One of the things I love about Göteborg is the way in which shop keepers dress up their store fronts and entry ways. As the dark days of winter arrive, we now see burning candles lighting our way on the sidewalks and entries decorated with ferns, firs, berries and nuts. ENLARGE IMAGE »

As winter approaches, Sweden holds tight to the colors of early autumn. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Tram #2. The architecture has been in place for years and yet the trams of Göteborg keep rushing by. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Too busy to sit? Most of the outdoor furniture has now been brought inside … but not all of it. Swedes love to sit outdoors for fika even during the cold winter weather. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Göteborg is a walking city — there are no concrete sidewalks in this city, but instead the old world charm of cobblestones and flat granite surfaces. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Autumn in New England is known to be bright with color. Autumn in Sweden this year was pretty special as well. Near perfect and definitely comparable to New England in both color and sunshine. Who would have thought? ENLARGE IMAGE »

Hats in Haga. This charming section of Göteborg is popular with tourists but it's after the tourists fly home that it holds a special magic for the locals. Many cozy pubs, coffee shops and boutiques line Haga Nygata. ENLARGE IMAGE »

These olive trees are preparing to spend their winter at the spa. Hotell Citrus welcomes the lemon, orange and olive trees that usually line the outdoor cafes in summer and provides tender love and care during the winter months. This little olive tree has a sign which announces "Jag åker till Hotell Citrus på Vinter Spa." ENLARGE IMAGE »

Rolling in deep. The rains of November are on their way. ENLARGE IMAGE »

One of the great (and I mean great) delights of Haga: These huge Kunelbullar from Husaren are popular on any day, but especially on Kanelbullens day. ENLARGE IMAGE »

Stockholm's city center won't have a single car driving through it on September 9. On Vasagatan, here, bike riders, pedestrians and parents with baby carriages regularly stroll. Photo: Lisa Mikulski ENLARGE IMAGE »

Another one of those wonderful window displays demonstrating the creativity and care which shop keepers use to invite visitors in. "Välkommen," say these little guys. "Get your winter scarfs ready." ENLARGE IMAGE »