Visiting Saint-Rémy-de-Provence: Following Van Gogh's Footsteps

As I mentioned in my previous post, our planned tour to Gordes and Roussillon was unexpectedly canceled. We quickly shifted gears and booked tickets on the high-speed train to Arles instead. On the morning of our excursion, however, we discovered our train would be delayed by more than two hours. Not wanting to waste a beautiful morning in Provence, we changed plans once again and hopped on a bus to Saint-Rémy-de-Provence.

One of the reasons we chose our hotel in Avignon was its convenient location between the train station and the central bus station. That decision paid off, allowing us to adjust our itinerary on the fly with minimal hassle. Since Arles, Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and several other Provençal towns were already on our list of places to explore, the last-minute change felt less like a setback and more like an unexpected opportunity.

Many of the Provençal towns host weekly markets on designated days, transforming their streets and town squares into lively open-air marketplaces. As luck would have it, we arrived in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence on a Wednesday—the very day the town hosts its weekly market. It was the first thing that greeted us as we stepped off the bus, with stalls stretching through the town center and a vibrant atmosphere that immediately captivated us.

Sausage, anyone?

Love the lavender!

Olive plants and garlic

And of course, cheese :-)

After picking up some local herbs and lavender products, we followed the 1-kilometer Van Gogh Trail from the tourist office to Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the former monastery-turned-asylum where Vincent van Gogh spent a year. During his stay, he created around 150 paintings inspired by the surrounding Provençal landscapes. Along the trail, reproductions of his artworks stand at the very spots where he painted, allowing visitors to see Saint-Rémy-de-Provence through the artist's eyes.

The beginning of the Van Gogh trail

Wheat Field with Cypress

Almond blossom

Olive trees

Approaching the monastery/asylum

Where he painted irises

Ticket booth

Irises along the path to the asylum

Statue of Van Gogh

I was hesitant about touring the asylum. When I finally decided to go in, I found myself almost completely alone. Most visitors had already gone outside, leaving only another couple wandering the quiet hallways. The stillness gave the place an eerie atmosphere. When I reached Van Gogh's room, I only peeked inside—I couldn't bring myself to step in. Silly, I know, but the empty room and quiet corridors made me feel a little uneasy.

Hallway leading to Van Gogh's room

Outside Van Gogh's room

Van Goh's bedroom

His second room held his artwork

Reproduction of his paintings lined the walls

Looking at the asylum from the outside

the scenery from Van Gogh's room

We lucked out with a beautiful sunny spring day to visit Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. It was more than just a stop on our Provence itinerary—it was a chance to step into Van Gogh’s world. From the peaceful landscapes to the halls of Saint-Paul-de-Mausole, the town offered a glimpse into the place that inspired some of his most memorable works and left us with a deeper appreciation for the artist and the beauty that surrounded him.

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

Port of Call: St. Petersburg, Florida

St. Pete has come a long way from its old reputation as “God’s Waiting Room.” We were smitten with downtown St. Pete the first time we dropped anchor at the North Yacht Basin years ago. Even then, it exuded a small-town charm, with everything just a short stroll or boat ride away.

Since those early visits, the city has blossomed into a vibrant destination brimming with art, culture, and an unmistakable coastal energy. Today, St. Pete pulses with creativity—alive with music, craft breweries, and a youthful energy that rivals any major coastal hotspot. The Central Arts District bursts with murals, galleries, and cozy cafés where locals and travelers mingle. The iconic Dalí Museum remains a must-see, as does the mesmerizing Chihuly Collection. New cultural landmarks like the Museum of the American Arts and Crafts Movement and the Imagine Museum have further cemented St. Pete’s reputation as a true haven for art lovers.

The new pier opened in 2020

North Yacht Basin

The Vinoy Hotel and Marina

Looking at St. Pete downtown from the new pier (2020)

looking at St. Pete downtown from the old pier (2009)

Old Inverted Pyramid Pier (1973-2013, demolished in 2015)

Just last Saturday, St. Pete celebrated the new Pier’s fifth birthday with a stunning drone show lighting up the night sky.

The city is best explored on foot or by bike, where every corner reveals a new surprise. Its flat, sun-drenched streets and scenic waterfront paths make getting around effortless, inviting visitors to slow down and soak in the local vibe. The culinary scene is equally captivating—rooftop bars offer sweeping views of Tampa Bay, while tucked-away eateries serve up fresh Gulf seafood and inventive, globally inspired dishes. St. Pete has truly evolved into a foodie destination. The vibe is relaxed yet refined, adventurous but never pretentious—a perfect reflection of the city itself.

Whether you arrive by boat, car, or for a spontaneous weekend getaway, St. Pete feels like one of Florida’s best-kept secrets — a city that’s rediscovered itself without ever losing its coastal charm.

Have you been to St. Pete?

What were your favorite spots to eat, explore, or just relax by the water? Drop them in the comments below—your insider tips might just inspire someone’s next great Tampa Bay adventure. 🌴✨

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

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From Canvas to Garden: How Van Gogh's Sunflowers Inspired My Green Thumb

I have to admit—I was never really drawn to still-life paintings. But that all changed when I saw Van Gogh’s Sunflowers. Something about those bright, joyful blooms bursting off the canvas completely changed my perspective. I was smitten. 

Sunflower on a lovely summer day at a friend's farm in TN

Van Gogh's artwork on a house in Mount Dora, Florida

Van Gogh's immersive art at the Dali Museum in St Pete, Florida

Dali Museum

That same vibrant energy came to life at the St. Pete Saturday Morning Market. The sunflowers there were so cheerful and radiant, it was impossible to walk by without smiling — or wanting to take a bunch home.

Saturday Morning Market

Feeling inspired, I decided to try growing my own sunflowers. I picked up a pack of Mammoth Russian seeds from the Dollar Store and planted a few in a large tub. A few weeks later, I was thrilled to see little seedlings pushing through the soil. When they finally bloomed, I was amazed - these sunny giants were absolutely stunning.  What a rewarding experience! Sunflowers are not only easy to grow, but truly breathtaking once they reach full height.

One year, I even documented the life cycle of a sunflower by taking a photo every day and turning it into a time-lapse video. At the end of the season, I carefully cut off the flower head and placed it in a paper bag to dry out for seeds. A perfect plan — until my well-meaning hubby unknowingly tossed the whole bag! 😢

This video below shows a butterfly on the sunflower. 

From my Florida garden

If you’re ever in the Tampa Bay area, I highly recommend spending time in downtown St. Pete. It's such a charming spot, filled with cozy restaurants, local art galleries, and museums. In fact, the city just had a Free Museum Day two Saturdays ago —and it was a great way to explore without spending a dime.

And don’t miss the Saturday Morning Market, which kicks off its season on October 4! There’s live music, friendly vendors, fresh produce, and that laid-back Florida vibe that makes it such a fun way to start the weekend.

And for all you beach lovers—you’re in luck! The stunning Gulf beaches are just minutes away, offering the perfect setting for sunbathing, shell collecting, a barefoot stroll along the shore, or simply soaking in one of Florida’s breathtaking sunsets.

Have you ever been inspired by art to try something new? 

Whether it’s planting flowers, picking up a paintbrush, or just pausing to appreciate the colors around you—I’d love to hear your story in the comments!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday and Saturday Sparks.

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