Author Archives: Natalie

Taking the Ferry from Salerno to Amalfi and Positano

Salerno to Amalfi Ferry

When we visited the Amalfi coast, we stayed in Salerno. I am so happy with that choice. Salerno has a new high speed train station, so it is easy to get there from Rome in 2 hours. Staying in the historic center of the city at the cusp of summer was intoxicating. Everyone was out […]

Explore Rome: June 2016 Events

Long evenings are stretching into June, even though so far the month seems to be spotted with rain. With summer about to kick into full gear, we are welcoming the sun and all of the events that the long days and warm weather bring. Rome’s river bars will be opening soon (but we are still […]

7 Things You Can Do at an Italian Tabaccheria

Tabaccherie (tabacco shops) are the workhorses of Italy. You can do a lot of useful things in an Italian tabaccheria. The shops are nearly ubiquitous, identifiable by the black and white (or blue and white) T signs that hang outside their doors. What are they for? Well, here are 7 things you can do at […]

Breakfast at Pasticceria Regoli in Rome

I have a major soft spot for the Portuense attitude and fluffy maritozzi of Il Maritozzaro, but I am not one to deny a good thing when I see it. Pasticceria Regoli makes seriously delicious maritozzi. Remember- a maritozzo is a classic Roman pastry. Traditionally a Lenten treat, the bun topped with panna (heavy cream) […]

Classic Roman Dining at Checchino dal 1887 in Testaccio

Rome Checchino

Checchino’s wood paneled dining room feels frozen in time. And let’s not forget that I am a sucker for crisp linens and retro swiveling barstools studded with copper nails. White jacketed waiters go through an elaborate show of wheeling around a small table and pouring wine through a series of unneeded but atmosphere-enhancing steps. With […]

Day Trip from Venice to Murano

You could easily spend a lifetime on the small alleyways and back canals of Venice. But it would be a shame not to explore slightly farther afield, across the lagoon. On our last trip to Venice, we finally made it to Murano for the day. And to be honest, we didn’t need allllll day.  We […]