festivals

Cocktails Built Entirely Around Local Lemons and Herbs

I’ll never forget the first time a bartender on the Amalfi Coast handed me something called a Vietrijito. It came in a blue and white ceramic jar, and the first sip was rum, licorice syrup, and something I couldn’t place — lemon leaf soda. That’s when I realized these drinks aren’t just garnished with a lemon wedge. The lemon is the whole point, from the Sfusato variety grown on terraced hillsides to the herbs scattered along coastal paths. “The Amalfi

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Food and Wine Festivals Worth Planning a Whole Trip Around

More than 400 million people were expected to attend wine and food festivals in 2025. That number stopped me when I first read it. Not because I doubted it — I’ve seen how packed these events get — but because it made me realize how many of us are building entire trips around what we eat and drink. And honestly, that shift makes sense. A great meal can define a vacation. A festival built around a single ingredient or a

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Food Festivals That Take Over an Entire Town for a Weekend

In Mancaversa, a seaside stretch of Taviano in Salento, the whole village moves outdoors for dinner in mid-August. Chairs fill the piazza, a small stage goes up, and the streets become an open-air sitting room. That image — an entire town transformed into one shared table — is exactly what makes Italy’s sagre different from any food festival I’d been to before. Emily’s Take These aren’t food festivals you visit. They’re weekends where a village of a few hundred people

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Rome Unveils Fall 2025 Arts & Film Festivals

As the summer heat waves recede, Rome in the fall of 2025 welcomes you with pleasant days and cooler evenings, perfect for exploring its many layers. The city offers a rich calendar of events, from vibrant festivals to captivating exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something to draw you in. Even with fewer crowds than the peak summer months, Rome’s cultural pulse beats strong, providing ample opportunities for discovery. You might find yourself here with family, and exploring the city’s offerings with

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Alassio Offers Spring and Autumn Flower Festivals

I’d heard Alassio was once a British enclave, a seaside escape for those fleeing winter. But stepping off the train into this Ligurian gem, it felt less like a relic of the past and more like a town embracing its present, especially for spring and autumn visitors. The air was mild, the sunshine warm, and the scent of blooming flowers mixed with the salty sea breeze. It’s a place that invites you to linger, to explore its charming streets and

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A Guide to Lake Como’s Seasonal Delights

From the moment we arrived, Italy felt like a breath of fresh air after a long winter in Boston. This trip, focused on Italy, was inspired by a desire for both stunning scenery and the chance to explore a region rich in history and natural beauty. We decided to spend our time around Lake Como, a destination that promised just that, and it certainly delivered. Springtime Awakening Around the Lake Visiting in early April, we were greeted by the gentle

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Visit Italy’s Prettiest Amalfi Coast Towns

The Amalfi Coast is a truly extraordinary stretch of Italian coastline, a place where dramatic cliffs meet the sea in a spectacular display of nature’s artistry. This 30-mile expanse on the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, delicious food, and impossibly charming fishing villages. Each town seems to offer its own unique character, yet all share a common thread of spellbinding scenery: towering cliffs, secluded coves, terraced vineyards, fragrant lemon groves, and the deep,

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Experience Turin’s Rich History Through Its Markets

Turin, Italy, feels like a city that’s not trying too hard, yet it delivers an experience that’s rich with history, culture, and a surprising modern edge. It’s a place where grand historical architecture meets a forward-thinking spirit, making it a truly intriguing destination. Exploring Turin’s Historic Heart The Grandeur of Piazza San Carlo Stepping into Piazza San Carlo is like entering a living postcard. This vast, cobbled square, often referred to as Turin’s “drawing room,” is framed by elegant arcades

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Italy’s Amalfi Coast in the Shoulder Season

The buzz around Italy in the late spring and early autumn has been incredible. I’d always heard about how magical it is during these “shoulder seasons,” and I can confirm it’s absolutely true. It feels like you get the best of Italy without the overwhelming crowds of summer. We’re talking about enjoying incredible sights and flavors with a sense of peace that’s hard to find during peak tourist times. This shift toward intentional travel, focusing on experiencing places more intimately,

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Italy’s Art Cities and Harvests Await

This autumn, I found myself drawn to Italy, a country that truly shines when the summer crowds dissipate and a softer light bathes its historic cities and rolling landscapes. Traveling during this season offers a sweet spot of pleasant temperatures, fewer queues, and a chance to connect with places on a much deeper level. It’s the perfect time to explore the rich tapestry of experiences Italy offers, from vibrant cities to tranquil mountain retreats and, of course, its renowned culinary

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