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Filario Hotel, Lezzeno, Italy
The Well-Traveled Fella has a list of set criteria when choosing a hotel. I like a clean and modern design throughout, at least a 4.5 Google star rating, a free-standing shower, a king-size bed (when travelling with Charles), a decent view, a room with at least 300 square feet of space, and a non-exorbitant price tag. In searching for a hotel in and around Lake Como, I found it particularly challenging to uncover options that met my standards. There are…
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Greenway del Lago di Como, Italy
The Greenway del Lago di Como is a pleasant seven mile trail that stretches along Lake Como’s central western shore. Starting in Colonno, the Greenway passes through the bucolic villages of Sala Comacina, Ossuccio, Lenno, Mezzegra, Tremezzo, and Griante. There is plenty to see along the way, from lavish villas and gardens to Romanesque and Baroque churches…and not to mention the endless stunning mountain and lake vistas. After a morning visit to the Villa del Balbianello, Charles and I grabbed…
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Getaria, Spain
This tiny coastal village on the Cantabrian Sea packs a big punch. Aside from its picturesque old town centered around the dramatic Gothic Church of San Salvador, Getaria is renowned for its grilled fish jatetxeak (restaurants) and rolling hills covered in Txakolí vineyards. Txakolí (pronounced cha-ko-LEE), a refreshingly young and fruity white wine with slight acidity and effervescence, is served throughout the Basque region. For me, it was love at first sip. The most noteworthy jatetxea in town is Elkano,…
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Val d’Orcia, Tuscany, Italy
I had my Tuscan photo-op fantasy fulfilled while driving through the Val d’Orcia. Verdant hills, quintessential cypress rows, perfectly manicured vineyards, historic ridgetop villages—these are the vistas that abound in the Val d’Orcia. Throw in a perfectly sunny day in autumn, and you’ll be propelled into a photo-taking frenzy like I was. Although I must say, while I was fortunate enough to snap some striking shots, there is no replacement for experiencing this slice of Italian countryside other than being…
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Arezzo, Tuscany, Italy
It started off as an overcast October morning in eastern Tuscany’s Val di Chiana. Charles and I had spent the prior day, in the rain, exploring San Gimignano and Siena, both beautiful historic cities—but both overrun by tawdry tourist shops and overpriced restaurants serving mediocre food. We were seeking a more authentic Tuscan experience, and it was suggested that we visit Arezzo. A city known to art lovers, Arezzo is home to Piero della Francesca’s most celebrated fresco cycle, Legend…
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Solbar, Calistoga, California
Just a few weeks ago I had a phenomenal meal at Solbar, the premier restaurant at Solage Calistoga in Napa. Charles and I were staying on the other side of the Mayacamas in the charming Sonoma town of Glen Ellen. A bit less manicured than its neighbor to the east, we loved the vibe of Sonoma, but each of our inner gastronomes was craving a more elevated dining experience. Solbar offered the best of both worlds—an inventive menu paired with…
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Blue Hill at Stone Barns, Pocantico Hills, New York
I recently had the opportunity to dine at Blue Hill at Stone Barns as part of a friend’s milestone birthday celebration – and literally had the meal of a lifetime. I’d never experienced dining like this before! Everything from the food to the setting to the service was immaculate, resulting in a culinary experience akin to paradise on earth. Driving up to Blue Hill was an experience unto itself. Set within the Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture, it’s…
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High Road to Taos, New Mexico
The High Road to Taos is a stunning scenic byway that connects Santa Fe with Taos. The well-signed route guides travelers through the pastures and meadows of the Pojoaque River Valley, the badlands of the high desert, the rolling foothills of the Sangre de Cristo Range, and the dense pine woodlands of Carson National Forest. Along the way are numerous Native American pueblos and Spanish villages steeped in history and tradition. In more recent times, a few of these villages…
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Cure, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
There is a burgeoning food scene in Pittsburgh. Yes, you read that correctly. The culinary wave is making its way through the Steel City, and I got the opportunity to ride it this past weekend. In the transitional neighborhood of Upper Lawrenceville, you’ll find Cure, a newish hot spot serving up “local urban Mediterranean food.” The unassuming décor is modern yet rustic, with only a handful of tables, a four-seat bar, and several stools parked in front of the open…
