Music Is Life! Memphis TN

Autumn brings chestnuts, as they are in season in the mountains of Garfagnana, and they play an essential part in Tuscan kitchens in the months of fall. New wine and new olive oil are ripe and ready for you to appreciate them. These are the moments to take advantage of. Visit Tuscany’s legendary countryside, explore its gorgeous medieval towns, discover beautiful Renaissance churches, and enjoy delicious cuisine from the Tuscan region.

One of the best traditional Tuscan activities includes a visit to the Charming city of Lucca! The artistic town of 100 churches. Lucca is a famous destination for serious music lovers. It’s the home of Giacomo Puccini, the famous Italian composer of “Madame Butterfly” and “La Bohème.” Lucca is also known for its famous Lucca Summer Music Festival in July, where grand international artists perform live; John Legend, Zucchero, and Justin Bieber, just to name a few...

In the heart of Lucca stands a historic property, the Grand Universe Lucca hotel. It was recently rebuilt and is full of interesting surprises. The hotel offers an introductory Lucca tour by bike, “Bikes & Bites,” which comes with a picnic experience. It guarantees you to fall in love with Lucca forever. Ride your bike among the walls of the old city of Lucca, inhale the beautiful landscape views, find a spot with the best view, and enjoy lunch, diligently packed for you with love by the Grand Universe hotel staff.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are always available at the Legacy Bistro Wine Bar, their onsite restaurant, and dinner at La Veranda offers a delicious Tuscan culinary extravaganza. You will enjoy exploring the local wines paired with traditional and non-traditional menu offerings.

Grand Universe Lucca is a historical destination blending different eras of Italian history, from antiquity until today. From the existing building wall foundations dating back to Roman times to the ancient glassblower’s fountain remnants in the cellar, where they offer a local wine-tasting experience for the hotel guests. You can appreciate the property’s beautiful classic yet contemporary design and its perfect location.

One of the memorable experiences is a pre-dinner sip of Martin Orsyn Champagne at the Sommitá Rooftop Bar at the Grand Universe Lucca’s most romantic setting. Their 2022 debut of Sommità Martin Orsyn Champagne Rooftop is Italy’s first Martin Orsyn branded terrace. You will never forget the glorious sunset and the skyline of Lucca’s rooftops as they offer breathtaking panoramic views of the city. You can indulge in tasting their four cuvées and a curated menu of culinary pairings designed to enhance each of the champagnes. The menu highlights oysters, beef tartare trio with black truffle, prawns flambé with brandy, and hand-cut Iberian Pata Negra Spanish ham with a selection of cheeses. A sommelier is also at guests’ service to help guide pairings that best suit the proposed dishes. The rooftop offers intimate seating and a VIP observatory of the moon and historic Teatro del Giglio ~ a perfect setting for a love story.

There is more magic to add to your itinerary ~ ‘Prelude of Existence,’ where the local composer, Andrea Anfuso, curates a personal musical prelude after meeting with you and understanding your key personality traits and your unique energy expression. Yes, you get to bring home an original masterpiece created just for you.

Lucca is a city to remember, and the best view of Lucca is a climb of the Guinigi Tower from where you admire the beauty of the hanging garden and the city’s skyline. Then make your way to the famous gardens of the Villa Pfanner. It has an extensive collection of antique artifacts from the Middle Ages, where you will recognize the glorious backdrop from many famous movies.

After the restoration of the Republic in 1430, Lucca remained the only independent city in Tuscany, enjoying wealth and peace until the French invasion in 1799. Experience the Italian way of life, blend with the locals, and stroll to Piazza Anfiteatro; it is Lucca’s heart and soul and one of the locals’ favorite spots. The area offers many great restaurants. There was a time when people would gather there to cheer on the raucous ancient Roman shows. Today they come here for aperitif and gelato, dinner with loved ones or friends, or just to chill.

Another beautiful historic church in the center of Lucca is the Basilica di San Michele which displays a unique front façade. The original church is from the 8th century. You can find many hidden symbols and drawings on the columns inside and outside of the cathedral. Above the main arches of the façade are four rows of ornate arches and columns that feature various colors and designs. Above each arch, there are beautiful artworks depicting various wild animals. The stonework around the rose windows shows exquisite craftsmanship, as important artworks by Luca della Robbia and Filippino Lippi are inside the cathedral.

Lucca is known for its many beautiful churches, but the most ancient one is Basilica di San Frediano. Lucca is a small city, so you can walk around and explore Piazza Anfiteatro, Via Fillungo, the city Towers, San Michele Church, and the Cathedral, where you can admire the ‘Volto Santo,’ which is the prominent symbol of Lucca since the Middle Ages, and the beautiful memorial of Ilaria del Carretto (she was a wife of the Lord of Lucca from the beginning of the XV Century). You can also visit Puccini’s museum and enjoy gelato and espresso with live music at the local cafe. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can get lucky and discover amazing finds at the local vintage market.

In Tuscany, food plays an integral part in everyday life. Love for food is love for the people who prepare it and eat it. According to the legend, Catharine de Medici introduced Crostini Toscanini ~ a Florentine dish, to Paris. Today, thanks to Cristini Toscanini, Foie Gras became an important dish in France.

I will leave you with dreamy, lazy, golden afternoons in Tuscany sipping a glass of Chianti while inhaling aromas of fresh olive oil, salami, freshly baked focaccia, and soaking in the warm rays of a golden sun!

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

References:

Scacciaguai https://en.turislucca.com/itineraries/itineraries-in-lucca/ classic-garfagnana/ TurisLucca Lucca Walking Tour https://en.turislucca.com/ itineraries/itineraries-in-lucca/city-of-lucca/ Renaissance Tuscany Il Ciocco Resort & Spa: www.renaissancetuscany.com

Grand Universe Lucca www.granduniverselucca.com Prelude of Existence https://www.granduniverselucca.com/ experiences-packages Bikes & Bites https://www.granduniverselucca.com/ services-and-amenities

Venice of America

The winter is coming, and this means South Florida is calling you. It’s always a good idea to ease the winter cold by escaping to the sunnier shores of Las Olas at Fort Lauderdale. It’s a perfect destination for fun in the sun.

Las Olas is the very heart and soul of Fort Lauderdale, where stunning beaches stretch over a picture-perfect waterfront with magnificent views of glorious sunsets and sunrises, luxurious yachts, the perfect lineup of the palm trees and gorgeous sun kissed people, the best gastronomy and mixology, and of course all sorts of water activities!

Las Olas is a shopping, dining, and nightlife extravaganza. The best location for the newest and tallest Ft. Lauderdale property, in the heart of the vibrant entertainment and business district, stands the grandest Hyatt Centric Las Olas. It’s a full-service, 238-room property inspired by the area’s yachting culture and waterfront location.

Las Olas is one of the most popular vacation spots in South Florida! “Las Olas” means “The Waves” in Spanish, and it rightfully explains the name by the display of the stunning coast with its canals, million-dollar waterfront mansions, and private yachts. The best way to enjoy your stay in “The Venice of America” is at the Hyatt Centric Las Olas, which offers its guests a sleek sky-high pool with unbelievable city views, a modern American menu featuring global culinary influences at Harborwood, the hotel’s restaurant and bar, fitness center with Peloton bikes, a champagne vending machine, a house Tesla and more.

The true crown jewel of the hotel is a secret speakeasy hidden inside a guest room. Room Nine01 was born of bad times but continues to bring out the good. The exclusive, roaring twenties-themed bar brought bartenders from all over the country who had lost their job due to the pandemic to create an intimate, one-of-a-kind speakeasy experience. Additional features include a fitness center outfitted with Peloton cycling equipment, pet-friendly amenities, and off-site guest experiences that encourage visitors to explore the destination.

The lobby-level Harborwood Urban Kitchen and Bar serves classic, Modern-American cuisine, with a kitchen helmed by award-winning Executive Chef Greg McGowan, who focuses on local and sustainable sourcing with seasonal ingredients. The Elev8 rooftop features a pool deck with fire pits and a bar with panoramic downtown views.

Elev8 is a chic, urban oasis located on the eighth level of the hotel with a sleek design that complements downtown Fort Lauderdale’s buzzing energy. Enjoy a day out by the pool and soak in the skyline view, savor a menu of small bites, and sip delicious libations at this sky-high mixology bar.

Las Olas offers something for everyone. If you’re an art lover and in the mood for some local art culture experience, step out to NSU Art Museum. It is part of Nova Southeastern University and presents artfully curated art exhibitions of modern artists. The museum also displays outdoor walls with incredible murals painted by Arturo Herrera, Band, 2011.

And because it’s really all about the water, step aboard the Jungle Queen Riverboat just steps from Las Olas. Take advantage of the Venice of America and see the many playful waterways that have made this city famous. Enjoy some fun in the sun on a gondola ride, and sip champagne under the moonlight. If you’re into snorkeling or would like to try a standup paddle board, you will not be short of water activities for days.

If you’re a foodie like me and you can appreciate a great taco, then gather your loved ones or travel partners and head to the YOT Bar & Kitchen at the dockside, where every view has reflections of blue water and a captivating sky. Discover uncomplicated food, the best tacos, and locally caught seafood, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Come for an experience that is off the beaten path and offers it all: irresistible food, great wines, and imaginative cocktails.

I hope I’ve influenced you enough to cut your winter short and enjoy your life to the fullest at the beautiful Las Olas!

Words by Elle Taylor Photos/Video – Hector Guajiro and Diamond PR

References: Hyatt Centric Las Olas Website www.hyattcentriclasolas.com NSU Art Museum - https://nsuartmuseum.org YOT Bar & Kitchen - https://www.yotlmc.com