This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the October/November 2024 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 190 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here.
Venice—you absolutely must visit it at least once in life. I contend one of those times must be during the winter because the light at that time of year in Venezia will cloak you in mystery and enchantment.
But it is no secret that Venice suffers from overtourism, so much so that in 2025 city officials plan to double the day trip tax from five to 10 euros. That’s why I asked contributing writer Kevin Raub to look beyond La Serenissima to its greater region of the Veneto. What he uncovers includes wine tasting in Valpolicella, dining with a fisherman in Caorle, taking in Palladio’s architecture in Vicenza, scoping out frescoes in Padova and much more.
Speaking of Venice, how about the cover of this issue? It takes my breath away, as does all of the work by artist Sophia Khan, and in her Q+A she tells you more about her watercolor art and what inspires her.
The major activity for most of us while in Italy is, well, eating. Yet for those who suffer from food allergies, eating in an unfamiliar culture and places can be challenging. I first learned about Allie Bahn aka Miss Allergic Reactor by following her on Instagram and reached out to her to share her food allergy tips for the magazine.
How you been to Ravenna? If not, what are you waiting for…this incredible city in Emilia-Romagna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the most well-preserved mosaics in the world and the subject of this issue’s Dream Day in Italy. Did you know you can own a collection of “Dream Days” in my small but mighty book Dream Days in Italy: 30 Adventures Around the Italian Boot? At 5 inches x 5 inches, it is the perfect stocking stuffer for the Italophile in your life. You can buy copies at www.dreamofitaly.com/dreamdaysbook
I always welcome your feedback, questions and comments, so feel free to reach out to me at kathy@dreamofitaly.com
—Kathy McCabe