Aberdour Castle is located in Fife, just over the water from Edinburgh. Parts of it could be Scotland's oldest standing castle with later additions added. If you're a fan of Outlander, you'll recognize it from the first season. Spending a day at Aberdour Castle is a worthy day trip from Edinburgh and an experience you won't be able to replicate in the city. From the immaculately kept kid-friendly grounds to the history inside the castle, you'll be glad you visited. The journey to Aberdour ... Read More
Scotland
Verdant Works Jute Mill
There are so many reasons I love exploring Scotland, but one of my favourites is that you can go almost anywhere and learn a super detailed and varied history. We have visited Dundee a handful of times since we moved to Edinburgh (it takes less than 1.5 hours by train) and it's easy to come up with reasons to go back. Most recently, we visited the Verdant Works Jute Mill. We spent a fascinating few hours there and could have easily spent longer. Verdant Works may not be at the top of your list ... Read More
A Day on Inchcolm Island
As much as I absolutely love Edinburgh (and I really do!), there are so many day trips outside the city that are worth exploring whether you live here or are visiting. We first spent a day on Inchcolm Island when we visited Scotland a couple of years ago and enjoyed it so much (even though that day had some of the coldest rain I've ever felt) that we knew it was a place we'd take the girls to some day. It's an easy bus ride from the city to the boat and it's really worth spending a day on ... Read More
How to Ride the Hogwarts Express
I used to daydream about the girls being introduced to Harry Potter and instantly falling in love the way I did. As they started growing up, I got antsy that it was never going to happen. Last year, though, Madeline finally started the books and hasn't looked back. I've lost count of how many times she's read all of the books--we had to make a rule that she has to read something new in between rounds of Harry Potter. As she's gotten more and more into this magical world, she's become aware of ... Read More
Felt Scotland Flag Bookmark
It's crazy to think that we've lived in Edinburgh for almost a full school year at this point. After hunkering down for the crazy winter, it feels like Scotland is coming alive with flowers and warmth (and tourists!). We're enjoying sightseeing more again now that it's not miserable and one of my favourite sights is seeing the Scotland flag flying over the castle. I can't imagine ever tiring of that view. I still can't quite get over that we live in a city with a castle. I created this super ... Read More
The Halloween Trail at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
Edinburgh has no shortage of gorgeous autumn destinations. We've enjoyed spending our weekends puttering around the city--we're still fully into the city being new to us and are feeling the need to explore every corner. We live quite near the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, but hadn't actually visited with the girls before now. Scott and I went during our visit last year when they held the Botanic Lights (check out our Spiked Winter Cider!) and I've been eager to go back ever since. The Garden ... Read More