Italy
Unveiling the Unforgettable | 6 Unique Experiences in Florence, Italy
Welcome to the enchanting city of Florence, where every cobblestone street whispers tales of history, art, and culinary delights. Having had the privilege of calling Florence home for a month, I delved deep into its soul, uncovering hidden gems and embracing the essence of local living. Join me as we embark on a journey through six unique experiences that will enrich your Florence adventure, each one offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant culture and timeless charm.
1. Mercato Centrale: Where Treasures Await
A pilgrimage to Mercato Centrale is a must for any traveler in Florence. With each visit, we found new treasures among the bustling stalls of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delectable treats. Lose yourself in the vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and aromas, and immerse yourself in the heart of Florentine life. Each time you’ll find something more delicious than the next.
2. Vintage Sidecar Tour of the Chianti Classico Region: A Toast to Tuscan Traditions
One of my favorite experience in Florence was taking a vintage sidecar tour with DeGustiBusTours. Embark on a journey through the picturesque Chianti Classico region on an adorable vintage sidecar. Feel the wind in your hair as you zip past vineyard-draped hills, stopping at a family-owned organic winery to savor the rich flavors of Tuscan wine and cuisine. The experience hold a special place in my heart and is filled with an unforgettable with a blend of history, hospitality, and indulgence. Book directly with DeGustiBusTours here.
3. Gallop Into Adventure: Horseback Riding in Tuscany
Discover the timeless beauty of Tuscany from a different perspective with a horseback riding adventure. Traverse rolling hills, verdant valleys, and ancient trails, as you forge a deeper connection with the region’s natural splendor. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or a first-time rider, this experience promises moments of serenity and exhilaration against the backdrop of Florence’s breathtaking landscapes.
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4. Savor the Ritual: Café Culture in Florence
Embrace the art of slow living at a local café, where espresso flows freely and time seems to stand still. During my time in Florence, I made it a ritual to visit my favorite café daily, indulging in aromatic coffee and delectable pastries as I worked on personal projects. Join the locals in this cherished tradition, and savor the simple joys of life in Florence.
My favorite cafe is Ditta Artigianale & Hario Cafe. They have several locations across Florence and you will be impressed with each one.
5. Florence Street Food Safari: Vintage Sidecar Edition
Embark on a culinary adventure through the streets of Florence aboard a vintage sidecar. Explore the vibrant neighborhood of Oltrarno, where the city’s best street food awaits. From savory delights to the iconic “lampredotto,” this tour offers a tantalizing glimpse into Florence’s culinary heritage, all from the unique vantage point of a retro ride. Book directly with DeGustiBusTours here.
6. Unearth the Treasures of the Forest: Truffle Hunting in Tuscany
Immerse yourself in the age-old tradition of truffle hunting with a guided excursion into the Tuscan forest. Join a seasoned truffle hunter and his trusty canine companion as they lead you on a quest for these elusive gems. Afterward, indulge in a sumptuous truffle-based lunch, savoring the earthy flavors of this prized delicacy.
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There are endless places, museums, and experiences to explore in Florence and these are just 6 unique experiences in Florence out of hundred of options. I hope you have a beautiful visit to Florence and as you bid farewell to Florence, may your heart be filled with the echoes of laughter, the scent of Tuscan cuisine, and the beauty of Renaissance masterpieces. From the bustling markets to the tranquil countryside, each experience has woven itself into the fabric of your memories, leaving an indelible mark on your journey. Until we meet again, may Florence’s timeless charm continue to beckon you back to its storied streets. Buon viaggio!
For more Italian adventures check out our Italy blog posts.
Best Spaghetti in Rome with My Spaghetti Inspired Handmade Dress
Italy = Pasta = Spaghetti… Combining our love of fashion, travel, and food is second nature for us. So when we decided to visit Rome my first thought was “OH MY GOD I CANT WAIT TO EAT EVERYTHING” and then I thought “maybe I’ll create some food inspired dresses” …spaghetti, tiramisu (check out this Tiramisu inspired dress here), and gelato (never got around to making this one). So let’s dive into the creative process and at the end of the post I’ll tell you my favorite restaurants that serve up mouthwatering spaghetti dishes in Rome.
Creating My Spaghetti-Inspired Dress
Who doesn’t think of spaghetti when you think of Rome? The process of crafting my spaghetti-inspired dress began with the city that epitomizes romance, history, and of course, delicious pasta. I sketched out a design and voila… off to the fabric store…
Choosing the right fabric was super important and actually a bit of a challenge. Danielle and I went fabric shopping to find some material with both the texture and color of pasta. In the end I went with a ribbed fabric that’s a mix of polyester and cotton.
Sewing the dress was actually pretty easy…I took a dress that already fit me well and cut out the material to match. Then messed around with the piece to give it the spaghetti inspiration…Cut the hem of the dress into strips and added some shoulder detail. And here you go…Let me know what you think!
Exploring Rome’s Spaghetti Haven
Now that the dress was complete it was time to eat literally all of Rome’s culinary wonders! Before we could take the photos we had to taste the pasta… and only after we ate enough pasta did we realized that the dress resembles fettucine or Ciao d Pepe. So here are three restaurants with exceptional spaghetti- like dishes.
1. Tonnarello
100% recommend this restaurant. Nestled in a charming corner of Trastevere, Tonnarello is well known for their signature Tonnarello Cacio e Pepe. They do not take reservations so you most likely will have to wait in the long line that forms outside the restaurant, but don’t worry the line moves quickly and its worth it.
2. Da Danilo
For an experience that transports you to a bygone era, Da Danilo is the place to be. Indulge in their Spaghetti Carbonara, a creamy concoction of eggs, Pecorino Romano cheese, guanciale, and pepper. The recipe has been perfected over generations, making it a nostalgic culinary journey.
3. Da Bucatino
Located near the Colosseum, Il Bucatino offers a tantalizing variety of pasta dishes. Their signature Spaghetti all’Amatriciana is a mouthwatering blend of guanciale, tomatoes, Pecorino Romano cheese, and a dash of chili pepper. The ambiance and flavors combine for an unforgettable Roman dining experience.
And if you’re looking for an even more authentic experience here are some amazing options to make your own pasta in the “Eternal City:
Did you know? When you purchase through our links we receive a small fee! But don’t worry, you pay the exact same amount. So its a win-win for all of us! Thanks for your support!
Looking for a more in depth guide on Rome? Check out our blog post here: Coming Soon!
A Fusion of Creativity, Fashion, and Flavor
And there you have it, pasta pals. Creating this spaghetti-inspired dress for my vacation in Rome escade was like crafting a love letter to Italy’s culinary and fashion scene. From choosing the fabrics to stitching up the seams, every step was like a sprinkle of Parmesan on the pasta of creativity. Also need to know, do you think the dress looks more like spaghetti or fettucine?
Until next time. Ciao for now! 🍝👗🌟
Brooke and Danielle
Colorful Sisters
Best Tiramisu in Rome with My Tiramisu-Inspired Handmade Dress
Greetings, fellow wanderers and fashion enthusiasts! If you’re someone who loves to mix the flavors of travel and sewing, you’re in for a treat. Join me as I design my tiramisu-inspired dress for an unforgettable Roman escapade. Get ready to dive into the creative process while discovering three iconic spots in Rome with the best tiramisu.
Stitching Elegance: Sewing My Tiramisu Dress
The idea of a dress paying homage to the iconic dessert dish was born as i started to dream about all the Italian foods I was going to eat. I sketched out a very detailed design lol (at the same time that I sketched out a design for my spaghetti inspired dress: link coming soon) and voila off to the fabric store…
I looked for a fabric that mirrored the essence of tiramisu. The rich layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, velvety mascarpone, and a dusting of cocoa was the inspiration. I opted for a combination of creamy beige base and a sparkling sheer fabric that resembles the rich coffee shades.
The sewing/assembly of this dress was pretty straight forward. I created a simple body con dress as the slip using a vintage pattern we had around the house. Then I added the elegant glitter over coat. Both layers evoking the dessert’s creamy and coffee-laden layers and bringing a touch of elegance to the dress. But mind you the process wasn’t very elegant as there was glitter ALL OVER THE HOUSE.
I absolutely love how it turned out and how there’s an elegant shimmer as I moved. The result was a dress with the sophistication of the dessert while embodying the spirit of Roman fashion. And voila, here’s the final result!
Indulging in Tiramisu Dreams: Top Three Places to Buy Tiramisu in Rome
I literally love tiramisu so much and I can tell you that some places in Rome only had mediocre tiramisu… So here are three must-visit spots that will make it worth the trip.
1. Pompi
Known as the “Home of Tiramisu,” Pompi has been perfecting this dessert since 1960. Their classic Tiramisu Pompi is a delightful blend of velvety mascarpone, coffee-soaked sponge, and a sprinkle of cocoa. With multiple locations across Rome (and Italy), you’re never far from a slice of tiramisu perfection. This is the tiramisu I was eating in the photos!
2. Two Sizes
For a modern twist on this classic dessert, head to Two Sizes. Their innovative Tiramisu Flavors Lab offers a variety of tiramisu interpretations, from classic to exotic. Try flavors like pistachio, strawberry, or even matcha, and prepare for a tiramisu like no other. We went here multiple times on our trip and it was a late night guilty pleasure.
3. Il Dolce
Tucked in the heart of Trastevere, Il Dolce is a charming bakery that crafts tiramisu with love and tradition. Their Tiramisu Classico captures the essence of the dessert’s original flavors, leaving you with a nostalgic and satisfying experience.
If you’re looking for a even more authentic experience such as making tiramisu I’ve pulled together some great recommendations below:
Did you know? When you purchase through our links we receive a small fee! But don’t worry, you pay the exact same amount. So its a win-win for all of us! Thanks for your support!
A Taste of Italy, A Stitch of Passion
As I roamed the cobbled streets of Rome in my tiramisu-inspired dress, I couldn’t help but feel a sweet connection between my love for sewing, wanderlust, and Italy’s culinary delights. So, whether you’re crafting couture or culinary memories, enjoy savoring the world’s most indulgent desserts. Until our next adventure, keep sewing and keep creating! Arrivederci! 🍰👗✈️
Lots of love and safe travels,
Brooke and Danielle
Colorful Sisters
Traveling around Europe via train? Here’s a link to our favorite app that gets us from here to there on our adventures!