Above is the view of Buzet, the hilltop town where we stayed, and Gracie with Ash & Coop outside our adorable hotel, Vela Vrata. Buzet is small, quiet and sleepy. It's known for truffles, which grow in its forests, and my family is known for eating them with every meal each time we visit. Other than truffles, the biggest attraction here is walking around the quaint cobblestone streets and sitting outside one of the two restaurants in town slowly drinking coffee or wine.  The cafe next ... continue reading...

This was a glorious afternoon at Lavanda Oklen, just outside of Vižinada. The Oklens hand harvest their lavender as a family each July and you can find their products on the island of Hvar. Every time we hit the coast on the drive from Zagreb and start seeing huge olive trees, stone walls, medieval hilltop villages and feel the mediterranean climate, I get so excited to be back in Istria. We love this region! ... continue reading...