ABigSlice Journal

Top Ten Fall Travel Destinations

Fall travel has a lot to offer, beautiful colors of nature, newly harvested grapes, and internationls locations not burdened to the brim with tourits. MSNBC.com chose their ten top destinations for fall travel and here they are, with a little input from A Big Slice.

1. Florence
There is no denying the importance of this city to Western Culture. The home of Renaissance giants, and (in my opinion) the world's greatest collection of paintings. (true the Louvre is a greater museum overall, but together, the Pitti and the Uffizi will offer you room after room of the "biggies"). If you are in Tuscany, please visit the vineyards of Chianti and the spectacular Brunello di Montelcino. Also be sure and see the wonderful frescoes by Masaccio in the church of Santa Maria del Carmine, and the tombs of Michelangelo and Galileo (among others) in the church of Santa Croce. (We love Florence - but I would choose Rome over Florence any day of the week)

2. Great Smoky Mountains
Yes indeed! There is nothing like it.

3. Marrakesh
We can't really comment on this one.

4. Munich
If you are planning on going for Oktoberfest, be aware that it begins in September! But this festival is quintessential Autumn. See our Oktoberfest menu here.

5. Napa Valley
Better yet, visit your local wineries!!! They deserve your patronage, and you might just be surprised. Learn what your state has to offer and go with an open mind. Remember that California wines used to be thought of as inferior to the grand European varieties. We recently returned from Providence, Rhode Island and completed a tour of the wineries there. OK, red wine is not their thing. But they had some wonderful whites that were crisp and clean as the air.

6. New England
If fall is as wonderful as late summer, you are in for a treat!

7. New York
We all love New York, but once again, think about looking locally. Your region may not be able to offer the scale and spectacle of New York, but you will be supporting local culture. Decide on what you would have done in New York, and do a similar excursion in your town. Check out a play, go to the museum, see a monument! See your town from a visitor's perspective.

8. Provence
Get away from it all and live French. Don't book a hotel, stay in a gite. These homes are classed and priced according to the amenities and locations. Most are an incredible value and offer you an experience far beyond the average inn. Click here for more information.

9. San Francisco
One of the world's loveliest cites. If you were debating... nix LA and head for San Francisco.

10. Shanghai
Never been, but we want to.

When in Rome, Stay with Roman Homes!

About 5 or 6 years ago we learned a very important tip about traveling to Europe.

The way we like to travel is to spend an extended period of time in one place and really get to know the area. The way you can begin to understand the local experience. Our plan was to spend three weeks exploring Paris and the Ile-de-France.

It was during our transatlantic flight that this tip was delivered. The seats we had were awful but we were happy to make the sacrifice for the city of lights. Next to us was a couple also vacationing in Paris for a couple of weeks. We asked them what part of the city the would be staying in? (proud of the fact that we had acquired a great place on Rue Montorgueil, a pedestrian only, market street) They were staying in an apartment just off the the Champs-Elysées. Prime location and (this is the killer) they were paying less than we were!!!

Two years later when we were headed to Rome for two weeks we decided to go the apartment route. We did our research and located what appeared to be a reputable agency. We found the perfect place and booked the room. The photo is the view from our terrace!

I can't deny it, we were nervous when we sent the money. Did the place exist, had we been ripped off? All of the worries were dispelled when we were met at the airport and taken directly to the apartment. We were given a map of the area. The agency showed us the nearest wine store, cheese shop, pastry shop, etc. The apartment was located on the Campo de' Fiori which is home to an amazing market every morning. (see the photo) We ate almost every night on our own terrace, meals made from the freshest roman ingredients, and cooked at home. It was the best vacation I ever had. And I would never stay in a hotel again!

We highly recommend Roman Homes when you are booking your vacation. They took so much hassle out of the trip and added to the incredible beauty that Rome already possesses. Here is the link to their site