Thirsty Explorer's Blog
Take a break and read all about it
Welcome Friends and Thirsty Explorers Everywhere!
Here you will find my latest posts, and look to the menu to search by area. In each post you will find the ‘Nitty Gritty’ section – BEST SIGHTS / GETTING THERE / THIRSTY STOPS / FOOD FINDS / DESTINATION PREP – where you can click and on one of the tabs to see the details of the spot. I’ve also included a map of the location that is interactive. Each detail has a link to take you to the exact spot! So hopefully this information will help you on your upcoming trip!
Left Coast Cellars – Oregon
Left Coast Cellars is a favorite of mine. It’s a spot where you can lounge under the shade trees and enjoy a pizza from the wood fired oven or munch on a fresh salad with your wine or cider. The estate is not only a vineyard but a winery and working farm.
Cantina del Castello – Soave Italy
Cantina del Castello is a winery within the walls of Soave, Italy that is a medieval walled town in the Veneto dripping with charm and history. In this town is where you will experience an amazing winery.
Unveiling Christian Symbols for Meaningful Travel
Often times we come across Christian symbols as well as other religious symbols we may have never seen before, and as you travel the world, it’s essential to appreciate the cultural and religious significance attached to different symbols and icons, especially in countries with deep religious roots.
Countdown Italia – Happiness in a Glass!
Nothing gives me joy like planning an upcoming trip, countdown Italia! My last trip to Italy was a somewhat quick one in September 2021 when I made my first international trip since Italy had eased it’s entry requirements.
The Last Supper – Milano
A beautiful September day greeted us at the base of the Alps. I made the commitment that I would finally see Leonardo Di Vinci’s The Last Supper, or Cenacolo Vinciano as it’s known here
Sacra di San Michele – Piedmont Italy
Sacra di San Michele is an abbey dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel in the Val di Susa just 25 miles from Torino. In this valley the church was built on the summit of Mt. Pirchiriano and is visible at night from the city.
Monstrous Fun Exploring the Enchanted Forest of Italy’s Sacro Bosco
Each time a picture of the Oculus from Sacro Bosco has scrolled past my mobile screen, I’ve stopped and wondered if the Park of Monsters is as fun as it looks. This Thirsty Explorer can enthusiastically tell you YES!
Taormina – Your Daydream Destination!
Daydreaming in Italian Table of Contents Daydream of Sicily and you might see flashes of a beautiful piazza with an historic church overlooking a tranquil cove on the sea. From this piazza you envision a main walking thoroughfare of charming shops, restaurants and gelato bars that lead to an ancient Greco-Roman Amphitheater. This daydream is
Salute to the Godfather! ~ Savoca, Sicily
Savoca, Sicily is where many of the scenes in The Godfather were filmed. It is the breathtakingly beautiful and authentic place where Michael falls in love with Apollonia and marries her in the Church that you are visiting.
Temple of Segesta – Sicily
On a grassy hill overlooking a valley of Sicilian crops, orchards and the Tyrrhenian Sea stands a majestic Greek temple and Amphitheatre. If you’re looking for a Greek Temple experience without the crazy crowds, noise, and trinket vendors of Agrigento then the Temple of Segesta is exactly what you’re looking for.
Come Visit the Wine Country of the Willamette Valley !
Beautiful Hills and Delicious Wine Table of Contents You’d be hard pressed (pun intended) to find a more beautiful place to go wine tasting than the majestic Willamette Valley wine country. The Willamette Valley is known for its beautiful rolling hills of vineyards, nuts, berries, flowers and grasses among other wonderful crops. It’s the perfect
Castelsardo Sardinia
No trip to Sardinia is complete without a stop in Castelsardo! The medieval hilltop town was founded sometime between 1100 and 1250. The village is perfectly preserved and it’s a joy to explore the narrow paths of the fortress to the castle. Castelsardo Sardinia is a MUST.
Castello di Soave – A Timeless Castle with views to Match!
Castello di Soave is a stately example of a military castle in the Veneto. It was originally built in the 10th century during the time of Hungarian invasions.
Soave Italy- Classico Wine and Village!
Soave Italy is one of those towns that brings excitement as you get closer. The region is in the Veneto, and is known for its delicious Soave wine among others.
Castelmola Sicily – A Memorable & Fun Destination!
Like icing on a cake, Castelmola Sicily sweetly sits perched over Taormina, observing the busy commotion like an old man sitting in a busy piazza watching the bustle of people heading home from work. But the unassuming village has sights and highlights that are not to be missed.
Agrigento, Sicily – Has Anyone Seen My Toga?
Founded by the Greeks in the 6th Century, Agrigento was an important and large city in it’s day. The ruins are located in the old city Akragas and the vast archeological ruins and sites show the importance of this once spectacular city. Some describe Agrigento as the Parthenon (Athens, Greece) of Magna Graecia which stands for ‘Greater Greece,’ a name given to areas of Southern Italy that were once inhabited by the ancient Greeks. It is known today as the Valley of the Temples.
Borghese Gallery, Rome – Stunning With A Mix of Fun!
Villa Borghese Park sits in the heart of Rome. At nearly 150 acres, it’s one of the largest and arguably the most beautiful park in the city. Along with the lakes and manicured grounds stands the Villa itself. I decided this was the time do the few things that had escaped me while the crowds were down and reservations available. I FINALLY MADE IT!
Van Duzer Vineyards – Oregon
Van Duzer Vineyards in the Willamette Valley is a real treat for anyone looking to drink Pinot Noir, and take in the fresh air and gorgeous views.
Cubanisimo Vineyards – Oregon
The drive to Cubanisimo Vineyards led us to a gorgeous view of both Mt. Hood and Mt. Jefferson in the distance overlooking the vines. I was in joyful bliss as I heard Merengue music being playing from inside the tasting room! I entered a piece of heaven as I strolled past the wine barrel tables to the bar.
Cherry Hill Winery – Oregon
Stopping in at the picturesque Cherry Hill Winery, I tasted was the Dijon Cuvee which is a combination of two different pinot grape clones spliced onto local stock that was developed by the University of Dijon in France. It was deliciously rich and smooth. I LOVED it.
