Falls Park on The Reedy: Beautiful Nature Park in the Middle of Downtown Greenville, SC

Downtown Greenville boasts a trendy, vibrant and diverse scene, all while still maintaining a small-town atmosphere. You get everything here: great restaurants with something for every taste, a comedy club, shops, concert hall, museums, fresh market, etc.-all within walking distance. And to top it off, a beautiful nature park right in the middle of it all. Falls Park on the Reedy is a gorgeous slice of nature nestled in the heart of Downtown Greenville. Go jogging or for a stroll right next to the beautiful falls. Walk along the suspension bridge and take gorgeous pictures or just lounge with a good book. This is the perfect spot for a lazy Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

We had a nice and quiet time here in October, enjoying some coffee while strolling the grounds.We checked out the outdoor market on Saturday. I recommend stopping by The Mast Store (outdoor clothing) and eating at Pomegranate if you are up for some amazing Mediterranean fare (must order the pita and hummus!). Orlando was our server and he was great.

Happy Travels!

Mariela

Grotta Azzurra - Capri's Blue Grotto - Yes, It IS Worth It

The Blue Grotto (“Grotta Azzurra”) is a famous sea cave located in the island of Capri, Italy. It is known worldwide as a must-see attraction due to its enchanting phosphorescent blue waters and ancient history. However, lines tend to be long, especially during high season.

I was in Naples and had planned to go see the Blue Grotto. I went with my 10-year-old son and a good friend. We knew about the long lines and I was prepared to wait maybe a little over an hour to see the Grotto, but no more than that. If it turned into a longer wait, I was ready to pass.

It must be noted that there are other caves in the area, including the Green Grotto.

I strongly suggest taking the ferry from Naples early in the morning to Capri. We left Naples at 8:30am. Once in Capri, you can book another boat to take you to the cave, however, I chose to take a taxi cab to the location and try to beat the early boats. This decision proved crucial. Our cab driver, Claudio, drove us to the Blue Grotto location and there were (alas!) only ten people in line ahead of us. I must note that this is not the norm (especially in the summer when we visited) and we truly lucked out.

You take the steps down to the water and wait in line to get on one of the many small row boats that take visitors into the cave. Pay the fee and off you go. Tipping afterwards is a must. The entrance to the Blue Grotto is small and narrow and you will have to lie on your back as the boat driver sails into the cave. Inside, you will see what you have been waiting for: the bluest water, an amazing and beautiful sight inside this historical cave that dates back to Roman times. The boat drivers sing in Italian as they sail around inside the cave.

Some people will say that visiting the Blue Grotto is a not worth it because of the lines, the boat drivers (who can be pushy about tipping-please see my previous note about tipping) and so forth. I will say this: it was worth it, it was beautiful and exactly what I had expected. I do highly recommend getting there as early as possible and taking the taxi cab to the location. We ended up renting the taxi for the entire day and it was the best decision we made. Claudio drove us all over Capri and Anacapri, told us where to shop, where to eat (go to Da Giorgio-killer views, great food and atmosphere), etc. And he was right on point each time. Also, we skipped the funicular (avoided the long lines there too) as we were able to enjoy all the majestic views right from our gorgeous open-air cab.

We visited in July and it was very hot so make sure to wear a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, bring some sunscreen and stay hydrated.

Happy Travels!

Mariela

Las Vegas: Off the Beaten Strip...Red Rock Canyon and Pink Jeep Tours

Looking to do something different and off the Strip while in Las Vegas? Get off the beaten path and experience an outdoor adventure while learning about the history of Las Vegas and its surrounding areas. We chose to visit Red Rock Canyon because it is an easy drive from the Strip (about a half hour drive). Pink Jeep Tours is the way to go here for several reasons:

They pick you up at your hotel and they are on time too. Our tour guide,Tommy, even texted us to let us know he was on his way. Also, they have excellent vehicles and keep the groups small. They picked us (two adults) up at our hotel sharply at 8am in a souped-up, air-conditioned, pink jeep/van that accommodates 10 passengers. We visited in September and the heat was on, so you should make sure to wear comfortable shoes for hiking (sneakers, hiking shoes), comfortable clothing, hat and sunblock. Pink Jeep provides unlimited cold bottled water.

 

Tommy was friendly and knowledgeable. He provided history and facts about the area and answered all our questions. He also made sure that our small group interacted. He offered to take pictures and even obliged when someone asked about taking pictures at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign. We had some time left at the end of the tour and he not only drove us to the sign, but also got us a great photo op spot without having to make the long line.

We were able to enjoy a full tour of Red Rock Canyon in the comfort of an air-conditioned and spacious vehicle. The seats are cushioned and comfortable. The only downside I experienced is that because we were the last ones to be picked up, we got stuck with sitting one behind the other (versus side by side) because of the layout of the vehicle. I was travelling with a good friend so it was not a huge deal to us, but I can see how it would be unacceptable for others, especially couples and/or parents with kids.

There are several stops along the tour, beginning with the visitors’ center followed by several scenic points and also trails. The tour lasts about 4 hours (from pick up to drop off) and they drop you off right back at your hotel.  Very convenient and great outdoor adventure!

Happy Travels!

Mariela

Tuscany - Magical Montefioralle

This is one of those places that will stay with you long after you’ve visited. Montefioralle is a medieval village located in the town of Greve in Chianti in Tuscany, Italy.

Montefioralle boasts breath-taking views and an outstanding winery by the same name. There are various wineries in the region, but the small Montefioralle winery, which is located at the foot of the village (which is on a hill), stands out for multiple reasons.

The winery features Chianti and Super Tuscan wines, starting with their 2010 Chianti Classico, a light, smooth wine that is fun and pleasant on the palate-a great companion to a Tuscan pizza. Next is the 2012 Chianti Classico Reserva, a mature and classy Chianti that  pairs well with light meats. Their Super Tuscan (IGT Montefioralle) is superb. Sophisticated and full-bodied, this was my personal favorite (along with the 2010 Chianti Classico). You should also try the 2010 Vin Santo Di Chianti Classico, made from selected dried grapes. Following a unique fermentation process, the result is a brandy-like wine that is not too sweet. Pairs well with desserts, as an after-meal wine.

The winery, like most in the region, is family-owned. Patriarch, Fernando, was very nice to our kids, showing them the magnum wines, which the boys gaped at. The place is quaint and has a homey feel to it. A long table is set just outside the small stone and mortar building, under a canopy, overlooking the Greve in Chianti mountains. If this does not already sound like a scene out of a foreign film to you, I don’t know what else to compare it to. The view alone is spectacular. As you sit relaxing with the view in front of you, the tasting attendant serves each wine and accompanying tapas-style cold cuts (including prosciutto and Tuscan salami) as well as olives, and bruschetta.

Of course, the winery’s location is highly convenient. Once you are done with the wine tasting, you can simply take the short walk up to the village. As you stroll the cobblestoned streets, you will feel like you are in another world.  It is a neighborhood frozen in time. Through a window I got a peek at an elderly woman cooking in her kitchen and watched artists working on various landscape paintings inspired by the region. There is a small church (Chiesa Di Santo Stefano) and a restaurant. It is a small community and you certainly cannot miss Maurizio Brogioni’s tasting shop, showcasing wines from his family’s estate. Maurizio is personable, witty and welcoming and his passion for the craft of wine making is readily apparent. The afternoon we visited, we were his only guests and we had such a relaxing and enjoyable time. Make sure to taste the Crèma di Cioccolato (we bought several jars!).

In short, this region is home to the best Chianti and Super Tuscans I’ve tasted to date and it is a true gem to visit. Getting there is an adventure in and of itself, as you drive uphill on winding, narrow roads, but it is most definitely worth the trip!

Happy Travels!

Mariela

Making Pizza Napoletana in Naples – A Dream Come True!

There are many food and wine tours to chose from when visiting Italy, especially in places like Naples where you can find cooking tours and lessons that vary from the highly skilled to the more traditional and fun pizza making adventure. I set out to find a cooking class that would not only appeal to me as an adult who loves cooking, but also to kids as well since my 10-year old son was coming along. I figured pizza making would be the best bet here. And what better place to learn how to make a pizza Napoletana than Naples?

After doing some research online, I settled on the Eat In Italy Food Tours team (http://www.eatinitalyfoodtours.com). I would not be disappointed.  The service is family-friendly and has great location, pricing and setup.  Making reservations online was easy. The general manager, Francesco, responded quickly to our e-mails and answered all of our questions promptly.  When we got to Naples, we took a taxi to the location for the start of our tour at Piazza Dante. We stopped by a pastry shop and tasted some of the traditional pastries, like babà, and my personal favorite, sfogliatella (a cream-filled croissant-like pastry shaped like a shell). I also had some outstanding espresso with our pastries, which got me ready and alert for our class. From there, we walked around the cobblestoned and narrow streets to Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria where we met Chef Alessandro Izzo and the staff for our pizza-making class. Chef Alessandro and Francesco (both speak English) walked us through the entire process of pizza making, including a tasting of ingredients (I was blown away by the taste of mozzarella fior di latte and their fresh ricotta cheese). The staff got along great with my 10-year old who ended up being a natural at pizza making. My son had a blast. I was very pleased with the class, picking up tips on how to improve my own pizza making at home and learning so much more about the ingredients and what happens behind the scenes at the restaurant’s kitchen.  Francesco and his team are professional, personable and provide exceptional service. By the time we left, I felt like we’d made two new friends! I The tour/class lasts about 3 hours (10:30am-1:30pm) and ends with you eating your own pizza creation while enjoying the view at Piazza San Domenico.

After you are done there, I highly suggest visiting the Museo Cappella Sansevero where you can see the famous sculpture The Veiled Christ (“Il Cristo Velato”) by Giuseppe Sanmartino. The museum is located a short walk from Palazzo Petrucci Pizzeria. And don’t forget to try the local red wine, Lacryma Christi (“Tears of Christ”), made from native grape Piedirosso. The grapes are grown on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, which explains the mineral and soil elements of the palate. A fun and interesting wine, it paired perfectly with my Neaopolitan pizza!

Happy Travels!

Mariela

Milan, Italy – The Last Supper

The first thing I will tell you is that if you are planning a trip to Milan, make sure to plan ahead. You can see the mural painting, The Last Supper, by Leonardo Da Vinci at the Santa Maria delle Grazie church in Milan -but make sure to buy tickets well in advance (months in advance to be precise) as space is limited and tickets sell out quickly. Having said that, if you are not able to secure tickets ahead of time, you can try going to the site itself once you get there and ask if there are any last minute cancellations/availability. This is how I lucked out and obtained a ticket during my trip to Milan. One ticket. That is all they had.

I visited during the month of July and it was busy but not ridiculous. I had a ticket just for viewing The Last Supper and it included a brief tour, with the guide explaining the origins of the church and then walking the group (roughly about 20-30 people) inside a small, cool chapel where you could see The Last Supper on one end and on the opposite mural, the painting, Crucifixion, by Giovanni Donato. It must be noted that you are not allowed to take pictures/photographs once inside the church.

Santa Maria della Grazie Church 

A picture of a copy of the painting taken outside of the church (you are not allowed to take photographs of the original)

It is a true experience and a must-see when in Milan. Surely you can see the deterioration of the painting The Last Supper, but ironically, this (in my humble opinion) also lets the viewer appreciate other aspects and details of Leonardo’s work. 

You should see it for yourself. It is an experience.

Happy Travels!

Mariela