Annie Fairfax

06/04/2026

Climbing Festvågtind in Henningsvær During the Midnight Sun

I’ve always wanted to hike in Lofoten under the Midnight Sun, and my dreams finally came true! But let me start this post by saying I almost died on this hike, and no, that isn’t hyperbole. I nearly fell to my death, and would have had I not been with my husband, who quite literally saved my life. But we’ll get to that story in a moment. My advice to anyone considering this hike is this: The posts & reviews claiming it’s an “easy walk” are lying to you. This is a very difficult hike with portions you must scramble and climb, and it is absolutely not something you should jump into unprepared....

I’ve always wanted to hike in Lofoten under the Midnight Sun, and my dreams finally came true! But let me start this post by saying I almost died on this...

06/03/2026

Nordvegan, Oslo’s Vegan Haven

We never eat meat, and at least two or three days of each week, we eat vegan. Especially when we travel, it seems prudent to offset any environmental impacts and reduce our environmental footprint by eating vegan as often as possible. So, we did some digging into Oslo’s vegan scene and found one that was celebrated far and wide— so much so that I’d heard of them all the way back home in New England—Nordvegan. Nordvegan exceeded our high expectations and offered a wide array of sustainable, vegan, ethically sourced, gluten-free foods that were perfect for our unique dietary needs....

We never eat meat, and at least two or three days of each week, we eat vegan. Especially when we travel, it seems prudent to offset any environmental impacts and...

06/02/2026

Hiking Mt. Eboshi Vlog

The hike up Mt. Eboshi to Kumomi Sengen Shrine was one of the most beautiful we've ever done, even if it was one of the hottest! At 105ºF & 80% humidity, we climbed the thousand stairs to the top. The views were well worth the effort to reach the top, as you'll see in the vlog of this gorgeous hike! Discover more temples & shrines. Follow my adventures in the Izu Peninsula and Japan. Follow me on Instagram, YouTube & Pinterest for more!

The hike up Mt. Eboshi to Kumomi Sengen Shrine was one of the most beautiful we’ve ever done, even if it was one of the hottest! At 105ºF & 80%...

06/02/2026

Join us as we hike Mt. Eboshiyama in Matsuzaki along Japan's Izu Peninsula! It was only 105ºF! 😅

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yn1CoF63aaY

06/02/2026

Holmenkollen Park Hotel

When deciding where to stay in Oslo, we were torn between wanting to be right in the middle of everything downtown and our desire to retreat from the hustle and bustle of Norway’s largest city. So, I began scoping out a place that offered the best of both worlds: incredible ocean & fjord views nestled in forested mountains with easy access to public transportation. That’s when I found the Holmenkollen Park Hotel, located in the same area where Norway hosted the 1952 Olympics. We loved every single thing about our stay in Holmenkollen, and the journey in and out of town made it that much more enjoyable!...

When deciding where to stay in Oslo, we were torn between wanting to be right in the middle of everything downtown and our desire to retreat from the hustle and...

05/04/2026

West Hartford Luxury Travel Guide

West Hartford, Connecticut’s capital region, is one of the best spots in the state to enjoy the very best Connecticut has to offer. Fine dining attracts foodies from all over the East Coast. Luxury hotels in the area have proven to be world-class. Plus, there are plenty of unique, lovely things to do in the area, too. This West Hartford Luxury Travel Guide will help you tune out the noise and focus on only the very best West Hartford has to offer. Best Time of Year to Visit West Hartford…...

West Hartford, Connecticut’s capital region, is one of the best spots in the state to enjoy the very best Connecticut has to offer. Fine dining attracts foodies from all over...

05/04/2026

The Spa at Delamar West Hartford

Connecticut’s Capital area is home to one of the state’s best spas, The Spa at Delamar West Hartford. During our stay at the Delamar West Hartford, we enjoyed a fantastic couple’s massage in a beautiful, restorative environment. Perfect for pampering yourself or enjoying a relaxing spa day with a loved one, The Spa at Delamar West Hartford offers world-class spa services, including brightening facials, deep-cleansing lifts, balancing stone massages, cupping, and more. The Spa at Delamar West Hartford Location: West Hartford, ConnecticutAddress: Inside Delamar West HartfordServices: Massages, body treatments, facials,...

Connecticut’s Capital area is home to one of the state’s best spas, The Spa at Delamar West Hartford. During our stay at the Delamar West Hartford, we enjoyed a fantastic...

04/30/2026

Artisan

Our dinner at Artisan was phenomenal. This West Hartford gem is worth the drive thanks to bold flavors, pretty presentations, superb staff, and the dedication to safely accommodating allergies and dietary preferences. Everything we ate was splendid, and I hope you'll enjoy this review as much as I enjoyed eating making it! Artisan Location: West Hartford, CTAddress: 1 Memorial RoadAffiliation: Delamar West HartfordFood Type: Seafood & New EnglandDining Experience: Indoor & OutdoorPrice: $50+ per PersonDress Code: Smart Casual+Reservations: RecommendedSpecial Diets: Pescatarian, Gluten-Free (not GF dedicated)...

Our dinner at Artisan was phenomenal. This West Hartford gem is worth the drive thanks to bold flavors, pretty presentations, superb staff, and the dedication to safely accommodating allergies and...

04/29/2026

Delamar West Hartford

Delamar is Connecticut’s premier boutique hotel brand, with locations in Mystic, Greenwich, Southport, Westport, and West Hartford. We headed to Connecticut’s capital area to experience this beloved boutique hotel for ourselves, and it definitely lived up to the hype. From complimentary valet parking and incredible hotel dining to a fantastic location in West Hartford and a dreamy spa, it was everything we’d hoped it would be and more. Delamar West Hartford Location: West Hartford, CTAddress: 1 Memorial RdStaff Helpfulness & Friendliness: 5/5…...

Delamar is Connecticut’s premier boutique hotel brand, with locations in Mystic, Greenwich, Southport, Westport, and West Hartford. We headed to Connecticut’s capital area to experience this beloved boutique hotel for...

04/29/2026

Morikami Museum & Japanese Gardens: Roji-en

The simple elegance of Japanese garden design draws me in, wherever I travel. Though predictable elements like deer scares, stunning stone lanterns, and rock gardens may appear in each garden, the way in which the surrounding elements are arranged makes all the difference, and no two Japanese gardens are ever alike. Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens in Delray Beach, Florida, set the bar high for other gardens in Florida. Here are some of my favorite photos from our visit to this garden, on land once owned by a local millionaire and Japanese immigrant, Sukeji “George” Morikami....

The simple elegance of Japanese garden design draws me in, wherever I travel. Though predictable elements like deer scares, stunning stone lanterns, and rock gardens may appear in each garden,...