FOOD AND DRINK TYCOGA Winery & Distillery_Sweet_Wines- featured image

TYCOGA Winery: The Best Day Trip in Iowa

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At Tycoga Winery & Distillery, it’s more than just about the drinks; their pizza is pretty good, too. Thirty minutes from our door to theirs, we stepped into a place buzzing with life. Despite the crowd, the manager spotted us right away, treating us like VIPs and ushering us to the bar. That warm welcome set the stage for an experience we won’t forget, savoring standout pizza and wine in the heart of Iowa.

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FOOD AND DRINK Freshly caught octopus grilled with garlic and olive oil and served with wine sauce-featured image

Venice Food Secrets: What Happened at Don Fernando’s Octopus Dinner

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We both sat there staring at the plate placed before me. When I ordered a seafood salad, I figured I’d see a little crab and shrimp over some leafy greens with a splash of vinaigrette. I had no idea someone would go into the kitchen and out the back door to the canals beyond, scoop up whatever was unfortunate enough to swim into the net, and serve al fresco with a splash of olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper. We sat there, staring at the seafood salad I ordered. This is the story about My Octopus Dinner on the Venice Canals at Don Fernando’s in Treviso, Italy.

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DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES Italy fun in the spring featured image Amalfi Coast

Spring in Italy: How to Plan the Perfect Birthday Trip

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Today is my birthday and I am spending ot and the month of March in Italy. Spring in Italy has been full of surprises. Despite my initial concerns about the cold potentially spoiling the enjoyment of Italy’s famous natural beauty, my worries were unfounded. The weather is unexpectedly warm, a pleasant surprise that probably points to global warming. The heavy coat I brought, expecting to shield against the chill, has become my personal sauna.

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CULTURE, EVENTS & EXPERIENCES Black woman on Venice vaporetto grand canal

How to Master Public Transportation in Italy: Trains, Buses, and Taxis

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I am hanging out in Italy for a month. Unfortunately, I didn’t get my international driver’s license before going to Italy, so now I can’t drive here. This will require me to use buses, trains, and other public transport to get around. I’m not hating it, it’s been awhile since I’ve driven in Europe. While it’s a handy way to travel, there are a few things I’ve had to figure out to make it easier and cheaper a bit of know-how. Here’s a concise guide to making the most of your public transportation experience in Rome, Florence, Formia, and Naples Italy.

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DESTINATIONS & CITY GUIDES SOUL OF ANDALUCIA GUITAR (1)- featured image

How to Find Spain’s Authentic Flamenco: Go Beyond Touristy Spots

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If you can see a flamenco show in Southern Spain, opt for one outside the touristy areas; you’ll thank me later. Your best bet is to follow the locals; they know where you’ll get an authentic show. Flamenco is not merely a performance for tourists but is deeply ingrained in Spanish culture. For me, Flamenco in Southern Spain isn’t just about the music and dance…

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How to Make the Most of an ATV Tour in Mijas, Spain

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I was really excited when I planned to visit my daughter Ashley in Italy, where she’s been living for a year. She’s caught the travel bug just like her mother. So, when I told her I was coming, she surprised me by planning a secret trip to either Spain, Greece, or Montenegro for a long weekend. She booked our flights and hotel but kept the destination a secret. She even joked about walking me to our gate blindfolded! This post is all about how we ended up in Malaga, Spain, for an unexpected and amazing 4-day adventure.

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