Bread and Oil
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Umbria is as ordinary, and extraordinary, as bread and oil. Let me tell you what I mean.
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Here’ll you find insights into Umbria, culled from living in Spello for two years, as detailed in my memoir Il Bel Centro: A Year in the Beautiful Center, which you can download right here or at your preferred marketplace here or you can find it on Amazon here. Buy it now to read about how our family of five abandoned life in the United States to clink glasses with local communists and join the village all-nighter decorating cobblestone streets with flower petals. You’ll also read about embarrassing language minefields and a serious summons to the mayor’s office. Ultimately, though, Il Bel Centro is the story of how travel can change you if you let it.
Romanelli Winery
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What I discovered at Romanelli winery in Umbria (hint: not just Sagrantino!)
Read MoreScacciadiavoli Winery
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A primer on Sagrantino and why you should visit a winery on your next visit to Umbria.
Read MoreOrvieto's Place in the Umbrian Landscape: A Guest Post by Ellen Craig
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I met Ellen Craig through working on my upcoming Umbria book. Instantly, I knew I’d found a kindred spirit. When I asked her for her thoughts about Orvieto—where she lives with her fiance whose family has been in the area since the 1200’s—she clued me in on some aspects of Umbria that, living on this side of the region, I’d never known! I was thrilled when she agreed to write a post for my Local Guide Series. I think you’ll love this one.
Read MoreNorcia, after the Quake
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Norcia has changed since the earthquake of 2016. Is it still worth visiting?
Read MoreHow the history of glassmaking in an Umbrian village meets a personal dream
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In this installment of my “Local Guide Series”, Colleen introduces us to Piegaro and the delights that await visitors to her village.
Read MoreDeruta's Past and Present
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I’m thrilled another post in my Local Guide series, about a delightful aspect of Umbria—ceramics! You might have heard of Deruta, it’s famous the world over for its contributions to the ceramic arts, but here is a chance to hear about the craft, and the history, from one of the families that made Deruta great.
Read MoreA Guide to Umbrian Festivals
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Festivals are Italy distilled. Here is your guide to celebrations in Umbria throughout the seasons.
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Rasiglia, a hidden water-wonderland in Umbria
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Rasiglia is an ancient village tucked away in the hills beyond Foligno. Thanks to its rich supply of water, it was once a mill town famous for its textiles. Rushing water and peaceful canals make Rasiglia seem like it is out of a dream.
Read MoreGubbio, Umbria
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Gubbio is…different. See what makes this evocative town stand out from other cities in Umbria.
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Piegaro, Umbria
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A jewel-box of a town, known for glass manufacturing and chestnut celebrating.
Read MoreSerpillo, an Italian Gran Bouffet
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Not all buffets involve endless sneeze-guards and noodles congealing in cornstarch baths. Discover this gem tucked away in the hills above Bevagna, Umbria.
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Bevagna, Umbria
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A medieval town, not on a hill, renowned for its festival of medieval life.
Read MoreLove in Bettona, Umbria
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A restaurant recommendation in Bettona, Umbria given with my whole heart.
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