Let's Talk Italy
(And a little Adirondacks)
Italy and the Adirondacks…who knew?
When I think about Italy, I think about incredible food (and wine). And of course the espresso and gelato. I think about the people. I think about the natural beauty around every corner and yes, the shopping. The funny thing is, a lot of what I love about the Adirondacks parallels with what I love about Italy (shopping not as much hah)
The area where we stay in the Adirondacks is beautiful and surrounded by local farms, so the meat and produce are always incredibly fresh and delicious - even when you arrive much earlier in the season than usual (as we learned on this trip). There’s also farm-fresh ice cream, homemade breads, and countless other handmade foods and products. The people there are creating things with real care, integrity, and creativity - while battling some pretty difficult weather throughout the year.
We spent the week fueled by plenty of coffee, great food, and good wine. There were long walks, tennis matches, game nights, magazine sessions for all the house projects, shopping trips to every farm stand we passed, tons of fires and more visits to a giant antiques shop than any reasonable person should probably admit to. It was a perfect, classic family vacation.
But let’s return to Italy…
I thought it would be fun to talk all things Italy because, in my opinion, it’s a country worth returning to again and again. There’s always something new to discover, and no matter how many times you go, it feels like you’ve only scratched the surface.
So since Victoria works in travel for Indagare she sometimes gets to call trips to Italy "work" and recently Georgia got to tag along on one such trip. And while she is technically researching destinations, hotels, restaurants, and experiences for the travelers she advises, it also happens to involve soaking up the very best of wherever she is visiting…aka my dream job.
The hotels they stayed in were definitely très expensive but one thing I’ve come to appreciate (thanks to Victoria) is that a hotel can truly make or break a vacation. Lately, I’ve found myself more willing to splurge on a great hotel because, when you choose ones that feel authentic - ideally in a beautiful location and run by local owners - it becomes so much more than just a place to sleep.
Instead of spending your trip rushing around trying to find meaningful experiences, many of them are already woven into where you’re staying. From cooking classes and wine tastings to biking, yoga, painting or pottery workshops, gardens to explore… these hotels often offer so many ways to connect with the local culture and people. And of course, the beautiful rooms, pools, amazing views and delicious food don’t hurt either.
They started in Rome and went to three different hotels in Tuscany and finished up in Florence. So below I’ll share the scoop on their specific hotels, shopping recs and places to eat…all courtesy of G and V.
But first. What to pack for a little La Dolce Vita…
Simple, versatile, comfortable and lightweight…pieces that can be worn in different combinations and take you easily and chicly from day to night. I do think less is more when packing - because you have to save room for some shopping!
Here are some ideas for Italy - or really anywhere - this summer:
I’m seeing these linen short and top sets everywhere and I think they look so chic when worn together…and obviously make perfect separates too. Gap has cute sets and so does Z supply.
Margaux woven flats…they will replace the need for sneakers and look so much more chic with everything from shorts to dresses. So so impressed with how comfortable they are.
A perfect white skirt. You. Will. Live. In. It. And yes, a matching top will dress it up in an instant (and look equally chic with jeans when you get home).
Carolyn Besette sunnies. They make everyone look cool.
Vivi just got this gingham slip dress and it’s so so cute (and on sale for $49)
Love the idea of a canvas white bucket hat. Easier to pack and oh so chic.
More Linen. Start with this particular shirt from this particular company. And headscarves just say Jackie O in Capri…
Below we will dive deeper into the hotels and locations they stayed as well as give you some top picks on where to eat and shop. I will also be sharing the scoop on a super cool hotel on the Amalfi Coast that Victoria is going to stay in August (that she’ll be paying for) that looks so gorgeous and authentic - and is much more affordable than you may think, while being nicely removed from the tourist madness. Above is their pool.
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Now let’s go deeper into beautiful Italy…
