Rome: probably my favorite city on Earth, if I had to choose only one. Our time here was emotional and bittersweet, but Rome's beauty did what it could to try and ease the pain. We planned the last month of our round-the-world trip to be mostly a family affair. We saved Italy and Austria for last, because we thought it would be comforting to see some of my relatives after being on the road all year, and because it would be a smooth … [Read more...]
Driving through Tuscany & Antinori Winery Visit
It was hard to leave San Marino - it is such a unique and small country. Interesting museums, eclectic shopping, great views and good food! We opted for the slow drive through Tuscany - covering windy roads up and down the rolling hills, cresting passes and driving through several National Parks. The roads are narrow, steep at times but always through picturesque countryside. This time of year everything is green or in bloom. Spring has … [Read more...]
A visit to Marchesi Antinori Chianti Classico Cellar in Tuscany, Italy
Getting Here The estate is located about 25 minutes outside of Florence Italy in the small town of Bargino. This is almost directly south of Florence, off of Highway SR 2 and only about 30 minutes from the beautiful town of Siena. Many airlines and flights connect to Florence including Alitalia, Air Berlin, Delta, KLM and Lufthansa. The Family The Antinori's own one of the world's oldest continuously operating family businesses. … [Read more...]
Five of the best affordable spa breaks, Guest Post
At the start of a New Year, kick-start your resolutions and boost your self-confidence with a relaxing spa break. After the stress of Christmas, the deluge of winter illnesses and with the imminent arrival of spring and summer, January is prime-time for some well-deserved pampering. With literally hundreds of spa breaks to choose from, we’ve done the leg work for you and picked five of the best. Booking cheap holidays today is a good way to be … [Read more...]
Peace, Love and Vodka
The Woodstock Festival took place in New York State’s Catskill Mountains in 1969. Whether you lived through it or were born decades later, Woodstock is the stuff of legends, three days of peace, love and music. Rock and roll giants such as Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, Grateful Dead and many other icons preformed. Though called Woodstock, the concert didn’t actually take place in the town of Woodstock. It took place in the rural community … [Read more...]
Second Annual Baja California Culinary Fest
Oct. 11-14 Foodie Extravaganza Highlights Region’s Quintessential Cuisine and Wines TIJUANA, Mexico, Aug. 22, 2012 – The second annual Baja California Culinary Fest will celebrate the region’s artisan fare and premium wines in cities throughout Northern Baja on Oct. 11-14. Featuring special dinners, interactive events, cooking classes, competitions and entertainment, the region’s bountiful ingredients will take center stage with special guest … [Read more...]
Florence Districts
Florence is a stunning old city that some have likened to a giant, open air museum – and for good reason! Its history and culture are evident at every turn. There's no way you can take in all the goodness of the historical districts in a mere matter of days, so hit up the Florence apartments directory and settle in for a relaxing week touring the districts of this grand old city. Duomo The Duomo district is home to many of the top … [Read more...]
Mad Scientists at Raymond Winery
My first impression of Raymond Winery when I arrive for my "Winemaker for a Day" blending experience with my fiance, Tom, is that we are at a traditional Napa winery. The "Winemaker for Day" experience involves creating my own wine blend and bottling the wine to take home with my own label - which I am currently designing with a happy employee named Casey at the tasting room counter. The tasting room has beige walls and white counter-tops with a … [Read more...]
Tuscan Delights
When I first married into a Tuscan family, I was stunned at the sheer number of butcher shops that stood under the elegant porticos in Greve-in-Chianti's gracious piazza. This tiny town in the middle of the Chianti Classico wine country has a score of butchers, many more than I would have thought could possibly earn a livelihood from the miniscule population. Americans may be known for consuming large quantities of beef, but Tuscans are … [Read more...]
Nightlife in Florence
Tuscany and Florence in particular are widely known for two things: Chianti and Renaissance art. On a vacation to Italy, staying in Florence apartments, you will most likely spend your days appreciating famous artwork and monuments such as Michelangelo's David, Il Duomo, or the Palazzo Vecchio just to name a few. Sitting down at a nice enoteca to enjoy a good glass of Chianti is not only a great reward after a day of sightseeing, it is also one … [Read more...]