Early in the summer, Martha spent some time with friends in the stunning South of France, where she and Kevin Sharkey visited the extraordinary Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc. Situated on the rocks overlooking the Mediterranean Sea on the top of Cap d'Antibes, the hotel lies halfway between Nice and Cannes.

The Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, has amazing cabanas that are for hire for a season or by the day. They are private little enclaves where one can sunbathe, dine, and swim in the sea.

The hotel's stunning gardens included this beautiful bloom of agapanthus (also known as the African lily and lily of the Nile), a plant that Martha likes to grow in pots.

Also growing at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc was the most gigantic wisteria vine that Martha -- or Kevin Sharkey -- had ever seen.

Martha's friend, Jean Pigozzi (seen here with his friend Evan), organized an excellent dinner at La Petite Maison in Nice. While heading to dinner in Jean's boat, the engine blew a piston, leaving Martha and company to disembark and find a taxi to travel the rest of the distance -- but everyone's spirits remained high!

Martha and the grande dame of La Petite Maison, Nicole Rubi -- she was an excellent hostess.

Martha and her dinner companions savored delicious truffle sandwiches, made of extremely thin slices of July summer truffle, a bit of butter, and salt on a baguette.

The old town of Antibes dates back to before Christ and later became an important entry point into Gaul, what is now France. As many of you know, whenever Martha travels, she makes a point to visit the local markets, and the Provencal Food Market in Old Antibes, with its amazing mix of aromas, colors, and local characters, did not disappoint.

The ancient bell tower of Antibes dates from the 12th century.

Martha enjoyed seeing the first exhibit at the newly renovated Picasso museum.

This summer, Martha took a fun road trip to Maine and back with Barbara Fight, a producer on "The Martha Stewart Show," Hannah Milman, senior vice president executive editorial director of crafts, and Jill Dienst of Dienst and Dotter Antiques.

First stop, the Allen C. Haskell Horticulturists in New Bedford, Massachusetts. This amazing nursery was created by Martha's friend Allen Haskell more than 50 years ago. His son, David Haskell (seen here with daughter Hannah), gave a tour of this nursery specializing in topiary.

Myrtle is Martha's favorite plant when shaped into standard topiary form. These beautiful plants from Haskell's nursery are 4-foot versions.

Stopping for lunch at the well-known New Bedford eatery, Antonio's, which serves Portuguese fare, Martha and friends posed with restaurant owners Tony and Ida Martinho.

Martha always enjoys stopping at Bob Withington Antiques, located on scenic Route One in York, Maine.

The road trip continued with a visit to Brass and Friends Lighting, located in the little city of Hallowell, Maine. Martha had a great time in this wonderfully eclectic shop filled to the gills with lighting fixtures.

Lunching with Paul and Sharon Mrozinski, owners of The Marston House, in Wiscasset, Maine, Martha enjoyed wine from her hosts' hometown in France, where they spend a part of every year from October to April.

Swans Island Blankets are gorgeous wool blankets, woven by hand using time-honored traditions. The Swans Island studio and showroom is in an 18th-century post-and-beam farmhouse, on a 17-acre farm, in Northport, Maine.

Of course Francesca and Sharkey went along for the ride! They were excited to help Martha participate in a fundraising event for the SPCA of Hancock County.

Martha's final road trip destination was Skylands, her home in Seal Harbor, Maine. She wrote her September magazine column when she arrived, sitting in the great hall.

For even more behind-the-scenes travel pictures, check out Martha's visit to the sunny Bahamas, beautiful Iceland, and historic Poland. Plus, join "Everyday Food" on a culinary road trip to Las Vegas.

See More Destinations

• Martha's Trip to the Bahamas
• Martha Visits Iceland and Poland
• "Everyday Food" in Las Vegas