Author: Lori Small
Mykonos is near the center of the Cyclades in the middle of the Aegean Sea. This tiny gem of an island is complete with labyrinth-like interior streets, magnificent beaches and a cosmopolitan flair. Walk along the narrow streets of Chora, see the sunset from Little Venice, and enjoy the glamour and simplicity of the…
Rome, the capital of Italy and The Eternal City, was clearly not built in a day! The city is glorious, awe inspiring and vibrant. Explore the grand romantic ruins, opulent statues and ornate, beautiful fountains. Rome’s streets and piazzas are lined with the greatest al fresco settings for unforgettable dining and wine tasting experiences. The…
The Tampa Bay area is alive with innovative restaurants, historic architecture, and beautiful waterways. Downtown Tampa’s culture is infused with Cuban and Spanish flavors and urban parks. The impressive Riverwalk connects amazing cafes and bistros like pearls on a strand along the dazzling Hillsborough River. A great city for all ages, the heart of Florida’s…
Cabo San Lucas is a tiny stretch of land where the California vibe meets Mexican charm. It is home to numerous world-class golf courses, an underwater nature preserve, pristine beaches, and sport fishing. Cabo is just the right combination of natural wonder, local allure and modern luxury. The Small List Best Hotels Waldorf Astoria…
A three hours drive north of Mexico City is the colorful town of San Miguel de Allende. It is admired for its baroque Spanish architecture, cultural festivals and thriving arts scene. Additionally, the allure of San Miguel is its impressive gastronomic scene. This magical Mexican town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008…
Mexico City, “the City of the Palaces”, is a metropolis that has it all at an altitude of 7,350 ft. The cosmopolitan spirit makes this destination an exciting place. No longer a “crime-ridden urban jungle”, the Mexican capital is now considered to be one of the safest and most dynamic cities in Latin America. Intellectuals,…
The largest city situated on Lake Erie is the City of Cleveland. Cleveland, Ohio is home to to several major cultural institutions including the Cleveland Orchestra and Playhouse Square, the second largest performing arts center behind New York City’s Lincoln Center. The city is also home to the I. M. Pei designed Rock and Roll Hall of…
Located in south-eastern Italy, Molise is famous for one thing: it doesn’t exist. Well, technically, it does exist. As one of Italy’s 20 official regions, Molise has a status equal to Tuscany, Lombardy or Piedmont. It holds regional and national elections. It borders the regions of Abruzzo, Puglia, Lazio and Campania, all very real…
The region of Abruzzo extends from the heart of the Apennines to the Adriatic Sea. There are three National Parks, a Marine Protected Area, a Regional Park and over thirty Nature Reserves. Abruzzo also consists of golden beaches and some of the most beautiful medieval towns in the country. The cuisine is eclectic and diverse and…
The Pugliese town of Vieste is uniquely located at the end of a beautiful peninsula called the Gargano. The tiny beach town has natural grottoes, sea arches, and white weathered rock formations. The Pizzomunno is a large white limestone monolith on the shoreline that stands alone and reaches heights of over 80 feet tall.…
Matera is one of southern Italy’s most intriguing places. Recently designated as the European Capital of Culture, the community is buzzing with excitement. The unique Unesco World Heritage Site is located in the region of Basilicata. The city of Sassi, literally means “rocks”. The gully is steep. Matera has 1,500 cave dwellings carved into…
Altamura, a town of Puglia, is the ‘City of Bread’. Its bread making traditions and reputation has existed for centuries. Each family used to prepare a large dough of bread at home and take it to a public oven to bake. The baker would mark each piece of bread with family name to avoid confusion. Altamura…
Gallipoli is a fishing village and one of the most beautiful coastal cities of Puglia. The historic old town is situated on a limestone island linked to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. The city center is fortified and surrounded by ancient walls and the sea. The streets are narrow and the architecture is…
The southernmost stretch of Puglia is Salento, the elegant stiletto of the Puglian boot. Santa Maria di Leuca is the furthest point and the last town of Italy. It is the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. In the sizzling south, the sandy beaches and the stretches of coastline are dramatic. Exploring “the…
Lecce is the grand dame of Puglia. “The Florence of South” is located in the heel of the Italian boot. The cultural city is extravagant. The rich Baroque architectural monuments are impossibly intricate and unique. There is evidence everywhere of the city’s strong tradition for papier-mâché making. The atmosphere is youthful, exciting, and lively.…
Ostuni is Puglia’s “White City” (La Città Bianca). This sun-bleached medieval town rises on a hilltop high above the olive groves and looks out at the Adriatic Sea. The blazing white houses and churches in the old town spill over the top. The labyrinth alleys are appealing. The cafes are casual. The wine bars…
The ancient whitewashed town of Polignano a Mare in Puglia is dramatically perched on limestone cliffs. It overlooks the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic. The seaside town is, undeniably, romantic. The shoreline is full of natural sea caves. In addition, Polignano a Mare is famous throughout the world for its spectacular cliff-diving championships.…
Savelletri di Fasano is a laidback fishing hamlet in the region of Puglia on the heel of Italy. The tiny village is tranquil and is ideal for getting away from it all. Most of the coastline is rocky and the landscape is beautiful. The handful of sandy beaches have beach clubs with parasols and…
Alberobello is a small town in Puglia and is famous for its unique and fascinating trullo buildings. The whitewashed stone huts have conical roofs which resemble a magician’s hat. The legend is that inhabitants designed them in this way to avoid taxes. The roof of a trullo is made by assembling stones on top…
Lucca is a city in Italy’s Tuscany region. It is known for its fantastic and well-preserved medieval city walls which encircle the historic old town and its cobblestone streets. Large pathways along the tops of the walls are popular, of course, for strolling, running and cycling. Since 1857, Lucca has been a destination for…
The Cinque Terre is a string of five centuries-old fishing villages perched high on the Italian Riviera in the region of Liguria. Colorful homes and vineyards cling to steep terraces. The coastline is beautiful and the harbors are filled with fishing boats. In addition, the trattorias turn out seafood specialties along with the region’s famous…