I will be staying in Castellina in Chianti in July. Is anyone familiar with Locanda Le Piazze? We are thinking of staying there. Also, what day trips to towns and/or retaurants nearby would you recommend. Thank you!
There are many restaurants in Castellina itself and all around the Chianti hills, but I don't remember the names. Pastececi is pretty famous around there. From Castellina, in the middle of the Chianti, you are within one hour drive from most of Tuscany and within two hour drive from ALL of Tuscany (and beyond), therefore you can take trips to so many towns there aren't enough characters in this comment box. There are more than 5000 towns in Tuscany. Florence is within 45 min and Siena is half hour away (those are the closest 'biggest' towns). But of course there are plenty of famous small ones nearby: San Gimignano, Volterra, Monteriggioni, Pienza, Montepulciano, Monteriggioni, Colle V.E. etc.) Take a look at a comprehensive list of the best and most famous below. They are all within an easy day trip from Castellina: http://www.borghiditoscana.net/