EDITOR’S PICKS

Broad Avenue Arts District has grown a lot in the past few years. It’s now a hotspot for artists, art collectors, or anyone who appreciates art in general. Yet, even the art scene reminds us that this city is as bluesy as ever.

If Memphis is your destination of choice, May is an incredible time to go. The city’s month-long celebration includes a variety of food tastings and events. The celebration starts with an epic music festival, opening the streets to locals, travelers, musicians, artists, and lovers from all walks of life. There’s nothing that compares to the Beale Street Music Festival. It’s a giant celebration that reminds us why Memphis is known as “The Blues City” and is undoubtedly “The Birthplace of Rock and Roll.” While exploring Beale Street, don’t miss the iconic B.B. King’s Blues Club where live blues, classic soul, and rock and roll will soothe your soul - especially with their pre-dinner signature drinks on the menu. Right down the street awaits a true Memphis BBQ destination. Rendezvous - a circa-1948 BBQ spot in a basement serves up racks of smoked ribs and sausages with dry-rub spices. It’s a classic – you must try!

In Memphis, the Mississippi River is considered the city’s North Star. It guides you to your destination, even if you’re simply following the food and music, wandering about the city. The bridges light up at night. There’s the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge, which sits between both states. If you stand in the middle of the bridge, you literally have one foot in Arkansas and the other in Tennessee. There is also the Hernando de Soto Bridge. Both names never really stuck, so everyone calls them the Old Bridge and the New Bridge instead.

This is a tale of the “Home of the Blues.” A city where beloved artists created the music that impacted so many hearts from all over the world. Memphis is more than just a destination - it’s a real-life, present-day piece of American history.

Words by Elle Taylor Photos – courtesy of Diamond PR and INLOVE PR agency

#SightsandSips #HomeoftheBlues #MustBeMemphis #Memphis

Under The Tuscan Sun

In Tuscany, the sun always shines. Autumn brings a very special meaning to Tuscany. The countryside is rich with porcini and truffle mushrooms, and the afternoons are bathed in golden light and magical landscapes that take your breath away. Barga is known for its beautiful landscapes, interesting history, Scottish influence, famous prosciutto, pecorino cheese, olives, honey, and unique local ingredients specific to that region. The local eateries offer Tuscan specialties in the most authentic way. Barga has a cultural connection to Scotland, resulting in their annual fish and chip festival, Sagra del Pesce e Patate, which happens every summer.

Barga’s famous and magnificent duomo stands iconic against the landscape of the postcard-perfect Tuscan mountains. Walk the Ponte della Maddalena (Devil’s Bridge) and visit the unforgettable Grotta del Vento of Fornovolasco, where time stands still through many centuries, displaying magnificent imagery to remember.

The beautiful Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa is Barga’s hospitality gem overlooking the peaceful Serchio Valley. It is one of the most relaxing and rewarding travel destinations among the Tuscan hills. The property offers beautiful rooms with a view of the Tuscan mountains. You can also enjoy the panoramic views of the mountains relaxing by the pool.

Barga’s architecture resembles a Renaissance painting that reveals the influence that Florence has had on the city since 1341.

The Renaissance resort offers several exciting experiences, including Le Salette Cooking Class, which is one of my favorites. It is led by a skilled chef Sam Montana, who makes it engaging, memorable, interactive, and fun. Craft mouthwatering local dishes, master Tuscan pasta, bake Tuscan pies and then enjoy it all on a beautiful terrace with a view among old or new friends while sipping delicious local wines.

The outdoor pool is situated among the picturesque mountains, inviting you to relax and observe the panoramic views. But when you are in the mood for outdoor activities and some exercise, visit Cinque Borghi and hike through the little villages and vineyards. You can visit local churches, discover tales of the locals, then indulge in a well-deserved lunch at Agriturismo Pian di Fiume, where you can appreciate freshly picked porcini and local ingredients well mastered with their Tuscan dishes.