At last, we are off to Italy this July.

If you’ve been here for some time, you might recall Alex and my planning an anniversary getaway to Italy the final week of February 2020. Milan was the epicenter of COVID-19, and, at the time, I was under the impression this was simply an Italy problem! Funny, right?

Here we are—fifteen months later and fully vaccinated—and my full family is fortunate to have the opportunity to travel together for a once-in-a-lifetime trip.

While absolutely a vacation, our jam-packed itinerary will be a complete whirlwind—I have no doubts—and it will include unlimited twirls of pasta, too.

In a span of 12ish days, we’ll experience the following: Rome, Amalfi Coast (sleeping in Capri and Positano), Florence, Venice, and Milan.

I’m counting down the days, planning my outfits meticulously, and ensuring no meal will be sub-par. I can’t wait to take you along with me here and on Instagram!

Any can’t-miss restaurants or experiences in these cities? Share your favorite restaurants, excursions or tips in the comments, please!

The beauty of Splinter Creek swept me away as soon as we entered the gates. Over 500 acres of rolling pine forest and lakes, tucked away just minutes from the bustling college town of Oxford and quaint retreat Plein Air, welcome imaginative homebuilding for ultimate lakefront living. We were fortunate to get a taste of it this month.

Splinter Creek is a privately-owned residential community located in Taylor Originally purchased as a timber investment by the founding family, the untouched beauty and character of property was later discovered and the family exchanged their initial plans for those that include exploring the forests and lakes of Splinter Creek and recharging with community neighbors.

FEELING RIGHT AT HOME

While we knew we’d be dining out during our weekend, the idea of “home” always translates to food and drink, in our case. We stocked the fridge of the stunning kitchen, pouring cocktails and pairing snacks at every turn.

Our menu? A crudîtes platter with hummus, prosciutto and melon with mozzarella, grilled radicchio, ribeyes, smashed potatoes, and grilled artichokes.

GRAPEFRUIT GIN SPRITZER

THE SETTING

Designed by a handful of creative partners, including New York’s Lang Architecture and Texas’ Lake Flato, Splinter Creek aims to be a model of environmentally sensitive and sustainable living, encouraging residents to build lightly on the land.

Designed by Lang Architecture out of New York, NY, the East Cove Concept Home was created in the classic Southern dogtrot style, but with modern a modern sense of direction. Indoor and outdoor living blend together through large windows, patios, balconies and the very land the home sets on.

When designed, the concept home was built naturally and lightly onto the land (and lake’s) natural space. We felt one with the lake from every room and perspective!

In addition to the private features of the home, Splinter Creek offers shared community spaces and arguably "neighborhood” amenities, such as kayaks and boats, plentiful firewood, and fishing docks. We took full advantage!

EXPLORING NEARBY

After an early, serene morning waking up with the sun at Splinter Creek, we headed just 5 miles down the road to Taylor Square in Plein Air, home to precious homes, shops and a phenomenal restaurant — Grit — where we dined upon arrival Friday evening (ask for the Friday fried chicken special — you won’t be sorry). Coffees and biscuits at Lost Dog Coffee quickly caffeinated us before heading into Oxford.

A picture-perfect lunch at Saint Leo boasted burrata pizzas, an addictive chopped salad, bright cocktails and my favorite marinated olives ever. We worked off a bite or two of our meal with a stroll around the Square, including stops at Square Books for a cookbook (for me) and mystery novel (for Alex) and the adorable Cicada boutique for blouses. A walk through Oxford Oil Shed inspired our next gardening project — I left with a candle, though I wanted every single plant. Local beers on the Splinter Creek dock capped off our afternoon before grilling and cooking an al fresco feast back at East Cove.

WHAT I PACKED

Oak Hall’s range in apparel — from pajamas, hats and sandals to sundresses, formal gowns and denim, the selection was perfectly suited for an elevated yet leisurely lake weekend.

Loeffler Randall Caramel Puffy-Knot Sandal
Shoshanna Minetta Maxi Dress

Thank you to Splinter Creek for hosting our experience!