This article originally appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Dream of Italy. To cope with record-high tourist numbers, Italy has generated new and creative ways to welcome and entertain visitors. This coming year promises a renewed love and appreciation for locomotive travel, ancestry-inspired tours and a fresh Italian Capital of Culture sure to bring a new side of the …
Editor’s Note: August/September 2023 Dream of Italy Issue
This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the August/September 2023 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 200 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here. It has been well past time for me personally to revisit Milan and to do so in this magazine. I was lucky enough to return earlier this year for a quick …
New Companion Book to PBS Special Gives Actionable Advice to Make Your Dream of Italy Come True
I came up with the concept for the PBS special Dream of Italy: Travel, Transform and Thrive in 2019 before a pandemic was anywhere on the horizon. The TV special of course premiered this year and though I had no idea what would hit the world in between, I think the topic was right on time. I am more convinced than ever …
Editor’s Note: August/September 2021 Dream of Italy Issue
This Editor’s Note originally appeared in the August/September 2021 issue of Dream of Italy. Members receive access to more than 180 back issues—if you’re not a member, join here. Throughout this strange time in the world, I’ve always felt that Italy is poised for another Renaissance, a re-birth. I’m thrilled to report that despite the state of things, in this …
Share Your Dream: Baking in Puglia with Luigi (June/July 2020)
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2020 issue of Dream of Italy. When I dream of Italy, I dream of making pasticciotto, a pastry with creamy custard filling, in Puglia with a handsome Italian named Luigi. When a nicely dressed, handsome Italian with dark curly locks walks into the room, I smile at how much I never expected the person …
Letter From Lecce: A Renaissance Retreat
Editor’s Note: How lucky I have been to meet so many wonderful Italians through my work. One of my favorites is dear Ylenia. She is beautiful on the inside and out, adores animals as I do and exudes passion for her native Puglia. I’ve had some wonderful memories with Ylenia including filming a cooking lesson with her and a local …
Excerpt From Always Italy by Frances Mayes with Ondine Cohane
Editor’s Note: In a world that has gone mad, let’s close our eyes and dream of Italy. No one writes about Italy the way Frances Mayes does. In the midst of the chaos, she has a stunning new book out from National Geographic – Always Italy – along with her fab travel writer extraordinaire co-author Ondine Cohane. We’re offering a …
Just Add Love: Five Highlights From Dream of Italy on TV
This article originally appeared in the June/July 2015 issue of Dream of Italy. Season Two is now available! This article was updated in 2018. As you may already know, the first season of the TV travel series Dream of Italy is currently airing on CreateTV and PBS stations around the United States. This subscription newsletter – which I founded in 2002 to …
From The TV Show: Pizzica in Puglia
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the traditional social dance of the region. When the Pugliese want to socialize or celebrate, they turn to an age-old traditional dance, the pizzica (similar to the tarantella). We experienced the pizzica first-hand in the main square of the town of Squinzano and then …
From The TV Show: Boats in Monopoli in Puglia
In the Puglia episode of the first season of Dream of Italy on PBS, Kathy learns the historic importance of this previously Ottoman ruled town. Monopoli is one of Puglia’s stunning, fortified cities along the coast. While the seaside castle and fortified walls are now a peaceful place to stroll and explore, they were once battle grounds for invading Ottomans. …