Nestled in the Val Colvera in the foothills of the Carnian Alps lies a charming little hamlet called Poffabro. A hamlet this small with its population of just 181 wouldn’t normally register on most visitors to the Friuli Venezia Giulia‘s itinerary, but for one month each Christmas seasons people come from far and wide. You […]
15 Reasons to Go to Friuli Venezia Giulia Right Now
Everyone knows any Italy itinerary should include visits Rome, Florence, and Venice. You might even know some of Italy’s “off-the-beaten-path” (that really aren’t so off-the-beaten-path anymore) destinations like San Gimignano, Bologna, and Cinque Terre. But I’d bet that unless you live in the Friuli Venezia Giulia like we did, you’ve probably not heard of or […]
The Christmas Goose Festival
In the very north of Italy where we live, the Dolomite mountains practically rise up from our backyard and the borders of Austria and Slovenia are a mere hour away. Winter time is much colder and more harsh here than most of the Italian regions to the south. It might surprise you that while pasta […]
Combai Chestnut Festival
Growing up I always remember my dad roasting chestnuts in the fall. I think I even remember that we had a chestnut tree, though it’s far too early in the morning to call up my parents in Pennsylvania and ask to be sure. I never ate chestnuts though; I thought they were weird. After all, […]
Where to Eat in Friuli Venezia Giulia
The Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region tucked in the far northeastern corner of Italy. Bordering Austria and Slovenia, which was part of the former Yugoslavia, the food of the region is a melting pot of the Venetian, Austro-Hungarian, and Yugoslav cultures. Simple recipes are the philosophy in the Friuli Venezia Giulia. We’re often asked […]
Guide to Planning a Ceramic Shopping Trip to Nove, Italy
Visitors from all over the world come to Nove, Italy to shop in the more than 100 ceramics stores in the tiny town. Known from some of the best handcrafted ceramics in all of Italy, you can find the works in many US stores such as Williams-Sonoma, Tiffany’s, Lenox, and Macy’s. But a visit to […]
Parco Natura Viva: Verona Wild Animal Park
I absolutely love all animals. When I was a kid, my dad worked with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and we fostered a variety of animals from fawns to rabbits and even a raccoon that became my childhood best friend. And when we weren’t fostering animals that needed care before being released back into the wild, […]
