The Fine Art of Family Magazine

One of the best perks of my job is that I get to travel to post-card perfect places, like Italy, England, and France, for both work and inspiration. Last March, my husband and I visited Florence, a city that continues to flourish, as it’s name implies, with new and old traditions of great craftsmanship and artistry.

Florence is chockfull of creativity everywhere, from the Uffizi Museum and the Pitti Palace (both of which I’ve returned to often since my first visit as a college art student) to the family-owned trattorias and all the iconic fashion houses. Even walking down the cobblestoned side streets is a feast for your eyes with all those amazing buildings, which I adore right down to the ironwork on the windows and polished brass doorknobs.

Throughout the city, you’ll easily come across merchants and artisans who have been creating fine pieces for generations. Giulio Giannini is a leather and paper store located right across the street from the Pitti Palace. I visited this store many years ago and was recently invited to their private studio, where I sat on a stool (it must have been 100 years old) and looked out the window, past century-old wooden shutters, and found myself overlooking the sloping piazza where visitors gather before entering the 15th century royal residence (pictured above in this lithograh, circa 1890). I distinctly remember pinching myself. This is where the original Giannini family members have sat and found inspiration for the last 150 years. What artist would not feel inspired here?

Eating is also a form of art in Florence. As a foodie and artist, I feel completely at home. My absolute favorite restaurant in all of Florence is Giorgio’s. The local hotspot started out as a tiny tea house founded by the current owner’s father. You won’t find any tourists at Giorgio’s (it is not in the city center, but in the outskirts) unless a local divulges the location of this hidden gem, which may possibly have the best pastries in town (during the holidays, the lines weave around the block). Last time I was there, I helped a good friend nearly polish off an entire cake!

Speaking of dessert, how can you go to Italy and not have gelato. Rod and I thought we had tasted all the best shops in town until a Facebook fan kindly suggested we try Vivoli’s. We thought, ‘How much better could it possibly be?’ So we went to check it out and it was amazing! It was really different and delicious. Next time you’re in Italy, you must try it as well Giorgio’s and Mama Gina’s (another favorite restaurant), plus visit the inspiring museums and beautiful boutiques, and, finally, get lost wandering the charming historic side streets.

xox,

M

P.S. Learn more about my the above mentioned shops, restaurants and my other favorite places in this unique cultural, creative, and culinary city as part of Fine Art of Family‘s FLORENCE WEEK.

[Photograph courtesy of Photochrom print]

Published on May 10, 2010

Tags: Celebrating, Monicas Blog, Travel