Category Archives: Off-the-beaten-track

My Montecatini

Posted on February 23, 2020 by

Montecatini Terme is a happy Tuscan mix of art, culture, and legendary spa scene. Belle Époque is the graceful era between 1890 and 1914 when Montecatini developed its elegant spa-style. Art Nouveau bathhouses set in a verdant, landscaped parks offered … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Opera, Theater, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Three Boroughs, Three Olives, 33 Hours

Posted on February 3, 2020 by

These are perilous times, and my democracy grief is overpowering. No one is selling tickets for civility and truth, so I grab tickets to Medea at Brooklyn Academy of Music. BAM’s contemporary production is harrowing and utterly relatable. Based on … Continue reading →

Posted in Bobby Cannavalle, New York City, Off-the-beaten-track, Politics and Other Mistakes, Portland Maine, Retro-Travel, Theater | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Florence: Fashion & Friendship

Posted on January 8, 2020 by

I arrive on a golden Tuscan morning, hire a car and check into centrally located Hotel Malaspina. The B&B’s cheerful staff, robust breakfasts, Wifi, rooftop terrace, cozy rooms and free valet parking (yes, I said free valet parking) make it … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel, Tuscany | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Eating Montreal

Posted on July 24, 2019 by

Montreal’s burgeoning food scene rivals any “best of” city, even my tasty little hometown of Portland, Maine. Glowing fruit and vegetables in mysterious heirloom varieties, divine buffalo mozzarella, robust cider vinegar, flinty wines, and oh, the duck! Pillowy gnocchi and … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, East Coast Travel, Farm-to-Table, Festivals, Food and Wine, Holiday Travel, International, Jazz Festival, Maine, Maine Travel, Montreal, Music, Off-the-beaten-track, Quebec | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Take A Bow

Posted on July 19, 2019 by

It’s a long and winding road to Montreal. Hours of rural Maine, New Hampshire and a tiny slice of Vermont zip by before we cross into the rolling hills of Canada. We pause at leafy Café Ailleurs for our annual bonjour … Continue reading →

Posted in Canada, East Coast Travel, Festivals, Food and Wine, Holiday Travel, International, Jazz Festival, Maine, Montreal, Music, Off-the-beaten-track, Quebec | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Born To Run

Posted on November 12, 2018 by

My pal theater boy somehow scores tickets to Bruce Springsteen on Broadway. Magic, sleight of hand and surprise are just a few of his many gifts. We arrive rumpled and in need of a recharge. It is not quite noon. … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, Documentary Film, East Coast Travel, Food and Wine, New York City, Off-the-beaten-track, Theater, Travel | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Montreal: Off the Beaten Track

Posted on July 17, 2018 by

Oh Canada It is July 1, Canada Day, and we’re basking in the grace and civility of this world-class city despite the surprising heatwave — it’s 95 degrees and climbing. We walk the riverbank in Montreal’s Old Port stalking a cool … Continue reading →

Posted in Art and Culture, East Coast Travel, Farm-to-Table, Festivals, Food and Wine, International, Jazz Festival, Montreal, Music, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Como Cool

Posted on March 18, 2018 by

We’re in the heart of downtown Como on via Dante, across from the imposing peaks that characterize the lake. We watch the changing light from our expansive, columned deck.Our apartment is a comfy version of Italian modern — upscale, sleek and … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and Wine, Italian Travel, Lake Como, Off-the-beaten-track | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Election Day

Posted on March 6, 2018 by

Interesting to be here during a national election, as Italian populists and far-right reveal their mutual discontent with taxes, unemployment and immigration. David has been wearing his “Bernie” shirt which yesterday inspired a €3 discount on a liter of Artumes.

Posted in International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Travel, Tuscany | Leave a comment

Sicilian Chocolate: Savory and Supreme

Posted on March 2, 2018 by

Chocolate is a sublime experience. My brother-in-law Stevie has eaten chocolate all over the globe, and he will tell you, there is nothing like a superb piece of chocolate. Here in Sicily, morning cappuccino is always served with little bite … Continue reading →

Posted in Chocolate, Food and Wine, International, Italian Travel, Off-the-beaten-track, Sicily, Travel | Tagged , | 3 Comments