This fall, as rain clouds roll over the Italian Alps in Piedmont, truffle hunters are heading into the woods. While rain might mean bad news—and bad hair days—for the fashionistas in nearby Milan, it’s causing a more positive stir in the truffle hunting community. The balmy weather accompanying the rain, and the thunderstorms that these conditions produce, are the perfect …
NYC Event: Are You a Tomato?
The Three Tomatoes, a New York City women’s lifestyle newsletter is hosting a celebration of Italy on Tuesday, October 24 in Manhattan. “La Dolce Vita: A Celebration of Italy” will feature cocktails, an Italian feast, shopping at a Tuscan marketplace, wine tasting and a roundtable of speakers discussing Italian travel and life (including yours truly). There will also be a …
Introducing The Italian Dream Concierge!
For four years, Dream of Italy subscribers and non-subscribers alike have contacted me asking if I personally plan trips to Italy. Until now, the answer has been no, but I’m proud to announce that I have launched The Italian Dream Concierge in response to the many requests! I’ll be honest that the service isn’t for everyone; if you are just …
Buy Frances Mayes’ Bramasole – Well, A Photo of It!
I learned about the wonderful work of Respite Italia a few months ago and have been meaning to write about the organization that provides free vacation accommodations in Italy to breast cancer patients. Here’s a good excuse to tell you about them: Right now, Respite Italia isauctioning off a professional photo of the Cortona villa, Bramasole. Bramasole is the villa …
Limoncello: The Nectar of the Amalfi Coast
In honor of our special report on the Amalfi Coast, coming out later this month (subscribe to Dream of Italy today and it will be your first issue), here’s almost everything you wanted to know about the region’s most succulent drink: On the terraced hills of Italy’s Amalfi Coast, the Mediterranean sun and ocean air combine with volcanic soil to …
Thank You for the Prizes
Our September issue included a reader survey and as an incentive to have it returned, some of our friends (see below)offered wonderful prizes! Every current, paid subscriber who completes and returns the survey (sent by snail mail) by October 20 will be entered for a chance to win! BUT if you’re not a current, paid subscriber you haven’t missed your …
Are You Eligible for Italian Citizenship?
The National Italian American Foundation and the Italian Embassy now offer an free online dual citizenship questionnaire to help people find out whether they can qualify for Italian citizenship. I myself filled it out today. The questions cover whether you were born in Italy, born after January 1, 1948 and whether any of your parents or grandparents were born in …
Eurofly Makes Getting to The Amalfi Coast Easier
Want to fly to the Amalfi Coast without the hassle of going through Rome? A new flight with Eurofly flies to Naples from the U.S. Read on for details.
One Way to Buy an Italian Villa
I love people who make their dreams come true and The New York Times today has a great story about an American graduate student who financed her dream of buying a house in Italy by selling shares! In 2001, Julie Hampton needed $80,000 to buy a house in a small village north of Florence. She only had a few thousand …
Pauline Frommer’s Picks for Milan and Rome
This is an excerpt from the September 2006 issue of Dream of Italy and Pauline Frommer’s Italy. Although Pauline focuses mainly on budget choices, these selections are great options for the more upscale traveler as well. I’ve eaten at Brek in Turin and had a fantastic meal there. – K.M. ROME: Bed & Breakfast Association of Rome handles both self-catering …