What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide

***Please note that this What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date information. This list was most recently updated as of December 2025.***

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing ALL about my 6 days in Rome, Italy! If you have watched the Lizze McQuire movie which takes place in Rome, there is SO much to do in this incredible city as in the movie the characters are sightseeing for two weeks with a jam-packed schedule. Rome, Italy – also known as the Eternal City – is an incredible city with literally an eternal amount of things to do. While it may be overwhelming to decide what to do in Rome, Italy, I decided to put together this travel guide to help you do just that.

*Disclaimer: Please note that this post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through one of my links, then I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no extra cost to you. Additionally, this post is not sponsored, and all opinions are my own.*

For more travel abroad inspiration, check out my exploring 50 Countries Expedition page.

What To Do In Rome, Italy Travel Guide

This What To Do in Rome, Italy Travel Guide will walk you through not only things to do in the Eternal City but also share: About, Getting There (from the United States/Canada), Getting Around, and Where to Eat. That way, when you land in Rome, you will have a plethora of knowledge at your finger tips and be ready for some sightseeing!

But, before I get into all of the things to do in Rome, Italy, feel free to peruse lodging options for your trip!

About Rome, Italy:

Rome is the capital city of Italy. It is also the most populated city within Italy and has its home in the country’s Lazio region. Fun fact: Italy is made up of 20 regions, including the very well-known Tuscany alongside Umbria, Lazio (where Rome is!), and Abruzzo. Rome has a vast history, dating back to 753 AD at its establishment as the heart of the then-Roman Empire where much of its ancient ruins and sites remain today and are visited by thousands each year, to a mega center of the Christian faith and Renaissance, and to this day as the capital of a unified Italy since 1870. Rome is also home to Vatican City – an independent nation that ensures the Catholic Church’s autonomy on a global front. Vatican City was established on February 11, 1929 and is where the Pope resides. Today, Rome has left a huge mark and legacy on our world today, being the place where Christianity was established as a major world religion, the modern Western calendar and alphabet were developed, world-renowned artists like Michelangelo practiced and succeed in their artistic talents, and romance languages such as Italian, French, and Spanish were developed and nourished here.

Getting There (from the United States/Canada):

Within Italy, the two cities with major airports are Rome and Milan. The major airport in Rome is Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO). FCO has several direct flight options from several major United States cities, including on American Airlines and United Airlines. As a United Loyalty member, I opted to fly a direct flight option round-trip out of Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) aka my home airport. From Washington, DC, I took an overnight flight to Rome that was 8 hours long there and 10 hours long to get home from Italy. As for those beyond the East Coast of the United States and Canada, I know cities such as Los Angeles on the West Coast have flight times of approximately 11-15 hours each way. So many fellow United States tourists that I chatted with in Rome happened to have connecting flight(s), so I felt very lucky to have been able to have a direct flight for my round-trip.

It is also worth noting that upon departure and arrival in/out of FCO airport, all visitors must have their passports ready to go through Italian customs. In addition to Italian customs upon arrival and departure, all visitors must go through the United States/Canadian customs upon arrival within their home country. Within Italy, the Italian customs process can be a bit confusing, however, there are staff members and usually crowds of people to help make it less so.

Getting Around:

While Rome does have its own transit system, I opted to either walk given my hotel’s central location downtown, take Ubers/taxis (you can find taxis on the Uber app in Italy!), or book a Big Bus Tours pass (which I will share more about below in the What To Do section!). From previous experiences, Rome’s transit system gets very crowded very fast, which is something I wanted to avoid in the August heat when I was there this time around. It is also worth downloading the Freenow app, which is essentially a digital platform for hailing taxis at least within Rome. Whatever mode(s) of transportation that you use within Rome, you are for sure to get your steps in!

What To Do:

Before I get into the meat of what to do in Rome, Italy, it is worth mentioning that I primarily used Get Your Guide to book all of my activities and have all of my tickets and vouchers in a central place on my phone. All of my activities were booked via Get Your Guide and you can pretty much find any ticketed item on this app.

Hop on & off of Rome via a Big Bus Tour – It is NO secret that Rome, Italy is notorious like any other big city for all of the walking! One of the best ways to get around Rome is by booking a Big Bus Tour pass. There are several Big Bus Tour options for Rome, including a 24 hour day pass, 48 hour day pass, and 72 hour day pass – all of which you can use the next day as long as it’s within the 24-72 hours in which you book it for – as well as a 3 hour and 1 day pass option. Alongside a Big Bus ticket, pass holders depending on their ticket can book discounted tickets at an additional cost to the Colosseum, The Vatican, and receive a complimentary cup of gelato at participating locations. To limit the amount of walking and Uber fares myself, I booked a 72 hour pass which included a complimentary night tour route to see the Eternal City all lit up! See more on all of the Big Bus Tour options in Rome here.

Take a sunset guided tour of the Colosseum – The Colosseum is a amphitheatre that dates back to the Roman Empire with its construction starting around 72 AD. It is one of the most well-known structures to this day. When I visited Rome back in 2018 as a college student studying abroad in Tuscany and visited the Colosseum, I wanted to learn more about it. At the same time, it was pretty crowded when I went. SO, this time around I decided to book an excellent guided sunset tour of the Colosseum on Get Your Guide. The tour operator is Rome Tours and the tour was excellent and interactive, especially for the kids within my tour group who got to pretend to be gladiators! Since the tour started around 6pm/18:00, the crowds were extremely minimal and allowed for tons of breathing room and cooler golden hour temperatures to enjoy the Colosseum. I highly recommend a guided tour of the Colosseum, especially to learn more about this iconic structure and its history over the centuries! Book the exact tour I booked here.

Make a wish at the Trevi Fountain – Hey now, hey now! This is what dreams are made of!!! You may as well have your Lizzie McGuire moment (if you get my reference!) at the Trevi Fountain and make a wish! It is worth noting that at pretty much all daylight hours, the Trevi Fountain gets pretty crowded, so it’s suggested to avoid the crowds and visit around 6-7am if you want to avoid them. Somehow, I went at 5pm and got a nice photo spot though, so maybe luck will be on your side!

Climb (or just admire!) the Spanish Steps – The Spanish Steps are a famous Baroque monumental stairway in the heart of Rome. There are 135 steps to climb if you so choose to (I did not!). However, if you’re like me, it is worthwhile to admire the Spanish Steps in all of their monumental glory and beauty and indulge in some retail therapy at one of the many shops nearby while you’re in the area.

Sit in the Papal Audience at The Vatican – One of the neatest experiences of my life was sitting in the Papal Audience at The Vatican! I write my in-depth about my experience, where to find the most up-to-date Papal Audience Schedule, and how to be apart of the Papal Audience yourself here.

Tour The Vatican & Sistine Chapel – Personally, I think that every person who visits Rome should tour The Vatican and Sistine Chapel at least once in their lifetime! I toured The Vatican & Sistine Chapel in July 2018 when I studied abroad in Tuscany and found it to be a super neat experience, however, it was super overwhelming and packed with tourists. The vast amount of magnificent artwork makes it worthwhile to do at least once in your lifetime! I highly suggest booking an early morning entrance (before 8am) if you’re able to to reduce the crowds and have a more enjoyable experience.

Take in city views and learn about Rome’s history at Castel Sant’Angelo – Constructed in 135 AD by Roman Emperor Hadrian and situated right alongside the Tiber River, Castel Sant’Angelo also known as Manusoleum of Hadrian, was initially used for Emperor Hadrian and his family. In the following centuries, Castel Sant’Angelo was used as a fortress and castle for the Popes. Today, Castel Sant’Angelo is a museum, showcasing the ancient rooms of Emperor Hadrian, beautiful Renaissance frescoes, and stunning riverfront and city views of the Eternal City. It is worth noting that Castel Sant’Angelo involves a lot of walking on uneven, cobblestone pathways and staircases.

Indulge in some retail therapy – There’s no shortage of opportunities to indulge in some retail therapy in Rome! From luxury shopping on Via Condotti and the surrounding streets near the Spanish Steps to vintage shopping and thrifting in the Monti neighborhood, the Eternal City truly has something for every shopper!

Admire sculptures and masterpieces at the crowd-controlled Galleria Borghese – Housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana which was home to the Roman Borghese family, Galleria Borghese is a breathtaking art gallery featuring the Borghese family’s vast collection of Roman sculptures and artwork. At every turn, Galleria Borghese has magnificent pieces of artwork and will leave you in awe! A unique feature of Galleria Borghese is that the museum is crowd-controlled and every visitor only gets 2 hours in the museum to ensure everyone has a crowd-free experience. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance and show up early to your ticket time.

Stroll the magical Villa Borghese – Villa Borghese is a landscape garden in the heart of Rome that is home a several buildings, attractions, and museums including the Galleria Borghese. It is the largest park in central Rome and has close proximity to the Spanish Steps and luxury shopping at Via Condotti. Villa Borghese also has several magical photo opportunities and architectural delights to enjoy, spots to rest and read to book or take it all in, an onsite cafe and cocktail bar, and gorgeous gardens. There are also opportunities to rent a golf cart or bike to enjoy all that Villa Borghese has to offer!

Take in the incredible palace-like interiors and gardens of Colonna Palace – One of the oldest and private homes in Rome, Colonna Palace has belonged to the Colonna family for over 20 generations. Colonna Palace has onsite gardens and Galleria Colonna which showcases authentic Roman Baroque. Truly, Colonna Palace is a hidden gem in the heart of Rome and will leave you with your jaw on the floor! Be sure to reserve your tickets to this Roman jewel as its only open to the public on Fridays and Saturdays and be appointment any other day.

Say a prayer and blessing and tour the museums at Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore – Also known as the Basilica of Saint Mary The Great, the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore is one of four Papal basilicas in Rome and one of seven Pilgrim Churches of Rome. Most notably, the Basilica enshrines the venerated image of Salus Populi Romani which depicts the Blessed Virgin Mary as the health and protector of the Roman people. Additionally, eight Popes are buried within the Basilica, which is also known for its intricate Baroque architecture. Alongside saying a prayer and admiring the baroque architecture within the church from the ceiling to the floors, the Basilica also has an incredible museum with a 360 degrees terrace to take in the Eternal City from up above. The museum is less crowded and showcases some neat facts about the Basilica as well as the Catholic faith, including one of the world’s oldest Nativity sets! If visiting just the Basilica there is free admission with no reservation needed, otherwise reserve your tickets to the museum, terrace, or a guided tour here.

Stroll the Roman Forum and take several moments to learn about Roman history and enjoy the historic sight’s atmosphere – The Roman Forum was the city center of ancient Rome, a key political, civic, religious place. It is a rectangular forum that is surrounded by several ruins of key government buildings of ancient Rome. Ancient Roman citizens referred to this space which was originally a marketplace as Forum Magnum or simply Forum. While an archaeological site in the heart of Rome, the Roman Forum also functions as a historical park containing not only ruins but greenery and is truly a magical place to take in tons of history and scenic views. It is worth noting that tickets must be reserved in advance to visit the Roman Forum. Reserve your tickets here.

Get lost in the magical streets of the Eternal City – Last but not least, Rome offers no shortage of opportunities for LOTS of walking! Why not get lost in the gorgeous and incredible streets of the Eternal City?!?! There’s truly something unique and beautiful at every turn!

Where To Eat:

Before I get into sharing where I ate in Rome, it is worth mentioning that there are several places to dine at across the city. Whether it be an upscale restaurant, wine bar, Gelateria, cafe, pizzeria, or sandwich shop, the Eternal City has eternal dining options! You truly cannot go wrong with any spot!! I will mainly list out where I ate while in Rome, but, as previously mentioned, you can’t go wrong at many different spots!

Lunch at Alla Rampa
Wine, snacks, & gelato at White Bar & Restaurant
Dinner at Angelino “ai Fori” dal 1947
Gelato at Gold Ice
Dinner at Ristorante Plebiscito
Wine at La Bottega del Caffe
Gelato at Caffe Roma Gelateria
Lunch at Bistro Monti
Dinner at Santa Maria Osteria
Lunch at Moderno Bar Bakery & Cucina
Dinner at Le Bistro Roma
Lunch at Alimentari
Snacks at Autogrill

Wrap-Up:

When figuring out what to do in Rome, Italy, it is tough to narrow down all that I wanted to do. There is SO MUCH to do in Rome, Italy that you truly cannot go wrong with anything! My biggest piece of advice for deciding what to do in Rome, Italy is to prioritize activities that you and your group are interested in the most and use GetYourGuide to book them so you have your tickets in one central location. GetYourGuide was my central spot for finding out what to do in Rome, Italy but also a place to decide what to do and learn more about all of the incredible sights to see. Indeed, you cannot go wrong with whatever you decide to do in Rome!

XOXO – Katie <3

September 10, 2025February 16, 2026

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Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide

***Please note that this Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide will be updated and recirculated periodically throughout the 2025-2026 season and for future NFL seasons. This Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide has been most recently updated as of September 2025.***

Calling all Commanders fans!!! Are you looking for some adorable Washington Commanders apparel to enjoy the upcoming season?!?! Look no further than this blog post to see what I’m currently eyeing for the upcoming 2025-2026 season, where I have found everything from adorable wine glasses and tumblers to bows and headbands to *yes* bedazzled shoes (!!!) and *of course* so many sweatshirts and t-shirts to style, too!

As a woman who happens to be a girly preppy fashion enthusiast (see more on my personal style here) and a Commanders fan, it can sometimes be tough to find apparel that embodies my personal style AND my love for football. I know I am NOT alone in my own experiences in finding Washington Commanders apparel that celebrates my personal style and the football team that I LOVE. Hence, why I created this Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide for all of us to embrace our own personal styles (whatever that may be!) as well as our mutual love for the Washington Commanders.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

Washington Commanders Women’s Apparel Shopping Guide

Before you begin shopping for your *very own* Washington Commanders apparel, it is worth noting that this shopping guide includes both apparel and accessories as well as items that are sold for multiple NFL teams. SO, if you see an item pictured in the shopping guide representing a different team – don’t fret! There IS an apparel item for YOU, too, when you simply click on the link and select the option for the Washington Commanders. As always, some great sources for Washington Commanders women’s apparel are via the NFL Shop and Amazon, but there are several other sites, too. Now, happy shopping/browsing!!!

XOXO – Katie <3

September 7, 2025January 27, 2026

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

Papal Audience Schedule 2026 + My Experience!

***Please note that this Guide on the Papal Audience Schedule 2026 + My Experience will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date papal audience schedule. This guide was most recently updated as of late December 2025.***

Over on my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I have been sharing A TON about my 6 glorious days in Rome, Italy. While there, I had the incredible opportunity to sit in the papal audience and be in the same room as Pope Leo XIV which was AMAZING (!!!!). Now, if you’re traveling to Rome soon or just curious to learn more, you may be wondering what is the Papal Audience schedule 2026?!?!

In this blog post, I will be outlining where to find the Papal Audience schedule 2026 as well as my own personal experience being in the Papal Audience!

Papal Audience Schedule 2026 + My Experience!

What is the Papal Audience?

Papal Audience Schedule 2026

My Experience in the Papal Audience

What is the Papal Audience?

The Papal Audience gives the general public an opportunity to see the Pope every Wednesday if the Pope is at The Vatican. Pope Leo XIV is fluent in several different languages – Italian, English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Polish, and sometimes others including Chinese depending on the visitors on that specific day – which he speaks throughout the Papal Audience. The structure of the Papal Audience begins with welcoming remarks to those visiting from across the world in each language before the Pope takes the stage, including parishes and churches. Then, the Pope does a greeting and speech translated in each language with a prayer and blessing at the end for all attendees. Typically, the Papal Audience is set to start around 9am with security opening at 7:30am at The Vatican. It is worth noting that many people arrive to The Vatican about 3 hours early with the line to get seats starting at around 6am or even earlier. For the best experience possible, giving the Papal Audience Schedule 2025, it is recommended to arrive early and book an escorted Papal Audience experience.

For more information on the Papal Audience and where to get free tickets, look no further than here.

Papal Audience Schedule 2026

The Papal Audience Schedule 2026 is every Wednesday as long as Pope Leo XIV is at The Vatican. Whereas, Papal masses are on Sundays in St. Peter’s Square. For the Papal Audience Schedule 2026, look no further than here (as of December 30, 2025, January 2026 schedule has yet to be announced). Please refer to the following link for future schedule updates into 2026 (and beyond!).

There are different options for getting a ticket to the Papal Audience, including free ticket options via the Papal Audience website or paid options via platforms such as GetYourGuide with a guide and escorted reserved seating.

My Experience in the Papal Audience

My experience in the Papal Audience took place on a Wednesday at the end of August 2025. As previously mentioned, there are a variety of ways to be a part of the Papal Audience. I opted do a Papal Audience experience via GetYourGuide to be guaranteed a seat within the Papal Audience as well as a guide to escort my group and to learn more about The Vatican as well as the Papal Audience experience, which I am grateful for. When booking a guided Papal Audience experience, it is worth noting that the meeting time is around 6am and your tour guide will escort you and your group into The Vatican and throughout the line to your reserved seating within the Papal Audience. Personally, I was extremely overwhelmed by the huge crowds (which are to be expected) and navigating the line to get to our seats, however, I am super grateful to have been with a group and a tour guide throughout it all. Upon getting to our seats which were GREAT SEATS (!!!!), we waited just over an hour for Pope Leo XIV to make his appearance and hear him speak in 7 different languages, alongside translators in those languages. Overall, being in the Papal Audience was such a neat multicultural and multi-lingual experience alongside *of course* being in the same room and hearing Pope Leo XIV speak!

Wrap-Up

Would I sit in the Papal Audience again?!?! YES! I would definitely book a ticket via GetYourGuide to ensure I get reserved seating with an escort. I will note that while a crowded and a bit overwhelming experience to navigate into The Vatican and our reserved seating, it is totally worth it in the end. My experience in the Papal Audience is something that I’ll remember and cherish for the rest of my life. If you’re interested in attending the Papal Audience yourself, then be sure to check out the most up-to-date Papal Audience Schedule before going!

XOXO – Katie <3

September 4, 2025December 30, 2025

thepinkchickadee1 Comment

When Is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?

Over the last few years, my Papa and I have embarked on a day trip to Shenandoah National Park for Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage. We have loved getting to enjoy Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage year-after-year via Skyline Drive. Since I have a few years under my belt of experience with leaf peeping for Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage, I can typically predict when it will be annually!

Please note that this blog post on answering when is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026 takes into account the Virginia State Parks’ Fall Foliage Report from years’ past as well as my personal experience in when my Papa and I planned our visits to Shenandoah National Park. I will also note that this post will primarily focus on our visits on Skyline Drive from Front Royal, Virginia to Sperryville, Virginia in the Northern Virginia region alongside Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (see more on that here). For more information on other parts of Shenandoah National Park and the state of Virginia look no further than here.

When Is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?

Based on my previous experiences visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage and the Fall Foliage Report, typically Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage Falls in mid-October-mid-November. Personally, I have found the most beautiful Fall Foliage times to be after October 18-20 until November 5-10. While the exact dates may vary year-after-year, Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage usually persists around the same time frame. The Fall Foliage Report for 2026 will come out in early-mid September with the most precise dates, so stay tuned!! Above all else, it’s never too early to start planning your visit to Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026!

Visiting Shenandoah National Park

While I won’t get into too much detail on visiting Shenandoah National Park in this blog post, I will mention that all visitors are to have a pass upon entry and you must have a car to get around (rental car options are available!). Passes vary in fees, and annual passes are accepted (see more information on that here). It is also worth noting that passes are 1 per vehicle not per person. If you plan to book overnight accommodations, there are plenty of great options on Booking.com and Hotels.com! For additional information on visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage, I have a few previous blog posts from 2024 and 2022 for your reference. If you’re interested in going leaf peeping at other parks in Northern Virginia, then look no further than my 11 Parks in Northern Virginia list!

Want to know the best spots to enjoy Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage 2026?! Look no further than this guide from the Virginia Department of Forestry!

Wrap-Up

Year after year, I always wonder when is Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage?! And, I know you do too! Visiting Shenandoah Peak Fall Foliage is truly an experience that you won’t regret.

XOXO – Katie <3

August 20, 2025December 14, 2025

thepinkchickadee2 Comments

What I Wore To Work – July 2025

From networking events in the office and at Nationals Park to a few jam-packed days working from the beach, July 2025 truly was a busy working month! These Summer months pretty much *everywhere* have been so so so hot and humid aka “swamp season.” However, through it all, I have been striving to make the best of it all and savor up every moment of Summer time, whether professionally or personally.

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

***Forgot to link***

Tap to Shop

XOXO – Katie <3

August 5, 2025January 27, 2026

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90+ Ways to Practice Self Care For Women

As women, it’s hard sometimes to prioritize ourselves. I know for a fact that at times that I have a tough time putting myself first. On a personal note, last year, I found myself starting to severely burnout from all of my personal and professional commitments (as I’ve outlined a bit here). Nevertheless, thanks to the help of close friends and family, I learned that I needed to practice self-care to better manage everything. Personally, I felt fearful to practice self care, as I was nervous that it would limit me from accomplishing all of my life goals. However, self care helps us to achieve what we set out to achieve by giving us the tools that we need to succeed. And, there are many ways to practice self care for women.

SO, today, I am sharing a list of 90+ ways to practice self care for women. I am sharing this list in hopes of inspiring you to practice self care, too!

90+ Ways to Practice Self Care For Women

Read a new book
Set clear boundaries with others
Be kind to others and yourself
Practice gratitude
Wear something that makes you feel confident
Spend some time outside
Regularly show appreciation to yourself and to others
Start journaling
Light a candle
Give a stranger a compliment
Exercise regularly
Engage with other fans of your favorite artists or fashion brands
Get your hair done
Set some time away from screens
Cook your favorite meals
Practice self love
Read your favorite book
Seek professional help and consult a therapist (if you feel you need to)
Dedicate time to your hobbies
Go to a concert
Regularly clean your house
Wear that new dress that’s been hanging in your closet for awhile
Participate in a local special interest meetup group
Try something new that’s out of your comfort zone
Listen to your favorite music
Take a walk
Devote time to your faith (if religious)
Spend time with your pets
Stay hydrated
Watch a new-to-you show or movie
Become a sports fan and engage with other fans
Get a massage
Seek professional help and consult a nutritionist (if you feel you need to)
Read your favorite magazine
Watch a comfort show or movie
Smile at strangers
Take a bath
See a show
Savor your cup of tea/coffee
Get regular medical check-ups
Practice healthy eating
Give yourself and others grace
Don’t overbook or overextend yourself
Make time for your loved ones
Take yourself on a solo date
Limit time listening to things that feel upsetting to you in the news
Book that trip and take that trip
Buy yourself flowers
Document your favorite memories
Join a book club
Get your nails done
Regularly do the dishes
Seek an accountability partner
Wear that expensive perfume
Write a hand-written letter to a loved one
Indulge in some retail therapy (within reason)
Order your favorite takeout (within reason)
Make sure you have something to look forward to
Bake your favorite treats
Continuously practice forgiveness
Volunteer with a local organization that’s important to you
Ensure you are getting adequate sleep
Treat yourself to a cup of coffee or cocktail after a busy work day
Try a new-to-you hobby
Find creative ways to save money and create savings goals
Take a class that’s not professionally focused
Make a bucket list
Check in on a friend or family member you haven’t heard from in a while
Tell your loved ones you love them
Decorate your home to align with your personal style
Practice financial wellness, create a budget and stick to it
Reward yourself after a long, stressful day or doing something that you dreaded doing or makes you nervous
Ensure you honor your commitments
Pop open the fancy champagne
Try cooking a new-to-you dish
Celebrate your achievements, however big or small
Limit time on social media
Don’t believe everything you hear or read on social media
Find things that spark joy
Spend time with animals
Practice meditation
Regularly do your laundry
Use the fine china
Indulge in a sweet treat from time to time
Celebrate others’ achievements, however big or small
Attend a sports game
Take a spa day
Learn about your family’s history
Make time for family
Forgive others

Above all else, be sure to take care of YOU!

XOXO – Katie <3

August 4, 2025December 29, 2025

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The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

***Please note that this The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites) will be updated and recirculated periodically to reflect the most up-to-date Virginia Wine scene. This guide was most recently updated as of March 2026.***

While having close proximity to the nation’s capital, Northern Virginia is also home to some incredible wineries. I have been fortunate enough to visit multiple wineries in Northern Virginia – all of which have so much history, character, and *of course* wine to offer. Above all else, it is worth noting that the people who work at each of these wineries are what have made my experiences and hence their mention in this blog post worth mentioning! Virginia and Northern Virginia is home to some incredible winemakers from all diverse backgrounds, which also makes Northern Virginia so magnificent!! Here, I list 10 wineries in Northern Virginia (and counting!) for when you want to plan your next wine-filled adventure!

For more United States travel inspiration, check out my Exploring 50 States expedition page. For more Washington, DC area travel inspiration, check out my Exploring The DMV page.

The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Northern Virginia Wineries (Local’s Favorites)

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

A Way To Save at Northern Virginia Wineries

Download Reserve Pass and sign up for YOUR membership today!! Reserve Pass is currently the only app in the United States that is essentially a nationwide wine (and sometimes beer) tasting pass for you and a guest (see more here)! Memberships are available in monthly and annual formats. The key features of Reserve Pass are:

Explore – by simply downloading the Reserve Pass app, you can simply plan your wine tasting adventure within your own backyard or while on vacation.
Perks – as a Reserve Pass member, you get to enjoy exclusive perks while touring historical sites, strolling through vineyards, and tasting local wines.
Revisit – unlike just any old coupon, you can revisit any of the wineries you loved and get the same Reserve Pass deals with them time and time again.

Interested in getting your own Reserve Pass today?! Interested in trying Reserve Pass for yourself?!?! Use my discount code “ktwine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69).

For more details on Reserve Pass, look no further than here.

Northern Virginia Wineries: A Local’s Picks!

Effingham Manor Winery

Address: 14325 Trotters Ridge Place, Nokesville

About: If you’ve ever wanted to visit a winery located on the grounds of a historic Manor, then you’re in luck! Effingham Manor & Winery is on a historic manor’s grounds – complete with a koi fish pond – that’s converted into a winery and events space producing locally-made wines all while honoring its history and heritage. Indeed, Effingham Manor & Winery is a unique spot – perfectly fit for both history nerds, wine lovers, and everyone in between.

Twin Oaks Tavern Winery

Address: 18035 Raven Rocks Road, Bluemont

About: Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a two-generation, woman-owned winery on the foothill of the Shenandoah mountains. Located in the Bear’s Den Historic District, Twin Oaks Tavern is one of many stone houses built from 1890-1920 and was transformed into a winery in 1999 after a fire burned much of its original structure down in the 1980s. Today, Twin Oaks Tavern Winery is a welcoming place that’s also dog-friendly.

Molon Lave Vineyard and Winery

Address: 10075 Lees Mill Road, Warrenton

About: A family-owned winery on several acres in Warrenton, Molon Lave Vineyards and Winery is a proud dream of the Papadopoulos family since its 2009 opening. The name Molon Lave is derived from its namesake as a Greek phrase that embodies pride, dignity, and a unique perception of life. As someone named Katie, my favorite wine is their rose wine called “Katie’s Charm”!

Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery

Address: 5535 Blue Valley Way, Delaplane

About: With Greek mountainside roots in winemaking, the Zissios family brought a piece of Greece to Northern Virginia through opening Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery in the Shenandoah Valley to the public in 2015. To this day, Blue Valley Vineyard and Winery is still family-owned and runs on the Greek value of respect, ensuring that everyone who walks through its doors are treated like family.

Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery

Address: 3623 Grove Lane, Delaplane

About: Also known as “BOW”, Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery values itself on passion, commitment, and fine wine as well as a friendly place for everyone to bring your dog both indoors and outdoors. Everyone truly feels right at home at Barrel Oak Winery and Brewery, whether human or canine!

Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery

Address: 10100 Three Fox Lane, Delaplane

About: A family and dog-friendly winery and brewery with a pizza shed overlooking the Shenandoah mountains, Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy a fun vineyard outing. Be sure to check out the beautiful onsite meadow and creek – perfect for kids and dogs to soak in some sunshine – and enjoy some wine at one of their tables in the vines! Read my full review on Three Fox Vineyards & Brewery here.

Boxwood Estate Winery

Address: 2042 Burrland Lane, Middleburg

About: Located in the heart of Middleburg, Virginia, a town filled with lots of Revolutionary War and Civil War history, Boxwood Estate Winery is a fulfilled lifelong dream of former President and Owner of NFL’s Washington Redskins John Kent Cooke. Boxwood Estate Winery has a unique onsite winemaking process alongside a variety of wonderful specialty wines, which you can read about more in my review of their specialty Estate Pairing within their incredible wine cave (!!!!) here.

Paradise Springs Winery

Address: 13219 Yates Ford Road, Clifton

About: One of the closest wineries to Washington, DC, Paradise Springs Winery is a bicoastal winery with a location in Santa Barbara, California as well as in Clifton, Virginia. Guests can enjoy the winery’s gorgeous grounds and scenery in the heart of Clifton, Virginia as well as different food trucks that come to visit.

The Winery at Bull Run

Address: 15950 Lee Highway, Centreville

About: A grape to glass farm winery right next to the historic Civil War Manassas Battlefield Park, The Winery at Bull Run pays homage to its Civil War roots while producing incredible wines. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in the tasting room with a complimentary wine glass in lieu of wine flights as well onsite their live music. Read about my experience at The Winery at Bull Run here.

Old Farm Winery at Hartland

Address: 23583 Fleetwood Road, Aldie

About: The sister winery to The Winery at Bull Run, Old Farm Winery at Hartland located in Aldie, Virginia is situated on a renovated 18th century farm and former fox hunting club where the Kennedy’s used to go. Be sure to enjoy their guided wine tastings in lieu of wine flights – similar to that of its sister winery and enjoy a guided tour of the grounds. Read about my experience at Old Farm Winery at Hartland here.

Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard

Address: 275 Decatur Road, Stafford

About: Located in Stafford County with an onsite bistro, Potomac Point Winery & Vineyard offers an elegant twist to the vineyard experience. Be sure to indulge in a delicious meal and one of their wine-soaked cakes at their onsite bistro and take in all of the lovely scenic views.

Morais Vineyards & Winery

Address: 11409 Marsh Road, Bealton

About: Offering gorgeous Portuguese-style opulence and architecture, Morais Vineyards & Winery offers a breathtakingly gorgeous grounds to take it all in, one sip at a time! Be sure to check out their tasting room to enjoy their incredible wines, as well as events and visiting food trucks, alongside a gorgeous grounds stroll.

Casanel Vineyards & Winery

Address: 17952 and 17956 Canby Road, Leesburg

About: Shaped in their three core values of people, passion, and a sense of place, owners Casey and Nelson DeSouza planted their roots at what is now Casanel Vineyards & Winery in 2006. With a lot of hard work, authenticity, and a whole lot of celebration, the DeSouza’s have created a place where everyone can come together no matter who they are for a glass of wine (or a mocktail) and leave having a great time. Today, the values of people, passion, and a sense of place still reign true at Casanel as the winery has several offerings to enjoy whether it be enjoying a glass or flight in their tasting room or outside at their patio or balcony, or a stroll around the grounds’ gazebo, everyone will be sure to have a great time!

Wrap-Up

The wine, the people, and the character is what makes every single one of these wineries in Northern Virginia worth a visit! Not only is there diversity and kind souls within the Northern Virginia region that distinguishes it, but there are also diversity and kind souls plus wine within each of these 10 wineries in Northern Virginia. If you plan on visiting multiple wineries within the year or even a week/month sure to check out Reserve Pass and get your membership today to start saving while you sip. Use my discount code “ktwine40” for 40% off an annual membership today (value: $69). Through it all, Northern Virginia is such an incredible place and these wineries make it so incredible!

***A special thank you to Reserve Pass for sponsoring today’s blog post. Without their support, The Pink Chickadee would not be where it is today!***

XOXO – Katie <3

July 22, 2025May 6, 2026

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The Life of Katie!

Through simply enjoying the dog days of Summer through a recent trip (2/2) to Bethany Beach, Delaware, hosting some great friends, prepping for the upcoming Fall 2025 season, and *of course* savoring the Summer 2025 season, I have been striving to enjoy every minute I can these days. When this post goes live, I will have officially wrapped up my second getaway to Bethany Beach, Delaware for the Summer 2025 season. I will be updating my Bethany Beach, Delaware Travel Guide soon, too, to reflect all of the wonderful things that I did, places that I ate, and shops that I supported during my time there this Summer 2025. SO, stay tuned!!! In other news, I have been enjoying the Summer 2025 season close to home and at Bethany Beach, Delaware with my amazing best friends Alanna and Amanda. Nevertheless, blessed is an understatement!!

What I’m Eyeing!

My favorite things this past June 2025 have had a bit of a theme: lobsters! I’ve LOVED the lobster sweatshirt, dress, and pajamas I purchased on a whim and have worn on REPEAT!! At the same time, I have been excited to get my brand-new Lilly Pulitzer planner for the new calendar year as well as reusing my Barrington Gifts tote that I bought as a graduation gift to myself upon graduating from college in 2021.

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As a proud Dog Mama, I adore browsing some adorable finds fit for any Dog parent!

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J Crew Factory is one of my *very* favorite clothing brands to shop and eye finds from! Not only is J Crew Factory an affordable clothing brand to shop, but it also offers ultra-cute and preppy pieces at a fraction of the price that a lot of other preppy fashion brands are sold at. I adore browsing and sometimes purchasing many of the new arrivals that J Crew Factory has to offer, including these from their latest Summer 2025 drop!

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Over the years, I have adored United Monograms’ customized tees and sweatshirts. Truly, there is something for everybody at United Monograms, whether it be monogrammed or not! I found myself admiring some of their many pieces recently, despite not being a big t-shirt girl myself!!

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In the Kitchen!

My newest segment of The Life of Katie! Posts – titled – In The Kitchen! – will feature the meals that I have recently cooked and enjoyed in the comfort of my own home. For context, I regularly cook for my Papa whom I live with and I. I curate a weekly menu and have been trying several new recipes (with some previously loved crowd pleasers in between!!) for us with Papa’s approval, and, away I go to our local Giant grocery store to get the groceries for the week! Recently, I went to Trader Joe’s and stocked up on some wine, my go-to white cheddar popcorn snack favorite, candles, body butter, and several seasonal grocery items for us to devour which we did these past few weeks. Now, let’s get cooking!!!

Trader Joe’s Corn + Burrata Ravioli with Roasted Baby Broccoli and Caprese

Surf & Turf Night: Steak & Old Bay shrimp with baked potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sautéed mushrooms with blue cheese, and Caprese

Trader Joe’s Lemon Butter Salmon (delicious and found in the frozen seafood section and sold by the filet!!) with jasmine rice and roasted multi-color carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower

Shrimp lemon + kale linguine with Caesar salad (plus some fresh lettuce from Papa’s garden at my Mom’s house!!)

Breakfast for dinner!!

Our newest Fourth of July tradition: ice cream sundaes!

The Life of Katie!

The rest of Summer 2025 – Nevertheless, Summer 2025 has been an INCREDIBLE (!!!!!) season so far! I feel so so so lucky to have had a great Summer season so far, especially after a family emergency last Summer. So far this Summer, I have enjoyed 2 weekends away in Bethany Beach, Delaware, hosted 2 lovely friends each for a week, took weekly walks with my best friend Haley, enjoyed multiple outings with family and around the Washington, DC area, and several delicious home cooked dinners at home with Papa. Truly, I have been savoring all of the moments before the Summer 2025 season ends and things pick up and get busy in the Fall 2025 season. For the rest of Summer 2025, I have a weeklong trip to Italy and a long weekend trip to North Carolina on the docket – both of which I’m REALLY looking forward to! One of my most recent outings was a morning at the National Gallery of Art with my Uncle James — see more below!!

Prep for Fall 2025 – Alongside enjoying the Summer 2025 season, I have also been prepping for the upcoming Fall 2025 season. Things will get busy after I get back from my weeklong trip to Italy at the end of August, so I want to be sure that I have systems in places and schedules already aligned to allow myself to rest post-trip but also jump into the back to school for adults excitement that is Fall. This Fall 2025 season, I am going to be attending church regularly on Sunday’s and weekly church dinner and Bible study on Wednesday’s with my Mom and Papa as well as becoming an active Daughters of the American Revolution member via attending monthly meetings and book clubs. I will also be making time to walk with my best friend Haley after work weekly – something that we started doing this Spring and have LOVED doing – and some workouts with my Mom potentially in the mornings. Through it all, regular dinners with Papa throughout the week WILL continue, as I’m digging into cookbooks from recent times and decades’ past to find recipes that we can enjoy. As for this platform, I have also been planning out some fun content to share with YOU this Fall 2025 and into the holidays, too. Nevertheless, I am excited for the upcoming season but also striving to savor Summer!
Enjoying my rent – I have also been focusing on some super fun home projects this Summer 2025 and have gone thrifting wayyyy more than I’d like to admit – LOLLLL! On my Instagram (let’s be friends @_thepinkchickadee), I shared a recent reel (shop it here) of my apartment and am SOOOO excited to share many more soon, too!! I learned how to hang photos on a gallery wall recently – a special thanks to Papa (!!!!) on that one – and have finished hanging up the gallery wall by my bathroom (here). I have also purchased tons of fun new wine glasses from the thrift store that I’ve enjoyed using, alongside some home cooked meals via my brand-new series (up above) called In The Kitchen. Needless to say, stay tuned for more home projects to come!
A week with one of my best friends! – My best friend Alanna came to visit for the past week and I LOVED every minute of it! Alanna flew up a day before we hit the road to go stay with my Dad and Step Mom for a long weekend in Bethany Beach, Delaware. While there, we went out for dinner and drinks for an evening in nearby Dewey Beach, Delaware and caught an incredibly beautiful sunset alongside the Indian River. We also enjoyed two outings to the beach, lots of delicious meals, and many good laughs and memories made. We also enjoyed a lovely stroll and brunch with Alanna’s Aunt in nearby and ultra-charming Lewes, Delaware aka “the first town in the first state”! Nevertheless, I will be updating my Bethany Beach, Delaware Travel Guide which I published recently with all that I did this summer while there. Til next year for another bestie beach getaway!!

XOXO – Katie <3

July 15, 2025December 29, 2025

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What I Wore Out Of Office – June 2025

From family cookouts and picnics to watch the pre-Fourth of July fireworks to a long weekend in Bethany Beach and a lovely week of hosting my good friend Claire and exploring around Washington, DC, Delaware, my June 2025 out of office was for sure a fun one! Ah, I LOVE Summer fun!!! Compared to June 2024, I feel extremely blessed to be where we are in June 2025. In June 2024, we experienced a family emergency due to Papa’s knee replacement surgery and post-surgical infection. Luckily, everything is OKAY today and we are all in great spirits and in a much better place than we were just 365 days ago. Grateful, thankful, and blessed for sure!

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.

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***Forgot to link***

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XOXO – Katie <3

July 9, 2025January 27, 2026

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What I Wore to Work – June 2025

The June 2025 work month helped me find my direction forward in terms of my ever-evolving 2025 professional goals. I’ve honestly been just about *everywhere* when it came to what I aspired to seek out in terms of goals in my 9-5 world. My mind was going in multiple different directions! However, I have finally narrowed down my professional goals for the year and to look ahead into 2026. Ah, it feels good and I’m excited to pursue them while continuing to do what I’ve been doing professionally, too!!

Besides my professional goals within my 9-5, I am also working on some creative endeavors and goals within my side hustle – aka this incredible platform! Don’t worry, though! Y’all will be the first to hear about ALL of the excitement that is to come — I will be revamping my newsletter (likely on Substack as I’ve had quite a few friends subscribe and merge my existing newsletter audience there despite my absence!), where I will likely share the news to my subscribers first. MORE to come soon!!!

For more preppy style & grand millennial home content, check out my Preppy Fashion & Grand Millennial Home page.