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Inside Iowa’s Award-winning TYCOGA Winery & Distillery

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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Our Octopus Dinner with Don Fernando

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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A Day in Tuscany: Organic Winery and Local Food at Il Vecchio Maneggio

I’m taking you along on my adventure through Tuscany, a place famous for its picture-perfect landscapes and deep history. But there’s a twist – we’re going eco-friendly. We’ll also see why their food and wine just taste different (in a good way!) and learn why picking organic and local stuff isn’t just a trend—it’s a choice that’s better for us and the planet. Spending the day at Il Vecchio Maneggio is more than just eating and drinking; it’s about making decisions that help keep our earth healthy.

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Spring Fun in Italy: A Birthday to Remember

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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Public Transportation in Italy: Trains, Buses, and Taxis

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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ATV in Mijas: Andalusian Thrills at AvenTouralia Tours

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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Surprise Surprise: Our Mother-Daughter Escape to Spain

Who knew that the day would start with a bird crapping on Kamren’s chin, lol. That’s supposed to be an omen of luck here in Italy, right? 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 together.