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It’s been five months since my 30th birthday trip to Stockholm, and I am finally recapping the adventure. Shortly after my return, Ursa’s tumor resurfaced, and life, well, happened. Given that Maja, my dear dear friend whom I was visiting in April is arriving to Cartwheel Farm this afternoon with her beau, Lars (a fellow Swed whom she met while in New York City en route to my wedding five years ago – crazy right?), I thought it was high time to revisit the trip and share some recommendations for those planning a trip to Stockholm (a trip I HIGHLY recommend).

^^This is the view from Maja and Lars’ apartment in Stockholm. (I KNOW! Swoon!) They live in the Lundagatan neighbor in Stockholm (which is where Lisbeth Salandar’s apartment was in the Girl with a Dragon Tattoo series. Very on trend, LasseMaja). What I love most about Stockholm is that it is a watery, walkable city. It’s a series of interconnected islands, and very very pedestrian friendly. I loved exploring (and training for my half marathon) by running around the water front of the city. Their apartment was on Södermalm island. For a look at the amazing, totally Scandinavian design of their flat, see this post.^^

^^The night I arrived Maja spoiled me with a festively decorated American/Swedish pride dessert.^^

^^Our first day we visited the Moderna Museet (Stockholm’s modern art museum). We walked (of course) and spent as much time enjoying lunch and lattes in the sunshine at the museum’s cafe and the wonders of the museum store as we did absorbing the artwork within. I highly recommend a visit.^^

^^A lot of my time was consumed just oogling the beautiful cityscapes and leisurely exploring all the incredible shops and absorbing as much of the fashion and design as my brain could handle.^^

^^While H&M and Ikea are the obvious Swedish shops to visit in their motherland, I highly recommend a stop at Granit. So much incredible, minimalist design for home and office.^^

^^We did lots and lots of cafe lounging. In my opinion, there’s no better way to take in the spirit and vibe of a city. I loved the people watching and observing firsthand how truly family-friendly and remarkable a community there is in Stockholm. I am so envious of the Swedish approach to parenting.^^

^^We visited Fotografiska, a photography museum perched right on the water front. I found it inspiring. On so very many levels. Anna Claren’s work spoke to me in particular. Do visit this gem of a museum if you’re ever in Stockholm.^^

^^We spent time with Maja’s family. Her sister and her British husband, two children, a FLAT COAT! (I, obviously, was obsessed with him), and a hamster lived in an insanely amazing apartment in another part of the city. We spent a morning celebrating her nephew Max’s birthday.^^

^^Later that evening, Swedish meatballs were consumed. Of course.^^

^^Maja and Lars hosted a housewarming slash joint 30th Birthday bash with all their friends and family one night. It was such a special evening where I was able to have thoughtful and meaningful conversation with such a different and fascinating cultural perspective. I so appreciated the opportunity to really talk with Maja’s friends about everything from politics to parenting, pop culture to childbirth. And I fell even more in love with the Swedish approach to life. As though that were possible.^^

^^Whenever possible, order yourself a kanelbulle (Swedish cinnamon bun) – you won’t regret it.^^

^^My favorite trip was to the Artipelag (where I did this shoot for LasseMaja). Such a unique and gorgeous place. If you have a car, do take the 30 minute trip outside Stockholm to visit.^^

^^And, there was plenty of time just spent goofing around Maja’s apartment, catching up and being together. A rare event that I can’t believe we’re duplicating twice in one year! I cannot wait to see these beauties this afternoon, and to dance our faces off this Sunday when James and I are throwing a Barnyard Dance in honor of our anniversary. Despite all the heartache of this past year, there has been so much joy as well.^^

MUST DO: Stockholm, SWEDEN

– Artipelag: A modern art museum and architectural wonder housed out in the Swedish archipelago. INCREDIBLE!

– Moderna Museet: Modern art museum in the heart of Stockholm.

– Fotografiska: Photography museum with a gorgeous waterfront cafe.

– Eat a kanelbulle. Eat Swedish meatballs. Eat bilar (chewy candy cars) and proper Swedish fish.

– We had one fancy dinner out at B.A.R. Amazing seafood. Great atmosphere. Near the Moderna Museet. Relatively affordable (for Sweden). Two very enthusiastic thumbs up.

– Shop Granit, Design House Stockholm, & Other Stories, H&M (duh!), Byredo, The Malmsten Store & 10 Swedish Designers

– For kid’s awesomeness, shop Mini Rodini, Polarn O. Pyret & Geggamoja

And most of all, wander, stroll, window shop, and get lost along the waterfront parks throughout the city. I particularly recommend the Tantolunden park on Södermalm with its quaint “allotment gardens,” which are a series of mini-cottage/shack structures along the hillside that families own and use in the summer for gardening. Truly, it is adorable to behold.