Tuscany is “all the rave” to most people I would think and I don’t doubt that being that I haven’t been yet.  I did get to explore parts of Italy a few years ago on my Honeymoon like Venice, Verona and Milan but I haven’t made it to the Piedmont region.  I’m sure the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” brought some extra attention to the region as well.  The idea of that beautiful region being surrounded by the Mediterranean sounds like a “mini- Italy” and it is – it is called the island of Elba.

Many come to Elba as a tourist and guest of the island.  Obviously, a travel guide would be very helpful to take advantage of the island’s attractions and activities.  The town of Capoliveri attracts lots of attention and therefore offers quite the nightlife.  One place in particular is called “Sugar Reef “which is a live jazz venue and bar.  There is a slight dress code and the drinks are a bit inflated in price but the view and ambiance is quite enticing.  One other place to check out would be Il Tinello at Marina di Campo which also offers live music and coastal Tuscan cuisine.    

The Island of Elba lies just over 6 miles off of the Italian mainland and is the largest island in Tuscany while also being the 3^rd largest island of Italy.  Most of the island’s occupants dwell in the villages by the water where fishing and coastal activities abound.   As you can probably imagine, fresh Italian seafood combined with Tuscan cuisine sounds out of this world.

The town of Cape St. Andrea on Elba Island is also one to not miss visiting.  One can find lodging rather easily and with style.  From boutique hotels to moderate rooms for rent, Cape St. Andrea offers the guest a full experience of Tuscany by the Sea.  Diving is a popular activity on this part of the island offering sights of sunfish and lobster accompanied by colorful “gorgonian” or sea coral. 

Whatever port of Elba Island that you come to will not disappoint you in the slightest.  Fresh seafood and wine along with quaint lodging options and local music make for a great way to pass time in my book.  If you want to combine a Tuscany feel with a Mediterranean island then plan a trip to Isola d’Elba, the island of Tuscany. 

 Elba Seafood by Rnout

 Elba Town by rauchdickson

 Day in Elba by Lochinvar1

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I have never made it to Wisconsin but the more I hear about this state I should plan a trip sooner than later.  Sitting on the banks of the mighty Lake Michigan just north of Green Bay by about an hour is Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.  Every season is a good reason to visit here.

With winter vastly approaching, the state of Wisconsin definitely feels the cold and chill in the air especially being near the lake.  Winter activities like skiing, snow-shoeing, ice-skating and sledding are all very prominent in these neck of the woods.  Of course, the Green Bay Packers make for a good time if you can weather “the weather”.  I have always enjoyed watching the Packers play in the snow on TV just to wonder how they keep hold of the football.  You can definitely find respite indoors and curl up in front of a nice cozy fire and enjoy a hot chocolate or latte at the local cafe or at one of the many quaint bed and breakfasts that can be found in the area. 

Once the snow and ice start to disappear in spring, the locals remain outside to enjoy the blooming of the local flora and the visitors take in walking tours to learn about Sturgeon Bay’s history.  Throughout the town one can see shipyards dotting the coastline and lighthouses to explore.  

Summertime is a great time to visit Sturgeon Bay especially if you enjoy being out on the water either fishing, swimming, sailing or kayaking.  From horse-back riding to going on bike tours and riding the ferry, there is much to do in Wisconsin’s Sturgeon Bay.

Fall time is beautiful with the leaves changing color and the slight nip in the air.  Enjoying farmer’s markets and outdoor fruit stands are a local passtime here in Door County’s Sturgeon Bay.  Taking walks through leaf covered trails make for a nice outing before the wintry snow starts.  Fall is also time to harvest the grapes (the kind you drink, of course).  Check out and visit Wisconsin’s local wineries and sample their fruits of labor.

So, if you happen to be traveling on business or pleasure to Green Bay, be sure to make some time to travel a little further north to Sturgeon Bay for the day or two and explore this little coastal town. 

Sturgeon Bay Lighthouse by insipidlife

Door County Kayaking by Teecycle Tim

When I was a kid spending summers at the Shore, luxury was the furthest thing from anyone’s mind. It was all about sand and surf and the freedom of bare feet, late sundowns and no school. However, now that we’re all older, we sometimes want to pamper ourselves in a little luxury, even when we’re at the beach and in Rehoboth Beach Delaware we have plenty of opportunity to do just that. Here are some ideas to consider for that special trip to the beach:

Nage

With room for only 46 lucky diners, Nage has a sense of quiet intimacy and warmth. The culinary delights created by the owner/chef are one of a kinds inspired by fresh local ingredients and include things like Lobster Pot Pie, Sweet Potato Soup and Vanilla Seared Scallops. Try at least one of their stylish sweet and spicy drinks, too.

Blue Moon

Blue Moon has maintained its reputation as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Rehoboth Beach for more than 25 years. They pride themselves on cooking from scratch with only the freshest ingredients and serve some very inventive combinations. Dinners only 6 days a week , brunch on Sundays and entertainment often on the weekends.

The Bellmoor Inn and Spa

The Bellmoor calls itself an oasis by the sea and has the feel of visiting your very rich, favorite uncle’s seaside mansion. The rooms are large, but comfortable and elegant, yet homey. For the ultimate Rehoboth Beach lodging, book an oversized Club Suite or the 2 bedroom Gardener’s Cottage, set in a lush retreat. Add an afternoon at The Bellmoor’s spa where you’ll be pampered in style with all kinds of indulgent treatments.

The Boardwalk Plaza

This family owned and operated romantic gem overlooks the Rehoboth boardwalk and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s Victorian in style, but has all the conveniences of a modern resort hotel. Enjoy sincere service, valet parking, superfast T1 internet access, a glass elevator and an indoor outdoor spa pool that’s open 24 hours a day.

Mendocino, California is one of the most beautiful and scenic destinations of North America in my book. This very place inspired me to ask my then girlfriend to marry me and we have fortunately been back to visit once since then. I cannot say enough great things about the area which encompasses the Redwood forest and the neighboring towns of Boonville and Yorkville.

When going through Boonville, beer is highly toted as well as wine. Any hop lover will enjoy the local brew as a refreshing break to all of the wine that is available. Next you will experience dense redwood forests as you make your way to the coast and Mendocino.

When driving from San Francisco, one gets the chance to see and or stop at many local wineries to sample their fruits of labor. I, personally, like to head toward Healdsburg to start my wine country experience and then continue north. With good wine comes good food and Healdsburg offers some great dining experiences. You need to budget in some time and not be in a rush when your destination is Mendocino. Highway 128 takes you through tight, twisty turns with overhanging oak trees and lush flora as you head towards Yorkville and the coast. There are several wineries that have tasting rooms open to the public awaiting your arrival. After all of the stops for wining and dining, you finally get to Mendocino where you can relax, unwind and have your choice of some of the most charming bed and breakfasts for your lodging needs. The views of the Pacific and the waves crashing on the rocks make for a very special experience. So, if you are a wine connoisseur as well as a beer lover, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit this craggy coastal town known as Mendocino.

Mendocino Coast by JPBJr.

Maple Creek Winery by The Great California Migrants

Willis Seafood by peter r

Hop Ottin’ IPA by mzalikowski

As I personally grew up in the south (Georgia) my family went to Destin, Florida just about every summer for a week on the beach. With white beaches and clear blue water, Destin is a major destination (no pun intended…) for southerners as well as tourists from all over the world. The Emerald Coast as it’s known as offers the vacationing visitor all of the activities that one can expect when going to the beach.

During the whole month of October is the Destin Fishing Rodeo where anyone can sign-up, go out on a registered boat (private or charter), fish and get their catch weighed for free at a local seafood establishment. There are over 30,000 anglers who compete for over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Just about every kind of gamefish can be caught in the waters off of Destin, Florida. From Mackerel to the mighty Marlin, all fish are recognized for the tournament. There are many choices when it comes to lodging in Destin. One can stay in a luxury vacation rental, hotel, all-inclusive resort, motel and even “rough it” by going camping. Whether you are right on the beach or close by, everything is convenient to the strip of Destin.If you are looking for some fun on the water, like parasailing, check out the many options Destin has to offer. Destin is the place for family activities as well. Kids can enjoy riding in go-karts, bumper boats, playing mini-golf, and playing video games in the arcade.

Destin has their own “Seaworld”, you might say, called “Gulfarium” which is a marine show aquarium where one can have a “meet and greet” with dolphins as well as participate in educational camps to learn about marine life.

Whether you are looking to just hang out on the beach or get out there on the ocean, Destin has everything to offer its’ visitors. Come and see for yourselves why they call Destin the “Emerald Coast” of Florida.

Fishing in Destin by genetew

Destin Beach by joojanta

Parasailing in Destin by gobucks2