• What to Do in Florence, Italy, the Duomo
    Europe,  Italy

    Florence, Italy: All the Must See’s from The Duomo to the Statue of David

    Florence, Italy is ranked among the world’s most beautiful cities, and is well known for its history, art, culture, fashion, and wealth. Spend just one day strolling the cobblestone streets flanked by the many beautiful churches, synagogues, and temples, and you’ll agree! Between the famous statue of David by Michelangelo and the domed cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, often referred to as The Duomo, these two sights alone in the heart of Firenze are enough to take your breath away. If you’re headed to Italy, Florence is one of those places you’ll want to add to your list!  It is conveniently located between Venice and Rome, making it a…

  • Europe,  Italy

    A Weekend Guide to Tuscany

    Tuscany is an ideal getaway if you love castles, wine, rolling hills and green fields galore. Here's a weekend guide to Tuscany and all the points of interest in Monteriggioni, Castellina in Chianti, Greve in Chianti, and San Gimignano.

  • tuscany castle
    Europe,  Italy

    A Tuscan Winery Experience – Castello di Verrazzano

    Tuscany is the type of place you see in love stories, like Under the Tuscan Sun, and then dream about going to one day. It is undeniably a region full of postcard material. Famous in Italy for its rolling hills, food, and most significantly wine, there is so much to see and do in Tuscany. Choosing A Tuscan Winery For Valentine’s Day weekend, we traveled to the Chianti region of Tuscany. We stayed in Monteriggioni and decided to do our first winery tour and tasting just a few towns over in Greve in Chianti. Recommended by a friend who had been there recently, we chose Castello di Verrazzano as our…

  • chocolate and tan dachshund in north carolina
    North Carolina,  Personal

    Surprise Visit to North Carolina + A Unique “Bucket List”

    When I waved goodbye to my parents and Presley at the airport three months ago and moved to Italy, I could literally feel my heart breaking. I wasn’t sure how I could make it living so far from my family for the first time in my life. Somehow I survived those first 48 hours of emotional roller coasters (you can read about that here). Only a few people knew for all those months that I’d be making a surprise visit to see my family – one was the bride that was getting married (the main reason I was going home), and the other a best friend that I knew I…