Riga woke slowly under a silvery November sky, and we spent our morning exploring its more elegant side before heading north. While Vecrīga, the Old Town, had already captured our hearts, the Art Nouveau District—especially along Alberta Street—felt like walking through a living museum. Every building was adorned with intricate faces, flowers, and flowing lines. It’s a part of Riga that reminds you this was once one of Europe’s most stylish cities. Marley happily strutted along, enjoying the gentle morning bustle and a few pats from admiring passersby.
Before leaving, we took a relaxed stroll through Bastejkalna Park and Kronvalda Park, green ribbons threading through the city center and perfect for a dog walk. These peaceful spaces sit where the old city moat once was—a quiet reminder of Riga’s long history of fortifications and resilience, something the U.S. military noted when stationed nearby during NATO partnership missions.
By late morning, we hit the road toward Tallinn, Estonia—our next country on this Baltic journey. About an hour north of Riga, we made a worthwhile detour to Sigulda, a forested town known as the “Switzerland of Latvia.” The trails around Turaida Castle were still covered with autumn leaves, offering panoramic views over the Gauja River Valley. It was the perfect leg-stretch for both the kids and Marley before continuing north.
Crossing into Estonia brought with it a subtle change in scenery—denser forests, tidier roads, and the feeling of drawing closer to the northern edge of Europe. This marked a special milestone: European Country #30 for our family. We arrived in Tallinn by afternoon and checked into the Kalev Hotel & WaterPark. The indoor pools and slides made it clear why this stop was so essential—it’s a family-friendly break from the long drives.
After dinner, we wandered out to Tallinn’s Old Town, where the Christmas Market at Town Hall Square had already come alive. Snowflakes drifted under the glow of string lights, and the smell of gingerbread and mulled wine filled the air. The square looked like something out of a fairytale—the kind of place you imagine when you think of a northern European Christmas.
Tallinn greeted us with warmth despite the chill in the air. Between the medieval towers, the laughter from the waterpark, and the twinkling lights, it was a day that blended history, family fun, and just a touch of Baltic magic.
