Though I have posted one message already about an upcoming month stay in Sicily, we are also considering the mainland for this visit. We are looking for a a town that offers great markets (so we may cook as well as eat out); an amble supply of restaurants and cafes; a good number of interesting sites within the town itself (the not too big and not too small balance) and a location that offers a variety of interesting day trips. We are high on Sicily but also high on pretty much all of Italy. My mother is from Antonimina, Calabria so I have visited much of the south as I still have relatives living in a variety of towns south of Naples. We also love Umbria, Tuscany, Basilicata, Apulia, etc.etc. We would appreciate any thoughts on towns that may fit our description anywhere in Italy including Sicily. We are interested in getting to know a town more in depth.....
VA BENE!
Posted by
New York, NY, USA
11294 posts
When you said you wanted great food markets, my first thought was Padova. Fred Plotkin, in his book Italy For The Gourmet Traveler, rates its market as second best in the country, behind only Bologna. And in addition to the food markets, Padova is a great town; it has several days worth of designated "sights" including the stupendous Scrovegni Chapel, and is day-trip distance from Venice, Vicenza, Verona, and Ferrara, among other places. And, it's not very touristed, so it's just you and the locals. I don't know how a month there would be (it's a bit on the small side for my taste for that length of time), but I can certainly think of worse places to spend that time.
Posted by
OP
Shoreline, Washington, USA
9 posts
Thanks much, Harold. Haven't been to Padova. Will definitely investigate. And it certainly has some wonderful spots nearby...some I have visited and others not.
Ciao and thank you.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
If you do end up choosing Verona, PM me and I can send you recommendations for restaurants and sights. I don't suppose either of you plays tennis? Giovanna can set you up with the local tennis club.
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
Give some consideration to Pistoia.
Posted by
OP
Shoreline, Washington, USA
9 posts
Will do! Thanks much. Took a look at Urbino, Todi, and Assisi accommodations last night. All look pretty good as well. Still thinking about Modica, Sicily as well. Any thoughts?
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
Consider Verona. Although certainly a tourist destination (thanks to Shakespeare), is a fully functioning city in its own right. Lots of interesting day trip possibilities including Padova, Vicenza, Mantova and Venice, not to mention Lake Garda and lots of smaller towns. And it's right on the edge of the Valpolicella wine area. Here are two sets of photos from our two visits to Verona, in case you're interested: Verona May 2013 Verona May 2011
Posted by
OP
Shoreline, Washington, USA
9 posts
Where did you stay?? We (4 of us) are wanting to spend at least two weeks in one location. The photos are gorgeous. We have visited Venice and other sites in the North but since my family is from the south, I have spent more time there. This location might be very nice. Thanks so much for the suggestion. We will investigate.
Posted by
Sacramento, California U.S.A.
10737 posts
I second the suggestion for Verona. The apartment we rented there is no longer available, but I'm sure you can find something. For a stay of that length I definitely recommend an apartment.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
We stayed at Residenza Carducci which I can't praise highly enough. Even though it's a B&B, the two units they rent out are more like apartments, with a kitchenette, in case you want to do some of your own cooking. Giovanna, the owner, has become a friend and she's the greatest resource you could imagine for doing things in Verona. (Her family has owned the building for over 400 years, and she and her American husband live above the two units.) By the way, her breakfasts are amazing! If you contact her, tell her Michael from Seattle said "Ciao." :-) Oh, and they have a washing machine for guests to use. Ask for the room that looks out onto the interior courtyard, although the other one would be fine. Another plus is that it's just outside the dreaded ZTL, so it's great if you have a rental car. (Giovanna knows a guy who gives her guests a special 10E a day parking rate within a couple of blocks of her place.)
Posted by
OP
Shoreline, Washington, USA
9 posts
Thank you Michael. We will definitely consider. There are four of us who are investigating great spots. What a difficult choice! Va bene,
Linda