27Aug 2018 by admin

La Torraccia

Monte Castello di Vibio, Restaurant Recommendations
A casual cocktail bar and pizza place with lovely views is walkable and located at the entrance gate of Monte Castello.  There is a little staircase to the left as you face the arch.  It is located along the exterior wall of the town.  It is only open in the summer and it operates a bit like an italian beach club with various aperitivi (cocktails) and casual food.  The pizzas are pretty good.  Sometimes, we just stop by for a drink in the evening after we have picked up something to grill from the butcher in town.  They advertise bands and dancing but I've never stayed long enough to check it out.
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27Aug 2018 by admin

Winery Visits

Day Trips, Winery
There are many wineries throughout Umbria.  Here are a few we've visited and enjoyed. In every case except for perhaps the large cantinas near Montefalco, you'll need to make an appointment to visit. Just over the one lane bridge outside Monte Castello, turn right toward a winery called Terramante.    It's a very small operation (by an American man and his Italian wife.)  They make three reds and a Rose' and I enjoyed them all for different reasons.  They speak English.  You'll need to make an appointment as they are a very small operation and will set aside time from their day to meet with you. Iacopo Paolucci - He charges about $20 per tasting and you'll need to make a reservation.  The winery is near Doglio - a short…
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27Aug 2018 by admin

Spello

Day Trips, Spello
Spello is a place to go for the quintessential hill town photo.  The townspeople have a lot of pride in the aesthetics of the town and it shows.  Flower boxes are everywhere and a stroll down side streets typically produces one expansive vista after another. I haven't been here for a meal but I can definitely recommend a great experience at a wine shop called Enoteca Properzio.  They have a lovely courtyard in the back where they will let you sample a variety of wines and olive oils.  You always walk away with something unique and new knowledge.  Their hospitality is fantastic. Spello is also known for its famous Infiorate festival at the beginning of June. They make intricate flower carpets throughout the town in celebration of Corpus Domini.
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27Aug 2018 by admin

Montefalco

Day Trips, Montefalco
This is a small but lovely town and the drive, although long and winding, is beautiful.  Montefalco is known for its wineries.  You can make a fairly quick stroll around the town and enjoy lunch but I recommend you pad your morning and/or afternoon with visits to the wineries in the area which grow mostly Sagrantino and are famous for Montefalco Rosso wine. Unlike California, these places do not necessarily staff tasting rooms so you need to call ahead to make a reservation. There are a couple of ways that google maps will show you to cut across the countryside from our house to Montefalco.  I recommend you take one route one way and another on the return so that you see the most.  It takes about 45 minutes either way.…
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27Aug 2018 by admin

Orvieto

Day Trips, Orvieto
Orvieto is a lovely town in Southwestern Umbria on the border with Tuscany.  It has etruscan origins and was built high atop a giant volcanic rock.  The big sight to see here is the duomo which was begun in 1290.  The town has some nice shops.  My favorite is a men's and women's clothing shop near the duomo that sells samples.  Luckily the sample size is about a 6 and I can usually find a fun dress. Parking: Set your GPS to Parcheggio Piazza Cahen.  There is typically plenty of parking under shade trees. Feed the meter (Euro 1.50 per hour) for as long as you plan to stay, press the green button, and place the printed ticket on your dashboard.  As you look towards the town, take the street to the…
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19Aug 2018 by admin

Hosteria Mattta

Marsciano, Restaurant Recommendations
This is a small restaurant run by a crazy but passionate lady.  She speaks English.  There is a small outdoor patio in the back that is fun to sit on if you have a small (under 6) group.  She changes her menu every few weeks and loves to converse with her guests and make recommendations. The food was very good and creative.  We ate here for two lunches.  It's open for lunch and dinner and closed on Tuesdays.  This restaurant can accommodate any type of food restrictions and is particularly good at gluten free. You could park in the city lot for free and walk up into town or there are a small number of parking spaces just past the restaurant. Marsciano is a 15 minute drive from the house. …
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19Aug 2018 by admin

Osteria Novecento

Restaurant Recommendations, Short Drive
Osteria Novecento is by far the best restaurant in the area.  I would go here at the beginning of your trip because you will likely want to visit it a second time before you go.  The restaurant features typical umbrian fare but with a gourmet delivery.  We've never had anything bad here and have tasted most things on the menu.  They also have specials that change regularly.  It is a small restaurant so you will definitely want reservations if you are a large group or if it is a weekend.  The waitress speaks some English.  It has a couple of outdoor tables but no real view. It is cozy in the winter with an indoor fireplace. From Casa Grifone it's about a 20-minute drive.  You go across the highway exit opposite…
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19Aug 2018 by admin

Pizzeria Cavour – Todi

Restaurant Recommendations, Todi
For unique and delicious pizzas and a beautiful outdoor view in Todi, go to Pizzeria Cavour.  We've been coming to this place since the very first time we visited Umbria in 2003.  It's likely considered by locals to be more touristy but I still love it.  Ask for a table outside (a fuori).  Enjoy pizzas like pear and gorgonzola or one with squash and truffle or any of the basics if you aren't into unusual flavors.  They have an English menu and most of the staff speak English. The main waiter is pretty cranky - that's the only downside - so get your order in at the beginning because he won't likely come back to check on you later (i.e., order plenty of drinks when you place your order.) Although…
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