising. No matter how many images you see or stories you hear of its alpine beauty, nothing compares to seeing it in person. However, even in a country full of breathtaking places, there’s one region that feels like the most surprising of them all, and that’s Valle Maggia. 

Located in the Italian-speaking canton of Ticino, this valley is full of dramatic mountain views, lush forest, clear rivers, and idyllic villages full of stone homes and slated roofs. It starts from Lake Maggiore and then winds through a truly jaw dropping landscape. There’s a ton of opportunity for hiking, mountaineering, and cycling; not to mention swimming in the pools created by various waterfalls flowing into the main river. 

And if you make time for only one architectural landmark, let it be the 

Church of San Giovanni Battista in the village of Mogna. Designed by architect Mario Botta between 1994 and 1996 using marble and granite from the valley, I’m not even going to try to describe what it looks like. You just need to see the photos for yourself!

There are a few places that have surprised me even after all these years of travel. Any places that surprised you?