October's Journey: Rhinebeck

One of my non-traveling hobbies is crocheting.  I make a mean star-shaped baby blanket, as all of my procreating friends have learned.  That said, I stick to basic patterns and am by no means a skilled fiber-worker.  Still, it's fun to hang with the cool kids, the ones who can make actual clothing and beautifully knit accessories. 

That led to a pilgrimage to the Mecca of all things yarn: the New York Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, NY.  The event takes place at the height of foliage season and combines the best of a state fair with a really beautiful craft fair.  Great food, great crafts, and a wonderful good time with friends.  I limited my purchase to about $100 but I could have spent so much more!  Oh, and those pretzels- YUM.

We also go to explore the town a little which led to an eclectic dinner and a lovely morning at the farmer's market.  It even snowed, the first of the season!  Rhinebeck ended up being a great little getaway with all the best of fall- cider, leaves, warm clothes, and good friends.

Mmmmm,food

My haul

Florence Finds

Now that I've returned, these were a few of my favorite things while in Florence for a month:

Gelato:

Il Procopio: 

 Via Pietrapiana 60

Smooth and creamy with some creative mixed flavors.  Worth the walk!

Gelateria di Neri:

Via dei Neri 9/11, Between Uffizi and Santa Croce

My favorite in the city.  Everything is amazing- try a peach/raspberry combination, chocolate and caramel, or anything else really.

Gelateria Mordilatte:

Via dei Servi, 10/R

Close to the dome and not open late, but delicious! 

Restaurants:

Trattoria Benvenuto

Via della Mosca, 16

Great food, not busy.  Near the river

Trattoria 4 Leone

Via de' Vellutini, 1r (Oltrano)

The best meal of my life.  Get the fiochetti di pera.  Make a reservation.  It’s worth the hassle.  I have flown across oceans for this dish.

All’Antico Ristoro di Cambi

Via S.Onofrio, 1R (Oltrano)

Go here for meat!  The filet is heavenly, I couldn’t manage full Bistecca Fiorentina but other tables had it and it looked great. 

Pane e Toscana

Borgo degli Albizi 31

Great, great sandwiches.  No long line of tourists, just locals looking for a cheap lunch.   Their bread is to die for.  Skip the “famous” sandwich place by the river and come here instead. 

·         Best view: Piazzale Michelangelo at Sunset

·         Best hidden art gem: Mondays you can go into Orsanmichele.  Good art, great views from top floor

·         Best entertainment: Sunset on the Ponte Vecchio.

·         Best cost saver: Free water.  Fountains at Palazzo Vecchio, San Lorenzo, Ponte Vecchio, Across from Uffizi back exit, North side of Duomo, Piazza San Marco.  Refill your water bottle.

·         Best crowd-beater: Bargello Museum.  Famous stuff with few people

·         Best shopping: San Lorenzo markets (leather) and Mercato Centrale (food souvenirs)

·         Best way to see Uffizi: Go on the night it’s open late.  NO TOUR GROUPS

·         Best people watching: Sitting at the Loggia de Lanzi before dinner. 

·         Best way to buy wine: Conad City grocery stores.