The Top ICONIC LIFE Stories of 2019

Higgins Architecture

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MODERN FARMHOUSE STYLE
Why Modern Farmhouse Architecture is a Timeless Classic has been a reader favorite all year. Architect Michael Higgins uses context and environment to refine the popular modern farmhouse style. If you’ve been clicking on design websites, pinning on Pinterest or watching HGTV, you’ve seen modern farmhouse style take off, with designers and architects readily embracing the trend. Chip and Joanna Gaines’ HGTV show, Fixer Upper, virtually cornered the market on the look, making shiplap walls, reclaimed wood, barn doors and marquee letters de rigueur.

Dasheene at Ladera Resort

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FINE DINING WITH A VIEW
We traveled the world to uncover the 10 best places to enjoy fine dining with a spectacular view, and Fine Dining Where the View is the Main Course hit a chord with our readers who started sharing their favorites. Stay tuned for more on that. Dining isn’t just dinner, it’s an experience that takes food, atmosphere, and service to the next level. Add a spectacular view, and you’ve got an exceptional memory to last a lifetime. Whether you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles with a view or a restaurant in the tallest restaurant in the world, check out our faves.

Photo by Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

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BEST CITY GARDENS OF THE WORLD
Enjoy these breathtaking views of the most beautiful gardens in the world we featured in Six of the Best International City Gardens Where You Can Escape. When you’re in a bustling city, sometimes you just need a chance to breathe. And what better way to do that than by connecting with nature? These gardens in the heart of busy cities are designed to give travelers a chance to step out of the chaos and into the calm. From an iconic garden in Paris to one of the best spots in all of Tokyo to see the cherry blossoms bloom, check out these six stunning international city gardens that take our breath away.

Visit Laguna Beach

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LOVING LAGUNA BEACH
Laguna is the perfect playground for ocean lovers, from surfers to artists to billionaires—all playing in the same proverbial sandbox. Laguna Beach: Luxe Living Where the Land Meets the Sea resonated with our readers who love this West-Coast beach city. Home to surfing championships, even skim-boarding championships, a lively arts community and some of the poshest real estate, Laguna offers an escape from everyday city cares. And there’s so much to do, from culinary innovation to outdoor pursuits to world-renowned performances, making every visit a new adventure. As publisher, I curated this list of how to “do” Laguna, here is what I shared.

photo by Olga Danylenko

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TAKE A HIKE
It’s always a good time to take a hike—even better when you can bask in the view. Our story Best Places to Take a Hike with a View nurtures the mind, body and soul. Tantalizing your senses with the sights and sounds of nature, breathing fresh air, getting your heart rate up and getting away from your electronics for a while can refresh and revitalize. Whether you are a solo hiker, like to hike with friends or join in with a group, to celebrate this amazing activity, we’ve rounded up the best hikes with a view.

Photo by Josemaria Toscano

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BEST SUNSETS EVER
There is something both magical and inspirational about a beautiful sunset—the iconic ending to a lovely day as featured in The Best Sunsets Ever. Watching a sun set—nature’s magnificent celebration of color and light is one of her best show-off moments. Today, more than ever, these brilliant displays stop me in my tracks. Here are some of my favorites, with a little bonus at the end of trips I plan to take to see the sunset from a different latitude and longitude.

Photo by A Lot of People / Shutterstock

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BEST SHOPPING
Indulge these six uber-luxe shopping destinations that deliver the total package in Welcome to Retail Heaven: Six Global Luxury Shopping Districts Where You Can Indulge. Sure, you can purchase just about anything online. But nothing will ever replace the experience of heading into a chic boutique, chatting with a sales associate and then walking out with a new item in hand. And if you’re looking to stock up on some luxury goods, these six luxury shopping districts are the perfect places to indulge.

The Modern

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BEST MUSEUM DINING
It’s an inspiration to all your senses to enjoy culinary excellence in the halls of the country’s most impressive art museums. Where Food is Art: Seven Best Museum Restaurants in the U.S. features “live beautifully” days touring awe-inspiring, well-designed, architecturally interesting art museum with works by the most-known masters and dining to elevate the spirit. It’s an a-plus day for all your senses, and we recommend making sure you experience each of these fine culinary destinations as you travel to America’s most iconic cities to savor the best museum restaurants.

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Bulgari Hotel Milano

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MILAN DESIGN WEEK
When the beautiful minds of the global design community merged with the most exquisite Italian design brands for a conclave of sheer design nirvana, we shared Milan Design Week: Where to Eat, Stay and Play. Milan once served as the capital of the Western Roman Empire and today, the fashionable city serves as home to both historical ancient architecture and modern, city high-rise buildings, serving as Italy’s fashion and financial epicenter. To savor all that Italian-design deliciousness, here’s our city guide to where to go, where to dine and what to do while you’re in the fashionable city.